The Jotted Line

Partker Jotter Waterloo Blue

The Jotted Line

The Top 7 Picks for a Graduation Pen

on Jan 02 2023
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Today, we want to share our top 7 pens for the best MBA graduation gift. Historically, luxury pens are traditional gifts given in celebration of scholarly achievements. Moreover, here at Dayspring Pens, our goal is to help you find the best one for your graduate. Additionally, each of these pens includes a free line of custom personalization and free shipping in the USA. The 7 Best Graduation Pens 1. Cross Classic Century Medalist Pen and Pencil Set These incredibly well made pen sets, the Classic Centuries not only have a history of being used for 40+ years but also are after often gifted as an MBA graduation gift. What you get with a Cross Classic Medalist Set: Twist-action slim barrel ballpoint pen with medium point black ink Twist-action slim barrel mechanical pencil with 0.7mm lead and eraser Lustrous chrome body with 23k gold appointments AT Cross brand Lifetime Mechanical Guarantee against defects Custom engraving is light gold to match appointments Price point: around $120 The small engraving space which is framed by detailed ribbing down the barrel provides the perfect space for a name with new credentials. 2. Parker IM Rollerball Pen Soft matte blue and shining chrome make the Parker IM Rollerball an amazing medium. Furthermore, it's perfect for engraving the name of the college they are graduating or the title of a new business. Key features of the Parker IM Rollerball: Capped rollerball pen with medium point liquid ink Powdered matte blue finish with lustrous chrome accents Parker Pens two year warranty against defects Engraved message is silver to match appointments Price point: around $45 Indeed the Parker IM rollerball is the prime example of how smoothly a good pen writes and what a useful tool it can be in a new job. 3. Waterman Expert Ballpoint Pen No other company offers this same level of attention to detail, luxury, and craftsmanship more suitable for this monumental occasion in life than Waterman. The story on the Waterman Expert Ballpoint Pen: Medium point ballpoint pen exudes professionalism High gloss black lacquer finish with 23k gold appointments Waterman three year warranty against defects Personalization look gold Price point: around $135 Consequently, the cigar shaped, larger barrel of the Expert makes it comfortable to use over long periods of writing from a brand that always delivers quality. 4. Dayspring Pens Monroe Set Affordable and entry-level the Monroe Pen and Pencil Set gifts the experience of writing with a pen that is ready to help them create, perfect as an MBA graduation gift. The features of the Monroe Set:  Medium, click-action ballpoint and 0.7mm mechanical pencil 18k gold-plated finish and rubber ergonomic grip Three year Dayspring Pens mechanical guarantee Price Point: around $35 Balanced with a modern design, the Monroe is a handy set that will be appreciated for its long engraving space, perfect to a logo or a personal message to your loved ones. 5. Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen The Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen is a staple for the writing desk of any new professional. Highlights of a Calais Ballpoint: Twist-action ballpoint with medium point black ink Art deco inspiration contrast a tapered silhouette with straight bandings Cross Lifetime Mechanical Warranty Personalization looks light gold Price Point: around $35 Calaises are amazing graduation pens no matter the field your graduate is interested. Not only are they simple and versatile, but they are also always ready to write, no matter where their lives take them. 6. Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Pen The perfect blend of practicality and luxury, the Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint is as functional as it is prestigious. What makes the Waterman Hemisphere great: Twist-action ballpoint with Mysterious Blue ink inside the pen High gloss black lacquer, 23k gold appointments, perfectly engraved in gold Three year Waterman warranty Price point: around $75 Parisian elegance meets English practicality in this detailed ballpoint. This same pen has been a staff favorite for a reason, it will last a lifetime as beautiful to look at as it is to write. 7. Dayspring Pens Rosewood Graduation Pen and Gift Box A themed wooden case pairs perfectly with the matching Rosewood carved ballpoint pen. Gift a Rosewood Graduation Pen with these features:  Twist-action ballpoint with Cross-style black ink Varnish Rosewood pen with gold bandings and clip and a carved case for a desk Dayspring Pens warranty Price point: around $28 The natural beauty of warm wood offers the perfect space for a custom engraving, matching on both the case and the pen. The most budget-friendly option, this set is all about practical commemoration. Best Graduation Gift Pens By Degree Best graduation gift pen for high school: Coming in under $30 is the Rosewood Pen and Case Set. The cap and scroll emblem commemorate the day, while the pen will write steadily as they go off to college or a career.  Discover: The Rosewood Pen and Case Set Best pen to give for a college graduation: A smooth writer, the Parker IM Rollerball is best for a college graduation present for its durable finish, affordable luxury touches, and the Parker name which means reliability. This pen wont break the bank, but offers the finesse and class that perfectly highlights the day.  Shop Now: Parker IM Rollerball Best pen to give for a postgraduate graduation: Look no further than the Waterman Expert Fountain Pen as a gift for Masters and Doctoral graduates. Indeed, postgraduate work is rigorous and extensive making the graduation a true celebration. Consequently, Waterman offers the prestige and premium finishes that make this pen a declaration of achievement.  Check It Out: Waterman Expert Fountain Pen Best graduation gift pen for a law student: Practical and impressive to look at, the Waterman Hemisphere ballpoint not only fits easily in a pocket or briefcase but also will always be ready to write and sign. Furthermore, it will look impressive in the conference room.  Surprise Your Loved One: Waterman Hemisphere ballpoint Best gift pen to give to a medical student: Classic Century Medalist Set is versatile and durable. Slim enough for a lab coat and available with a special medical emblem on the clip, this set offers a subtle space for engraving that will help them keep track of the pen while doing rounds. Get It Today: Classic Century Medalist Set People also ask... How much money should you give for graduation gifts? 25 high school 50-100 college 100-500 post doc Is a pen a good graduation gift? A pen is the perfect MBA graduation gift since it gives something practical they can use as they move forward with their degree. Pen selection and price can also be matched to the gravitas of the ceremony and the accomplishment. What are other traditional gifts for graduation? Traditional graduation gifts include: a briefcase, a class ring, framed diploma, a practical house warming present, or money. The goal of a graduation gift is to give something that either commemorates the achievement or helps set them up for the future (ideally both!).  What's a good last-minute graduation gift? In a time crunch, money is always considered a good last-minute MBA graduation gift since it helps fund their future endeavors. The Best Option for MBA graduation gift So that's it for our list of graduation pens and tips for finding the best personalized graduation presents.  Now what's your favorite thing to give for graduation?  Leave a comment below!  Additionally, here are some other helpful articles and videos we have on finding the best personalized gifts: 103 Personalized Gifts! Top 5 Graduation Gifts What to Get Engraved on Your Pen Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Medical Emblem Cross Classic Century Medalist Ballpoint Pen

