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By Marty Getz

Mechanical Pencils Don’t Have to Be Boring!

Today’s Coolest Writing Tools Click, Twist, and Stand Out

Let’s be honest. When you hear the words “mechanical pencils,” you probably don’t get excited. You might even picture something gray, dull, maybe with a squeaky eraser cap and lead that breaks way too easily. But that’s because you haven’t seen what Raymond Geddes is doing with them.

At Geddes, mechanical pencils aren’t just functional writing tools, they’re fun, collectible, personality-packed pieces of school-day flair. They click and write like the classics, sure, but they also come in every shape, color, theme, and style you can imagine. From glittery unicorns and taco-themed toppers to squishy grips and twisty barrels, these pencils bring the fun back to the classroom and beyond.

If you’ve been overlooking mechanical pencils as a school store item or a supply drawer staple, it’s time to give them another look. Because the truth is, they’ve come a long way, and at Geddes, they’re anything but boring.

Wait, People Still Use Mechanical Pencils?

Yes. Absolutely. And for good reason. Mechanical pencils are still the gold standard for writing with precision. They don’t need sharpening. They last longer. They offer cleaner lines. And for students who love to doodle, sketch, or annotate, they give you way more control than a standard No. 2.

Teachers love them because they don’t leave pencil shavings all over the floor. Parents love them because you don’t have to replace them as often. And kids? Kids love them when they’re actually fun to use—which is where Geddes comes in.

Make a Statement

Take a scroll through Geddes’ mechanical pencils collection and you’ll see exactly what we mean. These aren’t your basic, utilitarian clickers. They’re themed, scented, textured, glitter-filled, shaped like animals, or topped with plushies.

You’ve got:

  • Avocado and taco pencils that make lunchtime look like art class.
  • Galaxy-themed pencils with swirling colors and metallic finishes.
  • Sloth, panda, and unicorn toppers that double as mini toys.
  • Squishy-grip pencils that double as a fidget tool and stress relief during a pop quiz.

And they all still do the job. Smooth lead. Easy refills. No sharpening. Just a lot more personality. You could honestly match your pencil to your mood. Feeling sporty? Grab a foam-topped baseball pencil. Got a spelling test? Maybe your lucky glitter pencil will help. Craving pizza? Yup, there’s a slice-shaped topper for that too.

The Secret Sauce: Why Kids Actually Love These

Here’s something every teacher, PTO volunteer, or school store manager should know: students don’t just want supplies. They want things that feel like theirs. That reflect who they are. That spark joy in the middle of a long day of lectures and worksheets.

And while some kids go wild for the latest eraser collection or that scented gel pen, others just want a cool pencil that makes their desk feel a little more fun. Mechanical pencils hit that sweet spot.

They’re functional (so no one complains), but with the right design, they also feel like a toy, a collectible, or a quiet form of self-expression.

That’s why they’re one of the top-performing categories in school stores. Kids come back to grab different colors, scents, or toppers. They trade them. They collect them. And because they’re actually useful, parents are happy to give them a couple bucks to grab one at the school store.

Built to Last (and Refill)

Let’s also give a little love to the practical side of these pencils. Unlike their wood counterparts, mechanical pencils are made to go the distance. You’re not grinding them down to a nub or tossing them once the eraser wears out.

And most Geddes mechanical pencils are refillable. So even if the lead runs out (eventually), the pencil itself sticks around. That’s great for the environment, and even better for school budgets.

It’s also worth noting that Geddes doesn’t skimp on the writing quality. These are smooth-writers, the kind of pencils that feel good in your hand. The lead is strong, the clicks are reliable, and the designs are made to be durable enough for daily use.

So even though they may look playful, these pencils mean business.

Teachers and PTOs, This One’s for You

If you run a school store, you already know how hard it is to keep inventory fresh and appealing. You want items that are fun enough for kids to want, practical enough that parents are cool with buying them, and affordable enough that you’re still making a profit.

Geddes mechanical pencils check all three boxes. You can buy them in bulk display cases, which makes stocking super easy. Many assortments come with themed packaging that practically sells itself. Just set the display out on your counter, and watch kids line up. Bonus: they’re usually priced low enough to keep everything under the “allowance-friendly” $1–$2 mark.

They’re also great for:

  • Classroom rewards
  • PBIS prizes
  • Treasure boxes
  • Testing-day giveaways
  • Student birthdays or spirit days

And because they’re refillable and high quality, they don’t just sit in a junk drawer. Kids use them. Daily.

Mechanical vs. Standard Pencils

There’s no need to pit the two against each other. Plenty of kids still love a freshly sharpened #2. But if you’re looking at functionality alone, mechanical pencils make a lot of sense.

  • No sharpener? No problem. Just click and go.
  • Lead broke mid-sentence? Click again.
  • Want cleaner writing and more control? Done.
  • Want a pencil that’s also shaped like a rainbow narwhal? Also done.

Plus, when you buy from a school-supply-first brand like Geddes, you know these designs are kid-tested and classroom-approved. They’re not just novelty items. They’re smart investments in tools kids actually want to use.

So Yeah… Mechanical Pencils Don’t Have to Be Boring

They can be glittery, scented, squishy, squiggly, sparkly, funny, funky, and still work like a charm. They can be a daily pick-me-up, a back-to-school treat, or the perfect little gift for a straight-A streak. And at Geddes, they’re all that—without breaking the bank.

So next time you’re restocking supplies, setting up a school store, or just looking to make writing feel a little more fun, skip the boring gray clickers. Choose mechanical pencils that actually make a statement.

Explore the full lineup at RaymondGeddes.com and get ready to click, write, and smile.