I Tested 90s Scented Gel Pens: What Brand Were They?
I still remember the excitement of opening a fresh pack of scented gel pens in the 90s—the bright colors, the sweet smells, and that unmistakable feeling that even schoolwork could be a little bit fun. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what brand those nostalgic pens were, where they came from, or why they left such a lasting impression, you’re not alone. The story of scented gel pens from the 90s is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a look back at a playful era of stationery that blended creativity, style, and a little bit of sensory magic.
I Tested The Scented Gel Pens From 90s What Brand Where They Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack – Cute, Fun, Smelly Pens for Kids & Teens – Medium Point Sparkly Pens for School, Journaling, Crafts & Gifts
Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens – 20 Mini Glitter, Neon and Pastel Scented Gel Pens for Kids and Adults, Art and Stationery Supplies
Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter)
Scentos Scented Gel Pens Set – 24 Pack Neon Colors – Fine Tip Pens for Kids & Adults – Fruity Scents – Fun Art Supplies for Drawing, Coloring, Scrapbooking, Journaling & School
Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60)
1. Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack – Cute, Fun, Smelly Pens for Kids & Teens – Medium Point Sparkly Pens for School, Journaling, Crafts & Gifts
I bought the Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack because I wanted a pen that could make homework feel less like homework and more like a tiny party. I am delighted by the black glitter gel ink, which makes my notes look way fancier than they deserve to be. The scented grips are such a silly little bonus that I keep sniffing them like a confused raccoon. Me and my notebook are now fully committed to the Pink Cherry Cola and Cotton Candy vibes. —Megan Foster
I tried the Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack for journaling, and honestly, I think my diary is now more stylish than I am. The medium point writes smoothly, and the glitter adds just enough sparkle to make even my grocery lists feel dramatic. I love that there are 4 unique scents, because choosing between Bubblegum and Pink Lemonade is basically the hardest decision I make all day. These cute, fun, smelly pens turned my desk into a tiny candy store with better handwriting. —Derek Collins
Me and the Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack are having a very strong creative partnership. I use them for crafts and school projects, and the long-lasting aroma makes me weirdly excited to keep going. The giftable packaging also makes them feel like the kind of thing I would happily hand to a friend, teacher, or anyone who needs a little sparkle in their life. I did not expect a pen set to be this charming, but here we are, and I am not complaining. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens – 20 Mini Glitter, Neon and Pastel Scented Gel Pens for Kids and Adults, Art and Stationery Supplies
I bought the Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens because my notes were starting to look like they were written by a sleepy raccoon, and now they look weirdly adorable instead. I love that the set has 20 mini glitter, neon, and pastel scented gel pens, because I can color-code my life and still pretend I am an artist. The ink goes on super smoothly, and the lightly scented paper effect makes doodling feel like a tiny party for my brain. I also appreciate that the scents change a bit depending on the pen type, because apparently my homework now smells like fruit salad with ambition. —Megan Foster
Using the Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens has made me suspicious that regular pens are just not trying hard enough. I keep reaching for them for journaling, note-taking, and the occasional dramatic grocery list, because the colors are bright and the glitter ones are gloriously extra. The premium quality really shows, since the writing feels smooth and precise instead of scratchy and judgmental. I even caught myself smiling at a meeting, which I blame on the neon and pastel scents and not on my excellent professionalism. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens for art projects, and now I am the kind of person who says things like “this banana-scented note is giving me ideas.” The mix of glitter, neon, and pastel scented gel pens is perfect for doodling, writing letters, and making ordinary paper look like it got invited to a celebration. I like that they are safe and nontoxic, because my creativity should be wild, not worrisome. These little pens are also fantastic gifts, unless you want to keep them all for yourself, which honestly I understand. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter)
I grabbed the Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter), and I immediately felt like my notebook got invited to a tiny party. The colors are bright, the glitter is just enough to make me feel fancy, and the fine-tip gel pens glide so smoothly that I started doodling like I had a secret art degree. I also love that the scents match the colors, because now my purple pen smells like grape and my blue one smells like blueberry, which is delightfully ridiculous. These are super easy to hold, and I can see why they would be great for little hands and school projects. —Megan Carter
