Essential Office Stationery: What You Need for Your First Day

Getting ready for your first day at the office and unsure about what stationery to bring? Don’t worry! It’s important to know which office supplies you'll need, as they can significantly impact your performance and productivity.

 

From pens and notebooks to folders and sticky notes, each item plays a crucial role in tasks like writing, compiling reports, and taking minutes. Make sure you have everything you need, especially if your new workplace doesn’t provide these essentials. To avoid borrowing from colleagues, here’s a list of must-have stationery items to prepare before you start.

 

Must-Have Office Supplies

 

1. Pencils

Pencils are a practical and versatile office essential, perfect for taking notes, sketching, and making easy corrections thanks to their erasability. | Credit: pngtree

When it comes to getting things done, even with technology, there are times when a quick scribble or note is necessary during the planning stages. A 2B pencil is a great choice for sketches, designs, product diagrams, or writing on plain paper, and can easily be scanned or digitized.

 

2. Eraser

An eraser is an essential office supply that serves to correct writing errors and keep documents clean and tidy. | Credit: Tokopedia

Without an eraser, pencils would be useless, as mistakes couldn't be corrected. Erasers play a crucial role in keeping notes and drawings organized. Wrong strokes can be easily removed, leaving the paper clean and error-free, with no need to start over.

 

3. Ballpoint Pen

A reliable and convenient office essential, ballpoint pens allow for smooth and fast writing with long-lasting ink. | Credit: Google

Ballpoint pens are a staple in both education and business settings, making them a must-have for employees. Black pens are ideal for note-taking, but it's also a good idea to have blue and red pens on hand as alternative options.

 

4. Correction Tape (Type X)

An effective office supply for correcting writing errors, correction tape provides neat results and leaves no ink traces. | Credit: Google

Correction tape, also known as Type X, is like an eraser for ballpoint pens. It can erase pen ink, allowing you to correct mistakes without having to rewrite or replace the paper. There are various types of correction tape available, including paper and liquid types.

 

5. Markers

A versatile office essential, markers are perfect for writing, drawing, or making clear and conspicuous notes on a variety of surfaces. | Credit: Google

Colorful markers can add visual interest to your notes, making them more engaging to read. Using different colored markers helps you distinguish between important notes, create bullet points, and add emphasis. Permanent black markers are also handy for labeling files, while whiteboard markers are ideal for presentations.

 

6. Ruler

An essential office supply, a ruler is used for measuring and drawing straight lines with precision in various projects and documents. | Credit: Google

A ruler is a complementary stationery that helps keep your work organized and tidy. It's particularly useful for creating neat and organized tables in data collection or reporting, making administrative and financial reports more professional. You can also use a ruler to take accurate measurements on books and other materials.

 

7. Notes

Small pieces of paper that are invaluable for recording important information or reminding tasks, notes are commonly used in daily activities at work and home. | Credit: Google

Notes serve as essential stationery for maintaining a good record of transactions. They enable easy tracking of purchases, sales, and other transactions, supporting various business operations from restaurants to retail outlets. You can conveniently store notes in a pencil case or bag for easy access.

 

8. Stapler

A handy office essential, a stapler is used to join multiple sheets of paper neatly and efficiently, ensuring documents remain organized. | Credit: Google

A stapler is crucial for keeping multiple files together, helping to avoid clutter. It allows for neat organization by binding pages securely. When selecting a stapler, consider one that holds 50 staples and can staple up to 20 sheets of paper at once. Remember to keep a supply of staples on hand for refills.

 

9. Pencil Rack

A functional storage solution, a pencil rack is designed to keep pencils and other stationery organized and within easy reach at the desk. | Credit: Google

Pencil racks serve as useful storage containers for keeping pencils, pens, and other stationery tidy, preventing clutter on the work desk. These organizers come in various sizes, allowing you to adjust them according to your stationery needs. With their aesthetic and colorful designs, pencil racks can add a professional touch to your workspace. Typically, these mini shelves feature multiple divisions, providing ample space for your stationery.

 

10. Notebook

A versatile writing tool, a notebook is ideal for recording ideas, plans, and important notes, offering a structured space to express creativity and productivity. | Credit: Google

Notebooks are an essential item in any workplace, facilitating effective note-taking and organization. Available in various sizes and sheet counts, you can choose a notebook that suits your needs, from a compact size that fits in your pocket or bag to larger formats for more extensive note-taking.

 

11. Glue Stick

A handy adhesive tool, a glue stick is easy to use and ideal for gluing paper or lightweight materials without smudging and staying neat. | Credit: Lazada

Glue sticks are a must-have for office employees, providing a convenient and safe way to bond papers together. They are non-toxic and odorless, making them a better option than liquid glue. In case of accidental stickiness, the glue is easy to clean from hands or clothes. The slim and small size of glue sticks makes them portable and easy to carry around.

 

12. Scissors

An essential cutting tool in the office, scissors are used to cut paper, cardboard, and other materials with precision and efficiency. | Credit: shopee

Scissors make it easy to cut paper or divide paper into sections, making them a vital office stationery. They come in various sizes, ranging from small, medium to large, to suit different needs. For easy and practical carrying, small scissors are a great option. The stainless steel material used in scissors is rust-resistant and durable, ensuring long-term use.

 

13. Cutter

A sharp and precise cutting tool, a cutter is ideal for cutting paper, cardboard, and other materials easily and cleanly. | Credit: Google

In addition to scissors, a cutter is a necessary tool for opening letters or packages, making them tidier. This tool features a comfortable handle, ensuring a secure grip without discomfort. For added safety, consider a cutter with an auto-lock system, which prevents the blade from accidentally coming out during use. It's highly recommended to opt for a refillable cutter or knife blade for long-term convenience.

 

14. Sticky Notes

Small colored paper with adhesive on one side, sticky notes are ideal for quickly jotting down reminders or ideas and sticking them on various surfaces. | Credit: Google

Sticky notes are a great solution for remembering unexpected tasks or requests from coworkers or supervisors. By having a separate note for emergency tasks, you can jot down and stick reminders on your desk for easy reference. Typically, a set of sticky notes consists of 400 pieces of paper, divided into four colors: yellow, orange, green, and pink, providing a visually organized way to keep track of your reminders.

 

15. Clips

Handy little clips are used to fasten multiple sheets of paper together, keeping documents organized and neat. | Credit: Google

In addition to staplers, clips are an essential office stationery item for tidying up scattered documents. Unlike staplers, clips do not damage or perforate the paper, making it easy to retrieve the documents without having to open the stapler link. Clips come in various sizes, ranging from trigonal clips to binder clips, catering to different needs.

 

It's great to emphasize the importance of having a complete set of office stationery to facilitate work productivity. When choosing stationery, it's essential to consider the price and quality to ensure they can be used in the long run. A well-organized workspace with complete stationery can make documentation, accounting, operational, and reporting activities more efficient.

 

The idea of preparing an onboarding kit for new employees is also a great way to welcome them on their first day at the office. This can include a diverse collection of gift box products from Studiokado that can be customized to create a unique employee welcome kit. Additionally, corporate hampers project products from Studiokado can serve as inspiration for onboarding kit ideas.

 

Recommended reads:

• A Brief Guide to Onboarding Kit

• How to Increase Employee Loyalty Using Onboarding Kit

• Onboarding Kit Ideas to Welcome New Employees