I used to cross things off my to-do list, but now I erase them. Pilot Pen has introduced the new FriXion Ball, an erasable gel pen that works like a charm. Unlike erasable pens of the past that, like tattoo removal, never seemed to make ink completely disappear, FriXion Ball uses a heat-sensitive ink that rubs away without a trace. The smooth-flowing pens are a pleasure to write with and come in a variety of colors. An erasable highlighter makes a set of FriXion pens a must-have for students.

To buy • The pens come in two-, three- and six-packs from about $5 to $15. They are available at Target, Staples, Office Max, CVS and Walgreens.