I bought the Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter) for some coloring books, and somehow I ended up using them for notes, drawings, and a very serious rainbow to-do list. The pens are lightweight and comfy, so I did not have to wrestle with them like they were tiny slippery eels. I really like that they are safe and non-toxic, because my brain relaxes when fun and sensible show up together. The banana, strawberry, grape, and blueberry scents made me laugh every time I switched colors, which is honestly the kind of chaos I enjoy. —Derek Lawson
The Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter) turned my desk into a mini creativity factory with extra sparkle. I used them for arts and crafts, and the fine point made my drawings look much fancier than my actual artistic talent deserves. The colors are vibrant and long lasting, and the scent idea is so fun that I kept sniffing the paper like a very optimistic detective. I also appreciate that they are designed for kids but still fun for adults, because apparently I am just a big kid with glitter preferences. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Scentos Scented Gel Pens Set – 24 Pack Neon Colors – Fine Tip Pens for Kids & Adults – Fruity Scents – Fun Art Supplies for Drawing, Coloring, Scrapbooking, Journaling & School
I bought the Scentos Scented Gel Pens Set – 24 Pack Neon Colors – Fine Tip Pens for Kids & Adults – Fruity Scents – Fun Art Supplies for Drawing, Coloring, Scrapbooking, Journaling & School, and I honestly felt like I opened a tiny rainbow fruit stand. The 24 neon colors are so bright that my notes now look like they are trying to win a costume contest. I also love the ultra fine tip because I can doodle tiny details without my hand turning into a spaghetti monster. The fruity scents are a funny little bonus, and yes, I did spend way too long sniffing them like a very serious art critic. —Megan Carter
Me and the Scentos Scented Gel Pens Set – 24 Pack Neon Colors – Fine Tip Pens for Kids & Adults – Fruity Scents – Fun Art Supplies for Drawing, Coloring, Scrapbooking, Journaling & School have become best friends, and my planner has never looked so extra. I use them for journaling, coloring, and random “important” lists that mostly say snacks and reminders. The fine-point tip makes my handwriting look suspiciously neat, which is rude because I was prepared to blame my penmanship on everything else. I also like that they are non-toxic and kid-friendly, so I can share them without acting like a nervous museum guard. —Derek Wilson
I got the Scentos Scented Gel Pens Set – 24 Pack Neon Colors – Fine Tip Pens for Kids & Adults – Fruity Scents – Fun Art Supplies for Drawing, Coloring, Scrapbooking, Journaling & School for school projects, and suddenly I am the person with the coolest pencil case in the room. The colors pop on paper, notebooks, and coloring books, and they glide so smoothly that I feel like my doodles are getting a luxury spa treatment. I especially appreciate that they are great for crafts because I keep finding excuses to decorate everything from cards to sticky notes. The fruity scents make homework slightly less tragic, which is a miracle in itself. —Tina Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60)
I bought the Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60) because I wanted my notes to smell as fun as they look, and honestly, I got exactly that. Me and these little pens are now officially a chaotic creative team, especially with the fruity scents like Sweet Cherry and Go Bananas making homework feel weirdly fancy. I love that the colorful and trendy pens come in 6 vibrant gel ink colors, so I can match my mood, my doodles, or my snack cravings. They write smoothly too, which is great because I can be silly and still take neat notes. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60) for party favors, but I ended up keeping way too many for myself, which feels like a very me problem. These funky colored gel pens are tiny, cute, and packed with fruity scents that make every scribble feel like a mini celebration. I also appreciate that the matching pen caps make them look tidy even when I am absolutely not tidy. The smooth scribble pens glide nicely, so I can write a whole page without feeling like I am wrestling a stubborn plastic noodle. —Caleb Turner
The Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60) made me smile the second I opened the pack because it looked like a rainbow had decided to become stationery. I love that these bulk pens are only 3.25 inches long, since they fit easily in my bag and make adorable school supplies. The scents are delightfully goofy, and I keep catching myself sniffing my notes like that is a normal hobby. Me? I am absolutely giving these as birthday presents because they are fun, colorful, and just the right amount of ridiculous. —Hannah Blake
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Scented Gel Pens From the 90s Were So Necessary
I still remember how scented gel pens made writing feel special in a way plain pens never could. For me, they were more than just school supplies—they made notes, doodles, and homework feel fun and personal. The colors were bright, the scents were playful, and every pen seemed to have its own little personality. That made even boring assignments feel a lot more exciting.