The Jotted Line

15 Personalized Gifts for Doctors Day

on Jan 02 2023
Doctors Day is fast approaching, and many of us would like to show our attentive medical experts some extra appreciation this year. But how can we best show them our support for their hard work? It’s simple: personalized gifts for Doctors Day! Personalized gifts are great options because they display an extra level of gratitude through a unique element of what would otherwise be a neutral gift. Even something as simple as an engraving with your doctor’s title and name can make a big impression and communicate your value in them. So, here’s our list of the top 15 personalized gifts for Doctors Day. 15 Personalized Gifts to Impress Your Doctor Personalized Stethoscope Security Badge Holder Custom Embroidered Scrubs Custom Chargers Personalized Coffee Mug Custom Ember Mug Curated Coffee Subscription Engraved Rocks Glasses Coasters Personalized Pen Customized Notebook Journal Personalized Case of Book Darts Personalized Desk Wedge Personalized Face Mask Custom Brass Plated Picture Frames Unique Gift Ideas for the Doctor 1.) Personalized Stethoscope That's right! You can get top brands like 3M Littmann, MDF, and Welch Allyn customized for the perfect gift for your MD, RN, or Vet. Allheart can engraved both the head of the stethoscope and the rubber tubing so you can select the best spot for your message. ENGRAVE A STETHOSCOPE FOR YOUR DOCTOR HERE 2.) Security Badge Holder These custom security badge reels can be individualized and don't have to be bought in bulk. Just find a picture you want added, upload it, and they will be proud to display it on their chest. GET THEM A CUSTOM SECURITY BADGE REEL 3.) Custom Embroidered Scrubs Get them scrubs they will recognize and remember! You can also go professional and get their name and title engraved, or you can play with it and have a favorite phrase or nickname added on and see if the patients notice. PERSONALIZED THEIR SCRUBS HERE 4.) Custom Power Banks Constantly in and out of offices and doing rounds, finding the time to keep their devices charged can be a challenge. Try giving these custom power banks so they can charge what they need on the job. CHARGE YOUR DOCTOR'S DEVICES WITH THESE Great Gifts for Doctors Day 5.) Personalized Coffee Mug It is my honor to present this amazing coffee mug to give as a gift to your doctor. It's light hearted, but will express your appreciation for the health they help maintain. SHOW THEM YOUR APPRECIATION WITH THIS MUG 6.) Custom Ember Mug Take your doctor's coffee mug to the next level with a custom Ember Mug that will keep their most important daily medicine (coffee) hot and ready for them as they move in and out of the office. Avoiding a cold cup of coffee is healing. MAKE THEIR CUP LAST LONGER WITH THIS MUG 7.) Curated Coffee Subscription A gift to go with the doctor's new favorite mug! A subscription box that will keep the business going and allow them to experience new coffees at work and at home. And hey! If coffee isn't their thing, here is a tea subscription. START A SUBSCRIPTION FOR YOUR DOCTOR 8.) Personalized Rocks Glasses  After a rewarding day, help the nurse drink to health! With one of these neat rocks glasses, everything will be al-rhye-t. ENJOY A CUSTOM GLASS HERE 9.) Coasters Here's an easy choice for office or home personalization: coasters. Get a coaster set with characters from their favorite movies, family members, or pictures of calming landscapes from a far-off land all printed on them. PROTECT THEIR DESK WITH THESE Personalized Gifts for the Doctor's Office 10.) A Personalized Pen  An engraved pen from us is a nice, affordable option for Doctors Day! Consider a Medical Emblem Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Pen with his or her name engraved on the cap. It's an easy-to-choose, meaningful choice for the best personalized gift that they can always use for the prescriptions and doctors notes they have signed.  GIVE THE GIFT OF A PERSONALIZED PEN TODAY! 11.) Customized Notebook Journal Doctor appreciation just got a whole lot cooled with these gorgeous color block personalized notebook items. With this, your doctor has a place to jot down information, results, and little reflections on their research throughout the day. HELP THEM JOT THEIR NOTES 12.) Personalized Case of Book Darts These special tins hold page darts that will help order all the doctor's paperwork and help them keep account of where they need to sign. Book Darts are precision-cut, paper-thin metal line markers that attach easily to any page marking your exact place. Elegant enough for great museum shops, book-friendly enough for public libraries, often judged indispensable by students, educators, and other readers of what has lasting value. Answers the question: "How can you mark your favorite passages, find them again quickly, and never harm the book? SHARE A CUSTOM CASE OF BOOK DARTS 13.) Personalized Desk Wedge A personalized desk wedge is the best way to either provide you with an opportunity to make your coworkers laugh or show your real appreciation in a new way. It may earn you some well-deserved respect around the office. Engrave it with "World's Best Nurse," or perhaps "Grand Master of the Water Cooler." Whatever works! MAKE THEIR DESK SPECIAL 14.) Custom Printed Face Masks No where are face masks more important than in the medical professions. Add a little fun to the thing they have been wearing all year to keep up safe as they work. COVER UP WITH THESE SPECIAL MASKS 15.) Custom Brass Plate Picture Frames Commemorate their time from med-school to doctor with this unique wall art! It is an easy way to show appreciation for their hard work and the time they have put into the title they deserve. With Framebridge, you can customize the mat with a personalized message or get a specially engraved brass name plate on the frame with the date of their graduation. SHOW OFF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT WITH CUSTOM FRAME Great Gifts Anyway I can't help myself. I just want to throw in these great gifts I have personally given. Even though they can' t be personalized... Pedia Pals Stethoscope Covers Pedia Pals Reflex Hammers Conclusion The search for great gifts for the doctor, nurse, or medical professional in your life is over. Honor them with any of these unique items that show your thanks. What's your favorite thing to give to express your doctors day appreciation? Let us know in the comments below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Teacher holds engraved pen Braxton rollerball for grading papers

The Jotted Line

5 Best Pens for Teachers: Improve Your Paper-Grading Workflow!

on Jan 02 2023
Being a teacher is a demanding job. Every day, you are asked to have the social and organizational skills of twenty people. You're asked not only to teach a given subject, but to counsel, to relate, to remember, to discipline, to encourage, and to support your students in countless ways. That's a really hard job, even if massively fulfilling. Here at Dayspring Pens, we want to help with at least one small task that teachers do every day, and that's grading papers. Teach For America ranked pens and pencils as the #6 thing that every teacher needs the most. So, below is our list of 5 of the best pens for grading papers that you can find on our webstore.  And if we know teachers, we know that someone is always swiping your best pens. That's why we recommend getting your pens engraved with your name on them. Every order from Dayspring Pens includes free engraving. If you're not a teacher yourself, but you're looking for personalized teacher gifts this year, these meaningful, useful gift pens will improve their paper-grading workflow. Personalized engravings will make your gift that much more meaningful. We hope these affordable personalized pens will make a small contribution of joy to your classroom! The 5 Best Personalized Pens for Teachers Here's our shortlist of the best pens for teachers: Cross Tech3+ Parker Jotter Dayspring Pens Richmond Pen and Pencil Set Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Dayspring Pens Abingdon Rollerball 1.) The Cross Tech3+ The Cross Tech3+ is one of our staff favorites here at Dayspring pens because it's the apex of functional pens.  This multi-functional twist-action pen features a black ballpoint, a red ballpoint, a mechanical pencil, and a stylus writing tip for touch screens all in one pen.  The ability to switch between the black and the red pen instantly makes it perfect for grading papers! With every twist of the pen, the writing tip cycles between the ballpoints and the mechanical pencil. The stylus can be attached to the cap end of the pen. All this makes the Tech3+ an all-in-one pen, saving you both money and time (especially grading time).  We recommend the Tech3+ as the #1 pen for teachers!  Do More: GRADE PAPERS TWICE AS FAST WITH THE TECH3+!   2.) The Parker Jotter #2 in our list of the best pens for teachers is the Parker Jotter. The Jotter is a massively affordable (the most affordable pen in this list), durable, and smooth-writing pen... and the click is so satisfying. The early salesmen for the Jotter used to stand on the Jotter to show just how durable the pen was, and it's still just as tough. Yet it's a classy pen with simple lines complimented by the unique arrow-shaped clip signature of Parker pens. These engraved pens are some of the most affordable on the market and make a great personalized gift for teachers!  Get Yours Today: INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY FOR LESS WITH THE PARKER JOTTER!   3.) The Dayspring Pens Richmond Pen and Pencil Set The Richmond pen and pencil set is the perfect two-in-one deal for teachers.  I love the Richmond because it fits in my hand so well, and it feels sleek and looks classy. The mechanical pencil allows you the freedom to make edits and redaction at will. Ballpoint pens have oil-based ink that sticks to pretty much any surface, so if you find yourself writing on smooth surfaces that your other pens just can't find traction with, the hemisphere is the way to go. Pairing the ballpoint with the mechanical pencil means you get a diverse set of writing tools for different daily writing tasks. The pencil gives you diversity and safety, while the ballpoint gives you versatility. The set is super affordable for a luxury pen set. I think the set gives teachers everything they need for their classroom workflow.  Experience More Functionality: DOUBLE IT UP WITH THE RICHMOND!   4.) The Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint  While it's not necessarily a cheap pen, the Hemisphere is one of the smoothest writing pens in our collection. And because it's a ballpoint, it's super versatile and unlikely to run out of ink anytime soon.  It's a super professional-looking pen for teachers, too! So, it adds a bit of added purpose to your daily writing tasks.  We recommend the Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint as one of the every day carry (EDC) pens for every dignified teacher!  Try It: MAXIMIZE YOUR CLASSY TEACHER VIBES WITH THE HEMISPHERE!   5.) The Dayspring Pens Abingdon Rollerball The Abingdon gives you a bolder, thicker pen with rollerball ink.  Rollerball ink is water-based (just like a fountain pen) that writes smoother and bolder than ballpoints.  The Abingdon stands out and looks super professional. Because it has a thicker barrel than the other pens in this list, custom engravings really stand out clearly. Plus, this pen is more than reasonably priced.  Stand Out: GO BOLD WITH THE ABINGDON ROLLERBALL! That's our list of top 5 pens for teachers. Before we go, here's a few questions people tend to ask about teacher gifts. Frequently Asked Questions Is It Acceptable to Give Gifts to My Teacher? It is totally acceptable to give teachers gifts, especially on Teacher Day or at the end of the school year. Feel free to show them some appreciation, just don't breach any social or professional boundaries. What Do Teachers Want As Gifts? There's a lot of things that teachers need and things that teachers want. We think nice pens fit both categories. What Should I Not Give My Teacher? Don't give your teachers anything too personal or anything that would be perceived as inappropriate in the classroom. The same basic rules for gift-giving in the workplace pretty much apply here. Conclusion That's all for our top 5 pens for teachers! We hope this list was informative both for teachers themselves and for those who are looking for teacher gifts.  If you found this list helpful, be sure to leave us a comment below! If none of these pens are quite what you're looking for, be sure to check out our full collection of personalized pens. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
personalized gift box with bow being exchanged between friends

