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Back to School Team Picks 2026

September brings back fond memories of going back to school with a shiny new pencil case full of freshly-sharpened pencils. We invited the Mark+Fold team to share memories of their school days and their picks from our Back To School Edit. 

Oskar Oades, Pop-up Shop Team

"I remember the anticipation of seeing school friends and catching up about what we got up to over the summer. There was always a trip to the local Muji and Cass Art before term to stock up on a fresh 10 pack of .5 black pens, mechanical pencil lead and a highlighter of some sort.

This September I've gone for a Lichen Classic Notebook with plain pages, because I draw a lot for my job as a product designer. That fits nicely in my Doe leather Cover, which I've had for a few years now. And a Planner Pad and a Lamy CP Mechanical pencil. Oh and I'm also eyeing up a Tan Pencil Case!

On Oskar's desk this September

Laura Wyatt, Operations + Merchandising

“Autumn always feels like the start of the new year to me. It takes me back to the excitement of shiny new school shoes, a new lunchbox, and of course, most importantly, that new pencil case I had spent ages picking out, hoping no-one would have the same one!

As an adult, this time of year has to mean new notebooks; the opportunity for a fresh start and, the (unlikely) promise to myself I will keep my handwriting neat and the pages organised! This year's extra special as I've just started a new job at Mark+Fold!

On my desk this September, I have the Classic Notebook in Sequoia for all of my work jottings, the Week Planner to keep me organised and I'm looking forward to receiving my Japan-inspired blue 2027 Diary, in preparation for the year ahead.”

On Laura's desk this September

Elke Acornley, Pop-up Shop Team

"I remember always being excited to start back- and still have that feeling now as i continue my studies!

My favourite part was refilling my pencil case, resharpening each pencil and checking all my pens still worked after a couple of months off the job! My mum would sometimes draw little eyes and ears on the ends of my pencils to turn them into mice with pointy lead noses!

This September, I've chosen the limited edition Glow Notebook, which feels like it hums with new ideas… and a Note Block and Postcard Calendar so I can keep on top of my art school deadlines!"

On Elke's desk this September

Amy Cooper-Wright, Founder

"I always enjoy this transition from August (hopefully lying on a beach not looking at my watch), to September where routines and structure return. For me, this always feels refreshing and that first bite of cold on a morning as we leave the house, with closed-toe shoes and a backpack on my back, I feel inspired and excited for what lies ahead. As a child this feeling was always triggered by a pilgrimage to my favourite stationery shop where I would spend a whole afternoon choosing 'the right pen.'

On my desk this September is of course the Pencil Case which we launched in June. And I'm going uncharacteristically bright and colourful with the Margo Selby Set, as I loved working on this with Margo and I love the Blue Grid Washi Tape which we included in the set. And of course, September wouldn't be September without my trusty Flint Notebooks!"

On Amy's desk this September

Helen McGowan, Production

“I was always excited. I was a lover of school. As well as the new shoes, a new pencil case and stationery were very exciting. I liked the technical items like a drawing compass and protractor. I always remember the ritual of "backing" my books. Wrapping in wrapping paper or sticky back plastic, before I knew how unsustainable it is! At junior school, the head teacher, Mr Crosley, was a favourite. He used to say, 'You don't come to school to work, you come to school to play!' He made learning and school fun.

This year I have my Diary, which I use every day to plan what I'm doing. For 2027 I will be going or the stunning Special Edition Blue with the blind embossing. I also have some of our Community Clothing 100% Recycled Denim Notebooks, which I am so proud to work on and I loved our visit to the mill back in June with customers. Finally the Brass Sharpener, which is just so satisfying to use and so heavy in your hand, I love it."

On Helen's desk this September

Jake Drant, Digital Marketing

"I remember the mood changing as summer holidays came to an end and the annual pilgrimage to Woolies! I remember always wanting a brand new pencil case and to fill it with rubbers, rulers and Staedtler pencils. It felt like an armoury at the time.

This September, I am loving that Origami Eraser from Japan, so I'll be splashing out on the Sand Diary Set to get my hands on one of those. I've got the Wall Planner next to my desk, so I can refer to it and check dates, plan projects and stay on top of things. And you can never go wrong with some Brass Page Markers."

On Jake's desk this September

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