From shak-shuka.com
The marvellous Shak-Shuka site has a wide range of stylish stationery, which should appeal both to kids (bright patterns, lovely animals) and adults (it's not a cartoon kitty). And if the ungrateful offspring don't appreciate it, it makes a fantastic grownup pencil case or indeed makeup bag Photograph: PR
From nhmshop.co.uk
By the time they get to school, miniature paleontologists probably know more about dinosaurs than you do. They may even have asked: "Do you remember the dinosaurs?" But can they place the creatures in the correct order of extinction? Sneaky spot of education even on the way to and from school ... Photograph: Kevin Webb/NHM Image Resources/The Natural History Museum, London
From muji.eu
Remember when a pen that could write in several different colours really did seem like magic? We can't bring you back the innocence of those happy days, but here's a clickable Muji pen that at least brings some colour into your life – or your child's pencil case Photograph: PR
Exclusively at waterstones.com
A mini notepad, pens, coloured pencils, plain pencils with rubbers on the end, eraser, pencil sharpener … and all with adorable Miffy on them. What more could anyone possibly want? Photograph: PR
By Stabilo at ryman.co.uk
These pleasingly chunky pencils are designed for small hands, though they are rather comfortable for larger ones too. This model is designed for righthanders, but lefthand models are also available. Perfect for drawing, doodling, doing your homework or your accounts. They are made from sustainable wood and even have a space to write your name on Photograph: PR
From pinklining.co.uk
No worries about sewing or ironing on labels when the bag is already personalised (depending, of course, on how many Arthurs and Georgias you might have in the class …). These sweet bags from PL Child are notable mainly for the truly lovely prints. Note: girls, of course, can also have dinosaur bags, and boys can have mice and toadstools too Photograph: PR
From gltc.co.uk
If pencils are forever disappearing from the school bag, pencil case or indeed your desk, why not get your name all over them? These personalised pencils from Great Little Trading Company come either in a pack of 20 (some coloured, some plain with eraser tips) or in a named box of 10. A sweet little back-to-school gift Photograph: PR
By Faber Castell at stonemarketing.com
A bucket of pens that not only do sterling colouring-in work, but also can be joined up to create toys and models. Where were these when we were kids, eh? Essentially this is Lego-meets-drawing, and that is really an idea that cannot go wrong Photograph: PR
From disneystore.co.uk
Admit it, you want to take that notebook on the right to your next terribly-serious-business-meeting don't you? These cute stationery kits from the Monsters University range will go down a storm in the classroom, and quite possibly impress your bank manager next time you need to talk about the overdraft, too Photograph: PR
From rymans.co.uk
Ryman's back to school range has a particularly sweet owl theme this year. This stationery set includes all the basics (insert "what a hoot" gag here) but there are also spiral-bound notebooks, sticker books, pencil cases and more Photograph: PR
From lollipopdesigns.co.uk
These sweet notelets from the brilliant Lollipop would be lovely party invites or thank you notes. Simply fold as per the instructions and make adorable animal post. Boring old parents should also check out their planning calendars, which prove that a bit of family organisation doesn't have to come in twee, or worst still, spurious-pink calendar form Photograph: PR
from stabilo-uk.shptron.com
These quality fineliners are ideal for older children or keen artists-in-the-making – at 0.4mm they are fine enough for fussy adults but also durable enough for kids. And if there is anything more pleasing than a fresh pack of Stabilo fineliners then I'll … um … go and get a life? Photograph: PR
From muji.eu
A set of 36 simple colouring-in pens in their own case – ideal for children (though those who prefer their stationery emblazoned with cartoon kitties, firemen or members of pre-teen pop bands may find them far too tasteful) Photograph: PR
