I’m the Strategist Stationery Freak. Here Are the Best Stationery Gifts.
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In a season full of small joys, is there anything better than illustrating your gift tags? Jotting down a handwritten thank-you note on customized cards? Unwrapping a fresh planner in the New Year? If those sentiments sound like someone you know, then you may have a stationery freak on your hands. The good news is there are many gifts out there for this exact type from all over the world. Portuguese marblenotebooks, perfect Japaneseplanners, Italian glue sticks that smell like marzipan. The list goes on. To help, I’ve compiled a list of 43great gift optionsbelow. Some are from our archive, some come recommended by other stationery lovers on staff, and others are from my own wish list.
Updated on December 15, 2025
Added a few extra gifts to the list, and all of my favorite stationery gifts have been updated with the latest stock and availability. Where applicable, I have noted where you may have to pay extra to get the gift in time for December 25. For more information, check out ourbrand-by-brand breakdownof holiday shipping times.
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An under-$20 starter fountain pen that’s been a favorite since the 1980s.
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A stapler that doesn’t use staples may sound counterintuitive, but this machine binds paper together using some nifty paper folding.
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Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang picked up this “very clever” pen case while traveling in Taiwan.
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Tidy your keyboard with this tabletop dustpan.
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Metal Pen Clips
These nifty paper clips can secure pens to the cover of notebooks.
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A darling whale-shaped stapler from Italian office-supply brand Ellepi.
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For the journal enthusiast in your life, this self-inking rubber stamp is great for decorating their undated notebooks.
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For something a bit more twee, this date stamp features adorable kittens designed by illustrator Yumi Kitagishi. The stamp can be dated or undated, so it also makes a great option for gift tags or book stamps.
[Editor’s note: Will arrive by Christmas if you select express shipping at checkout.]
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For something a bit more minimal, try this ingenious interlocking calendar stamp from Shachihata.
[Editor’s note: Will arrive by Christmas if you select overnight shipping at checkout.]
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An OHTO ballpoint pen in a festive emerald green.
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Uni Posca Paint Art Markers - PC-5M
A set of paint markers that can be used on any material.
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Palomino Blackwing Pencils
John Steinbeck’s pencil of choice, which is embossed with the phraseHalf the pressure, twice the speed …
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… and Plum Sykes’sperfect pencil.
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A Parisian desk pad for quickly jotting down to-do lists.
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A rainbow of washi for dedicated journalers — especially great for decorating their pages or taping in ephemera like tickets or receipts.
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Beverly Nguyen’svery serious scissors.
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This box of 36 oil pastels inspired by Kyoto are hand-produced by Japan’s oldest pastel manufacturer.
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A clever ClampTape dispenser that attaches to the side of a desk for easy access.
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Some Portuguese marble for note-taking.
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If they’re a Hobonichi head, the New Year’s Techos are already out.
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To make the gift even more special, throw in this limited-edition pen made in collaboration with artist Yumi Kitagishi.
[Editor’s note: Will arrive by Christmas if you select next-day delivery at checkout.]
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Twenty beautifully packaged oil pastels. Especially sweet for any kids on your list this year.
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Strategist writer Erin Schwartz found these note cards at City Papery. Originally designed in 1931, they come in plenty of rich-looking colors.
[Editor’s note: These note cards will not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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Laila Gohar’scustom Italian stationery of choice.
[Editor’s note: These note cards may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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Stuck on a gift for your college-age cousin? The somewhat viral Louise Carmen roadbook should do the trick. Make sure you spring for the gris-gris.
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July Rose Journal Jewelry
Add some solid-gold journal jewelry to really take it over-the-top.
[Editor’s note: This will not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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… and an almond-scented glue stick favored by Italian schoolchildren.
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A box of 150 colorful drawing pins from Leone Dell’Era, an Italian stationery company that has been around since the 19th century.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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A pot of nontoxic cornstarch glue in an unbelievably cute bottle.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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For the dedicated Kaweco Sport user, these slide-on clips make a fun accessory.
[Editor’s note: Will arrive by Christmas if you select overnight shipping at checkout.]
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This brass hand clip, made by very cool London stationery shop Choosing Keeping, is reminiscent of Mass-card holders. A little morbid, maybe, but in a good way.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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I also found this hefty aluminum pencil sharpener among Choosing Keeping’s excellent selection.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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Museum gift shops are one of the best places to find sets of affordable notecards, counsels Strategist senior editor Hilary Reid, who recently picked up this holiday-themed set from Neue Galerie.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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In-office Secret Santa for your most industrious colleague? Try this set of pastel highlighters.
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Penco Container
Strategist writer Martha Tuber has bought these Penco containers she calls “amazing” for kids and adults alike. The cases come in eight colors, including one that glows in the dark.
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For something with even more storage, try this well-designed Toyo toolbox.
[Editor’s note: This may not arrive in time for Christmas.]
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Tuber also recommends these PVC pouches she picked up at Los Angeles–based stationery store Hightide.
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John Derian Sticker Book
An on-sale sticker book from John Derian.
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A supercute notepad for cat lovers.
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Astier de Villatte has an excellent selection of note cards covered in Grace Coddington’s charming illustrations.
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On the stamp front, you can’t go wrong with anything from New York institution Casey Rubber Stamps.
[Editor’s note: This will not arrive in time for Christmas.]
More From The Strategist
- The Back-to-School Hall of Fame
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- Everything You Need to Outfit Your College Dorm
- The Strategist Summer 100
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
