12 Pens and Pencils to Brighten Your Work Day

The pen is mightier than the sword… and more stylish too. We’re brightening up a desktop staple with this collection of 12 cool and colorful pens and pencils. They’re so great in fact, that you’ll want to flaunt them around work, in cafes and even at home. And with all that awesome color and pattern, it’ll be a lot harder to misplace them when you’re rummaging around your purse (we’ve all been there). Basically, they’re pretty and practical — so take your pick.

1. Cheerful Pencil Set ($12): Let’s start things off on a cheery note. No really, you can take notes with these cheery, super duper positive pencils.

2. Paul and Paulina Pen ($3): The plastic body isn’t the only thing that’s colorful about these pens — the ink is too. Jazz up your notes by jotting ’em down in green, burgundy, purple and more.

3. Neon Color Block Pencils ($3): No more plain old #2s for you. These pretty, acid-bright neon pencils are uber trendy with their color-dipped look.

4. Tool Pen ($28): Calling all handywomen: This is the pen you never knew you needed. Twist the body and out pops the pen, while the cap on the other end houses a handy-dandy, double-sided screwdriver. The pen also doubles (triples? quadruples?) as a ruler and a level.

5. Point Sharp Pencil ($6): Don’t let the bright plastic body and pocket clip fool you; these cuties are actually pencils, not pens. No sense in letting ink have all the colorful fun.

6. Genius Pen ($14): So we can’t guarantee that you’ll start magically jotting down complicated algorithms with first use, but you will look like a stationery style genius whenever you whip out this gel ink pen.

7. Color Block Pens ($5): Ever encountered a pen so pretty you’d rather stare at it all day than use it? Well, now you have. These color block pens deliver major style. We’ll take one in each color combo, please.

8. Like a Boss Pencil ($2): Hey you, future mogul, this pencil’s got your name on it. And it comes in glam gold and black, so you’ll be commanding attention in the boardroom for your smarts and style.

9. Number 2 Ballpoint Pen ($37): We’ve seen pencils passed off as pens, and now pens masquerading as pencils? Either way, we’re down. This classic #2 “pencil” is actually a smooth-writing ballpoint pen, complete with a faux retractable pink eraser.

10. Stationery of the Art Pencils ($9): Well hello there, black and gold beauties. We’re getting some art deco vibes from these cool graphic-patterned pencils.

11. Cute Pattern Pen ($6): Stripes, clouds or adorable bunny rabbits? Take your pick with these fun pens. Any of them will be perfect for writing out postcards you’re sending while on your ah-mazing trip.

12. Idiom Pencils ($20): Like your writing instruments on the mouthy side? Then this Kate Spade pencil set is for you. Talk about the perfect balance of cheeky and chic.

Which cute pen or pencil can you not wait to be writing with? Tell us in the comments below!

You can't deny it: One of the most fun parts of having kids is dressing them up in adorable Halloween costumes, like a baby Dory or a roly-poly BB-8. Even if you don't have a big brood, don't fret! There are plenty of creative ways for you and your fam to play dress up, even if you're pregnant and need an easy maternity costume.

Keep scrolling forover 60 fabulous family costumes for you and your entire family to rock, no matter what Halloween looks like this year.

Brit + Co

Max and a Wild Thing Costumes

Let the wild rumpus start with this ferociously adorable costume. Your little Max will be regal in the cutest way possible and you'll be the cuddly momster who keeps him safe from whatever he's afraid of.

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Mufasa and Simba Costumes

The Lion King is a nostalgic kids movie that touches our hearts every time we watch it. If you can quote every line Mufasa said to Simba, it's only right you embrace one of the cutest family Halloween costumes in our roundup.

Image via Brit + Co

Queen Bee[oncé] and Blue Ivy

Go for a punny pop culture costume with this playful look at Queen Beyoncé and Blue Ivy when she was an infant.

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Edward Scissorhands

This year, we’re really digging this mommy and me version of Edward Scissorhands and the dinosaur bush. ‘Cause cuteness overload.

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Beetlejuice Costumes

Don't get sick of us because this is easily our favorite costume and the most effortless one to put together thanks to our Halloween BFF, Amazon Prime.

Image via Brit + Co

Grease Costumes

Dress your little one as Danny Zuko from Grease while you don this Sandy Olsson costume. The matching red Converse are a must, and you can wear them all year long! Plus, you can add one of these leather jackets to your outfit to complete the full look.

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Family of Trolls

Bring *all* the good luck with your very own team of trolls! You can take turns singing solo songs or have your own dance party before you go trick or treating.

