The Nostalgia of Back To School Stationery
Nostalgia and the WHSmith Experience
For many in the UK, the back-to-school ritual wouldn’t be complete without a visit to WHSmith. This iconic store has been a staple for generations, offering everything from textbooks to the latest must-have gadgets. But it’s the stationery section that holds a special place in our hearts. The smell of new paper, the sight of brightly coloured folders and binders, and the feel of a sturdy new backpack—these are the sensory experiences that transport us back to our school days.
WHSmith has always been more than just a store; it's a place where memories are made. From choosing your first set of gel pens to agonising over which planner would best organise your school life, WHSmith played a part in shaping our educational journey. Even now, walking into the store evokes a wave of nostalgia, a reminder of those simpler times when the biggest decision was whether to go for the neon green or the hot pink highlighter.
We decided to round up the best of nostalgic stationery and give you some adult upgrades that better suit the You of today while also giving a nod to both Smith’s and your younger self. Here how to do Back to School with Katie Leamon.
There’s something special about the arrival of a new academic year. As summer winds down and the days start to shorten, a sense of excitement fills the air. It’s the time of year when kids—and let’s be honest, adults too—get to indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures: back to school stationery shopping.
A New Beginning with Every Pen
Whether you’re a student stepping into a new grade or an adult reminiscing about those school days, the thought of fresh stationery brings a sense of renewal. The start of the school year is more than just a return to the classroom; it's a chance to reorganise, reset, and refresh your approach to the challenges ahead. What better way to kickstart this new chapter than with crisp notebooks, smooth pens, and an array of cute pencils?
For many of us, the tradition of back-to-school shopping is steeped in nostalgia. Remember those trips to WHSmith? Walking through aisles filled with colourful pens, neatly stacked notebooks, and rows upon rows of pencil cases—each one seemingly cooler than the last. There was something thrilling about choosing that perfect pencil case, one that would hold your tools of the trade for the coming year. It wasn’t just about the stationery itself, but what it symbolised: a fresh start, a clean slate, and the promise of what the year might hold.
- Clip Ruler in Grey
- Leopard print effect rule by Tools to Live By
- Marbled Notebook with Ruled pages
- Solid Brass Sharpener
- HiDe Leather Pencil Case
- Kaweco Fountain Pen
- Super cute Ball Point Pens
- Lots of cute erasers good enough to eat
- Washi Tapes in lots of lovely colours
- Super sleek boxed pencils
- Paper Tigre Ball Point Pens
The Allure of New Stationery
New stationery has an undeniable allure. There's the tactile pleasure of a brand-new notebook with its unblemished pages, the click of a fresh pen, or the precision of a freshly sharpened pencil. Each item feels like a small investment in the future, a tool to help you navigate the unknowns of the coming months. It’s no wonder that so many people, young and old, look forward to back-to-school shopping.
But why does new stationery make us feel this way? Part of it is the sense of possibility that it represents. A blank notebook is like a canvas, waiting to be filled with ideas, notes, sketches, and dreams. The right pen can turn even mundane tasks into something enjoyable, transforming to-do lists into works of art. Stationery is a reminder that, no matter what the year brings, we have the tools to handle it.
Back to ‘School’ (AKA Work): A Time for Renewal
As the new academic year approaches, it’s not just students who can benefit from the back-to-school spirit. The start of a new term is an opportunity for all of us to refocus, set new goals, and invest in the tools that will help us succeed. Whether you’re stocking up on supplies for your kids or treating yourself to a new notebook for work, remember that stationery isn’t just about function—it’s about inspiration. We want to inspire you in your everyday tasks and make them that bit more satisfying and enjoyable.
So, this year, take a moment to appreciate the fresh start that each item represents and treat yourself to some new stationery items. Whether it’s a sleek new pen, a beautifully designed planner, or a simple stack of cards for your stationery drawer, these small things carry the potential to make a big impact on your year and your mindset for September.