The Jotted Line

7 Personalized Gift Pens For Every Budget

on Jan 02 2023
 Personalized pens make a stellar corporate gift for your hardworking employees. The reason? It combines all the goodness of function, flair, and affordability (or luxury) in one high quality gift—all with the option to engrave any message you want. Whether you want to engrave a heartfelt “thank you” message, or insert witty one-liners, you can customize any personalized pens of your liking, courtesy of us at Dayspring Pens. All that with a rush option to deliver in just one day. Show your love or appreciation with your colleague, children, friend, or partner with our personalized pen gifts for all budget ranges. The Selection of Personalized Pen Gifts Are you looking for gold encrusted fountain pens that go for several dollars a pop? Let me check my list... we have that. Yep! Or are you looking for a reliable, engraved pen that won’t break the bank? Of course. We’re drowning in those. With a short description of each, here are the type of pens that serve as fantastic gifts for your boss, employee, or loved ones: PEN DESCRIPTION Ballpoint Versatile and works on any smooth surface Fountain Pen Luxurious, functional, a little less practical Rollerball Enables smooth writing; ballpoint mechanism with liquid-based ink Gel Pen Similar to a rollerball, just with gel ink Felt Tip Pen Porous fibers make up the pen nib. Think of highlighters, markers, and Micron pens! Stylus Glides through computer screens Now you must be wondering: are they all customizable? You ask a lot of questions! Yes, with Dayspring Pens, they’re customizable within a day’s order (except for the Deep Cut Color-Filled Engraving Style) — regardless of price. All done in-house and, once fully engraved, you can choose to have them shipped out in a day. Curious about how it works? The engraving process is one wherein you cut into the surface of some material to permanently imprint a message or design, through a laser or a heated metallic tool.  Through this process, not only can you make customizable pens, but you can etch many other engravable gift items as well. This includes mugs and wooden frames, for instance! That said, let’s browse the selection of pens fit for all occasions and price ranges. The Most Affordable Personalized Pen Gifts Under $35 - Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen   Cross Calais Chrome and Blue Ballpoint Pen Set   Product Features: A twist-action pen A light brass finish on the laser engraving Black ink with a lustrous gray body The gift box is certified Cross-branded Cross lifetime mechanical warranty Can attach a logo; great for men, women, and corporate settings A chrome sheen makes up the exterior of this stylish-looking pen. It perfectly balances affordability and high quality, cementing its place as one of the top sellers of Dayspring Pens. The Calais is versatile—capable of fitting in any hand size, whether you have a tiny grip or a hand size that frightens even the Hulk. If you’re searching for a good pen that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, the Cross Calais pen is a phenomenal choice.  Buy the Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen — Lustrous Chrome $25-30 - Parker Jotter Parker Jotter Waterloo Blue Ballpoint Pen Product Features: Stainless steel barrel with variety of finishes including lacquers and gold trim. A slim tapering barrel with an arrow clip and a resounding click-action A beautiful tone-on-tone custom engraving The gift box is made with love from Parker A 2-year warranty Good gift for men, women, business professionals, graduates, and loved ones Reliable and with a smooth movement across paper, this Parker pen is great for daily use. Refilling is easy, making this a great first choice for a durable everyday carry pen. And with a long history in the pen world, you might be surprised by just how often you see this pen without knowing it.  Buy the Parker Jotter here   $25-50 - Dayspring Pens Monroe Pen and Pencil Set Monroe Gold Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil Set Product Features: Features a click-action pen and pencil Custom engraving looks tone-on-tone gold 18 karat gold-plated barrel with ergonomic rubber grip Comes with a Dayspring Pens gift box 3 year warranty  Ideal gift for office giveaways and graduations Don’t stuff this pen in a dusty, dark drawer. Its gold outer layer shines with 18 karat gold, exuding class and glamor rivaling treasure extracted from the Cave of Wonders. For all its luster, it is still a workhorse that will easily handle the needs of daily writing. It's relatively lightweight and features a lovely ergonomic grip that maximizes comfort. Give this to your boss—and they’ll be beaming from ear to ear.  Buy Monroe pens here   The Middle of the Pack Engraved Pens $50 - Parker IM Rollerball Pen Parker IM Rollerball Pen Product Features: Comes capped and with black ink 23 karat gold-plated appointments, sleek black finish Engraved pens are available Two-year Parker warranty Comes in a Parker box Highly recommended gift for special dates Handcrafted with precision and comfort, this prestigious rollerball is a staple for any esteemed executive. Both smooth and reliable, this pen rolls over any paper with comfort and ease, making it a fine addition to premium, high-floor office tables.  Buy the Parker IM Rollerball Pen   $50-100 - Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Pen Waterman Hemisphere Stainless Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen Product Features: Comes capped Gold, custom, and engraved pens Three-year warranty 23 karat gold on a brushed stainless steel barrel Comes in a Waterman gift box Gift to executives and professionals, men or women This pen exceeds the boundaries between what is traditional and what is modern. The beauty of the Hemisphere is the practical durability of its design and writing mechanism with the luxury finish and intentional aesthetic. Allow your writing to flow in luxury with this nice, professional ballpoint. Buy Waterman Hemisphere Pen    $50-150 - Cross Classic Century Pen       Cross Classic Century Black Pen & Pencil Set   Product Features: A set of pens and pencils: 0.7 mm pencil with eraser and a twist-action black ink ballpoint Matte black lacquer with 23 karat appointments Ships in a Cross box Engraved pen with a personalized message  Cross provides lifetime warranty Celebrated on momentous occasions like anniversaries and birthdays The slender barrel of this historic pen is with accompanying pencil makes for a trusty sidekick—like Batman and Robin. The pen features a lightweight barrel, luxury finishes, and a variety of options. Buy Cross Classic Century Pens    “Let Me Get My Credit Card” Pens $120 and up - The Cross Townsend Pen Cross Townsend Rollerball Pen Product Features: Capped pen Black lacquer, 23 karat gold plate and appointments From Cross brand gift box Engraved pen historically used by American Presidents Lifetime AT Cross mechanical warranty Recommended for executive men and women The crowning jewel of the pen universe. The Cross Townsend is reserved for the most esteemed professionals. With unparalleled writing functionalities, and lifetime durability, this pen is one of the finest writing tools to exist. Buy the Cross Townsend    Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Business gift of a cross pen in box

The Jotted Line

The Easy Guide to Promotional Gifts for Small Business Owners: 5 Actionable Steps to Growth

