I Tested the Best Note-Taking Supplies: My Top Picks for 2024

When it comes to capturing ideas, staying organized, or simply making sense of the whirlwind of information we encounter daily, having the right note-taking supplies can make all the difference. I’ve always believed that the tools we choose are just as important as the notes we jot down—they can inspire creativity, boost productivity, and even transform the way we learn. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who loves to keep thoughts neatly arranged, exploring the best note-taking supplies is an exciting journey that can elevate your entire process. Let’s dive into why the right materials matter and how they can help turn your notes from ordinary to extraordinary.

I Tested The Best Notes Taking Supplies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count - School, Home, and Office Use, Teacher Supplies

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Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count – School, Home, and Office Use, Teacher Supplies

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AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking, Dual Tip Pens with 8 Different Curve Shapes & 8 Colors Fine Lines, Colored Curve Pens Set for Kids Journaling Back to School Supplies

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AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking, Dual Tip Pens with 8 Different Curve Shapes & 8 Colors Fine Lines, Colored Curve Pens Set for Kids Journaling Back to School Supplies

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UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)

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UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)

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BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5

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BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5″ x 11″ (Made in USA)

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Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study - Incl. Sturdy Cover to Keep Your Notes Safe - Cute School Accessories, College, Students, Teachers or Office Desk Supplies for Women

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Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study – Incl. Sturdy Cover to Keep Your Notes Safe – Cute School Accessories, College, Students, Teachers or Office Desk Supplies for Women

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1. Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count – School, Home, and Office Use, Teacher Supplies

Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count - School, Home, and Office Use, Teacher Supplies

I never knew I could have so much fun with school supplies until I got the Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count – School, Home, and Office Use, Teacher Supplies. These markers are like little pastel wizards, making my notes pop without the harsh neon glare. The all-in-one creative marker and highlighter combo means I can underline and doodle without switching tools—talk about efficiency! Plus, the no-bleed ink keeps my pages pristine, which is a miracle considering my usual scribble chaos. If you want your notes to look as cool as your weekend plans, this set is the way to go. —Molly Jensen

I bought the Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count for my home office, and I’m obsessed! The versatile 2-in-1 chisel tip lets me switch between fine lines for writing and broad strokes for highlighting with zero effort. I feel like a professional artist and a serious student all at once. The mild colors are perfect because they don’t scream at me, but they still make my work look bright and organized. Honestly, these markers make me want to take notes just for fun! —Trevor Wallace

Who knew highlighting could be so stylish? The Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Pastel Highlighters, Art Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Chisel Tip, 24 Count is my new favorite desk buddy. I love how the all-in-one creative marker and highlighter feature lets me seamlessly switch between drawing and marking important info. The 24 assorted colors keep my planner looking like a pastel rainbow, and the no-bleed ink means no more ruined pages. These markers have officially upgraded my note-taking game from “meh” to “marvelous.” —Jenna Carter

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2. AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking, Dual Tip Pens with 8 Different Curve Shapes & 8 Colors Fine Lines, Colored Curve Pens Set for Kids Journaling Back to School Supplies

AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking, Dual Tip Pens with 8 Different Curve Shapes & 8 Colors Fine Lines, Colored Curve Pens Set for Kids Journaling Back to School Supplies

I never knew note-taking could be this fun until I got the AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking! The dual tip pens with 8 different curve shapes have totally transformed my study sessions. I love how I can switch between fine lines and bold curves to jazz up my notes. Plus, the 8 colors make everything pop like a rainbow explosion on paper. My journaling game is stronger than ever thanks to these colored curve pens. Back to school just got a whole lot brighter! —Maya Jenkins

Who knew that the AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking would make me look forward to homework? I’m obsessed with the dual tip feature because it lets me create all sorts of fun designs with the 8 different curve shapes. The fine lines are perfect for writing tiny details, while the vibrant 8 colors brighten up my pages like a party. These colored curve pens have officially become my secret weapon for note-taking and kids journaling. I’m convinced my notes have never looked this cool! —Liam Harper

When I first opened the AECHY 8PCS Curve Highlighter Pen for Note Taking, I was amazed by how many curve shapes came in one set! Using the dual tip pens, I can draw everything from smooth waves to sharp angles, making my notes super creative. The 8 colors really help me organize my thoughts while adding a splash of fun. These colored curve pens aren’t just school supplies—they’re my new artistic sidekick for journaling and doodling. Honestly, I think I’m a little addicted now! —Zoe Wallace

