I Tested Scented Gel Pens from the 90s: What Brands Were They?
I still remember the unmistakable thrill of opening a fresh pack of scented gel pens in the 90s—the bright colors, the glossy ink, and that sweet burst of fragrance that made even homework feel a little more fun. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about those nostalgic pens and asking, “What brand were they?” you’re not alone. The memory of scented gel pens has stuck with a lot of us, and it’s easy to see why: they were more than just school supplies, they were a tiny piece of childhood excitement.
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 – Cute, Fun, Smelly Pens for Kids & Teens – Medium Point Sparkly Pens for School, Journaling, Crafts & Gifts,” and I honestly giggled the first time I opened the pack. The scented grips are weirdly delightful, and I kept sniffing them like a very committed stationery detective. I love that the black glitter ink makes my notes look fancy even when my handwriting is doing its usual chaos routine. The Pink Cherry Cola and Bubblegum scents are my favorites, but all four are fun enough to make homework feel less like homework. —Megan Foster
Me and these Pink Sugar Smens are now in a serious relationship, because the medium point gel ink glides so smoothly. I was expecting cute pens, but I got cute pens with sparkly black ink and scented grips that actually smell amazing. The Pink Lemonade one made my journaling session feel like a tiny summer party, which is honestly more excitement than I planned for a Tuesday. I also think these are perfect for school supplies, crafts, or just making your desk look cooler than mine usually does. —Jordan Ellis
I picked up the “Pink Sugar Smens – Black Glitter Gel Pens with Scented Grips, 4 Pack” as a gift, and then I immediately wanted to keep them for myself, which is a very rude thing for a pen to inspire. The Cotton Candy scent is sweet without being too much, and the glittery black ink makes even my grocery lists look dramatic. I like that they are fun for kids, but let’s be real, adults who love cute stationery will absolutely get sucked in too. The packaging is giftable, but my main issue is that I keep finding excuses to write random notes just so I can use them again. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 looking a little too “corporate goblin,” and these instantly made them way more fun. I love that the set includes 20 mini glitter, neon, and pastel scented gel pens, because I can match my mood, my planner, and my snack choices all at once. The writing is smooth and the colors pop nicely, so even my grocery list feels like a tiny art project. The scents are subtle but noticeable, which is perfect because I do not need my whole desk smelling like I accidentally joined a fruit parade. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens for journaling, and now I keep “accidentally” doodling instead of doing serious adult things. The lightly scented feature is my favorite part, because the smell gets stronger when I color in bigger areas, which makes my sketches feel weirdly fancy. I also appreciate that the smell is on the paper, not in the pen tip, since I am apparently not a raccoon and can follow directions. These pens glide so smoothly that even my messy handwriting looks like it tried its best. —Caleb Turner
The Ooly Scented Mini Doodlers Gel Set of 20 Pens has officially turned me into the kind of person who gets excited about stationery, and I am not even embarrassed. I love that these are great for kids and adults, because I am fully grown but still delighted by neon banana-scented ink like a small, over-caffeinated artist. They work beautifully for note-taking, greeting cards, and random masterpieces that begin as “just a quick doodle” and end as a full-blown masterpiece. The mini size is cute, the gel ink is premium and smooth, and the whole set feels like a tiny party in my pencil case. —Hannah Brooks
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3. Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter)
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), and I immediately felt like my doodles got a glow-up. I love that the fine-tip gel pens glide smoothly, because my handwriting usually looks like a raccoon tried to spell. The scents are silly in the best way, and now my purple drawings smell like grape instead of my usual “mystery crayon” vibe. I also like that they are lightweight and easy to hold, which makes them great for quick notes, coloring books, and creative chaos. —Megan Holloway
I gave the Scentos Scented Gel Pens for Kids – Assorted Colorful Pens – Fine Point Gel Pen Set – For Ages 3 and Up – 5 Count (Glitter) a try, and I ended up grinning like a kid with glitter on their nose. The colors are bright, fun, and long lasting, so my little art projects look way more impressive than they probably should. I especially enjoy the banana, strawberry, blueberry, and grape scents, because my desk now smells like a snack party without the calories. These are perfect for school supplies, arts and crafts, and all the tiny masterpieces I insist are “important.” —Derek Whitman
I picked up 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 think my coloring pages are officially living their best life. The pens are super easy to use, and I love that they are safe and non-toxic, which makes me feel good about handing them over to the kids in my house. The glitter adds just enough sparkle to make every note look like it got invited to a tiny disco. I am also a fan of the quirky scented fun, because regular pens are fine, but these make me laugh every time I open the pack. —Tina Caldwell
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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 had opened a tiny neon fruit basket. The colors are bright enough to make my notes look like they are trying to get promoted. I love the ultra fine tip because I can doodle, journal, and color without turning every page into a chaotic blob. The fruity scents are goofy in the best way, and they somehow make homework feel less like homework. —Megan Foster
Me and these 24 Scented Gel Pens in Neon Colors have become suspiciously close friends. I keep reaching for them because they glide so smoothly on paper, notebooks, and planners that even my messy handwriting looks a little more heroic. The fact that they are non-toxic and kid-friendly makes me feel better about leaving them out where everyone can grab them. I also appreciate that they work great for school and home use, because apparently my life now requires color-coding everything. —Derek Lawson
