Last year’s academic year was unusual to put it mildly. This year we’re hoping for a return to normalcy and that includes an exciting and fun school year which includes Back To School Shopping. Even as adults, we remember the anticipation of being taken to pick out a new backpack, pencil case and brand new crayons and markers. Knowing that we were going to start with a clean slate and fresh pens meant we could start over in September.
We’re still unsure whether it will be a full return to classroom-based education or if we’re looking at a hybrid model, but what we do know is that the secret to a productive year is organization. So here’s our list for all the stationery and tools you will need this year whether you are starting Kindergarten or working towards your post doctoral degree.
Colored Gel Pens
MUJI’s Gel pens have a cult following all over the world and with good reason. They write super smoothly, never skip and last for ever! They come in so many colors which we love for taking notes. It makes color coding things fun and easy. You can find them in several thicknesses and either with a cap or the clicky kind.
Tip: We love adding a key to the back or front of our notebook to remind us which color we’re using for what. For example, titles are in bright blue, while bullet points are in magenta.
Erasable BallPoint Pens
Mistakes will be made, that is the whole point of education and past a certain age, you are expected to use a pen and not pencil, which is why we love erasable pens. Don’t cross it out, just undo it.
Tip: If you are using a non erasable pen but still want to correct a mistake, you can use the corrector fluid pen from MUJI can help you fix things and it dries quickly without getting crusty.
High Quality Paper Notebooks
You might think that all paper is created equal but that’s not really true. The paper doesn’t bleed or ghost (show faint writing on the other side). MUJI omits anything that is unnecessary and focuses only on quality and functionality. The covers are plain so you can use the notebooks from either side, whether for an English or an Arabic class. They come in several sizes, different bindings and in lined, unlined and grid paper. So you can find the perfect thing for your needs.
Tip: Your inner artist can decorate the covers to make them truly unique and fully yours.
DIY Your own binder
If notebooks aren’t your thing, you can purchase the binder and pre-punched loose leaf paper. This makes it easier to share notes with friends or add and remove sheets when you need to without having to tear out pages.
Tip: Add the dividers so you can use one binder for all your classes.
Acrylic Organizers
One of our favorite product lines at MUJI are the acrylic organizers. The see-through boxes, drawers and trays make keeping our desk tidy a breeze. Everything is where we can see it and we can reach for whatever we need without getting out of our creative or studying zone.
Tip: Add labels to each compartment so you don’t start using them as a catch-all.
Highlighting with a view
Highlighting your text makes it easy to pick out key points later and helps you remember important sections. But it can be tricky, unless you have a MUJI highlighter with a window. The smart design helps you see what you are marking so you don’t run over the wrong text.
Tip: Use different colors for different topics and match your highlighter with your gel pens for maximum effect.
Get Artsy
Inspiration strikes when it is ready, so you too, need to be prepared. At MUJI you can find colored pencils, marker sets, washi tape, rulers and scissors. Having the tools ready means that you can just start making stuff instead of spending precious minutes looking for things you need.
Tip: Add a piece of washi tape at the top of your page and add your title on it. It looks fun but also helps you find information faster.
Buy 2 and get 1 free in MUJI stores in 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Al Kout Mall or get 30% off when shopping online at muji.com.kw from August 16th to September 11th. For more information, follow MUJI on Instagram @mujimiddleeast.