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The Labryinth Family Halloween Costumes

ICYMI, David Bowie was in a fantastical movie in the ‘80s and you need to see it ASAP. It’s creepy, strange, and beautiful all at the same time. Kind of like these costumes.

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Lightening and Thunder

This mommy and me costume is elemental, to say the least. Your baby's cloud onesie can be a testament of the stork that braved a thunderstormto bring little one to your home.

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Big Bird and Elmo

Real talk: Who has time to make more than one costume? It’s okay because your mini will lose their minds when they see the life-like Elmo ‘fit in person! Totally worth it.

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Ewok Family Halloween Costumes

Are there cuter creatures than the Ewoks from Star Wars?! We don't think anyone will agree once they see you and your family dressed like them.

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Finding Dory Family Halloween Costumes

Dress the whole fam in your fave marine creature cast! Dory, Hank, and Nemo FTW!

Image via Brit + Co

Paint Brush and Paint Palette

Live your most creative life when you and your babe match in these adorbs DIY costumes. Now it’s time to paint the town red!

Image via Brit + Co

Frida Kahlo

Of course Frida’s signature unibrow is an essential part of pulling off this look — for both mommy *and* bb.

The Princess Bride Costumes

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The Princess Bride Costumes

Dress your littlest one as Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, Vizzini, or our personal fave pictured above — a R.O.U.S. (rodent of unusual size).

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Aladdin Costumes

It's a "whole new world" with these Aladdin costumes. You and your besties can choose who'll wear the Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and Abu the monkey costumes. Seriously, can you think of a cuter family trio?

Tell Love and Party

Futuristic Family

Here’s one family’s take on what the future holds for us. They’re way more stylish than The Jetsons.

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Image via Brit + Co

Princess Peach and Toad Costumes

Pay homage to your favorite childhood video game and dress up as the original royal princess, complete with a tiny toad companion. It’s also the perfect excuse to try on the most outrageous princess dress you can find.

Image via Brit + Co

Cat in the Hat and Goldfish Costumes

This goldfish is completely DIY while the Cat in the Hat costume can be purchased online. The perfect balance of buy and DIY.

Image via Brit + Co

A Family of Circus Snacks

Who doesn’t love the sugar-filled snacks at the circus?! We know your family does so have dad dress as a bag of peanuts, while you hold a bag of popcorn in your cotton candy costume. And if someone requests gum drops a lot, have your daughter show everyone she knows how to have a great time.

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Cop and Donut

These two pieces are easy to find at most costume stores or on Amazon if you don’t have time for a shopping trip. Finish the whole look off with a very stern donut-loving look and you’re good to go.

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Katy Perry and Her Sharks

Before there was the song "Baby Shark," Katy Perry and her dancing large blue fish have to be one of our favorite pop culture memories of all time.

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Toy Story Family Halloween Costumes

This is the perfect family costume for a family of any size since there are endless characters to choose from.

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Usher and Bucket of Popcorn

The usher look is simple and a great last-minute costume — black skirt, white button-down, and bowtie. For the popcorn, grab your baby carrier and a handful of safety pins. That’s right — this is a totally temporary piece!

Image via Brit + Co

Winnie the Pooh

Willy nilly silly old bear and his best friends make for the cutest family Halloween costumes. Your neighbors won't stop smiling once they see your little girl dressed as piglet.

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The Three Stooges

Larry, Curly, and Moe won many hearts throughout the mid-20th century. This goofy trio makes for the perfect (read: easy) kooky family costume. Get your giggles ready and pull out every suit piece you own to create these outfits.

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The Incredibles

Not only is this one easy, but it’s also perfect for all those Pixar fans (hello, everyone). There’s nothing quite like a superhero family united in the service of justice.

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Russian Nesting Dolls

A group of Russian nesting dolls is the perfect group Halloween costume for families of all sizes. The key is to dress every member of the family the same and include a piece with an intricate pattern.

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Ariel and Sebastian

If you’re looking for a night full of undersea adventures, treasures, and dinglehoppers, this costume will definitely do the trick. Your little crab’s costume is as easy as a red onesie, a red headband, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes.

Image via Brit + Co

Princess Leia and An Ewok

This mommy and kiddo Star Wars costume is so good we’d rock it year-round.

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Top Gun

Maverick? Check. Iceman? Yep. Goose? Obvs this little goose makes the perfect Anthony Edwards. Grab your aviators and get ready to teach your mini-me to fly.

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Curious George and the Woman in the Yellow Hat

We know George loved the Man in the Yellow Hat, but your curious infant loves you. Make an exception to this character by becoming the zookeeper who has a special bond with her little monkey.

