Top Picks: Leading Brands for Essential School Supplies

Choosing the right school supplies can make a significant difference in a student's academic success and overall experience. With countless brands offering a variety of products, finding reliable and durable options can be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for classic notebooks, sturdy backpacks, or essential writing tools, some brands stand out for their quality, innovation, and value for money. Below, discover our curated selection of the best brands for all your school supply needs.

Illustration of school supplies

Best brands of school supplies in 2025

Crayola

Crayola is a paramount brand in the school supplies market, boasting an impressive 80% market share in the crayon sector and over 50% in back-to-school supply kits. As of 2014, Crayola held an 83.4% market share of the coloring market, with 40% of sales coming from colored pencils. The brand is recognized globally, selling its products in more than 80 countries. Crayola's dominance is further highlighted by its strong presence in the colored pencils market, where it holds a 40% market share on Amazon. Its high brand recognition and quality products have made it a top choice among consumers, especially mothers and teachers. For more details about their offerings, explore the Crayola website.

Bic

BIC stands out as a leading producer of school supplies, particularly in the ballpoint pen category, where it held a significant market share of 29.0% during the back-to-school season, nearly double that of its closest competitor, Zebra. In 2022, BIC saw a substantial sales growth of 54.1% in the ballpoint pens category, outpacing the previous year's growth of 36.0%. The brand's strong performance is also reflected in its global market presence, with BIC being a major player in the consumer stationery market, which was valued at 17 billion Euros in 2018. BIC's product range includes a variety of writing instruments, such as the popular 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pen and Intensity Clic Gel Pens. These products contribute to BIC's robust market position and customer preference. For a closer look at their extensive selection, visit their official website.

Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga is a leading brand in the school supplies market, particularly renowned for its high-quality pencils. It holds a significant market share, with one-fifth of the pencil market on Amazon belonging to Ticonderoga. The brand has seen rapid growth, building a $20 million education brand in just three years through strategic innovation and market responsiveness. Ticonderoga pencils are praised for their smooth writing, durable lead, and excellent eraser quality, making them a favorite among students and educators. The brand's "My First" pencil line, designed for early learners, has been a key driver of this growth by addressing specific market demands. For more detailed insights into Amazon's back-to-school trends, you can explore the Amazon back-to-school trends.

Sharpie

Sharpie, a renowned brand in the school supplies market, is celebrated for its high-quality permanent markers, pens, and highlighters that cater to both classroom and office needs. With a wide selection of products, Sharpie ensures precision and performance, making it a favorite among students and professionals. The global school supplies market, which includes brands like Sharpie, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a valuation of $190.4 billion by 2033. Sharpie's products, such as their no-smear, no-bleed S-Gel pens, contribute to this growth by offering reliable and versatile writing instruments. As part of the larger market, Sharpie benefits from the increasing demand for school supplies driven by rising student enrollments and the adoption of digital learning tools.

Mead

Mead, a renowned brand under the ACCO Brands family, has been a leading producer of school supplies for over 150 years, offering high-quality products such as filler paper, notebooks, and note pads that cater to the needs of students and professionals globally. Mead's products, including Five Star and Trapper Keeper, are trusted tools in classrooms worldwide. The brand is part of a larger market that is expected to grow from $118.6 billion in 2024 to $190.4 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.4%.

Elmer's

Elmer's, a leading brand in the school supplies market, particularly dominates the glue and glue sticks segment with over 71% market share on Amazon, establishing itself as a household name known for back-to-school essentials. This prominence is due to Elmer's high-quality products that cater to the needs of students and their families. Recent trends show significant sales increases, underscoring the brand's reliability and preference among parents and teachers. Elmer's strong market presence is a testament to its long-standing reputation and customer trust. As the global school supplies market is projected to grow to $190.4 billion by 2033, Elmer's is well-positioned to continue its success.

Five Star

Five Star is a leading brand in the school supplies market, known for its durable and innovative products. It experienced the largest percent demand increase in Q3 2021, with a significant spike in demand for its notebooks, particularly spiral and composition notebooks. Five Star notebooks are renowned for their resistance to ink bleed and double-strength filler paper, making them a favorite among students. The brand's products, such as its Spiral Guard notebooks and water-resistant folders, are designed to last throughout the school year. This brand consistency has led to high monthly demand over the past several years, especially during the back-to-school seasons in August and January. For more information, visit their website.

Papermate

Paper Mate is a leading brand in the school supply market, particularly notable for its dominance in the erasers category, where it holds a 29% market share on Amazon, closely competing with Mr. Pen. In the ballpoint pen category, Paper Mate also maintains a significant market share of 13.2%. The brand's popularity is evident during the back-to-school season, where sales of its products see substantial increases. For instance, in the erasers market, Paper Mate's sales have been on the rise, reflecting the brand's strong presence in essential school supplies. This consistent performance underscores Paper Mate's position as a trusted and preferred brand among parents and teachers. For more insights, visit Amazon Back-to-School Trends.

Staedtler

Staedtler is a renowned brand in the school supplies market, known for its high-quality stationery products. As part of the global stationery products market, which was valued at $151.46 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% until 2030, Staedtler contributes significantly with its diverse range of products. The brand is particularly popular for its art supplies, which are driven by the rising number of art schools. Staedtler, along with other leading companies like Faber Castell and Kokuyu Camlin, dominates the market, especially in the Asia Pacific region. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a preferred choice for students and educators alike.

Pilot

Pilot Corporation is a leading producer of school supplies, renowned for its high-quality stationery and writing instruments. The company's products, such as pens and pencils, are integral to the global school supplies market, which was valued at USD 112.64 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% until 2029. Pilot's innovative designs and durable products cater to various educational levels, from kindergarten to high school. The company's presence in the market is strengthened by its distribution through diverse channels, including online platforms, specialty stores, and supermarkets. With a focus on creativity and functionality, Pilot continues to be a preferred choice for students and educators worldwide.