Best Chalk & Drawing Supplies for Offices: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and Smart Tips

Why chalk still matters in the modern office

You might think whiteboards and digital screens have pushed chalk into obsolescence, but chalk still plays a key role in many offices, classrooms, and creative spaces. Chalk is tactile, immediate, and inexpensive — perfect for quick brainstorming sessions, impromptu sketches, and visible reminders on dark surfaces. Plus, colored chalk can inject personality into meeting notes or highlight priorities without the distraction of notifications. If you want a simple, low-tech tool that supports collaboration and creativity, a good supply of chalk is one of those small office investments that keeps paying off.

Types of chalk and markers for office use

Not all chalk is created equal. From classic white sticks to dustless colored options and liquid chalk markers, the variety can be confusing. Think of chalk like shoes: some are built for speed, some for comfort, and some for show. Below I break down the main types so you can pick the right pair — or stick — for your workspace.

Traditional chalk sticks

Traditional chalk sticks are the classic choice for slate and old-school blackboards. They typically measure around 3.25 inches long and are easy to snap into a holder. These are great for heavy use because they’re inexpensive and easy to replace. If your office still uses a slate board or arts-and-crafts style surface, classic sticks offer a reliable, familiar feel under your fingers.

Dustless chalk

Dustless chalk is formulated to minimize airborne particles, which makes it a better option for shared spaces and permanent markers. While "dustless" is a relative term, many dustless brands produce less mess and leave cleaner lines on the board. These sticks often come in packs of 12, 24, or 48 and still measure roughly 3 inches per stick so they fit standard chalk holders.

Colored sidewalk and presentation chalk

Colored chalk is ideal when you want to emphasize ideas, draw attention to specific areas on charts, or make attractive signage on temporary displays. Sidewalk chalk variants can be chunkier — sometimes up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 2 to 4 inches long — which makes them comfortable for large-scale art but less precise for fine writing on small boards. For presentations, choose bright pigments that contrast strongly against the board color.

Liquid chalk markers and chalkboard pens

Liquid chalk markers are the office-friendly cousin of regular chalk, offering crisp lines and minimal smudging on non-porous surfaces like glass and finished blackboards. They often come in fine tips as small as 0.7 millimeters for precise writing or broad tips around 3/16 to 1/4 inch for bolder strokes. They’re perfect for window signage or meeting-room glass walls and are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Chalk pastels for creative work

Artists and designers in the office may prefer chalk pastels for shading, blending, and colorful illustrations. Pastels are softer, richer, and usually come in sets of 12, 24, 48, or more. They’re terrific for mood boards, design comps, and anything that benefits from a softer edge than a chalk stick can provide. Expect a bit more mess, so keep a small brush or paper towel handy.

Top US stores to buy chalk and drawing supplies

When it comes to buying chalk and drawing supplies, you have plenty of options across the US. Some retailers specialize in office basics, others are craft-focused, and online marketplaces offer the widest selection. Here’s a practical guide to where to shop depending on budget, quantity, and brand preference.

Staples

Staples is a go-to for office supplies and carries a reliable variety of chalk, chalkboard markers, erasers, and accessories. You can find standard packs of white or colored chalk, as well as dustless options and holders. Ideal for buying moderate quantities — think packs of 12 to 48 — if you need something quickly for office supply closets or meeting rooms.

Office Depot / OfficeMax

Office Depot and OfficeMax often mirror each other in product offerings, with solid options for chalk and presentation tools. They tend to stock both traditional chalk sticks and liquid chalk markers, making it convenient to compare both in one place. Look for multipacks if you manage supplies for a department and want to keep costs down while maintaining variety.

Walmart

Walmart combines value and convenience with wide-reaching availability. You’ll find large, budget-friendly packs of chalk for schools and offices, from classic white sticks to jumbo sidewalk chalk. Walmart is useful when you want bulk packs — 50-to-100-count boxes are not uncommon — and prefer a low per-unit cost for frequent use.

Target

Target offers a curated selection that balances quality and aesthetic appeal. Their chalk and chalkboard accessories are often targeted at small offices, startups, and boutique shops looking for attractive packaging and mid-range pricing. Target’s selection is useful if you want reliable brands and occasional specialty items like patterned chalk or chalkboard label sets.

Amazon

Amazon is the wildcard: you’ll find every variety of chalk imaginable, from bargain packs to professional-grade artist pastels. It’s the place to go if you need a specific brand, an unusual color set, or bulk quantities shipped directly to your door. Filter reviews and check package dimensions — for example, a 24-pack might list stick length in inches — to avoid surprises.

