60 Must-Have Office Supplies for Every Workspace

Having the right office supplies can make or break your workday. We’ve all felt the frustration of searching for a pen that works or running out of paper mid-task.

This common problem can slow down your productivity and add unnecessary stress to your day.

I’m here to help you avoid these headaches. In this post, I’ll share a carefully curated list of essential office supplies that will keep your workspace running smoothly, whether you’re in a corporate office or a home setup.

You’ll find everything from necessities to items that can boost your efficiency. By the end, you’ll clearly know what you need to create a well-stocked, functional workspace.

List of Common Office Supplies

1. Pens

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Pens are necessary for taking notes, signing documents, and communicating in everyday life.
Different Types: Ballpoint pens, Gel pens, Fountain pens, Rollerball pens.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider ink type, grip comfort, and how often it will be used.

2. Pencils

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Pencils are useful for sketching, drafting, or situations where erasing is required.
Different Types: Mechanical pencils, Wooden pencils, Colored pencils.
How to Choose the Right One: Choose based on durability, lead size, and whether refills are needed.

3. Highlighters

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Highlighters help mark important information in documents, making them easier to review.
Different Types: Chisel-tip highlighters, Fine-tip highlighters, Gel highlighters.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider the color variety, tip size, and smudge resistance.

4. Notepads

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Notepads are ideal for taking quick notes, brainstorming, or listing tasks.
Different Types: Lined notepads, Unlined notepads, Spiral-bound notepads.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for paper quality, size, and whether it’s easy to carry around.

5. Sticky Notes

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Sticky notes are helpful for reminders, labeling, or organizing thoughts on documents.
Different Types: Standard sticky notes, Lined sticky notes, and Extra-large sticky notes.
How to Choose the Right One: Pick based on size, adhesive strength, and color options.

6. Stapler

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A stapler keeps multiple pages of documents together in an organized manner.
Different Types: Desktop staplers, Heavy-duty staplers, Electric staplers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider stapling capacity, ease of use, and how frequently it will be used.

7. Paper Clips

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Paper clips provide a temporary way to hold documents together without damaging them.
Different Types: Metal paper clips, Plastic-coated paper clips, Jumbo paper clips.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for the size and durability based on the number of papers they need to hold.

8. Binder Clips

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Binder clips are useful for organizing thicker stacks of paper without puncturing them.
Different Types: Small, medium, and large binder clips, Colored binder clips.
How to Choose the Right One: Select based on size and grip strength for holding more papers.

9. Tape Dispenser

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Tape dispensers provide quick access to tape, making it easier to seal documents or packages.
Different Types: Desktop tape dispensers, Handheld tape dispensers, Heavy-duty dispensers.
How to Choose the Right One: Choose based on ease of use, stability, and whether it supports multiple tape sizes.

10. Scissors

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Scissors are needed for cutting paper, opening packages, or trimming documents.
Different Types: Standard office scissors, Craft scissors, Heavy-duty scissors.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider blade sharpness, handle comfort, and whether they are intended for light or heavy use.

11. Ruler

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Rulers are helpful for measuring documents, drawing straight lines, or other tasks requiring precision.
Different Types: Plastic rulers, Metal rulers, Folding rulers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider the length, material, and durability needed for the job.

12. Printer Paper

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Printer paper is the standard medium for printing, copying, and document handling.
Different Types: Standard A4 paper, Legal-size paper, Recycled paper.
How to Choose the Right One: Choose based on paper quality, thickness, and type (plain, glossy, or recycled).

13. Envelopes

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Envelopes are essential for sending letters, invoices, or other documents by mail.
Different Types: Standard envelopes, Padded envelopes, Windowed envelopes.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider the size, type, and whether you need them for mailing or internal organization.

14. Folders

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Folders keep documents organized, separated, and easy to access.
Different Types: Manila folders, Hanging folders, Pocket folders.
How to Choose the Right One: Select based on capacity, durability, and how many documents you need to store.

15. Binders

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Binders are great for organizing reports, presentations, and multiple documents in one place.
Different Types: Three-ring binders, View binders, D-ring binders.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider the size, ring type, and how much paper the binder can hold.

16. Whiteboard

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Whiteboards are useful for brainstorming, presentations, and tracking daily tasks.
Different Types: Magnetic whiteboards, Portable whiteboards, Wall-mounted whiteboards.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for size, whether it’s magnetic or portability, based on your office space.

17. Markers (Dry Erase)

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Dry erase markers are essential for writing on whiteboards and making temporary notes.
Different Types: Fine-tip markers, Chisel-tip markers, and Non-toxic markers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider ink color, tip size, and erasability on whiteboards.