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Saved By The Bell

’90s lovers, it’s time to introduce your little ones to everything magical about this nostalgic TV show. Mom jeans, leftover ’80s hair, and really large cordless phones. (via Brit + Co)

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Sriracha and Taco

This one is a show-stopper! The trendy hot sauce can finally give you an excuse to turn your mini into a teeny tiny taco!

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Rainbow and Sunshine

If you've been singing a mixture of "Rain, rain go away," and "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," to your baby, you've already found the family Halloween costumes that'll work for you. What's a better way to honor your little sunshine than by pairing up as your mini’s rainbow?!

Image via Brit + Co

A Family of Frappes

These days we can all agree that Starbucks is pretty much a part of most family traditions. Recreate everyone’s favorite Starbucks drinks as a group Halloween costume!

Image via Costume-Works

Back to the Future

There’s no cuter Halloween trio than this loving tribute to Back to the Future.

Image via Say Yes

Alice in Wonderland

Fall down the rabbit hole this Halloween and hit the town with a pint-sized Red Queen. Scour your local thrift store for a blue skirt and white blouse and put your own spin on the lovely Alice.

Image viaCupcakes and Cashmere

Jurassic Park Costumes

You and your S.O. can undoubtedly pull the necessary rugged clothes right from your closets, and all that’s left is finding your little one some sort of dino gear. We do love the half-hatched look, but if you’re out of time or are dealing with a cranky kiddo, just throw on their fave dino PJs.

Image via A Beautiful Mess

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys Costume for Family of 4

Harness that rebellious spirit as a whole family this Halloween. All you’ll need are some PJs, cardboard swords, and a Pan getup.

Say Yes

Royal Family Costumes

Channel your inner royal with this adorable, yet sophisticated, family costume. Even if you don’t have this exact getup, a few key pieces will make you easily recognizable — like the fascinator and blue knee socks. Prince William not required (but always welcome)!

Lovely Indeed

Where’s Waldo?

Pull out all of those striped shirts in your closet and pile on your wackiest accessories. Anything goes with these Waldo costumes.

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Monster Family

Take a little inspiration from the famous Munsters this All Hallows’ Eve. We’re sure your little mummy and bat will approve.

Say Yes

Disney Tourist

Okay, this one might be a little confusing to the kiddos, but just tell them you are practicing for that trip later this year.

Say Yes

Star Wars

The force is strong with this family costume. Bonus points if you turn your dog into Yoda.

Studio DIY

Bathtime Family Fun

Rub a dub dub, the whole fam’s in the tub! This may sound familiar if your little one is used to taking baths with you.

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Circus Family

Everything about this costume just screams cuteness. We can’t decide which we like better: the cute lion or the strong little man.

The Emperor’s New Groove Costumes

Say Yes

The Emperor's New Groove

If you haven’t seen this gem of a movie, it’s time. Once you’ve watched it we guarantee you’ll want to outfit the whole fam for Halloween.

Studio DIY

Lawn Flamingo and Cactus

Even if you’re not Palm Springs-bound, we think this desert-inspired duo is just the mama and baby costume to win that contest.

The Merrythought

Dominoes

Rather than just playing bones, why not be the bones?! Your family will love seeing pictures of your family Halloween costumes if Dominoes is a staple at family gatherings.

See Vanessa Craft

Care Bears

Perfect for busy moms and dads, this tutorial is even no-sew, so you won't be up all night before trick-or-treating. Plus, a family in matching sweatsuits is a sight to behold.

Share your family Halloween costumes with us @BritandCo and join our newsletter for more creative ideas and inspiration.

This article has been updated.

One minute we're sitting on the beach, enjoying the sun beaming down on us, we close our eyes, and now, it's Halloween. Where did the time go? We know some of you have been planning your Halloween costume since last year, but the rest of us just realized the spooky night is, like, a day away.

Never fear! Your fellow procrastinators are here. There are so many last-minute, easy Halloween costumes you can create with the most basic of craft supplies. You may even have everything you need hanging in your closet, garage, or junk drawer. From '90s classics, oldies but goodies, punny, and star-studded fave costumes, here's a list of 45 last-minute couples costumes that will help you and your S.O. save face at your next pumpkin smash.

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If you're a natural procrastinator, check out these last-minute couples costumes for Halloween!

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Lisa Frank + Unicorn

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Waldo + Wenda

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Cactus Couple

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Garth + Kat

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Cookies + Milk

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Carpool Karaoke

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Baby Driver

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Saved by the Bell

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Double-Stuffed Oreo

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Thing 1 + Thing 2

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Party Animals

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Bowie-Inspired Emojis

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Tight Pants

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La La Land

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Lizzie + Miranda

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Ghost + Mummy

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Hawaiian Punch

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Grace + Frankie

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Carl + Ellie from Up

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Doug + Patty Mayonnaise

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Operation + Surgeon

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Blossom + Six

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Trainwreck

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Paperman

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All Caps Abbi + Dog Hoody Ilana

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Andy Warhol + Marylin Monroe Pop Art

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Netflix + Chill

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Camille Styles

Romeo + Juliet

(via Camille Styles)

Extra Petite

Chip + Joanna Gaines

(via Extra Petite)

Studio DIY

Tropical Drink + Pool Boy

(via Studio DIY)

Kristina Horner

Barbie + Ken

(via Kristina Horner)

Studio DIY

Pencil + Paper

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Sweet Tooth Couples Costume

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Cookies + Milk

(via Studio DIY)

@kelseymcmurtrey

Rebecca + Jack from This Is Us

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Camille Styles

Shipwrecked

(via Camille Styles)

Good Housekeeping

Men in Black

(via Good Housekeeping)

@jhuhamada

Cosmo + Wanda

(via IG / @jhuhamada)

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Dirty Dancing

(via Say Yes)

Studio DIY

Pizza Slice + Delivery Boy

(via Studio DIY)

Good Housekeeping

Green with Envy

(via Good Housekeeping)

Say Yes

Grease

(via Say Yes)

C.R.A.F.T.

Bob Ross

(via C.R.A.F.T.)

Say Yes

Mad Men

(via Say Yes)

Which of these last minute couples costumes might be a possibility this year? Get inspired with our creative B+C classes or join our newsletter for more ideas!

This post has been updated.

There are plenty of things you can do besides trick-or-treating or Netflix-bingeing come Halloween. For one, you can throw one hell of a Fright Night party. Don't know what foods to make? We've got you covered. Here are some scary Halloween appetizer recipes that you and your guests will totally die for.

Brit + Co

Mummy Pizzas

Making your own pizza dough can be scary. Swap it for ciabatta loaves instead to make these easy mummy apps. (via Brit + Co)

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Deviled Egg Brains

Savory deviled egg brains are bound to turn your party guests into hungry zombies. (via Brit + Co)

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Monster Sushi

A tray of monster sushi looks colorful and surprisingly stylish among your other appetizers. (via Brit + Co)

Foxes Love Lemons

Halloween Snack Platter

Treat party guests to a variety of sweet and savory snacks. They'll be so impressed, they won't even be tempted to dip into your candy stash. (via Foxes Love Lemons)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

7-Layer Spider Web Dip

Turn a classic appetizer into a Halloween favorite with just a little sour cream artistry and a handful of black olive spiders. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Half Baked Harvest

Spooky Halloween Pretzels

Your starters don't all have to be savory – serve up a tray of these sweet chocolate-covered pretzels. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crowded Kitchen

Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Keep your Halloween snack spread even sweeter by dipping some strawberries in orange-dyed chocolate and decorating each one with an adorable lil' pumpkin face! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Salty Canary

Halloween Monster Popcorn

Colored with candy melts and filled with other sweets, this monster popcorn really pops once you add a generous sprinkle of salt. (via Salty Canary)

Fork and Beans

Bell Pepper Salad Cups

This time of year, our consumption of fresh vegetables is definitely lacking. Make up for it with a spirited presentation of salad. (via Fork and Beans)

Plain Chicken

Spider Hot Dogs

We've all seen mummy hot dogs. Take things to the next terrifying level with these truly disturbing tube steak spiders. (via Plain Chicken)

Cutefetti

Skeleton Snack Tray

Spend time on your costume, not cooking up a storm in your kitchen, by preparing a snack platter that requires no oven time. (via Cutefetti)

Feel Good Foodie

Halloween Fruit Kabobs

For a Halloween potluck idea that sits on the healthier side, these adorably ghoul-ish fruit kabobs are easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to devour before or after the main course! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Monstrous Meatball Sliders

Cheese fangs and olive eyeballs transform plain old meatball sliders into an on-point app. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Lavender & Lovage

Mini Toad Holes

With a name like "toad in the hole," this dish was destined for October dining. (via Lavender & Lovage)

Noshing with the Nolands

Little Potato Halloween Monster Eyeballs

Kids and adults alike are pretty much obsessed with potatoes, especially when cheese is involved (even if it does look like the eyeballs). (via Noshing with the Nolands)

Takes Two Eggs

Mummy Homemade Black Sesame Pop Tarts

These "buttery, flakey, nutty, and sweet" homemade Pop Tarts will be the perfect food to finish off your spooky feast with. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Follow us on Pinterest for more terrifying Halloween tips.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Grace Lee and Meredith Holser.