The Humble Glue Stick – From Lipstick to Classroom Essential

Looking for reliable glue sticks for your classroom? View our range of glue sticks for schools here Glue sticks for schools

The History of the Glue Stick

One of the most common items found in every classroom and office is the much-loved glue stick. But have you ever wondered how it first appeared?

Fun fact: In the 1960s, the inventor of the Pritt Stick was inspired while watching a woman on a plane apply lipstick. The twist-up tube sparked a brilliant idea—why not fill it with glue instead? And so, the world’s first glue stick was invented.

From Pritt Stick to Global Success

The glue stick was first launched under the Pritt brand and quickly became a classroom essential. By 1971, it was already sold in 38 countries, and today it’s a global favourite.

Henkel, the company behind Pritt, currently produces over 650,000 glue sticks every single day—that’s around 130 million each year. No wonder you’ll find one in almost every pencil case, art cupboard, and teacher’s desk.

Best Glue Sticks for Schools and Offices

More than 50 years later, there are now hundreds of Pritt Stick alternatives. Some are excellent, others not so much—but one thing is for sure: the glue stick is here to stay.

For schools, nurseries, and offices, choosing the best glue stick is important. You want something that performs like the branded version but without the hefty price tag.

Wizard Glue Sticks – A Value Alternative

At HOS, we work hard to supply the very best quality products at competitive prices. In our opinion, the Wizard Glue Stick is one of the best alternatives to the original Pritt Stick.

• Dries clear

• Made with PVP (just like the brand leaders)

• Works on paper, card, photos & some textiles

• Fantastic value in bulk glue stick packs

If your school goes through glue sticks at lightning speed, Wizard is a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on quality.

View our Wizard 40g Glue Sticks – Box of 100

Why Local Schools Choose HOS Over YPO

When you order your classroom supplies from us, you’re not just getting great products—you’re also supporting a local business with 35 years of experience.

We’re proud to compete with national suppliers like YPO by offering:

• Competitive pricing

• Next-day delivery

• Personal service you won’t get from a call centre

So next time you pick up a glue stick, remember its quirky lipstick-inspired origins—and know that with HOS, you can stock up on quality glue sticks for schools while keeping costs down.