Erasable gel pens: Legami’s 0.7mm erasable pens write in blue gel ink and rub out cleanly with the eraser on the end. Characters include the Shark Attack, No Probllama and Get Lucky Ladybird, and sets like Fur-ever Friends make perfect gifts.

Ballpoint and gel pens: Dependable everyday pens such as the Faber Castell Grip 2020 Ballpoint, the Papermate InkJoy 300RT and the Pilot BegreeN RexGrip. For extra-smooth writing, try the Pentel Energel 0.7mm Floral Pen or the Faber Castell Scribero Gel Roller.

Markers and highlighters: Faber Castell Multimark permanent markers are great for labelling, Textliner 48 highlighters help with study notes, and whiteboard markers are handy at home and work.

Mechanical pencils: Refillable pencils that never need sharpening, including the Pentel Energize 0.5mm and the Faber Castell Grip 1347.

How do erasable pens work?

Erasable pens use a special heat-sensitive ink that turns invisible when it warms up. Rubbing the eraser on the end of the pen creates friction, and the heat from that friction makes the ink disappear, so you can correct mistakes cleanly without crossings-out, correction fluid or damage to the paper.

The ink is thermochromic, which means it changes colour at a certain temperature. You can read more about how thermochromism works. Because the ink reacts to heat rather than being scraped off, the eraser doesn’t wear down the way a pencil rubber does, and the paper stays smooth. Erasable gel pens are popular with students, planners and crafters who like to keep tidy notes and pattern row counts.

Try one of our Legami erasable pens. The Cheap Shop stocks a wide range of fun designs, including single pens and gift sets.

Can I use an erasable pen for important documents?

Erasable pens are not suitable for important documents such as cheques, contracts, forms or anything that needs a permanent record. Because the ink disappears with heat, writing can fade if the paper is left in a hot car, near a radiator or put through a laminator, and it can be removed on purpose.

For signatures and official paperwork, use a permanent ballpoint or gel pen instead. Ballpoint pens use an oil-based ink that sits on the paper surface and resists water and fading, which makes them a reliable choice for documents that need to last. Erasable pens are best kept for notes, planners, drafts and creative work where being able to correct mistakes is more useful than permanence.

Keep a dependable ballpoint, such as the Papermate InkJoy 300RT, alongside your erasable pens. You’ll find both in The Cheap Shop’s pens range.

What is the difference between a ballpoint pen, a gel pen and a rollerball pen?

The main difference between ballpoint, gel and rollerball pens is the ink. Ballpoint pens use a thick oil-based ink that dries quickly and lasts a long time. Gel pens use a smooth water-based gel with bold, vivid colour. Rollerball pens use a thin liquid ink that flows freely for an effortless writing feel.

Ballpoints are the most practical everyday choice because they’re less likely to smudge or bleed through paper. Gel and rollerball pens glide more easily, so they’re comfortable for long writing sessions, but the ink can take a moment longer to dry, which is worth bearing in mind for left-handed writers. Our range includes all three types, from the Faber Castell Grip 2020 Ballpoint to the Pentel Energel and the Faber Castell Vision 5417 Ink Roller.

Not sure which suits you? Pop into The Cheap Shop in Tiptree and try a few before you buy.