on Jan 02 2023
Growing your business is hard work. There's a ton of strategies at your disposal, and it can be a bit overwhelming to try them all. However, there's one that can help you elevate your company without doing the most—giving promotional gifts to potential clients and other SME owners. At Dayspring Pens, we're a gift-giving company. That's our wheelhouse. Additionally, since we're a small business, I want to discuss what we know about promotional gifts for small business owners. I'll also show you how they can assist your small business in growing. How can you use corporate gifting? What are the actual benefits of using gift-giving as a corporate tool? I'm going to try to answer these questions for you by explaining promotional gifts and examining how real companies use them. Let's take a look! What is a promotional gift? A promotional gift is an item given to an individual to encourage or celebrate a business relationship. Traditionally, promotional gifts are branded with a company's logo or name to spread brand awareness, share the corporate identity, or promote an event. But a promotional gift can also be a higher quality, expensive gift as well. What makes a gift a promotional item is how the gift is used. If it is used to create, foster, or retain a business relationship, then it qualifies as a promotional gift. How do promotional gifts work? In terms of how promotional gifts work for small business owners it really is as simple as it sounds. You buy a gift (either branded or not) and give it out to spread brand awareness. The idea behind it is a tangible, sensory item a person can experience. Social media manager Elle-Rose Williams writes: [They] allow people to see your brand, associate your brand and recognize your brand. All these things are important as the more people who become aware of your brand - the better results you will see in business and sales. There are two main distinctions in promotional gifts: mass distributed gifts or individualized gifts. Mass distributed gifts: Mass distributed gifts are probably what comes to mind when you think about the phrase Promotional Merchandise. These items are cheap to the company, will be branded to the company or event, and will be distributed in mass indiscriminately to potential customers. Examples of this are plastic ballpoints, lanyards, keychains, chapsticks, cups, posters...you get the idea. Individual gifts: Individual gifts tend to be less about spreading awareness and more about retaining/fostering a business relationship. These gifts will often be either given specifically to a person at a certain point in the working process or individualized the client. Examples of this would be gift baskets with edible treats, tickets to an event, or a personally engraved name brand pen. Is giving a promotional gift good business? You may be wondering if promotional gifting is still a good business practice in our digital, social media age. Yes. It really is! A 2016 study done by the Advertising Specialty Institute gives an incredible breakdown of the effectiveness of promotional giving for businesses. People who receive promotional items are likely to keep them up to eight months, which means eight months of brand awareness. More importantly, as Forbes business contributor Michael Wood points out: The majority of people who receive a promotional product are also more likely to have a favorable impression of the company that gave it to them. People love a free gift and are statistically going to feel pretty optimistic about your business for giving it to them. How do I use promotional gifts to grow my small business?: 5 actionable steps Here's my 5 actionable steps for growing your small business with business gifts:   I've tried to make this as simple as possible. Keep in mind everything in these steps centers on the idea of value. Value is not simply profit. Value is about relationships, longevity, trust, honesty, commitment to fix what's broken, and so much more. It's honestly about who we are as people—as business people. You want your promotional gifts to promote a valuable relationship. Don't use gifts to buy loyalty or curry favor. Instead, make them a point of connection and let your goodwill and commitment to hard work speak for themselves. Here's how to get started: Step 1: Cast your net wide, but keep it relevant. Do a search for other businesses that would benefit from your products or services and create a big list. You'll want to find businesses that you think will actually find some value in your work and who you'd find value in working for. Make it a list of , say, 30 companies, but make a "top 10" list of businesses you think will be most receptive to your products and services and who you think will share a sense of value in your collaboration. Step 2: Do your research on the companies to whom you want to give. From that master list, start with your "top 10", and take a deep dive into their brands and industry. Next, find out about their history, their founding, their people, their service, what their customer base thinks about them (both positive and negative). Begin to think about what gifts will be best for each business on your list. Step 3: Give gifts that communicate value. Taking the information you have gathered, take time to select gifts that show: 1.)you understand what the company or individual does 2.) you value their work 3.) you have something to offer them. This might seem like a lot to keep in mind when selecting a gift, but don't over think it. For example: You have a business that creates budgeting software and you want to share it with small business that don't have an accounting department. A valuable gift could be a branded calculator or a personalized pen. Both these items show you are aware of their business and their needs, while showing your gift recipients you are a practical business. Learn More:11 Reasons Why Personalized Pens Are the Best Gifts    Step 4: Keep up friendly contact. While you need to observe proper and professional corporate gifting etiquette, it's alright to be interested and friendly. Friendly does not necessarily mean informal or rude; it means being interested in the things the other business and potential clients are interested in and wanting to promote those things. Check in now and again—and for concrete reasons. Don't be too insistent that they consider your products or services. Just ask what's going on and if there's anything you can do to help. Even if you just make their day a little brighter, that's a great use of time and energy. People remember things like that. Step 5: If you get rejected by a client, don't use gifting as a method to try and buy them back. If someone gives you a hard no, take them at their word. If you keep on sending gifts or checking in, it will look like you're trying to buy them back. Consequently, it comes off as beggy and manipulative. It's likely that someone on your "top 10" will want to partner with you. Nevertheless, if you happen get through it and no one takes you up on your work, move on to the next ten on the master list. Rinse, repeat. What are the REAL benefits of giving promotional gifts? Based off of the interviews I conducted and collected conclusions of other studies, I've narrowed the benefits of corporate gifts down to 3: Benefit 1: Brand recognition We saw in every case that brand recognition is one of the biggest benefits for giving gifts to clients and partners. Benefit 2: Client retention Client retention ultimately comes down to the connection you make with your customers and the good service you offer them. That being said, the right promotional gift used to demonstrate your loyalty to the client and to thank them for either considering or working with you can help make a more personal and positive encounter. You can't buy yourself a customer with a gift. But you can show them how much their business means and show them what your business values. Benefit 3: Lead generation Like we saw with Philips & Peters Law Firm, corporate gifting can help your referral rate and generate new leads. Being the kind of company that gives gifts keeps you in the mind of clients who may refer you. People who think well of you tend to keep thinking of you. It's that simple!  Further Reading: 4 Reasons Why Corporate Gifting is Crucial to Growth   What are the best business gifts for small business owners? The ASI study on promotional gifts listed useful gifts as the most effective for marketing. Here's my list of top promotional gifts for small business owners: Because all of these gifts can be branded, you might be thinking that these are naturally the best gifts for your business, period. Not totally true. Like I said before, you need to find gifts that communicate value. Personalized pens, our specialty, were ranked the most useful promotional gift, and that's what makes it one of the most popular forms of corporate gifts and swag.  Shop Now: Luxury Customized Pens From Dayspring Pens Where can I find the most effective promotional merchandise? One option is hiring a company such as Promotional Products Association International who will research and work with your budget to find the perfect promotional item for your business and your market. You can also check blogs and gift ideas lists just like ours: Epromos' 100 Best Seller Top Promotional Products & Gifts Snacknation's 67 Best Promotional Item, Product, & Gift Ideas For Any Business In 2022 Forbes' The Secret to Giving the Best Business Gifts Business Insider's 44 Creative Corporate Gifts to Thank Your Employees for Their Hard Work Sendoso's 110 Corporate Gift Ideas That Will Break Through the Noise In addition to that, I've compiled a list of 103 personalized gifts, many of which would make GREAT business gifts. The benefit of all these resources for merchandise is that they present you with a ton of options and avenues for purchase. We know it's a lot of information, but with a little planning, we're sure you can find exactly what you're looking for. And we hope you might also consider pens from Dayspring as one great option. How a real company uses promotional gifts Philips & Peters Law I interviewed Leila Mills, a Marketing Manager at Philips & Peters Law, to find out what she thought about effective corporate gifting strategies that can land bigger clients. Since we both have an interest in local marketing and other similar topics, I knew she'd have some great insights. So, when I asked Leila about the kinds of promotional gifts that her firm sends out, this is what she said: Phillips & Peters send out promotional gifts in the form of cakes [from Pownd Cakes by Jen] at the end of the year to professional peers, the clerks of the courts, and other connections that have served as viable referral sources for us. To date, we haven't used any promotional gifts to retain new business or thank current clients. It's been helpful. It's become a tradition that our recipients look forward to and ask us about. We have had a couple professional peers joke that they are sending us clients just to get the cakes.  We give gifts because we enjoy it, but I can't deny the practicality of it. Even with the prevalence of digital marketing our most profitable clients come from word-of-mouth recommendations, so we want to keep our referral sources happy.  People always love them. In the past we have hand delivered the cakes ourselves and offices have cheered in the past when they saw the cakes coming through the door with one of our employees.  Promotional Gifts: Hits Vs Misses I then asked Leila if her firm had ever received promotional gifts and how they perceived those gifts. She told me this story which I thought was super interesting: Leila's firm was once looking for a digital design company to build its website, and there were three companies in the running. The first company made a really great presentation, and they sent excellent personalized gifts. Leila said that they even sent a bouquet of flowers on the firm's anniversary. That communicated a lot of value and thoughtfulness. The second company made a good presentation, and they made an in-person connection with the firm. The third company made an okay presentation, and they sent a lot of personalized gifts. Philips & Peters turned down the third company in no uncertain terms. However, the company kept sending gifts. It became a little annoying, even a bit spammy. No matter how personalized the gifts were, the fact that they had been rejected just didn't seem to register, and the notes that came with the gifts said things like, "We hope you've reconsidered your decision and you choose us instead." Leila said, I... don't appreciate when I've talked to a company and expressed we aren't interested in doing business with them, but they keep sending gifts. That feels manipulative because we've said no, but they try to keep their foot in the door.  That's using promotional gifts in the wrong way: it's beggy and unprofessional. You'd think that the first company would get the deal, and Leila even says that, objectively speaking, the first company made the best presentation. However, Philips & Peters went with the second company because they'd made a good enough presentation, and they'd met face-to-face. What does this mean for corporate gifting? It means 1.) you shouldn't use a promotional gift to beg, but it also means that 2.) your personal presence counts as a kind of corporate gift. Meaningful gifts make a huge difference, but none so much as a face to put to the name. Conclusion This has been the easy guide to using promotional gifts to grow your business. Corporate gifting is about communicating the value of the business relationship. Remember, gifts don't have to be expensive or even overly cheap. The key is to look for a gift that shows the client the kind of company you are and communicate that value you put in them. Have you had success with these steps or better yet do you have a story to share of how promotional gifting has grown your business? If so, please share in the comments below! We are always looking to learn more about how your business has grown. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Multiple Engraved gift pens

The Jotted Line

Which Personalized Pen Gift is Best?

on Jan 02 2023
Who would’ve ever imagined picking the best personalized gift pen would be so hard? On one hand, the pen has to be functional enough and fit the standards of a gift without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the chosen personalized pen gift has to be thoughtful enough to invoke a deeply personal connection between the giver and the recipient. So, how do you strike a balance? How do you pick the best personalized gift pen that you’ll both love? Since 1994, Dayspring Pens has delivered hundreds of thousands of exclusive personalized pens to individuals and companies worldwide. From our 25+ years of helping people give heart-warming and beautifully engraved pens, we’ve developed a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best one. Choose the best personalized pens in these six easy steps. Step 1: Determine Who the Recipient Is Who’s the personalized pen gift is for? You? Your boss? Your father? How you personalize is dependent on your relationship with the recipient. If it’s a gift for a CEO, engraving the company’s logo next to their name is quite appropriate. However, for a close relative or friend, you can change from formal to informal custom text. At Dayspring Pens, we offer free standard engraving for each pen up to 25 characters. For timeless engraved messages, we use CO2 and fiber optic laser engraving techniques. To understand more about how we personalize pens, check out our ultimate guide to personalized laser engraving. Step 2: Determine Writing Style Do you, or the recipient of your gift, like thin and smooth lines, or prefer lines that are dark and bold? There are four different types of personalized pen gift: Ballpoint Rollerball Fountain Gel Each writes differently depending on: Ink type Tip shape Ballpoint Pen Ballpoint pens have a rounded tip, also known as a ballpoint. They’re the most popular because they use smooth oil-based ink that dries faster than other pens. Cross Calais Blue and Chrome Double Ballpoint Pen Set The likelihood of smudging the ink when writing is extremely low; thus your text remains neat throughout. This makes these pens compatible with left-handed people. The ink’s drying time is determined by the ballpoint’s diameter. Indeed, large ballpoints release more ink and take longer to dry. Additionally, ballpoint pens cost less than rollerball and fountain pens. However, because the oil-based ink has a high viscosity, you’ll need to apply more pressure to dispense the ink. Further Reading: How to Get a Ballpoint Pen to Start Writing Again Rollerball Pen Rollerball pens have the same design as ballpoint pens, except they’ve got finer tips. Water-based ink is used and is held in a reservoir. Water-based inks have a lower viscosity than oil-based inks and flow out of the pen faster. Waterman Expert Black Gold Trim Rollerball Pen The smaller tip and the low-viscosity water-based ink allow you to write in smoother, thinner lines than ballpoint pens. Also, you won’t need to press the rollerball pens hard to get the ink out. As a bonus, the ink saturates deeply onto the paper, making your lines darker than those from ballpoint pens. This may, however, present a problem for left-handed people. The water-based ink takes more time to dry. Therefore, it’s easy for left-handed people to smear the ink while writing from the left side to the right side of a page. Rollerball pens leak easily, too, if placed upside down for too long.  Fountain Pen Besides their classy and elegant look, fountain pens are famous for making your signatures look fancy. Fountain pens have nibs made of either gold or stainless steel instead of ballpoints. The nib’s shape allows you to change the thickness of the lines as you write. Cross Bailey Fountain Pen - Medalist Fountain pens use water-based inks that are stored in an internal reservoir, hence the name “fountain”. The water-based ink takes a long time to dry, and the probability of smudging the ink on paper is high. Also, the ink’s low viscosity makes it leak easily. However, fountain pens have a replaceable ink cartridge so they’re easy to refill. Lastly, they cost more than ballpoint and rollerball pens and are often seen as luxury pens. Fountain pens are best suited for managers, heads of departments, and anyone in charge of approving certain processes. Learn More: What Are the Types of Fountain Pens Gel Pen Gel pens use ink that’s suspended in a water-based gel. This makes the ink thick but it produces smoother and bolder lines compared to other pens. However, like rollerball and fountain pens, the ink is held in a refillable reservoir. Since the water-based gel ink is thicker than the ink in fountain pens, it takes more time to dry. Therefore, it’s easier to make a mess with gel pens than it is with fountain pens.  Parker Jotter Gel Pen Step 3: Determine How the Pen Will Be Used Understanding the tasks the pen will be performing is useful in determining: Features to consider Personalization techniques Features to Consider Will the pen be used to mostly journal, take notes or write signatures? A company’s CEO or a business person will want a pen with the best grip, as they’re more liable to write often. Consequently, some pens have smooth metal casings. If held for long periods, finger cramping may occur. This is where thoughtful ergonomic design comes in. Monroe Pens and Pen Sets A pen with an ergonomic design should include a soft material such as rubber to provide a firm grip and also comfort to the fingers. Ergonomic pens are the best gifts for authors, students, personal assistants, and therapists, as you’ll never catch them without a notebook in hand. However, if your intended recipient only uses pens for signatures, don’t sacrifice on the metal. Surprise them with our beautifully crafted metal pens. Personalization Techniques There are two ways to personalize a gift pen—printing and engraving. Printing involves putting the custom text and logo on the surface of the pen. On the other hand, engraving is etching the characters deep into the pen’s surface using laser beams. Printed text eventually fades due to constant use and passage of time. However, engraved characters can withstand constant use and harsh environments without fading. Thus, for a gift that’s meant to last a lifetime, engraving is the best personalization technique. Step 4: Determine the Brand Do you have a favorite brand? If you like luxury pens, then you’ll want a brand that knows the difference between a regular pen and a pen that has character and taste. That’s why here at Dayspring Pens, we only work with the best brands. So no matter which pen you choose, you’re guaranteed of the highest quality there is. Our brands include: Waterman AT Cross Parker Step 5: Decide the Text to Be Engraved So far, you’ve decided on the recipient, writing style, and the brand. Now it’s time to add a personal touch. Nothing beats engraving a line from the recipient’s favorite poem. It’s heartwarming and thoughtful. For corporate gifts, you can have the recipient’s name or an achievement engraved next to the company’s logo. If you need help coming up with a creative message, check out our occasion-themed pens for inspiration. Step 6: Draw Up a Budget Before making an order for your personalized pen gift, the final step is deciding how much you’re willing to spend on them. If you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got a variety of affordable pens to choose from. And if you’re looking to spend a little extra on an engraved pen because the occasion calls for it, there’s a list of luxury executive pens for you to look at. Besides free standard laser engraving, we also ship out all engraved pens for free anywhere in the United States. Furthermore, we offer discounts of up to 20 percent on bulk orders. Therefore, whether you’re buying gift pens for one person or 10 people, you’ll stay within budget. Related: How Much Does it Cost to Engrave a Gift?: Personalized Gifts on a Budget Ready to Order Your Best Personalized Pen Gift? Looking for a brand name ballpoint, a pen and pencil set, or a fountain pen? You're sure to find just the right personalized pen gift from our variety of colors, shapes, and writing styles — Dayspring Pens gives you countless ways to appreciate the people around you. And they can all come ready to present in a lovely gift box. Visit our shop and order from our amazing collection of custom executive pens today. Has this guide helped you make a decision on what pen to get as a gift? Tell us which one you like in the comments. Waterman Expert Pens and Pen Sets Frequently Asked Questions How much does an engraved pen cost? Depending on the quality of the personalized pen gift, they can run for anywhere between $5 and $5,000, but most engraved luxury pens sit between $25 and $120. How much does a personalized pen gift cost? At Dayspring Pens, engraving is completely free!  Other websites usually charge between $5-$15 for custom engraving. What kind of pens can be engraved? Most pens with high-quality plastic, lacquer, wood, or metal can be engraved easily! Conclusion Engraving at Dayspring Pens takes only one business day. So you can expect to receive your order in record time! However, if you’re in a hurry, upgrade your order to a rush delivery order. This guarantees the personalized pen gift order is processed and shipped out in one day. Want to explore more ideas on engraved gifts? Check out our definitive guide to engraved pens.  Featured image: Pixnio Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Waterman Expert Valentine's Day Gift Pen and Pen Case