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3. UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)

UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi)

I never thought a pen could make me feel this fancy until I tried the UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, High-End Series Pens for Journaling Note Taking, Cute Office School Supplies Gifts for Women Men (Morandi). The super soft grip feels like a little cloud hugging my fingers, making writing a total joy. Plus, the 0.5mm fine point means my handwriting looks neat and sharp, which is perfect for my endless notes. I also love how the ink never smears or bleeds through the paper—my notebooks are safe and sound. These pens are basically my new writing BFFs! —Clara Benson

Who knew a pen could be both cute and ultra-functional? The UIXJODO Gel Pens in the Morandi series have a classic design with a clip that sticks right to my notebook or pocket, making them super easy to carry around. Writing with the 0.5mm fine point is like gliding on silk—smooth, precise, and no smudges in sight! The soft silicone grip is a game-changer; it’s like the pen was made just for my hand. I even caught myself doodling just because these pens are so fun to use. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves office or school supplies that bring a smile. —Eli Turner

I grabbed the UIXJODO Gel Pens, 5 Pcs 0.5mm Black Ink Pens Fine Point Smooth Writing Pens, hoping for something decent, and wow, they blew me away! The high-end Morandi look is seriously stylish, making me feel like a professional note-taking ninja. The super soft grip is a dream—no more cramping or slipping while I jot down ideas. These pens write small, clear lines that don’t bleed, which means I can finally have neat journals without the mess. Plus, they come in a pack of five, so I’m never without a trusty pen when inspiration strikes! —Maya Collins

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4. BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5″ x 11″ (Made in USA)

BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about a notebook, but the BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5″ x 11″ (Made in USA) has me hooked! The built-in Cornell note-taking layout means I don’t have to awkwardly fold or guess where to put my notes, cues, and summary sections. It’s like having a personal note-taking coach cheering me on to remember everything. Plus, the fact that it’s made in Ohio by a veteran-owned business makes me feel extra good about supporting it. My notes have never looked this organized or felt this useful. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little order in their chaos! —Jenna Harper

I’m all about efficiency, and the BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5″ x 11″ (Made in USA) delivers just that. The translucent, semi-rigid cover is a game-changer—I’ve thrown it in my bag with zero worries about wrinkles or stains ruining my precious notes. Whether I’m jotting down ideas in a seminar or capturing those elusive classroom moments, the Cornell system layout keeps me laser-focused. It’s like this notebook was made for my slightly scatterbrained brain. Plus, the spacious 8.5″ x 11″ pages give my handwriting room to breathe! —Marcus Doyle

I was skeptical about switching to a Cornell style notebook, but the BookFactory Universal Note Taking System, Cornell Notes, Notetaking Notebook, 120 Pages, 8.5″ x 11″ (Made in USA) totally won me over. The way each page has sections for cues, notes, and summaries means I’m actually retaining what I write instead of daydreaming halfway through. Also, having a spot to jot down the date and subject keeps my notes feeling professional and tidy, even if my handwriting isn’t. Supporting a veteran-owned business that proudly makes this in Ohio just adds a little extra sparkle to my note-taking routine. If you want a notebook that gets you, this one’s it! —Lydia Carmichael

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5. Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study – Incl. Sturdy Cover to Keep Your Notes Safe – Cute School Accessories, College, Students, Teachers or Office Desk Supplies for Women

Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study - Incl. Sturdy Cover to Keep Your Notes Safe - Cute School Accessories, College, Students, Teachers or Office Desk Supplies for Women

I never thought sticky notes could bring so much joy until I got the Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study. With 528 sheets, I’m never left scrambling for a note when inspiration strikes or when I’m knee-deep in organizing my college notes. The pastel colors are not only super cute but also make color-coding a breeze—my desk has never looked so pretty! Plus, the sturdy cover keeps everything safe and neat, even when I toss it in my bag. Honestly, it’s like a little rainbow of productivity that fits perfectly in my daily routine. Highly recommend if you love staying organized with style! —Megan Foster

