Stylish school supplies for grown-ups
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- Aug 7, 2025
- 3 min read
There's something indelibly optimistic about a new school year, even if you're no longer in school. Who doesn't feel like a fresh notebook could be a fresh start?
Call me fancy, but I think our tools—for school or otherwise—should be as beautiful as possible. There's a deep truth with which, intentionally or not, the material beauty of even our lowliest tools cooperates: the ordinary operations of life contain dignity. Of course, this is a philosophical point and not an absolute one. There's no prudence in exceeding your budget or throwing away something functional. But the point is that when our tools are beautiful, they help express that the utilities of life are not meaningless.
On a practical level, you get a surprising bang for your buck when you upgrade the things you touch most often. Bonus: When your tools are well-made and attractive, they can be on display and double as design elements. You could also bundle a few of these stylish school supplies as a wonderful gift for a recent graduation, career milestone, or just to elevate the everyday for someone you love.
Steno notebooks (8), $26: I first encountered Steno notebooks through my undergrad journalism major. I love Stenos because the top binding gives them a much more natural writing posture, and the hardback cover provides a firm writing surface even if you’re just holding it in your hands. Plus, Stenos are comfortable to use no matter your dominant writing hand. This set features sophisticated, understated colors.
Silicone ties (20), $8: We started using these a few months ago to close pantry items and never looked back. They function anywhere a rubber band will, but with greater ease and control, and without snapping at the worst possible moments.
Acrylic tape dispenser, $17: Okay, you obviously don’t need a $17 tape dispenser, but as I said: I am a big believer in the importance of beautiful tools. Remember: the most impactful upgrades are the things you touch most often.
Classic scissors, $14: Wouldn’t you love to look at these every day instead of awkward-fitting plastic? The weight and heft is also strangely satisfying.
Suede zipper pouch, $24: For the last 10+ years, I’ve used a similar pouch as a makeup bag. This handsome pouch makes another high-touch upgrade that holds your pens, pencils, charger cables, and other bits.
Quilted laptop tote, $16: I absolutely loathe oversized work bags and so does my spine. This slim design holds only the essentials and slings close to your body, distributing the weight more gently. And the quilting looks great.
Marvy Le Pen set (12), $16: I’ve used these chic, smooth-writing pens for many years. How pretty is this minimalist design and that gold clip? They also come in sets of beautiful, saturated colors that are wonderful for making birthday cards and decorating your own wrapping paper.
Japanese pencils (12), $9: Maybe it’s the artist in me, but I strongly prefer pencil to pen for jotting notes, lists, and planner entries. There's something softer and more tactile about pencils. I’ve learned that you get what you pay for with pencils; these are an upgrade from the cheap bulk packs you grab at big box stores.