My submission... Pencils.
A simple item. You write with it, then sharpen it as it gets blunt, giving icing you more writing material.
But no, they are conspiring against me. They are hiding in places unknown. You try to sharpen one, the lead breaks.
The colouring pencils, which aren't currently needed, sit like class pets in the box, perfectly sharpened.
(Added to which, apparently it is perfectly acceptable for my 7yp to produce a mess of scribbles as 'work'. Both children getting extra handwriting practice, at least elder DD has some excuse for her illegible work)