'There was something very comfortable in having plenty of stationery,' author Charles Dickens famously said.

We couldn't agree more - stationery may seem like a bit of a non-entity in our busy, digitally-driven lives...until we desperately need it.

Nothing compares to finding the stapler, highlighter or pencil you need in a fix, only to discover there are no staples, the highlighter is dry, and the pencil is blunt with no sharpener in sight! Stationery definitely makes the world a happier place!

But beyond the everyday pens and pencils exists a fantasy world of paper delights; journals, diaries, pages and papers, and fabulous files in a rainbow of colours. This kind of stationery is not only beautiful and functional, but serves a ton of important purposes.

It promotes creativity

Whether an artist, designer, student artist or learner, or employee working in a creative function like marketing or advertising, there's no doubting the joy that colourful stationery elicits - joy that inspires creativity. Brightly coloured board and paper, paper pads and even white boards stimulate artistic processes and encourage people to create.

It enhances productivity

Office workers, students and scholars benefit enormously from using files, binders, document wallets, Flip Files, planners and diaries to stay organised. Research shows that organising and decluttering desks and workspaces reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood and enhances productivity when it comes to everyday work tasks, homework and studying.

It facilitates record keeping

Stationery helps us keep track of things: work diaries, school and student diaries, journals and planners are not only great for remembering important dates, but they act as a record of these deadlines, events and other notes jotted down each day. Using pen and paper also boosts brain connectivity that is linked to memory and learning, so using diaries and journals increases these important brain functions too.

It adds a personal touch

Everyone has their favourite colour, and using coloured paper, board and dividers in 'your' colour is a great way to personalise your document storage and important print-outs. Plain and coloured paper can also be printed with your name, or simply monogrammed, for a real personal touch.

It's professional

Stationery that helps to keep paperwork well organised, and easy to retrieve when needed, makes for a professional workplace. Some filing systems are better suited to certain industries than others, so it's important to find one that works for you and your team. Lever arch files, index cards, suspended files, concertina files and Flip Files can all be used individually, or together as part of an extended filing system, to safely store documents. Colourful dividers, boards and paper pages make filing look good, and make it that much enjoyable too! Bespoke stationery, like customised journals, diaries and lever arch files add to any company's professionalism.

Next time you think of stationery, think beyond pen and paper to creative, colourful offerings from CTP. Ours is one of the widest ranges of stationery products available in the country, and features South Africa's most-loved stationery brands.