There is something very exciting about a new notebook with blank pages, the ideal writing instrument whether it is an extraordinary pen, a plain, yellow number two freshly sharpened pencil, or the attraction of brightly colored sticky notes. In a world increasingly led by screens, non stop instant notifications, the enjoyment of stationery has remained a staple (pun intended) among enthusiasts and casual users alike. I remember going to the store with my mom, list in hand and picking out my school supplies. It was so exciting to have those fresh, clean and untouched folders, perfectly inked pens and Mr. Sketch scented markers, notebooks waiting for doodles and learning and of course, who didn’t have a Trapper Keeper back in the day (showing my age)? As an adult, the excitement of purchasing these items remains. Now, I find excitement in a luxury fountain pen and blank journal pages ready for my ideas and sketches.

If you google, “why do people love stationery?” you will find many different reasons from children to adults speculating why the love has not only endured, but become an obsession for so many (me included).

Something new and exciting

For many, the love of stationery begins with the simple joy of writing by hand. A brand-new notebook isn’t just a bound book of empty pages; it’s a place where anything can happen. Every blank page is an open invitation for your ideas, memories, or to-do lists. There’s just something satisfying about grabbing a pen and scribbling things down by hand. The page is blank and that allows for new, fresh and creative ideas. It’s a simple action, but it feels surprisingly liberating—like you’re pushing back against the oppressive, invasive texts and notifications we are all bombarded with. As I write this, I have gotten 3 spam texts. Two were from someone trying to reset my Instagram, and a third wanted to buy my house (no thanks!). Getting away from our screens, and using pens, paper and all things stationery can feel like a mini vacation from your daily grind.

The physical experience of stationery, the gentle drag of a fountain pen with your favorite color of ink, the satisfying snap of a notebook closing after a journal entry or emptying your thoughts and ideas on to paper and just the smell of fresh paper.  These ideas, thoughts, and smells stimulate the senses in ways that your phone or tablets simply cannot replicate. That sensory pleasure can be meditative, even therapeutic, offering a soothing break from a noisy world.

A Canvas for Self-Expression

Stationery is all about personal style. The pens, notebooks, and journals we pick say a lot about us. Whether you’re into the many different options of washi tapes or simple, elegant planners, your stationery gives you a chance to show off your own vibe. I recently was introduced to washi paper and what a new world that can be! People decorate their journals and there is a world of options. I have found that there are different stickers and washi tape that can accurately either describe my mood or can change it all together. I like to doodle when I am bored, and when I write in my journal or even take notes for work, I like to pick out ink colors to match my mood. It’s these little choices that make stationery feel like a fun extension of yourself.

This creative freedom is one of the reasons why stationery culture has blossomed into a what can only be described as an artistic community. Bullet journaling, scrapbooking, and calligraphy have become super popular, and it’s easy to see why—Instagram and TikTok are full of photos of inspiring ideas of others who journal and so many picture of pens, paper, and perfectly and imperfectly organized desks.

Getting Organized, One List at a Time

I have never been what you call an “organized person”.  Ask anyone who works with me, and I thrive on chaos, but I do attempt to try and tame it with all the tools, tricks, and collections at my fingertips. At the heart of many stationery collections lies the search for order in chaos. Planners, calendars, to-do lists, and sticky notes promise structure and control in lives that often feel overwhelming. For me, checking off a neatly written list brings a sense of accomplishment and calm.  Sadly, my day job abounds with chaos, so my lists can sometimes go unchecked for days or weeks. 

I do try to use my tools to help transform overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. The ritual of planning—choosing a pen, laying out the week, breaking down goals—can turn anxiety into action. Even the simplest sticky flag or paper clip becomes a tool in the quest for clarity. Every little bit helps…

Nostalgia and Memory

For me, part of what draws me to stationery is pure nostalgia. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are tied to school supplies—the thrill of cracking open a brand-new notebook, the scent of freshly sharpened pencils, picking out the brightest pack of markers for a new school year. Those moments always felt like the start of something full of possibility and hope. Even today, the simple act of choosing a pen or organizing my desk brings back that comforting sense of new beginnings.

Even as adults, purchasing stationery can be a way of recapturing that childlike excitement. The start of a new notebook feels like the first day of school—a clean slate, open to dreams and ambitions. In a fast-paced world, stationery reconnects us with slower, simpler times.

Mindfulness and Intentionality

For me, writing by hand or planning on paper feels like a reset button for my mind. I love the intentionality that comes with picking out just the right pen or notebook, and the steady rhythm of handwriting invites me to slow down and be present. These mini rituals—whether I’m doodling in the margins or laying out my week—anchor me and give me a moment to breathe.

My journal has become one of my favorite tools for self-care. Jotting down thoughts, mapping out goals, or even writing a gratitude list helps me make sense of the chaos in my day. It’s in these quiet moments with pen and paper that I find clarity, process my feelings, and sometimes stumble on new insights I didn’t know I had.

Connection in a Digital World

For me, in an age where instant messages and brief digital exchanges rule the day, stationery feels like my invitation back to something real and heartfelt. There’s a special warmth in sending or receiving a handwritten letter or card that no email or text can capture. I love the little rituals: picking out the perfect notecard, writing out my thoughts, maybe finishing it off with a wax seal or a cheerful sticker—those details show how much I care.

Nothing quite compares to the simple joy of exchanging mail with friends, joining a pen pal club, or leaving a handwritten note on a colleague’s desk. These small acts help me push back against the impersonal buzz of digital life, reminding me—and hopefully those I write to—of the power and comfort of the human touch.

The Joy of Collecting

For me, collecting stationery is truly a source of joy. I’m endlessly fascinated by the world of paper goods and writing instruments. There’s always a new variety, color, or design that catches my eye. My heart skips a beat when I find that new item that I “must have”. Sometimes, I admit, my enthusiasm borders on obsession, but connecting with others who share this passion whether it’s on Instagram or through this blog—makes it even more meaningful. We all have our “thing,” and for me, this is it.

Wrapping up: Why I still love stationery

Honestly, even with so many digital tools out there and everyone talking about going paperless, I still can’t help but love all things stationery. There’s just something about it that feels real and grounding—like it’s both a tool and a little companion for anything from a wild idea to a simple to-do list.

Maybe that’s what keeps me hooked: no matter how fast things change, the feeling of fresh paper under your hand, or the perfect pen gliding across a page, never really gets old. Whether I’m adding to my collection, doodling for fun, or sending a note to someone I care about, stationery always brings me back to what matters. It’s a small but wonderful reminder that sometimes all you need is a blank page to feel inspired.