I'm not going back to school, but I'm definitely going back-to-school shopping.
This time of year — when there are aisles full of notebooks, pencils, pens and various other items — is like Christmas to an office supply junkie, and I'm always on the hunt for the newest, cutest items that I can use at home and in the office. Craft Glue Tape
So what are some of my latest and greatest finds? Here are five highlights (including actual highlighters!):
1. Clear View highlighters: There's nothing worse than highlighting blind. Luckily, the smarties at Sharpie have come up with the perfect solution. The new Clear View line of highlighters feature see-through tips that allow you to see what you're marking, plus they boast special "smear guard" technology. The highlighters come in a couple different sizes, but there's one noticeable drawback: No blue highlighters available.
2. Slap-bracelet ruler: I first came across this curious piece of practical fashion a few years ago, and am so glad I bought one. Although I haven't had much use for a ruler outside elementary school, Continental Accessory Corp.'s slap-bracelet — with a fun design on one side and inches and centimeters on the other — is perfect for a quick straight edge, then curls up around your wrist and out of the way.
3. Funky-shaped Post-its: Why go with plain, old yellow when there are animal, star and heart-shaped Post-its out there, just waiting to be written on? I'm pretty partial to my mustache and bow tie Post-its (there's a bowler hat-shaped pad that goes with it, too).
4. Wite-Out Minis: Everybody makes mistakes, so there's always need for white out. Not that clumpy liquid stuff, though. I prefer something with less mess and more precision. These small, twist-top correction tape dispensers are ideal, producing a white strip that goes on smooth, hardly tears and doesn't rub off easily.
5. Scented markers: Someone recently gifted me with a huge pack of Color Scents felt-tip pens "with essential oils," perfect for adult coloring books and bullet journaling (the art of making creative, bullet-point lists). The subtle, pleasant scents are a big improvement over the Mr. Sketch scented markers of my youth — the kind that gave you a headache if you sniffed them too often. Crayola also has a line of Silly Scents markers and retractable color pencils that offer whiffs of cherry, cotton candy, coconut, licorice, root beer and more.
Highlighter Tape Bulk Lindsey Poisson can be reached at 870-1871. Send email to lindsey.poisson@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNPoisson.