A writing instrument is a diverse tool; it can be used to pen love letters, sign payroll checks, take scholarly notes or write the next great American novel.
It’s also a wonderful gift for virtually everyone since there are writing instruments of all kinds that fall within every price range. If you’re considering purchasing a writing instrument for a friend or family member, the following guide should be helpful.
A Quick Guide to Different Pen Types
This quick guide will help you determine what type of writing instrument to purchase:
1. Fountain Pen: A fountain pen features a nib that is very similar to old quill pens. It allows the writer to put some personal expression into their writing. It does require a little skill and maintenance, so it’s best for someone who writes quite often and may have experience with this type of pen.
2. Rollerball Pen: This type of pen works well for everyone. The ink is expressed fluidly and depending upon the brand and quality of the pen, they can last a very long time. Because it’s a fixed rollerball, the creativity is limited, but this is a great pen for everyone.
3. Felt Tip Pen or Fiber Tip Pen: This pen works by filling the fiber at the tip with ink which is expressed when the individual presses the tip against paper. The ink is usually expressed fluidly but these pens can dry out quickly. The creativity that is present with the fountain pen isn’t available with this type of pen, but it’s a good pen for every recipient and requires no skill or care.
Cute/Fun Writing Instruments
Price Estimate: $25 and Under
If you’re shopping for writing instruments to include with a bigger gift, or just as a novelty, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of time or money. So, the key is to look for writing instruments that are affordable and work as a great gift by themselves or in combination with other items.
The Seven Year Pen is a really great item; it’s an eco-friendly pen designed to last at least 7 years. It reduces waste that is a result of disposable pens with short lives, and it’s available in a variety of charming and cute designs. Plus, it’s super affordable.
The Lilly Pulitzer ink pen is another great choice. It works very well as a stand alone gift, and is available in two designs: First Impression and Let’s Cha Cha. Both designs are bright, vivid and beautiful. These pens come in a matching box and make very pretty gifts.
Whether you’re searching for a great addition to a Father’s Day gift, a pen set for a carpenter, or something neat for a boy who loves tools, the Hand Tool Pen Set is perfect. This clever set includes the nail, hammer, screwdriver and wrench – the most used tools in the toolbox!
Elegant but Affordable Writing Instruments
Price Estimate: $25 – $100
A high-quality pen is a wonderful gift to celebrate all sorts of occasions: retirement, promotions, graduation, birthdays and more. It is possible to purchase beautiful and elegant writing instruments at an affordable price. With this category, you’ll spend a little more money, so you’ll want to take enough time to select an appropriate gift for the recipient.
The Engraved Rosewood Pen Set Collection available from Personalization Mall is a wonderful option. They’re available for teachers, graduates, executives and others, and each pen can be personalized when you order it. They’re crafted from high quality rosewood, and each pen comes with an equally beautiful case. Refills can be purchased virtually anywhere.
The Crystalline Lady Ballpoint Pens from Swarovski make a striking gift for any special occasion. The set includes the Crystalline Ballpoint Pen as well as the white pearl Crystalline Lady Ballpoint Pen, making it a perfect gift for couples, so think anniversary or wedding gift. Of course, coming from Swarovski, you can expect some “bling” on these beautiful pens.
For a stunning pen set that’s perfect for fine writing and everyday writing, the Monteverde Jewelria Round Ballpoint and Fountain Pen Set is a wonderful option. These pens feature beautiful resin barrels, available in black, brown or green.
The ballpoint pen boasts a smooth twist-advance mechanism while the fountain pen is fitted with the Monteverde full-size nib. It uses a standard cartridge or converter while the ballpoint pen comes with the smooth writing, soft Roll™ refill.
High End Writing Instruments
Price Estimate: $100 – $500
When you want to select a writing instrument gift that will blow the recipient’s socks off, you’re going to want to budget accordingly. The pens in this category are high-end; they’re appropriate for really special occasions or when price isn’t really an issue.
A great example of high-quality, beautiful pens that can be appreciated for their craftsmanship and attention to detail as well as their writing style can be seen with the Graf Von Faber-Castell Initio pens. With beautifully fluted, lacquered barrels and meticulous craftsmanship, these gorgeous pens will delight a writing instrument “connoisseur.” They’re available in fountain pen, rollerball and fiber tip.
Another perfect example of a high-end pen is the Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Rollerball Pen. Each one is created from precious resin and features gold-plated rings and a gold-plated clip. An individual serial number comes with each pen, and the reputable and respected Montblanc brand ensures the highest quality. It’s worth mentioning that “meisterstuck” is the German word for “masterpiece.”
Another high-end pen manufacturer to watch out for is Aurora. This brand is known for their unbelievably beautiful pens, which serve as a status symbol for those who use them. For instance, the Aurora 88 Gold Plated Cap & Black Barrel Rollerball Pen is one of the finest offerings from the company, and features gold-plated trim on a black resin barrel.
Luxury Writing Instruments
Price Estimate: $500 and Up
Luxury pens are available for those who aren’t inhibited by financial constraints as well. These pens are often created with valuable metals like sterling silver and gold, and are often adorned with precious and semi-precious jewels. For instance, Krone creates limited edition pens in sterling silver and 18k gold that often boast mother of pearl and stunning gemstones.
The limited edition Winston Churchill Krone pen above is one of only 388 pieces created worldwide, and it sells for just under $5,000.
Tibaldi is another luxury pen brand, creating limited edition pieces. They created the Tibaldi Da Vinci pen for the Da Vinci Code movie release, and it featured high quality engravings of Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man as well as cryptic codes and movie locations. Only 18 solid 18k gold rollerball pens were created, and only 61 solid 18k fountain pens were created, making this a very limited edition. The price – well over $4,000.
Pens are one of the most used instruments in the world, so they make an outstanding gift. Now it’s up to you to determine which pen or writing instrument would be perfect for your recipient. Good luck!
To get the full list of writing instruments, websites and prices, click on the pickURgift image below: