# Meta Pencil Cases This Practical Pencil Case Doubles as a Highlighter, Eraser and Pencil Sharpener By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-08-21 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/practical-pencil-case References: [staples](http://www.staples.com/Designed-By-Students-The-Big-Pen-Pencil-Case-Purple-Blue/product_1558988) Most practical pencil case designs only consists of a cloth pouch with a zipper for secure storage, but the Big Pencil Case from [Staples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staples-pep-rally) includes that and so much more. The inventive pencil case was developed by students for students, as part of the brand's Designed by Students collection. As well as just being a whimsical pencil-shaped writing utensil case, the school supply provides students with a functional highlighter, eraser and [pencil sharpener in one](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flintone). Although the design is already multipurpose enough, the highlighter tip of the pencil case can also be removed and replaced with other [writing attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindone-snapin-case) that are sold separately. In addition to being purely fun, this practical pencil case cuts down on some of the supplies that would otherwise be added to a back to school shopping list. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Multipurpose Pencil Cases:** Opportunity for designing pencil cases that offer more than just storage, such as built-in highlighters, erasers, and pencil sharpeners. - **Student-led Innovation:** Opportunity to involve students in the development of school supplies, ensuring they meet their specific needs and preferences. - **Modular Writing Tools:** Opportunity to create pencil cases with interchangeable writing attachments, allowing students to customize their writing experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Education Supplies:** Creating innovative school supplies that enhance students' learning experience and make studying more convenient. - **Stationery Manufacturing:** Opportunity to develop and produce innovative pencil case designs that differentiate from traditional offerings. - **Retail/e-commerce:** Opportunity to market and sell multipurpose pencil cases online or in brick-and-mortar stores for students and consumers alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vertical Pencil Sharpening Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-sharpener-1.md) - [Three-in-One Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tp-pen.md) - [Recycled Plastic Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-drop-pencil.md) - [Electric Pencil Sharpener](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-pencil-sharpener.md) - [Clothespin-Inspired Mechanical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pentapa.md) - [Self-Sharpening Coloring Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infinity-colouring-pencils.md) - [Everlasting Metal Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metal-pencil.md) - [10-in-1 Multifunctional Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multak.md) - [Modernized Desktop Pencil Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grovemade-x-blackwing-pencil-kit.md)