What will you use your stationery for?

Firstly, it's important to think about what will you use your stationery for. Consider the purpose of your stationery. Will it be used for jotting down ideas at your desk, planning, note-taking, or a daily journal?Easy questions if the stationery is for you personally, BUT if you're giving as a gift then think about the recipient day to day lifestyle and stationery needs. (PS, personalisation makes a gorgeous bonus to any gift - but more on that later!)

What is its primary use and purpose? Think about whether you'll be using it in the office, at university lectures, on your desk at home, or anywhere else. Do you need something that can withstand being thrown into a bag and taken on the daily commute to work?

Quality doesn't always mean the most expensive option

There are other indicators beyond the price tag that will help you find a good quality notebook. Firstly, consider what material the product is made from. A leather-bound book may look aeshetically great in your home office, but would it really be suitable for hauling around to classes or on your daily commute? If you want to take notes on the go, you might want something more lightweight and durable. You should also take into account the brand: do they have a reputation for producing high-quality stationery products? If they've been around for years then chances are there's a reason why people keep coming back to them—they make reliable products good enough to last a long time.

Finally, it's always worth doing some research into customer reviews before purchasing anything. This will give you an idea of how good the product is and can often highlight any issues with it that aren't mentioned in the product description (for example, does pen ink or highlighter bleed through onto the next page?).

Consider your budget

How much you're willing to spend on a new piece of stationery all depends on your budget. If you're new to university, you might be looking at having to buy other things like a television, mattress and other pieces of furniture. This may impact your decision when it comes to the ticket price of your new notebook, especially if those lecture notes will fill up a few of them!

If you've got the money to splurge on new stationery then you're in luck - there is so much on offer when it comes to finding the perfect stationery for you. We're thinking flat-lay binding, luxury gold foiled personalisation and other extras that any stationery lover looks out for! Just remember that with stationery, sometimes the more expensive pieces aren't necessarily better than expensive ones.

If you're on a tight budget but still want high-quality stationery, don't worry! The market is full of great quality products that won't break the bank!

Online vs in store

You can buy stationery in store or online. If you're set on a specific brand, buying it in person will likely be your best option, as some brands are sold exclusively in certain shops or stores. Another plus of visiting a physical shop is that you can see and touch the items before buying them, which can help give you a sense of whether or not they'd suit your needs. Often, online images can be misleading and on-screen colours may differ slightly.

Stationery shopping online comes with its own unique set of pros and cons. You'll have more options available to you when shopping online, and most e-commerce sites allow you to sort products by price or popularity so that you can quickly find something within your budget (it's always worth checking reviews first). Some e-commerce sites also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. However, delivery times may be longer than those for bricks-and-mortar stores; consider ordering an item early to ensure that it arrives in time for an event like a wedding or graduation ceremony (it's also worth a quick check of those return policies!).

If you're purchasing stationery as a gift for someone else, remember to ask whether gift wrap is available (you'll usually have this option at the checkout of online stores at simply the click of a button). Buying stationery online will generally give you more personalisation options than buying in store. It's rare to find a personalised stationery shop on the high street that can add customisation while you wait, whereas, some specialist online shops can offer this - some times at no extra cost!

Choosing the right stationery can have a positive impact on your productivity and creativity.

It's no secret that choosing the right stationery can have a positive impact on your productivity and creativity. We're firm believers that stationery can help you be more productive, no matter if you're studying for an exam or working through daily tasks in the office. If productivity is a key feature for you, take a look at time block planners and daily to do lists which have are designed to categorise tasks into top priorities and general to do lists.

For a stimulating creativity and brain activity, be sure to use coloured pens and highlighters over revision notes to awaken the brain. The use of colour (whether it's sticky notes, or funky pens) is proven to help us take in information more easily!