Writing & Drawing Instruments

Best Writing & Drawing Instruments: Top Markers, Pens, Pencils and Accessories to Boost Your Creativity

Why the Right Writing & Drawing Tools Matter

Picking the right marker, pen, or pencil is like choosing the right brush before you paint — it changes everything. Whether you're sketching, journaling, planning, or grading, the tool you use affects comfort, line quality, and the personality of your work. In this guide we'll walk through popular picks like Marker Pen, CK Tub of 50 Black Permanent Markers, Crayola 12 Bright Supertips, refillable gel pens, Swarovski ballpoint options, and more to help you find what fits your hand and your project.

Comfort and control: more than just a grip

Comfort isn’t just about a soft grip — it’s about balance, weight, and length. Most well-made pens measure around 5.5 inches long, which gives you room to hold them near the tip for fine control. A comfortable tool reduces hand fatigue, so you’ll be able to write or draw for longer without cramping up. That matters whether you’re taking meeting notes or coloring in a complex illustration.

Top Markers & Highlighters to Try

Markers and highlighters come in many shapes: chisel tips for broad strokes, bullet tips for consistent lines, and fine tips for details. If you want permanent, BOLD marks for boxes and shipping labels, a tub of permanent marker pens is indispensable. For highlighting or vibrant illustration lines, brands like Crayola Bright Supertips deliver vivid color without soaking through most papers.

Marker Pen — all-purpose performance

The classic Marker Pen is a workhorse: bold, reliable, and great for posters, cardboard, and DIY labels. Its strong pigment shows up well under fluorescent lights and on darker cardstocks, making it a smart pick for teachers, crafters, and small-business owners who want consistent coverage without switching pens every few minutes.

CK Tub Of 50 Black Permanent Marker — bulk for heavy use

If you go through markers fast — think warehouses, classrooms, and event setups — a CK tub of 50 black permanent markers is a cost-effective solution. Buying in bulk keeps you stocked and ensures every project gets the same deep black finish. A tub that size also makes it easy to stash markers around the office, workshop, or studio so you’re never hunting for a pen when inspiration strikes.

Crayola 12 Bright Supertips — vivid color for fun or work

For bright, kid-safe color that’s just as useful for mood boards or adult coloring books, Crayola 12 Bright Supertips are a go-to. They offer smooth ink flow, washability from skin and many fabrics, and a friendly price point. The tip holds up well for both coloring large areas and outlining details — versatile enough for classrooms and craft nights.

Pens & Pencils That Improve Your Everyday Writing

From everyday notes to polished signatures, your pen choice affects legibility and style. Refillable gel ballpoint pens combine the smoothness of gel ink with the longevity of a refill system, while eco conscious colored pencils let kids and pros alike add color without guilt. Below are several standout choices worth adding to your desk.

Time For Paper Gel Ballpoint Pen In Navy — refillable and sleek

The Time For Paper refillable gel ballpoint in navy is a tidy, modern pen that balances smooth gel flow with a refillable barrel — great for reducing waste. Its navy ink offers a professional alternative to black without sacrificing contrast, and refillable systems mean you can keep the same trusted pen for years.

Time For Paper Gel Ballpoint Pen In Light Purple — personality with practicality

Want something a little livelier? The light purple refillable gel pen pairs playful color with the same comfortable barrel and smooth performance as its navy sibling. It’s ideal for color-coded notes, journaling, or marking up artwork where a softer color adds emphasis without dominating the page.

Crayola 12 Eco Coloured Pencils — green choices for color lovers

Crayola's Eco Coloured Pencils are made with an eye on environmental impact while still delivering bright, mixable color. They’re perfect for school projects, sketching, or adding subtle shading to an illustration. If sustainability is part of your buying decision, eco pencils strike a nice balance between performance and planet-friendly materials.

Apple Pencil Tub & Bubblegum Pencil Tub — storage with style

Small tubs of mixed pencils — like the Apple Pencil Tub or a Bubblegum Pencil Tub — make tidy desktop accessories and easy classroom giveaways. These containers are handy for keeping a selection of graphite and colored pencils within reach; they also make moving supplies between spaces effortless. Think of them as a coffee mug for your pencils, but organized and portable.

Multi-Tool Pens & Innovative Writing Gadgets

Why stop at ink when your pen can also be a screwdriver, stylus, or ruler? Multi-tool pens have become a favorite for travelers, tinkerers, and anyone who likes a clever gadget. They make excellent gifts and are surprisingly useful in everyday pockets and glove compartments.

Ingenious 6-in-1 Multi-tool Pen — pocket-sized versatility

The Ingenious 6-in-1 multi-tool pen is basically a tiny Swiss Army for your desk drawer. With a screwdriver bit, ruler markings, a stylus tip, and dependable ink, it solves small problems without pulling out a toolbox. It’s about 5.75 inches long — long enough for good grip but short enough to carry easily.

Personalised Multi Tool Pen — practical and personal

Looking for a thoughtful corporate giveaway or a personal keepsake? A personalised multi tool pen adds a custom touch to a practical gift. You get the utility of a multi-tool with engraving that says “this is yours,” which makes it great for promotions, awards, and memorable presents.