The Jotted Line

7 Best Personalized Pens for Valentines Day Gifts

on Jan 02 2023
Looking for pens for Valentine's Day gifts that strike the balance between person and practical? Dayspring Pens has you covered. Indeed, we offer a unique blend of personal, professional, and practical with out Valentine's Day gift option: a personalized, jewelry-quality pen. Whether you are giving to a coworker, for Valentine's Day, or to a spouse of 40 years, each of these pens are ready like a candy heart to last that next 40 years. My list for best pens for valentines day gifts will span a variety of price points, writing styles, and color finishes to brain storm your gift ideas. Not sure what kind of engravable pens to get your Valentine? I'll also have my suggestions for just what type of engraving hits like Cupid's arrow on each of these pens. Let's start with the shortlist of pens that are sure to show your love this Valentine's Day: Cross Bailey The Richmond The Monroe Set The Waterman Hemisphere The Alexandria Cross Century II The Parker Jotter Each pen on this list comes with a free line of standard engraving by Dayspring Pens in name brand gift cases with free shipping in the US. Cross Bailey Ballpoint Highlights: Valentine's Day pick: Bailey Red Ballpoint Engraving Style of Choice: Script Font with a Symbol Price Point: around $45 Available Finishes: Black, Blue, Lustrous Chrome, Medalist Writing Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen The hallmark of the American professional pen, Cross products are a go-to for the sort of Valentine's gifts you can give to an acquaintance or life long friend alike. With Cross you know you are giving a pen that is going to be a steady writer with luxury finishes. Since the Cross Bailey has a longer, medium cap it is a great medium for a longer text engraving or to showcase symbols like the classic heart emoji. Dayspring Pens can also engrave different language characters so if you wanted an engraving in Mandarin, Hebrew, or Russian you can send your favorite phrase about love in any language. Richmond Rollerball Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: Matte Black Rollerball Engraving Style of Choice: Times Font Price Point: around $35-40 Available Finishes: Matte Black, Lustrous Chrome Writing Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Mechanical Pencil The Richmond Pen is a little bit of minimalist design with a lotta bit of fine point easy writing. The rollerball fine point writing line on this pen is just particularly nice for a Valentines's gift if you like that sharp, rich black line. This pen is sleek and portable, but still feels lux. It engraves silver and given the straight lines of the cap, I find Times font fits beautifully with the pen's look. Monroe Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil Set Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: Red Lacquer Finish with Gold Trim Engraving Style of Choice: Signature Engraving Price Point: around $30 Available Finishes: Black, Blue, and 18k Gold Writing Styles: Ballpoint, Mechanical Pencil As a matching set that delivers the permanence, comfort, and forgiveness, the Monroe ballpoint and mechanical pencil set can be a subtle, practical way to say Happy Valentine's Day to a constant, steady relationship. With a ballpoint pen that can write on any surface, a luxury mechanical pencil (a rarity) and an ergonomic grip that's nice on the fingers, the newly redesigned Monroe set by Dayspring Pens is indeed some of the best luxury writing you can get at the price point. The Monroe set has a variety of color finishes so you don't have to go with the traditional Valentine's red if you don't feel like it communicates Be Mine the way you want it to. I chose signature engraving (also called handwriting engraving) for this one since the barrel is the whole engravable space. You can write a handwritten message and have it engraved right onto the pen.  Shop Now: Monroe Pen and Pencil set from Dayspring Pens Waterman Hemisphere Ballpoint Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: Stainless Steel with Silver Trim Engraving Style of Choice: Script Font Price Point: around $75 Available Finishes: Black Lacquer, Gold and Chrome Trims Writing Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen This is just an exceptional ballpoint pen for a Valentine's Day gift. The weight, the quality of the finishes, as well as the experience of writing...the Waterman Hemisphere is a delight to use and to give. Honestly, any writing style or finish is the right decision to buy with a Hemisphere. It's classy, elegant, and still made and manufactured in Paris, France (the capital of romance). Script continues that luxurious feel as an engraving on this brand name luxury pen. The curves and finish of the type face look like a chef's kiss. I got to say it again. Classy.  Discover: The Story of How Waterman Came to Define Fountain Pen Elegance Alexandria Fountain Pen Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: Red Lacquer Finish with Gold Trim Engraving Style of Choice: Block Font Engraving Price Point: around $30 Available Finishes: Black, Blue, Red Lacquers Writing Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen The largest barrel size and the only fountain pen to grace this pens for Valentines Day gift collection, the Alexandria fountain pen features a medium nib with a large ink reservoir. It takes both universal cartridge refills and comes with a converter for loading. This is the perfect pen for someone who likes to take time with the things they do. It's not only simple but also a well designed fountain pen great for beginners and old hats. I chose Block font for this pen engraving since the large barrel offers an expansive space for the straight lines and directness of this type face. Cross Century II Rollerball Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: White Lacquer Finish with 23k Gold Trim Engraving Style of Choice: Times Font or Signature Engraving Price Point: around $120 Also Available: Black or Blue Lacquer, Chrome and 10k Gold Finishes Writing Styles Available: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen The details of the Century II such as the snap of the cap and the double banding make it a stand out option for a jewelry-quality, well-crafted pen. It's basically like giving a piece of jewelry they can write with. This pen is a hallmark of AT Cross melding the storied Classic Century and the presidential Townsend. It not only looks amazing but also writes like a dream. Times highlights the width of the medium barrel and a signature engraving makes this pen truly one of a kind. Related: Cross Pen Refill Guide (Step-by-Step Instructions) Parker Jotter Gel Pen Highlights: Valentine's Day Pick: Kensington Red Engraving Style of Choice: Block Text Engraving Price Point: around $20 Also Available: Black or Blue Lacquer, Stainless Steel with Chrome or Gold Trim Writing Styles Available: Gel Ink Why is this one of the greatest selling pens of all time? Buy one and you will find out. The satisfying click. The durability of the all-metal construction. The consistent, smooth writing experience. The shorter, portable barrel. These features make it exceptional and its perfect for movie and history buffs alike. The Parker Jotter Pen is the kind of Valentines gift that may not make a big statement when its opened, but they are sure to love as they use it the other 364 days of the year. Block font on this one reads loud and clear against the subtly of the tone-on-tone engraving.  Learn More: The Parker Jotter: The Pen You See in Every Movie Choose Your Favorite Pens for Valentines Day Gifts These seven pens show the spread of style, price, and finesse you can choose from for a Valentine's gift that can be used and appreciated. However, the personalization of custom engraving makes each one of these pens completely unique. For more recommendations or if you have any favorite things to get engraved on Valentine's Day, leave a comment below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Personalized Gift Pens on engraved journal

The Jotted Line

How Do You Gift a Pen?: 3 Things to Do After Ordering a Personalized Gift

on Jan 02 2023
Personalized engraved pens are memorable reminders of special moments in our lives and an effective way to communicate that we appreciate others. However, you might be wondering "How do you gift a pen?" You already know that a personalized engraved pen with custom writingshows you care and listen to the giftee. However, is there anything else left to do once you order the engraved pen—besides waiting by the window for a mailman to arrive with your package? Well, you could do just that or use 10 days (or a day if you opted for our rush production option) to get everything ready for your gift once it arrives. As we’re engraving your pen and doing all the behind the scenes work at our shop, such as sending you confirmations that orders are received, and the item is shipped, you can: Prepare a wrapping for your gift pen Think of a note Consider a gift-giving etiquette (AKA form a plan to avoid awkward gifting moments) Let’s get right into the details. How to Present a Gift Pen? Three popular options for presenting and elevating pens and pencils as gifts are: Ribbons Wrapping paper Gift bags Ribbons We package our personalized pens in gift boxes or cases, so adding a ribbon is a simple yet effective touch to make the gift even more elegant. Besides looking nice, tying them around the casing creates the space for you to tuck in your thoughtful gift message. Ribbons are available in any craft store in a variety of materials and colors. Choose tones that match the casing or festive occasion. Contrasting colors or darker shades of the casing highlight gifts the most. As for materials, go for satin, cloth, or braided cords to match the elegant aesthetic of our engraved pens. Wrapping Paper People love unwrapping as it’s another layer of your gift that builds anticipation, excitement and makes it look thoughtful and beautiful. When picking a wrapping paper, consider: Occasion Materials Wrapping Difficulty Festive wrapping paper featuring suitable patterns and color schemes for holidays (e.g., green and red for Christmas) Birthday/wedding themed wrapping paper Glossy/matt (plastic) wrapping paper available in varied colors and prints Eco materials (recycled paper or plant-based fabrics) for environmentally friendly companies and gift receivers Thin (cheap) paper tears and creases easily Thick paper cannot stay together when glued with a tape High-quality paper that’s not too dense is easy to work with As our engraved pens arrive in a casing, it’s easier to wrap them than irregularly shaped presents. Watch this video to get the idea of how to wrap perfectly shaped presents such as casings containing engraved pens:   Gift Bags If you’re not a skillful gift wrapper or have prepared more than one present for your loved one or a co-worker, buying a gift bag is an easy way to make everything look organized. Gift bags are also another opportunity to choose festive colors for holidays or incorporate the color scheme (and logo) of your company in your gift.  Pro tip: Put the tissue in the gift bag to complete the exclusive look. Placing two sheets of tissue and folding them over the casing with personalized pens should do the trick.   Should You Include a Note With Your Personalized Gift Pen? We would definitely advise you to add a personalized gift note to your present because there’s always more to say beyond what we’ve engraved with the latest laser technology. Cross Classic Century Pen & Pencil Set - Black Also, the recipient will know who the gift is from if it ends up in the same pile as others they’ll go through later. We have an option to include a gift message with a pen, but many customers prefer to make them themselves—unless we send them straight to the recipient. How to Write a Gift Note? Keep this in mind as you write up a gift message: It doesn’t have to be a long one, just a thoughtful one. A message can be simple, don’t stress if it's not the best writing you’ve ever done. Take time to write personalized gift notes—don’t do it last minute. Handwritten notes are the best option, even if your handwriting isn’t perfect. Depending on the occasion, you can include a quote, a poem, anecdote, or a single line that expresses hopes and wishes for the person in the pivotal moments in their lives. How to Nail a Gift Giving Etiquette? After your gift message is ready and it’s neatly wrapped in festive paper or tied with a bow, have in mind when, how, and to whom you’re sending or giving ballpoint pens. Here are some dos and don’ts of appropriate gift-giving. When Should You Give a Gift? The day of the event or occasion is the best time, but you can give early if the person won’t be in the same town on the day of the festivity. If you’re late with your gift, it’s still okay to give a belated present. But don’t wait weeks that turn into months and then years, making it way too late and awkward. It also depends on the occasion. For example, wedding gifts are less time-sensitive, and you can be a month late. How to Gift Engraved Pens? You can send personalized ballpoint pens by post or give them in person. Many ballpoint pens we engraved were sent directly to the recipient in 2024. We remove the price tags and engrave pens based on instructions. You just have to get the timing right to ensure it gets there on time. Also, ensure you choose a gift message option right away if we’re sending the pen directly to the giftee. For gift-giving in person, avoid giving the present in front of everyone. In some instances, if you don’t have a gift for others or if the person is shy, it could make the situation uncomfortable. What Should You Say When Gifting Pens and Pencils? For close friends and members of your family, you don’t have to write up entire scripts of what you’re going to say during gifting, but it’s different in corporate environments. To avoid automatically saying “you too” once your boss or co-worker expresses their thanks for the gift, think of what you’ll say in advance to avoid awkward situations. Keep it simple. Depending on the occasion, congratulate them while giving the gift or say you hope they like/enjoy the gift. What Kind of Gift Giver Is the Recipient of Personalized Pens? Some people are awkward gift receivers because they don’t like to celebrate (not even important moments in their lives) or be a focal point of attention. However, they’ll appreciate that you took the time to order them a unique gift made especially for them.   Graduation Themed Rosewood Pen & Pencil Set   Others like big gestures, and you can go all out and give them a gift in public. You’ll know the giftee the best, but keep in mind that gift receiving isn’t everyone’s love language. Following Your Engraved Pen Order in 2024 After ordering custom pens and waiting for engraving, there's enough time to think of an appropriate gift note, a presentation that highlights it, and to remind yourself of the gift etiquette. Pascale A. Just as occasions and festivities based on which you’ll match the presentation of your gift and colors, receivers of gifts are different. Some love to be the center of attention, while others are introverted and shy, and they might send you thank-you cards later to show they appreciate the thought and care that went into the personalization of the gift. Did your pen already arrive? How did you gift your pen? Let us know down in the comments or leave a review. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
Personalized Pens lying on notebook