Michaels and Joann Fabrics

For creative offices or teams with frequent art projects, craft stores like Michaels and Joann are excellent. They stock artist-grade pastels, specialty chalks, and chalkboard paints for custom signage. These stores are particularly good for one-off purchases of specialty items and seasonal colors, with helpful staff who can suggest supplies for a specific project.

Blick Art Materials

Blick (also known as Dick Blick) is a favorite among professional artists and designers. If your work demands high-quality pastels, soft chalk, or professional-grade pigments, Blick’s selection is tough to beat. Packaging might come in wooden crates for larger sets, but don’t worry — the investment pays off for detailed design work and archival-grade results.

Hobby Lobby and Costco

Hobby Lobby is great for arts-and-crafts teams looking for a wide variety of colors and chalk-related tools. Costco, on the other hand, is your choice for serious bulk buying — buy once and stock up. Expect large multi-pack bundles that make sense for schools and big teams, with product counts often listed in dozens or even hundreds.

How to choose the right chalk for presentations and meetings

Choosing the right chalk depends on the surface, the audience, and how long your content needs to stay visible. Think about contrast first: white or neon chalk works best on dark boards, while bold colors pop on lighter backgrounds. For meeting rooms with glass walls, liquid chalk markers give the cleanest presentation and erase easily. If you have allergies in the office, prioritize low-dust or dustless formulations to keep the air cleaner for everyone.

Match the chalk to the surface

Different surfaces demand different tools. Porous surfaces like unfinished wood or porous blackboards bleed more, so choose pastels or softer chalk. Non-porous surfaces like glass or lacquered boards call for liquid chalk markers or specialized wet-erase products. If you’re unsure, test a single stick in a corner before buying a full pack.

Prioritize visibility and color contrast

Colors read differently under office lighting and projector screens. Bright colors such as neon pink, lime green, and electric blue usually perform well under fluorescent lights. If your board is frequently photographed or scanned, stick to high-contrast palettes that reproduce well in digital images.

Think about smell and dust

Liquid markers and dustless chalk are often preferable in shared spaces due to reduced odor and airborne particles. If team members are sensitive to particulate matter, look for chalk labeled “low dust” or “dustless.” For enclosed meeting rooms, liquid markers are the least intrusive option.

Budgeting and bulk buying tips

Buying chalk for an office doesn’t have to break the supply budget. If you use chalk daily across a team of 10 or more, bulk packs of 50 to 100 sticks can save substantially. Watch for bundle deals at warehouse stores like Costco or on marketplaces like Amazon, and consider subscribing for recurring shipments if your team consumes supplies regularly. Also, look for multi-brand packs that mix dustless and colored sticks so you get the best of both worlds without overspending.

Care and maintenance: make your chalk last longer

Chalk care is simple but often overlooked. Store sticks in a dry container to prevent crumbling, and avoid dropping chalk on hard floors where they’ll chip. Use a chalk holder for better grip and to keep fingers clean, and rotate between sticks so none wear out prematurely. For boards, regular cleaning with a damp cloth prevents ghosting and keeps writing crisp — just be sure to use the right cleaner for the board material.

Eco-friendly and non-toxic chalk options

If sustainability matters in your office, you’ll find eco-friendly chalk options made from natural minerals and non-toxic pigments. These chalks often advertise biodegradable packaging and reduced chemical additives. They’re great for green offices that host kids or frequent community events, and they usually meet safety standards while delivering solid color and performance.

Creative uses beyond the whiteboard

Chalk isn’t limited to boards. Use colored chalk for temporary floor markings during office events, sidewalk chalk for outdoor team-building exercises, and chalk pastels for design prototyping. Glass walls with liquid chalk markers become dynamic presentation surfaces, and small chalkboards can double as stylish menu or wayfinding signs in communal kitchens. Think of chalk as a multi-tool that can both organize and inspire.

Quick checklist before you buy

Before hitting "add to cart," run down a quick checklist: What surface will you write on? How visible do you need the text to be? Do you require dust-free options? How many sticks or markers will last you a month? Answering these questions helps you avoid waste and ensures the supplies you choose fit your daily workflow and budget.

Chalk remains a flexible, affordable, and expressive medium for offices of all sizes. Whether you stock simple white sticks for a conference room, bulk up on colored sidewalk chalk for creative workshops, or invest in liquid markers for sleek presentations on glass, there’s a product and a retailer ready to meet your needs. Explore the stores above to find the right balance of price, quality, and convenience for your team, and keep a small backup stash to avoid that last-minute scramble before an important brainstorm.

Conclusion: Chalk is far from obsolete. When chosen with purpose — matching type to surface, considering dust and color needs, and buying from the right retailers — chalk and chalk-based tools remain indispensable in offices for collaboration, creativity, and clarity. Keep these tips in mind to buy smart, store well, and get the most out of every stick or marker in your supply closet.