Specialty & Luxury Writing Instruments

Sometimes your pen needs to make a statement. Luxury ballpoints combine fine materials and design to create a writing experience that feels special. If you’re shopping for a career milestone gift, a prized signature pen, or simply want something beautiful on your desk, these options are worth considering.

Swarovski Crystalline Lustre Ballpoint Pen In Black With Rhodium Finish — sparkle with professionalism

The Swarovski Crystalline Lustre ballpoint in black with rhodium finish blends sleek metal with crystal embellishments for a pen that looks like jewelry. It’s not just pretty — its balanced weight and smooth ballpoint action make it a pleasure to write with. For a pen that doubles as a statement piece, this one checks both boxes.

Swarovski Crystalline Lustre Ballpoint Pen In Silver With Mixed Finish — subtle shine

If you prefer cooler tones, the silver mixed-finish Swarovski variant offers understated elegance. The crystals add visual interest without overwhelming an executive environment, making it ideal for signing documents or adding a touch of luxury to everyday writing.

Practical Tools & Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Writing instruments often come with complementary tools that transform how we work. Whether it’s anti-static pens for electronics, magnetic pickup tools for dropped screws, or a compact notebook for quick ideas, a few small accessories can rescue a project or save time.

CK ESD Ball Pen — safe for electronics work

For technicians and hobbyists who work with circuit boards, a CK ESD ball pen reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge when in close proximity to sensitive components. It’s a niche tool but essential for anyone who handles electronics and wants to avoid damaging parts with a stray spark.

CK Magnetic Pickup Pointer & Pen — recover dropped screws fast

Dropped a tiny screw behind your workstation? The CK Magnetic Pickup Pointer & Pen is a lifesaver. It’s a compact tool that combines a pen with a tiny extendable magnetic tip, letting you retrieve ferrous bits from tight spots without dismantling equipment or crawling under desks.

Design Letters Personal Notebook Q — keep ideas tidy

A well-made notebook like the Design Letters Personal Notebook Q makes everything feel more organized. The right paper weight, a sturdy binding, and a cover you love encourage you to write more. Use it for meeting notes, sketches, or daily to-do lists — a nice notebook is often the difference between sporadic notes and a disciplined habit.

Belo&me Learn With Me Flash Cards — make learning tactile

Flash cards are one of the simplest and most effective tools for learning. Belo&me Learn With Me flash cards are designed to be durable and kid-friendly, turning rote memorization into a tactile, visual activity. They’re perfect for early learners or for adults using spaced repetition to memorize new skills.

How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Project

Choosing the right instrument comes down to project, surface, and personal taste. Are you sketching on textured paper? You’ll want pencils or brush markers that layer well. Taking notes in meetings? A reliable refillable gel pen with fast-drying ink will keep your pages smudge-free. Below are a few quick decision tips to help you pick faster.

For sketching and drawing

Choose tools with gradation and control: soft pencils for shading, fine-tipped markers for line work, and coloured pencils for layering. If you mix media, test inks on a scrap of your paper first to avoid bleed-through. A set of Crayola eco coloured pencils paired with a couple of Bright Supertips gives both smooth color and vibrant accents.

For note-taking and office use

Reliability wins here. Opt for refillable gel ballpoints like the Time For Paper pens for a smooth, consistent line. Keep some CK permanent markers around for labeling files and storage, and use a sturdy notebook such as the Design Letters Personal Notebook Q to keep notes centralized and searchable.

Care, Maintenance and Refills — get more life from your tools

Maintaining your pens and pencils is simple and pays off. Refillable pens cut down on waste and often write better for longer. Keep caps on markers to prevent drying, store pencils in a tub or case to protect leads, and replace cartridges or refills before the ink runs bone-dry to avoid clogged nibs.

Refillable pens and longevity

Refillable pens like the Time For Paper gel ballpoints are economical and eco-friendlier than disposable pens. Make a small stock of refills in your preferred ink color — navy, black, or purple — and you’ll never be caught without a smooth writer. For luxury pens, use only the manufacturer-recommended refills to protect the pen mechanism and maintain balance.

Where to Find the Best Deals in the UK

Smart shopping means comparing prices and reading reviews. Deal aggregators and price comparison websites are great starting points because they pull offers from multiple retailers so you can see where the best discounts and bundles are. Look for seasonal sales, bulk deals for markers and pencils, and combo sets that include totes or tubs for storage. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and return options when you compare final prices.

Conclusion

Whether you’re outfitting a classroom, upgrading your home office, or shopping for a special gift, the right mix of markers, pens, pencils and accessories makes a surprising difference. From the dependable CK Tub of 50 Black Permanent Marker to the playful Crayola Bright Supertips, from refillable gel pens to Swarovski luxury ballpoints, there’s a tool for every hand and every task. Think about comfort, durability, and the type of work you do, then choose a few versatile items to build a reliable kit. With the right tools at your fingertips, creativity and productivity follow naturally.