Have you ever wondered why, in the stationery aisle of almost any store, you’ll find just as many adults as children, all stuck to the floor, looking up at the new pencils, cute little erasers, or trying to choose the most beautiful notebook to inspire to-do lists, dreams, or simply random scribbles?
Me too.
As the years go by, I try to avoid this section as much as I can, because I know I can easily lose track of time looking at all the new materials.
I remember my mother used to take us to this small stationery shop to buy our new school supplies. One summer holiday, my sister and I spent a couple of hours there with our grandmother, who was keeping an eye on our dog while we chose pens, notebooks and new pencil cases.
I remember it particularly because it was the era of Jordi Labanda, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and Kukuxumusu. Our dog even managed to chew the cutest little purple Kukuxumusu gel pen.
Somehow, it feels like having cute things is never quite enough.
If you ever visit Setúbal, my hometown, I invite you to visit Papelaria Escolar. It’s owned by the most enthusiastic lady you could ever wish for as your stationer. She keeps the shop up to date with the latest stationery trends and materials, and makes you feel right at home when you’re looking for that very specific pencil you have in mind. There are also postcards, games, and maps.
But this isn’t about encouraging consumerism or hoarding stationery. Not at all.
It just made me wonder: why?
Why do we find so many adults wandering around the stationery aisle? What are we looking for there, if we’re not buying school supplies for children?
Maybe it’s because stationery is cute. And stationery makes us dream.
Some time ago, I read somewhere, most likely on Instagram, that stationery means a fresh new start. And what better time for a fresh start than 1 September? (Especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan.)
I later went down a little rabbit hole and found some explanations for this obsession.
Little Hello Co. writes that “stationery represents possibility and creativity.” On Reddit, someone describes it perfectly: “For me it is the same as art supplies… it represents endless possibilities, endless new beginnings.” And in The Joy of Stationery, Shloka Shah writes about stationery as a source of power, how a pen can transform you into someone with authority, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
I think that’s what I love about it.
A blank notebook isn’t just a notebook. A new pen isn’t just a pen. They are tiny invitations to start something.
Needless to say, over the holidays I managed to get my stack of fresh new notebooks, which I’ve already started filling, and an inspiring, colorful Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Inoxcrom pen, courtesy of my sister.
I always find August and September to be some of the most inspiring months for new challenges, new milestones and new beginnings.
So, what inspires you to start again?
P.S: If you feel like leaving a comment, I love receiving feedback (good or constructive).