Best glue sticks

Elmer's
(Image credit: Elmer's)

There's a reason parents and teachers love glue sticks. They are quick, easy, and mess-free! Especially when it comes to small children, sticky liquid glue can become a disaster very quickly. A glue stick, on the other hand, is simple to apply and simple to clean up. Even for adults who like crafting and scrapbooking, a glue stick is often easier and neater than other adhesives. These are our favorites for both school and crafting projects. 

Staff pick

Elmer's

(Image credit: Elmer's )

Elmer's All Purpose School Glue Sticks

Best for parents and teachers

For big families or big classrooms, you can't go wrong with the original Elmer's glue stick, especially when it comes in an affordable box of 30. Elmer's glue serves its purpose well and it's super washable, which is why this stick works well for small children. This pack of 30 could last the whole school year!

Crafty

Scotch Permanent Glue Stick

(Image credit: Scotch)

Scotch Permanent Glue Stick

Best for crafts and office solutions

Unlike many glue brands, Scotch makes their products to fit adult solutions. While washable school glue sticks are great for kids, adult projects usually call for something a little stronger. You can trust Scotch's Permanent Glue Stick to provide a strong, long-lasting adhesive for both crafts and office projects. 

Most fun

Gorilla Glue Stick

(Image credit: Gorilla)

Gorilla Kids Disappearing Purple Glue

Transparent glue that's fun to use

Now here's a fun way to glue! Gorilla's bright purple glue stick goes on purple but dries clear. Not only do kids love the idea that it magically disappears, but the transparent glue also won't leave any white sticky residue on the end project. It's easy to see while kids apply it, but it won't ruin your kids' beautiful work. 

Best value

Avery Glue Stick

(Image credit: Avery)

Avery Glue Stic

Affordable option

If you're looking for an inexpensive option that will get the job done, Avery offers this small glue stick! Like other school-grade glue sticks, it is non-toxic and safe for kids to use, and it is washable. Although it is smaller than some other options, the Avery stick is a good, quick solution for small projects. 

Post-it power

Scotch Restickable Glue Stick

(Image credit: Scotch)

Scotch Restickable Glue Stick

'Oops' factor friendly

Now here's a novel idea! Also known as 'post-it glue', the Restickable Glue Stick can be used to stick, unstick, and stick again for layouts, photos albums, scrapbooks, or any other project that calls for re-positionable adhesive. This glue also allows for plenty of 'oops' factors if you or your child is prone to glue-related accidents. You can turn anything into a post-it note!

A sticky situation

Whether you're using it for students and kids or for grownup projects, there's a glue stick on this list for every sticky situation. For parents and teachers that are stocking up for the school year, we recommend Elmer's All Purpose School Glue Sticks for the bulk price, versatility, and the fact that it's very washable. This one will keep your kids in adhesive for months to come. 

Adult projects may call for a stronger adhesive like the Scotch Permanent Glue Stick. This is a strong glue that won't unstick easily. More temporary solutions like layout work or photo montages, on the other hand, would require a light-duty glue that allows for repositioning and adjustment. For this, you'll need a Restickable Glue Stick from Scotch. Regardless, there's a glue stick out there for any of your adhesive needs.