My Current Favorites: The Stationery Edition
**Every item mentioned here was purchased with my own money. I only recommend what I truly care for and use. This post contains affiliate and referral links that support this blog at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The stationery world is often overwhelming with its endless stream of new releases and trending supplies. While it is easy to get caught up in the latest craze, I find that the most satisfying tools are the ones that make me want to sit down and start creating. From the flow of a pen to the layers of tape and highlights, these are the current staples that have earned a permanent spot in my daily rotation.
1. The Esterbrook Estie
I have to be honest: Since the Estie is so widely owned, I was initially hesitant because I prefer to find tools that feel unique to my own collection. But I finally gave in, and it turned out to be the best fountain pen I own. The writing experience is incredibly smooth and consistent, with a generous ink flow that I really enjoy. Plus, I use pocket pens for convenience, but this fuller grip is much more comfortable for my hand size during longer writing sessions.
I started with the Honeycomb design, and I loved the feel of it so much that I grabbed the Botanical Garden later when it went on sale. It was just too pretty to pass up, and I knew I would cherish it every single day for use. These pieces are truly functional as well as beautiful.
2. The Pilot Kakuno
If you want something under $20, this is the greatest affordable fountain pen out there. I love using cartridges for this one because it makes it so useful when I am traveling or just out and about. It writes so smoothly and the grip feels great too. You do not always have to spend a lot to get that perfect writing flow.
3. Sterling Ink Planners
I tried Sterling Ink for the first time last year after first using a Hobonichi A6 two years ago. I am officially a loyal customer for life now. The design is so simple and minimalistic, which I love.
The covers are flexible, and even though the paper is thin, it handles my fountain pens so well without much bleeding. It is sturdy enough to hold up well even without an extra cover. But my favorite part? The owner, Catherine, hand-draws her stickers digitally and her artwork is truly exquisite. I often find myself just admiring the details.
Catherine also provides exceptional customer service, which is something I value deeply. She offers lower free shipping over $35, and if you are a first time customer, you can save $10 if you click my link.
4. Emma Stationery Haul
Emma’s shop has been my absolute favorite since 2025. I’m not an affiliate and have no official partnership; I just genuinely love her selection and want to support a shop that brings me so much joy. Beyond her prompt shipping, Emma’s kindness and exceptional service truly stand out. I especially love her PET collections and her deco packs for creative journaling.
She also frequently updates with beautiful new arrivals. Best of all, she always combines pending orders to help you hit that $35 free shipping threshold. Her rewards program is also great, with a low points requirement for a $5 coupon, making discounts easy to earn.
5. Zebra Mildliner Natural
I am usually not a highlighter person because those bright neon colors just feel way too loud for my journals. But these natural tones are so lovely. They have such a soft and cozy feel to them and they actually make my Sterling Ink pages look even prettier instead of just cluttered.
I really love using the bold tip to highlight my mood for the day. It is such a simple way to add a bit of color to my planning without it feeling messy or overwhelming. These shades feel so much more intentional and they fit perfectly with the muted vibe I have always loved.
Why It Matters
I know that at the end of the day these are all just pens and paper, but they really do make my daily life feel so much more joyful. There is just something so special about slowing down to write or plan with things that I truly love. It turns a boring daily task into this quiet little moment of peace that I actually look forward to.
On a final note, I am curious: What is one stationery item you bought because of the hype that actually lived up to it?
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