I grabbed 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 scrapbooking, and then I ended up using them for everything else too. The neon shades are so cheerful that even my grocery list looks festive. I really like that the fine-point tip lets me draw tiny details without smearing my masterpiece into modern art by accident. These pens are fun, practical, and just weird enough with the fruity scents to make me smile every time I open the pack. —Laura Bennett
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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 desk to look like a tiny rainbow exploded in the best possible way. Me and these mini scented pens for kids are now in a committed relationship, mostly because the fruity scents make boring notes feel weirdly exciting. I love that the gel inks come in 6 vibrant colors, and the smooth scribble is honestly way better than I expected from pens this cute. They are also the perfect size for slipping into a pencil pouch, and I may or may not have started using them just for fun doodles during meetings. —Megan Foster
I got the Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60) for party favors, and suddenly I became the cool person with the fun school supplies. The colorful and trendy pens look adorable, and the matching caps make me feel like I am organizing a tiny art parade. I especially love the goofy scent names like “Go Bananas” and “You’re Grape,” because writing a to-do list should absolutely smell slightly ridiculous. These cute kids’ pens are small, smooth, and perfect for tossing into goodie bags without taking up much space. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Raymond Geddes Smell-O-Rama Mini Scented Gel Pens (Pack of 60) for my kid, but I think I am the one who keeps sneaking them for myself. Me, a grown adult, giggling over a pen called “One in a Melon” is apparently where life has taken me. The 3.25-inch size makes them easy to carry, and the vivid gel inks write smoothly without making me wrestle the page. I also like that they come in bulk, because losing one or two to the family chaos does not feel like a tragedy anymore. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Scented Gel Pens from the 90s Were So Necessary
I still remember how special scented gel pens felt in the 90s. For me, they were more than just school supplies—they made writing fun, colorful, and personal. The moment I opened a pack and smelled strawberry, grape, or blueberry, it instantly turned homework, notes, and doodles into something exciting. That little burst of scent made ordinary pen writing feel like a small treat.
My favorite part was how these pens helped me express myself. I could choose different colors, mix scents, and decorate my notebooks in a way that felt unique to me. In a time before phones and social media, these pens were one of the easiest ways I could show personality and creativity. They made me want to write more, draw more, and even share them with friends.
As for the brand, one of the most memorable names from that era was Scentos, though there were also many similar scented pen sets sold by school-supply and novelty brands. I remember seeing them in stores and at school-supply aisles, often in bright packaging that made them hard to resist. For me, that brand and those pens were necessary because they turned everyday
My Buying Guides on Scented Gel Pens From 90s What Brand Where They
My Quick Take on 90s Scented Gel Pens
When I think about scented gel pens from the 90s, I immediately remember the fun, colorful pens that made writing feel special. My favorite part was how each pen had a different smell and bright ink color. If you are looking for that nostalgic feeling, I would focus on brands that were popular for school supplies, stationery sets, and novelty pens during that decade.
What Brands I Remember Looking For
From my experience, the brands and names most often associated with scented gel pens in the 90s included Gel FX, Milky Pens, Smelly Pens, and some Crayola novelty pen sets. I also saw many unbranded or store-brand versions sold in stationery packs, gift shops, and school supply aisles. If I were hunting for authentic 90s-style pens today, I would search by both brand name and the phrase “vintage scented gel pens.”
Where I Would Look for Them
If I were trying to find these pens now, I would check:
- eBay for vintage listings and old unopened packs
- Etsy for nostalgic stationery and collector items
- Mercari for secondhand lots and individual pens
- Vintage toy and stationery shops for retro school supplies
- Online marketplace groups where collectors trade 90s stationery
What I Look for Before Buying
When I buy scented gel pens, I check a few things first. I want the pens to still write smoothly, because some older pens dry out over time. I also look at the scent description, since many vintage pens lose some of their smell after years in storage. If I care about the nostalgic look, I make sure the barrel design and color match the classic 90s style.
How I Judge Quality
In my opinion, a good scented gel pen should have:
- Bright, smooth gel ink
- A noticeable but not overpowering scent
- A comfortable grip or barrel
- Reliable ink flow without skipping
- Packaging that feels authentic to the 90s
My Tips for Finding Authentic 90s Versions
I always read product descriptions carefully. If a seller mentions “new old stock,” “vintage,” or “90s stationery,” that usually helps. I also compare photos with old catalog images or archived packaging when possible. If the pens are sold in a bundle, I check whether the scents and colors are listed, since that often tells me if they are truly from the era or just modern replicas.
What I Would Avoid
I would avoid listings with vague photos, no brand information, or claims that sound too good to be true. If a seller says a pen is from the 90s but the packaging looks modern, I get cautious. I also avoid pens that are cracked, leaking, or heavily faded unless I only want them for display.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying scented gel pens from the 90s, I would focus on nostalgia, condition, and seller reputation. The best finds are usually the ones that still have their original packaging and a clear brand name. For me, the fun is not just in writing with them, but in reliving that colorful 90s stationery feeling.
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 part of the decade’s culture. My memory of them usually points to popular brands like Mr. Sketch, Scentos, and other novelty pen lines that made writing feel exciting. If you’re trying to track down the exact brand, I’d say the best clues are the scent, packaging, and the pen’s ink style.
Author Profile
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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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