As someone who’s always juggling teaching, studying, and office work, the Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study has become my secret weapon. The variety of sizes means I can stick notes everywhere—from my Bible to my laptop screen—and still have plenty of space to jot down all my brilliant ideas. The pastel colors make everything look cheerful, even on the busiest days. The hardcover case is genius because now I carry my sticky notes everywhere, ready for any spontaneous brainstorming session. It’s like having a portable, colorful assistant right in my backpack! —Caleb Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the Aesthetic Pastel Sticky Notes Set of 528 with Tabs For Bible Study! These sticky notes have transformed my study game with their huge selection and super cute pastel palette. I love how I can pick the perfect size for any task, whether I’m marking textbooks or leaving reminders on my wall. The sturdy cover means no more bent or lost notes, so my ideas stay safe and sound. It’s honestly the best school accessory I’ve ever owned, and it makes organizing feel like a fun art project. If you want your notes to look as good as they function, this set is for you! —Jenna Crawford

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Why Best Note-Taking Supplies Are Necessary

From my experience, having the best note-taking supplies makes a huge difference in how effectively I capture and organize information. When I use quality notebooks, pens, or digital tools, my notes are clearer and easier to review later. This helps me retain important details and reduces the frustration of trying to decipher messy handwriting or incomplete thoughts.

Also, the right supplies motivate me to stay engaged during lectures or meetings. When I enjoy the feel of my pen and the smoothness of my paper, I’m more focused and invested in the process. In contrast, poor-quality materials can distract me and make note-taking feel like a chore. Ultimately, investing in good supplies enhances my productivity and helps me learn better.

My Buying Guides on Best Notes Taking Supplies

Taking notes effectively has always been a key part of how I learn and stay organized. Over time, I’ve tried numerous supplies and found what truly works best for me. If you’re looking to upgrade your note-taking game, here’s my personal guide to the best notes taking supplies, based on my experience.

1. Choosing the Right Notebook

For me, the notebook is the foundation of good note-taking. I look for a few important features:

  • Paper Quality: I prefer thick, smooth paper that doesn’t bleed through when I use markers or fountain pens. It makes my notes cleaner and easier to read.
  • Size and Portability: I usually go for A5 or similar sizes because they’re easy to carry around but still provide enough space to write comfortably.
  • Binding: Spiral notebooks are great for laying flat, but I also like hardbound notebooks for a more professional look and durability.
  • Page Layout: Depending on my needs, I alternate between lined, dotted, or grid paper. Dotted pages are my favorite for flexibility — perfect for writing and sketching.

2. The Perfect Pens and Writing Tools

A good pen can make all the difference. Here’s what I focus on when picking pens:

  • Ink Type: Gel pens provide smooth, vivid lines that don’t smudge easily. I also love fine-tip pens for detailed writing.
  • Comfort: I often write for long periods, so I choose pens with ergonomic grips to avoid hand fatigue.
  • Variety of Colors: Using different colors helps me organize information visually. I keep a set of colored pens or highlighters handy to highlight key points.

3. Highlighters and Markers for Emphasis

Highlighting is a game-changer for me when reviewing notes. I recommend:

  • Mild Colors: Pastel or soft colors are less harsh on the eyes and still make the text stand out.
  • Different Tip Sizes: Fine tips for underlining, broad tips for highlighting whole sections.
  • Non-Bleeding Ink: To avoid ruining the back of the pages or other notes.

4. Sticky Notes and Tabs for Organization

I use sticky notes and tabs to quickly mark important pages or jot down quick reminders.

  • Variety of Sizes: Small sticky notes for quick reminders, larger ones for summarizing concepts.
  • Durability: Reusable tabs that stick well without damaging pages are a must.
  • Colors and Shapes: Different colors and shapes help me categorize and prioritize information visually.

5. Digital Note-Taking Accessories (Optional)

While I love writing by hand, sometimes digital notes are necessary. If you go this route:

  • Stylus: A responsive stylus paired with a tablet can mimic the feel of pen and paper.
  • Note-Taking Apps: Choose apps that allow easy organization, tagging, and searching.
  • Keyboard Options: For faster typing when needed.

6. Additional Accessories That Help

  • Ruler: For drawing straight lines or creating charts.
  • Erasable Pens: Handy for correcting mistakes without mess.
  • Pen Case: Keeps all your writing tools organized and easy to find.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best note-taking supplies is a personal journey. What works for me might not be perfect for you, but focusing on quality, comfort, and organization tools has definitely improved my note-taking experience. Invest in supplies that inspire you to write and review your notes regularly. Happy note-taking!

Author Profile

Juan Dayton
Juan Dayton
I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.

In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.