The Jotted Line

11 Reasons Why Personalized Pens Are the Best Gifts

on Jan 02 2023
It's super annoying when you want to get a loved one or someone in the office the perfect gift, but you don't know the best options. Hold on, I've got one idea that might be everything you're looking for: how about engraved pens for gifts? Think about it: some engravable fountain pens for graduation gifts or perhaps a rose gold pen set for an anniversary gift—these can make memorable gifts for everyone. Why do personalized pens make such a great gift?  Here are my 11 reasons why: Personalized Pens fit any occasion. They fit any budget. They fit any gift recipient. They fit any business. They're timeless. They're eco-friendly. They reduce stress. They can help you or someone else get organized. They are quintessential study tools. They encourage creativity. Well, they're just more meaningful! Let's start with number 1! 1.) Personalized pens fit any occasion. Pens fit any occasion, and they can make every occasion so much more special in. For example: One of our staff members gave her husband a Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball for his first Father's Day with a handwritten engraving saying "Happy Father's Day" and a little baby stick figure face engraved on it. Now every time they have a new addition to the family, she's going to engrave a new little baby stick figure on it. The same person also gave a less expensive personalized pen to her doctor, saying, "Thank you for all the help". Pens have a kind of neutrality to them that says, "You can give me to your fiancé or a random client; I'll still be perfect." The personalization, the intentionality put into finding the right pen, and the fact that they can be made out of a wide range o materials (plastic, wood, 24kt gold, etc.) help them meet the often high demands of quality gift-giving. On what occasions can personalized pens make the perfect gift? Here's just a few: Christmas Father's Day Mother's Day Retirements Valentine's Day Thanksgiving Birthdays Conferences Job Promotions Graduations When starting a new job Awards Closing on a first house Contract signings Be ready for any special event with high quality personalized pens!  Related Reading: 7 Best Personalized Pens for Valentines Day Gifts 2.) Personalized pens fit any budget. For the Penny Pincher ($30 and under) It's actually super easy to find a great gift pen for a bargain. There's a whole range of pens you can find for under $35 which are still of the highest quality. Maybe aim for ballpoint pens; these tend to be the most affordable option for luxury pens. Cross, Parker, Regal, and Sheaffer are all incredible brands with really affordable buying options. I've written two other articles that might be helpful reads: one on finding personalized gifts and another on personalized pens on a budget. For the balance of generosity and frugality ($30-$80 range) The options for pens in the $20-$70 range are overwhelming. This is the range most shoppers who are trying to get a really special gift for a loved one tend to roam. The pens in this range don't cost a fortune in comparison to other gifts, but as far as just pens are concerned, this is where quality and cost are going to have the most overlap. This is where your buck gets the most bang. Check brands like Parker, Baron Fig, LAMY for pens in this range. Many of them come with personalization options. For the Big Spender ($80 and up) For some, spending over $80 on a luxury pen might seem a waste of money and a bit too pretentious. That why I wrote another article debunking myths about buying luxury pens. There's so many options available for personalized pens in the higher expense range ($80 and up). Brands like Mont Blanc, Ancora, and Namiki for the most extravagant pen collections. A lot of them are very unique pieces, some even allow for engraving. But look to Waterman, Parker, and Cross for pens in the $80-$200 range. You are guaranteed to find personalized pens from these brands. Get something ideal within your budget with a personalized pen! 3.) Personalized pens fit any gift recipient. Pens just fit everyone. It's hard to find someone who wouldn't appreciate one as a gift. Pens are excellent gifts for all the people we love. How are they related to you? If it's for Mom or Dad, a sibling, a romantic partner, a coworker, or your boss, personalized pens can memorialize and deepen the value and respect you have for each other. They can also be relatively un-personal, which is ideal for giving to an acquaintance or someone in a professional relationship. Because pens have a kind of universal appeal, it's just an easy choice for everyone in your life. What do they do for work? Pens make the best gifts for people in a multitude of occupations. Is your gift recipient a doctor, lawyer, scholar, or some other kind of professional? Are they constantly jotting down notes, writing memos, or drafting speeches? If pens fit into their daily writing needs, so you'll be getting them both symbolic and practical gifts. On the flipside, if the recipient will use the pen  on special occasions, try something unique. What do they love doing in their free time? Pens also make the best gifts for most people's hobbies of writing, journaling, and drawing. So, if your recipient enjoys the use of pens for their own personal pleasure, it's going to go over really well. Writing Styles Don't know whether they'd best prefer a ballpoint pen or a fountain pen? There's a style out there for everyone! Check out our Ultimate Guide to Writing Styles. 4.) Personalized pens fit any business. Personalized pens make the best marks of corporate excellence and have a unique ability to show appreciation. One thing you can do with personalized pens is order a large number of them with your company logo engraved on them and then engrave each one again with the name of each of your employees. Get one for each new hire or get them as a Christmas gift for your whole team! This type of purchase is called a corporate gift. What is a corporate gift? A corporate gift is a gift made out either to members of your own company or as a promotional item for clients which can make a huge impact on business-to-business relationships.  Explore More: 4 Reasons Why Corporate Gifting is Crucial to Growth Why does a custom pen make the perfect corporate gift for growing your business? A quality in-house corporate gift can help increase the morale and productivity of your corporate team. A promotional corporate gift can 1.) introduce your brand to other companies in a compelling way and 2.) foster long-term increases in output and profits by maintaining good faith with corporate clients. Do better business with personalized pens as a corporate gift! 5.) Personalized pens are a timeless gift. Personalized pens are the best timeless gifts for at least two reasons: Their classic feel and longevity. Classiness Luxury pens are just universally classy gifts.  Giving a mug might be useful, and a tote bag will definitely sit in the back of a car waiting to be used at the grocery store if I can ever remember to bring the bags in… However, luxury pens inherently communicate, “I think you have something to say.” They can be stylish and sophisticated while still practical. Also, anyone with a fancy pen feels... well, fancy. Every time I use a quill I feel like I could be writing the Declaration of Independence. When I twist the cap off a fountain pen, I think, My handwriting is about to look INCREDIBLE (no comment on if it actually does…but I feel so cool using it.) Breaking out a rollerball, I think to myself, I’m about to crush this Sudoku. I don’t need a heckin' pencil today! Pens can make users feel connected to a vibrant historic world of writers and professionals.  Longevity Because of their material construction, most personalized luxury pens are actually built with the expectation of being heirlooms. This means they should withstand higher wear and tear and will be refillable. They're gifts that will stay with the recipient and remind them of you for a long, long time. Here's two of the best examples I have come across in my days on the production side of the business (they both happen to involve the Cross Classic Century): A customer called to purchase a Cross Classic Century for a Graduation present. She shared that she had received the same pen as a gift when she graduated from high school 30 years before and still used the pen. A customer called to inquire about adding engraving two sets of Cross Classic Centuries in 10kt gold. He had owned the sets since childhood and had recently found out his health was failing. He wanted to have his antique sets engraved with his niece’s and nephew’s names so that they could be given to them when they turned 16 (they were 7 at the time). In both instances, the pens were cherished gifts that meant the world to the giver and had lasted over 30 years of loving use.  Personalized pens stay with your gift recipient pretty much forever and can be passed down to the next generation. 