I own a lot of stationery. And I mean a lot.
Enough that people often ask, “Do you actually use all of this?” And the honest answer? Yes. eventually. My collection spans pens, highlighters, markers, notebooks, pencils, sticky notes, washi tapes, and more. If it brings me joy, it earns a place in my drawers, pouches, or pen cups. Sometimes I use it right away, and sometimes not for years, or I use them every day for years.
But every piece has a purpose, even if that purpose is simply to make me smile.
My collection isn’t just practical, it’s themed. I have anime sets (you might recognise the Totoro pens or Demon Slayer pens), food-themed sets, fantasy designs, and your classic, clean, cut everyday styles. I colour-code my life obsessively. Each day gets its own shade, and everything from my highlighter to my gel pen to my fine liner must match. Today was a rich blue. Tomorrow? A soft, delicate pink.
And as I was planning my Tuesday to-do list, something small but meaningful happened: one of my pens ran out of ink. It’s a moment every stationery lover knows. That pause. That sigh. That little flick of the wrist, hoping there’s one last line hiding inside.
This pen had been with me for years. They are part of a set; I gifted myself one December. It was my celebration for myself to mark the end of my first year of successfully working for myself. A set that brought me immense joy every time I uncapped a glittery barrel and watched the ink flow. And now, slowly but surely, that set has been whittled down from 72 to fewer than 30. It’s a strange sense of accomplishment and loss rolled into one.
I love using stationery until the end. It’s oddly satisfying to throw away a finished pen, knowing it lived a full, colourful life. Still, it’s bittersweet. A goodbye, of sorts. But it also means something exciting, soon, I’ll be on the hunt for my next perfect set. Glittery, metallic, neon, you name it. I know these last survivors from my current set won’t last the year, and honestly? I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Every piece in my collection has a story. Especially the ones gifted to me. I can tell you where I got it, why I picked it, or who gave it to me and when. It’s not just about the ink or the paper, it’s about the moments tied to them.
Stationery isn’t cheap. But when it lasts for years and adds that subtle spark of satisfaction to your everyday routine, it’s absolutely worth it.
And as if I needed more motivation, I’ve recently discovered the world of stationery awards. Yes, actual awards for the most beautifully designed or best-performing pens, notebooks, and accessories. My collector’s heart is overjoyed, and my wishlist just grew exponentially.
Here’s to the pens that finish strong, the markers that never bleed, and the joy of finding that perfect shade.
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