Finally I can have a Decent Dry Erase Marker Right Where I Need It

If I need to remember something, I write it down in multiple places. I have three calendars, multiple list/note apps, and a pad of paper on my fridge for quick written notes. Right next to that magnetic notepad is a small magnetic whiteboard, which is where I scribble quick notes before I transfer them to something more permanent, or put on a to-do list for that day. It’s my “LOOK HERE” notation system, because no matter what I’m doing, I’m going to end up opening the fridge (or just being in the kitchen, it’s not that big), and then I’ll be reminded of whatever I need to be reminded of. It’s a good system, but the part that’s never worked well is the dry erase marker that came with the board.

This is the dry erase board that’s on my fridge. it’s small and cheap, but it’s not easy to find a very small whiteboard! (Added note, if you buy this little guy: Once I was done with one of the notepads mentioned above, I took the magnet on the back and stuck it on the whiteboard — it made a HUGE difference in stability and stick-ability.) I love that the included marker has a cap that’s both magnetic and has an eraser on the end, but that’s where the compliments end. The marker is too thick for such a small writing space, and it barely writes on the board as it is. The ideal dry erase marker, for me, has an ultra fine tip. You can write more clearly, it takes up less space on your writing surface, and they’re just neater and better looking than some clunky giant marker. BUT what does not seem to exist is an ultra fine tip dry erase marker WITH a magnetic cap. They make magnetic cups to hold your pens, but I have limited space, I only needed ONE marker, and I have used the cups before, they’re obnoxious.

I searched, I tried DIYing some kind of solution, and I was just about to give up when I saw these expandable magnetic pen holders. They were EXACTLY what I was trying (and failing) to DIY myself. The magnet is super strong so you can take the pen out and put it back without the magnet moving at all. The little pen holder is expandable, so it will hold my ultra fine tip marker but also a pen, or a small screwdriver. Also, because I can use the cap that came with my dry erase marker, the marker isn’t at risk of drying out because I’m using some third party cap with a magnet stuck to it.

I used to have to go dig out my preferred marker to write anything on my fridge whiteboard, and while it wasn’t horrible, it was obnoxious. I’d actually avoid writing quick notes because I hated the dance I’d have to do around my kitchen to get a usable marker. Now it’s held securely right next to the whiteboard, ready to scribble down notes at a second’s notice. This magnetic pen holder seems virtually indestructible, but I got a pack of three so I’m set just in case.