6.) Personalized pens are more eco friendly. It's great to be eco-conscious when you shop and try to reduce the amount of waste your purchases produce. There's so much material waste in buying cheap, plastic, throwaway pens from production to where they end up after the ink runs out. Buying personalized engraved pens for gifts is a choice to reduce both production waste and garbage waste. A commitment to use a pen that lasts will help reduce your personal contribution to negative environmental impact. Save the planet with a personalized pen! 7.) Personalized pens reduce stress. Studies show that writing by hand rather than a computer is a great stress reliever. Keeping a personal journal helps human beings confront and process complex emotions better. Just take a look at these entries from some names you might just recognize. This is because contact between the pen and the page and a concrete, completed object that summarizes those complex feelings acts as an emotional cap to otherwise confused inner reflection. Help someone destress with a new pen! 8.) Personalized pens can help you or someone else get organized. Other studies show that writing down to-do lists is a much better way to get organized than setting alarms on your phone or anything else really. I personally have a much easier time getting things done when I write out a list (mostly on a sticky note) and have the satisfaction of crossing the task off. Sometimes I even throw in a task I just finished so I can have that feeling right at the start of my list. Also, anyone who can just remember what they need from the grocery store without a written list...get out of here...just. leave. Pens are obviously convenient gifts for completing important paperwork, filing taxes, and etc., so consider giving someone a decisive tool in getting stuff done. Help someone get organized with a personalized pen!  Further Reading: 13 Best Custom Personalized Pens   9.) Personalized pens are quintessential study tools. You might be thinking:no takes hand-written notes anymore in the modern world with computers and tablets galore ?  Interestingly, Princeton Researchers Pam A. Mueller and Daniel A. Oppenheimer concluded in 2014: The present research suggests that even when laptops are used solely to take notes, they may still be impairing learning because their use results in shallower processing. In three studies, we found that students who took notes on laptops performed worse on conceptual questions than students who took notes longhand. We show that whereas taking more notes can be beneficial, laptop note takers' tendency to transcribe lectures verbatim rather than processing information and reframing it in their own words is detrimental to learning. If someone is in a field of study where it's important they memorize the facts, a computer might be the best way for them to take notes. But when it comes to any sort of conceptual knowledge that needs to be gained, writing your notes by hand the old fashioned way with a gift pen will help in the long run. Finding a great personalized pen for someone in the midst of their academic endeavors will be one of the best gifts and a great, thoughtful tool to help support them. Maybe even find some cool notebooks to go with it to help them organize notes for different classes. Help someone keep their study brain focused with a personalized pen! 10.) Personalized pens encourage creativity. I have already talked a great deal about how using a pen and paper can stimulate the brain in different ways than using a digital medium. Of course this translates to creativity as well! So much creativity is conceptual, so flushing out ideas with a great pen can be a relief in the jumble of thoughts that can be the start of a project.  Author Gillian Flynn does exactly this: I do my ‘real writing’ on a laptop but all my thinking—notes, plots, character development—longhand. If your creativity lends more towards the drawing than writing, just do a quick google search of ballpoint pen artwork and prepare to be amazed. (I really like Scott Mackie and Rachel O’Brien personally.) Doodlers throughout history (even William Blake!) will say just how much fun it is to put pen and paper and let your mind wander whether that pen is a ballpoint, rollerball, or fountain pen. Personalized luxury pens get those artistic gears turning! 11.) Personalized pens are really meaningful! The best personalized pen is the pen that means the most to you. One last story from my time on production: A customer called in one day looking to get six custom Cross Townsend pens. His mother had just passed away and he was hoping to have her signature engraved on each of the pens to give as gifts to each of his siblings at the funeral. Sometimes it's hard to find meaningful gifts to share with loved ones or gifts that truly capture the importance of a moment. Engraving the right thing on a beautiful pen can instantly make that pen cherish-able.  No matter what, those children can look at that pen, and be reminded of their mom. It's hard to get more meaningful than that. Which is the best personalized pen for a go-to gift idea? Sometimes we aren't looking for a perfect cherished gift for a loved one. Sometimes we just want a nice go-to gift to show appreciation to clients or give to cousins you only see once every other year. Here are some tips for finding a great go-to gift pen for casual giving. Ballpoint pens are a crowd-pleaser. Medium barrel pens fit everyone's hand. You can impress with a nice metal body or smooth lacquer pen. No need to worry about gold appointments or hand tooling. Business is business. An entry level pen from a great brand name company is plenty professional. Here are some suggestions: Cross Calais Chrome Ballpoint Pen By far Dayspring Pens' best seller, this pen has the Cross pens brand name, writes well, is durable and well-sized, and the all chrome design tends to suit everyone. Parker Jotter Gel Pen The Parker Jotter placed 7th in The Strategist's list of 100 Best Pens for a reason. The durable body, satisfying click, and dark ink line are defining characteristics of this quality pen.  It has been known as a historically innovative ballpoint pen, but I personally favor the gel pen version for its fine writing line and smooth writing texture. Either way you can’t go wrong. People Also Ask... What Does a Pen Symbolize? Pens can symbolize a number of big ideas: freedom, intelligence, creativity, professionalism, determination, diligence, etc. As gifts, pens can symbolize the value you have for your gift recipient's freedom of thought. That's why pens are traditionally given as graduation gifts. How are pens engraved? I've got an entire ultimate guide on the engraving process. It's super interesting! What are the pen customization options? Font Traditionally, a Script font for women, a block print for men, and something like Times for initials (The straight tails and flourishes on the lettering looks sharp). Color Really if you want it, you can find it when it comes to color. You might find it hard to find specific hues, but if you are willing to pay some companies will color-match to your specifications.  Metal finishes like chrome, gold, and copper will be easy to find and flexible to your budget. Lacquer finishes will get you a variety of colors and textures. Wood finishes will depend on the type of wood and the varnishes used to finish the pen. Standard Engraving Standard engraving is going to cover any text with the fonts listed by the engraving company. Think: getting a name engraved, a short phrase, or the name of a company. This is often free or included in the price of the pen and will use whatever fonts the company is licensed to use. Deep Cut Color Filled Engraving Deep Cut Color Filled Engraving cuts farther into the pen allowing the engraving to be filled with a colored lacquer.  Think: Your name in blue on a white pen. This will normally hold to all the same rules of Standard Engraving in terms of fonts and whatnot. It can be up-charged or free depending on the engraver and the pen style. Logo Engraving Logo Engraving is an engraving of a logo, symbol, or some proprietary art.  Think: the Apple apple, a specially designed company name, or a mascot. This often has a charge for the logo rendering on the first order, but is free for any subsequent orders with the same artwork.  Engraved Handwriting Signature Engraving involves engraving someone’s handwriting on a pen. Think: John Hancock’s signature on your pen cap or the Happy Father’s Day example from earlier. How long does engraving take? The engraving process timeline varies by company. I've compiled a short list of engraving companies and their production timelines. Dayspring Pens has a turnaround of about 4-5 days, sometimes much sooner! But you can also get Rush Production, so your order will be shipped in one business day. Does engraving cost extra? Most personalization companies, like Dayspring Pens, don't charge extra for engraving. For others, it only costs a few dollars more in $3-$10 range. Conclusion I hope this all shows why personalized pens are the best go-to gift this year where you are buying for your mom or your clients. Now it's time for you to speak up! Tell me about your personalized pen gifting experience in the comments. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.
family celebrating christmas with christmas pen

The Jotted Line

The 7 Best Christmas Pens to Give

on Jan 02 2023
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The holiday season is just around the corner, and you may be feeling the pressure to find just the perfect gift for those special people in your life. How about a Christmas gift pen? Today, we’re going to talk about 7 of our finest pen gift ideas for your holiday season, whether you are out to shop for your office Christmas party or your family holiday celebration. This selection is going to span different brands, price, and designs to show you the incredible options out there. Interestingly, one of the great things about each of these pens is that they all come with a free line of personalized engraving for a special custom Christmas gift. So, here's our list of the 6 best pens (and 1 great padfolio) for Christmas gifts: 1.) The Dayspring Pens Alexandria The newest addition to Dayspring Pens, the Alexandria pen is all about a classic statement pen that looks great on a desk or in a hand. Personalization on the lacquer blue finish will be nice and noticeable in gold matching the appointments. Talk about a perfect Christmas gift! Notably, