With a variety of sizes and shapes to choose from, it’s important to find a pen that comfortably fits your hand. A pen that is too small or too large can throw your grip off and make it uncomfortable to write for long periods of time. The same goes for lefties: the right pen should fit in the palm of your hand. If you tend to lose pen caps or worry about the cap falling off and the ink ruining your bag, opt for a retractable pen like the Schneider Pulse Pro Ballpoint Pen. Highly lauded by pen aficionados, these pens are easy to write with, thanks to a stainless steel, medium point tip. Better yet, the rubberized surface of the barrel feels nice on your hands, making long note-writing sessions strain-free. Despite its size, it’s light and the ballpoint tip ends in a heart-shaped curve. With a 1-millimeter point, this retractable pen is perfect for everyday writing tasks. The oil-based ink won’t disappoint, either—it has a low viscosity for smooth lines and an even flow. For those with an eco-friendly mindset, refillable pens are ideal as they’re less wasteful than disposable ones. In addition to being refillable, Pilot's The Better Ballpoint Pen is also retractable. There’s no cap and, as such, less plastic is used in the manufacturing process.

The tip of a pen determines the viscosity of the ink on paper. Smaller pen tips, or fine tips, are used for more detailed, intricate writing while medium-sized pens are better for everyday use. A good size for a ballpoint pen is between 0.7 millimeters (fine) and 1 millimeter (medium).Keep in mind that while the cap of the pen has a clip, it isn’t ideal for attaching to a notebook. Still, the pens are slim enough for storing a handful in your workbag or pencil case. With so many office supplies designed for right-handed people, the Uni-Ball Jetstream is a perfect alternative for lefties, though righties will find it equally comfortable to write with. Whether you're an artist by profession or just doodle as a hobby, gel pens are ideal for sketching and drawing because the ink flows easily. Gel inks also tend to be fade-proof and smudge far less often than regular ink. While the 0.38-millimeter tip is fine, it’s still sizable enough to make bold lines and shade them in, no matter what you're drawing. From Gel Pens to Highlighters, we’ve got all the writing essentials for your desktop in our Writing and Correctionrange, all available today on next day delivery from Staples.