2016's Best List: Pencil Case Edition

With the range of pencil cases introduced in 2016, the competition was definitely a close one this year. With food and beverage pencil cases to new characters arriving on scene, we've narrowed down this 2016's Best List to the following Top 5. See them below...

Color Love Pencil Pouch $16.25

1) First place goes to our Color Love Pencil Pouch. In 3 vibrant colors, we can easily see why all our Cool Pencil Case fans fell in love with this school essential. With the capacity to hold over 30 pens, identification cards, and even bookmark clips, it's obvious why this pencil pouch is easily rated as our #1!

Giraffe Charm Wallet and Pencil Pouch Duo $22.65

2) Coming in second and very close is our Giraffe Charm Wallet and Pencil Pouch Duo. Simple and chic, this butterfly pencil pouch includes two zip-up compartments for your school supplies. Find this wallet and pencil pouch duo to be voted as the pencil case that keeps you organized in style!

Alpacasso My Pencil Case 18.25

3) The classic Alpacasso My Pencil Case will always hold a spot on this list. With rosy cheeks and a soft plush fur-like exterior, it's no surprise why our fans find this pencil case irresistible! Available in Apple Green, Yellow, Lavender, Baby Pink, and Sky Blue, if choosing one color deems difficult we simply advise collecting them all.

Classic Backpack Pencil Pouch $15.45

4) Classic Backpack Pencil Pouch? Yes, please! Inside your actual backpack, find this backpack to hold pencils and pens as well as the smaller accessories, like paperclips and erasers, in the smaller compartment. Available in 6 different color ways, will you be mixing OR matching this pencil case with your actual backpack?

Jinbei-San Luxe Pencil Pouch $18.85

5) Last but not least, we have one of our newer characters making the Top 5. The Jinbei-San Luxe Pencil Pouch features San-X's newest character, Jinbei-San (aka Mr. Whale Shark). The luxe exterior of this pencil case features a cute design of Mr. Whale Shark and his kawaii friends hanging out and having fun. See more of our Jinbei-San collection here!

DIY Washi Tape Greeting Cards

 See our DIY tutorial below!

Send greeting cards this holiday season without worrying too much about the cost yet still adding that personal touch! How would one do so, you ask? Well, see the easy tutorial below on how to make DIY Washi Tape Greeting Cards using our Festive Pattern 2-Pack Washi Tape Set (& in case you may want to try other designs and patterns, see our selection of washi tape here).

Step 1 - Fold a sheet of colored construction paper (8 1/2 x 11 inches) to create the card. We prefer the more sturdy construction paper for this DIY project. Cut small strips of your desired washi tape and stack 2 side-by-side to create the box shape of the presents.

 Step 1 - Start with a base...

Step 2 - Cut a thin strip of washi tape and place it along the middle of the boxes to replicate the ribbon of the presents. We advise using a different, patterned washi tape for the ribbon just because it easily stands out!

Step 2 - Add the ribbon...

Step 3 - For the bows, cut thin, short strips of washi tape and fold the end to touch the base. This creates a pop-up effect and quickly elevates the look of this simple card!

 Step 3 - Top it off with a bow...

Step 4 - Add the ribbon and bows to the rest of the presents to complete the look. If you prefer simplicity, then you're good to go! However, feel free to add washi tape among the edges for a border or even strips for a striped effect on the back.

Step 4 - Complete the entire look!

& There you have it... your DIY greeting card is ready to be written in and sent off to your loved one.

Show us your creations in the comments below!

Gift Wrapping Ideas, Crafts, and More!

With the gift season here and presents ready to be put under the tree, we wanted to put together a few ways you can have some fun wrapping, decorating, and just being creative this winter!

In addition to being all about the details, here at Cool Pencil Case we're definitely suckers for keeping it simple and sweet. Therefore, when it comes to gift wrapping, we absolutely love how craft paper wrapping paper just embodies that perfectly. We've fallen in love with the idea of craft paper wrapping paper and wanted to share a couple cool ways to gift wrap your presents with Cool Pencil Case favorites. Who knew simplicity in gift wrapping could be this easy?

Customize your gifts with one of our newest arrivals, our "Wooden Deluxe Stamp Set." Though these can be used throughout the year on organizers and notebooks, use this stamp set to create a fun allover print on craft wrapping paper. Available in three animal themes, see how these stamps will add a burst of personality to your gifts!

Allover print gift wrap created with our "Wooden Deluxe Stamp Set."

Wooden Deluxe Stamp Set $8.85

It is no secret that there are countless ways one can use washi tape but did you know this applied for the season of giving too? Keeping the simplicity of the craft paper wrapping, we added washi tape from our "Festive Pattern 2-Pack Washi Tape Set" to add a subtle pop to our presents. Replicating that design of a ribbon, mix and match and see how a little washi tape can go a long way! Top off with more holiday details, like mini ornaments!

Gift wrap with washi tape details.

Festive Pattern 2-Pack Washi Tape Set $5.25

Lastly, for those just running a bit low on time? Don't worry! We offer gift wrapping to your entire order so there wont be any trouble to you! Simply click here to add the "Gift Wrap My Entire Order" option to your cart. With a selection of kawaii-theme gift wrapping paper (yup, we even have a Rilakkuma roll), the recipient will be joyful to see their gift fully wrapped, kawaii-style!*

*Note: Gift wrap only offered with full kawaii gift wrap, not craft paper specialty as pictured in this post