18. Desk Organizer

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Desk organizers keep all your tools and supplies neatly arranged and easy to find.
Different Types: Tray organizers, Drawer organizers, Multi-compartment organizers.
How to Choose the Right One: Select based on size, number of compartments, and desk space available.

19. File Cabinet

Why It is Essential for Any Office: File cabinets provide secure, long-term storage for important documents.
Different Types: Vertical file cabinets, Lateral file cabinets, Fireproof file cabinets.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for capacity, lock features, and durability.

20. Printer

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A printer allows you to produce physical copies of digital documents quickly.
Different Types: Inkjet printers, Laser printers, All-in-one printers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider print speed, color or black-and-white printing, and additional features like scanning or copying.

21. Scanner

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A scanner helps digitize physical documents for easy sharing and archiving.
Different Types: Flatbed scanners, Sheet-fed scanners, Portable scanners.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for resolution quality, speed, and whether it’s compatible with your computer system.

22. USB Drives

Why It is Essential for Any Office: USB drives allow quick and portable storage and transfer of files.
Different Types: Standard USB drives, High-speed USB 3.0 drives, Encrypted USB drives.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider storage capacity, speed, and security features.

23. Computer/Laptop

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Computers are the backbone of modern office work, enabling communication, research, and document creation.
Different Types: Desktops, Laptops, All-in-one computers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider processing power, memory, storage capacity, and portability.

24. Monitor Stand

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A monitor stand helps improve ergonomic posture and free up desk space.
Different Types: Adjustable monitor stands, Fixed-height stands, Monitor risers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider adjustability, stability, and desk compatibility.

25. Mouse and Keyboard

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A mouse and keyboard are essential for efficient computer navigation and typing.
Different Types: Wired, Wireless, Ergonomic.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for comfort, connectivity options, and ergonomic features.

26. Power Strip

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A power strip provides additional outlets for electronics and helps manage power distribution.
Different Types: Surge-protected, USB, and Smart power strips.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider the number of outlets, surge protection, and whether it has USB ports.

27. Calculator

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A calculator is vital for quick mathematical calculations and financial tasks.
Different Types: Basic calculators, Scientific calculators, Printing calculators.
How to Choose the Right One: Choose based on the complexity of calculations required and size preference.

28. Desk Chair

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A comfortable desk chair supports good posture and productivity during long work hours.
Different Types: Ergonomic chairs, Swivel chairs, Executive chairs.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider adjustability, lumbar support, and cushion comfort.

29. Desk Lamp

Why It is Essential for Any Office: A desk lamp provides focused task lighting and reduces eye strain.
Different Types: LED lamps, Adjustable arm lamps, Clip-on lamps.
How to Choose the Right One: Look for brightness settings, flexibility, and energy efficiency.

30. Hand Sanitizer

Why It is Essential for Any Office: Hand sanitizer promotes hygiene by providing a quick and easy way to disinfect hands.
Different Types: Gel sanitizers, Foam sanitizers, Spray sanitizers.
How to Choose the Right One: Consider alcohol content, skin sensitivity, and whether a pump or portable bottle is needed.

List of Uncommon Office Supplies

31. Correction Tape/Fluid
32. Desk Tray (Paper Organizer)
33. Letter Opener
34. Business Cards
35. Label Maker
36. Sticky Labels
37. Rubber Bands
38. Envelopes (Various Sizes)
39. Bulletin Board
40. Push Pins
41. Hole Puncher
42. Tape (Masking, Duct, Double-sided)
43. Pencil Sharpener
44. Clipboard
45. Trash Can
46. Cleaning Wipes
47. Footrest
48. Mousepad
49. Cable Ties/Organizers
50. Air Freshener
51. Tissues
52. Water Bottle
53. Mug/Coasters
54. Phone Stand
55. Postage Stamps
56. Clock
57. Shredder
58. Glasses Cleaner
59. First Aid Kit
60. Keyboard Wrist Rest

Conclusion

Having the right office supplies can truly transform your workspace. I hope this list has given you some helpful ideas for stocking your office, whether setting up a new space or refreshing an existing one.

Remember, a well-organized workspace isn’t just about having everything you need – it’s about creating an environment where you can be your most productive self.

Start with the basics and gradually add items that suit your specific needs.

Why not take a moment now to look around your current workspace? Are there any items from this list you’re missing? Consider picking up a few new supplies to see how they might improve your daily work routine.

I’d love to hear about your must-have office supplies. Share your favorites in the comments below!