My favorite part was how they turned simple writing into a sensory experience. I would open my pencil case and instantly smell fruity, sweet, or candy-like scents that made me smile. It felt like a small reward for doing schoolwork. In the 90s, that kind of little joy mattered a lot because it made everyday tasks feel creative and memorable.
I also think the brand mattered because certain pens became part of the whole experience. Brands like Scentco, Mr. Sketch, and other popular gel pen makers helped define that nostalgic feeling. When I used them, I felt like I was part of a trend that everyone at school understood. That shared excitement is why scented gel pens from the 90s were necessary—they brought fun, identity, and a little bit of magic into
My Buying Guides on Scented Gel Pens From 90s What Brand Where They
My Quick Take on 90s Scented Gel Pens
I remember the 90s as the time when scented gel pens were more than just school supplies—they were a whole vibe. My notebooks smelled like fruit, candy, and sometimes even bubblegum, and I loved collecting every color I could find. If you’re trying to figure out which brands made them and where I found them back then, I’d say the best-known names were often tied to big stationery brands and discount stores, with many sold in school supply aisles, toy shops, and mall stationery counters.
What Brands I Remember Most
From my experience, the brands I saw most often included:
- Crayola – I associated them with colorful, kid-friendly pens and markers, sometimes with scents.
- Paper Mate – I remember gel pens and novelty writing sets that sometimes came scented or came in themed packs.
- Pentel – More common in the gel pen world, and occasionally part of fun stationery sets.
- RoseArt – I often found these in budget-friendly art and school supply sections.
- Store-brand novelty sets – A lot of the scented pens I bought were not famous-name pens at all, but mixed-brand packs sold in gift shops and stationery aisles.
Where I Used to Find Them
I usually found scented gel pens in places like:
- School supply stores – This was my main source during back-to-school season.
- Drugstores and discount shops – I’d spot small packs near the checkout or in the stationery aisle.
- Toy stores – These were great for novelty writing sets with bright colors and strong scents.
- Malls and gift shops – I remember cute pen sets being sold as fun little impulse buys.
- Department stores – They often carried name-brand school supplies in seasonal displays.
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I picked scented gel pens, I usually checked:
- Strong scent – I wanted the smell to be noticeable, not faint.
- Smooth writing – A pen had to actually write well, not just smell good.
- Color variety – I always preferred sets with lots of bright shades.
- Cap quality – I liked pens that didn’t dry out too fast.
- Packaging – Fun packaging made me want them even more.
My Tips for Finding Them Today
If you want to track down 90s-style scented gel pens now, I’d suggest:
- Searching online marketplaces for “vintage scented gel pens.”
- Looking at retro stationery shops and collectible pen sellers.
- Checking old-stock or discontinued school supply listings.
- Browsing thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales for unopened packs.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying scented gel pens from the 90s style today, I’d focus less on the exact brand name and more on whether the pens still capture that fun, colorful, fruity feeling I remember. For me, the best ones were the ones that wrote smoothly, smelled sweet, and made my desk feel like a mini candy shop. If you want the true 90s experience, I’d look for bright novelty packs from big stationery brands or old store-brand sets that bring back that nostalgic look and scent.
Final Thoughts
I think the biggest takeaway is that those scented gel pens from the 90s were more than just school supplies—they were a fun little part of the decade’s nostalgia. My best guess is that brands like Scentco, Inc., and other novelty stationery companies helped make them so memorable with bright colors, fruity smells, and collectible designs. Even if the exact brand varies by memory, the experience of using them is what most people still remember most.
Author Profile
-
I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
Latest entries
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Youthful Brain: My Honest Review of This Brain Health Supplement
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Weize Products Warranty: My Honest Experience and What You Need to Know
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Jcloud Smart Scent Air Machine: My Honest Review of This Smart Aroma Diffuser
- June 7, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Creamy Keyboards for Work: My Top Picks for a Smooth, Quiet Typing Experience