School supplies were the best part of elementary school, no question. Gel pens, pencil cases, and Lisa Frank folders were the stuff of our 9-year-old dreams. And while our love of winged rainbow cats will never fade, it doesn't exactly say "big girl job."
But just because you have a 401(k) doesn't mean your office supplies have to be boring. You can still accessorize with supplies that personalize your space while still being useful and (more or less) grown-up. Click through to see our favorite picks that will brighten your desk and boost your productivity.
Keep your pens, pencils, and small essentials like lip gloss stashed away in style.
Anthropologie Idiom Pencil Pouch, $28, available at Anthropologie.
For all those times you need to pencil in a meeting (or after-work drinks).
Rifle Paper Co. Folk Writing Pencils, $12, available at Rifle Paper Co.
A nice pair of earbuds is a must for those times when you need to cue up some Rihanna and work, work, work, work, work.
Urbanears Sumpan Earbud Headphones, $30, available from Urban Outfitters.
Make BYO-ing your lunch fun again. This bento box comes with a deep-bottomed container that's perfect for sandwiches or leftovers, plus a smaller top container for sides and snacks.
Takenaka 2-Tier Bento Box, $34.99, available at The Container Store.
Desk-side hand lotion is essential; this rich cream will keep your paws soft, and it has a mild scent that won't annoy your coworkers.
L'Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Cream, $12, available at L'Occitane.
Note-taking is fun again with these mini, see-through sticky notes.
Midori Mini Sticky Notes - Stars, $6.75, available from JetPens.
Keep your knickknacks safely out of sight (and your desk area clear) under this cute cache.
Fishs Eddy Sleeping Cat Cache, $22.95, available at Fishs Eddy.
Sip your morning coffee in style — and save some cash along the way.
Cilio Insulated Travel Thermos, $23, available at Food52.
Keep your important documents (and manicures!) looking fresh with a staple remover.
Poppin Staple Remover, $6, available at Poppin.
Fill up this fun notebook with all your brilliant ideas and brainstorms.
Forever21 Doodle Cover Notebook, $3.90, available at Forever21.
Scissors become a desktop decoration when they're this good-looking.
HAY Phi Scissors, $28, available at MoMa Store.
Perfect for toting packed lunches, gym clothes, or heels to work — just roll it up when you're done and throw it in your desk or purse till the next time you need it.
Baggu Baby Baggu Cloud, $7, available at Baggu.
If you have to take your work home with you, at least cart it home in a sleeve that's as protective as it is fashionable.
Hay Dot Tablet Case, $38, available at MoMA Store.
Don't get stuck with a low battery right when you're getting ready to head out for post-work drinks — keep a compact, portable charger on hand and leave work with a fully charged phone (even if you've been sneaking looks at Instagram all day).
Urban Outfitters White Marble 8000 mAh Portable Power Charger, $58, available at Urban Outfitters.
You can't bring your pet to work, but you can have a work pet (that's totally hypoallergenic!) with this fun pencil holder.
Kikkerland Memo-saurus Desk Organizer, $12.99, available at ModCloth.
A perpetual calendar means you can start organizing your life any day of the year, not just on January 1.
Paper Source Moss Perpetual Calendar, $29.95, available at Paper Source.
Decorate up your space and show your true loyalty with a fun pennant.
ScoutandLilly The Answer is Always Tacos Wool Pennant Flag, $25, available at Etsy.
You'll want to stick these peppy notes on every surface.
ban.do Sticky Note Set Thumbs-Up, $12, available at ban.do.
Beware of office mug-nappers when you upgrade to a cuter cup for your coffee breaks.
Fishs Eddy Memo Notebook Mug, $15.95, available at Fishs Eddy.
Relive some of your middle school note-taking glory with a set of pens from Muji.
Muji, $15.00, available at Muji
Glass water bottles aren't the best to cart around, but are great for sitting pretty atop your desk, reminding you to stay hydrated.
bkr Glass Water Bottle in Sunday, $45, available at bkr.
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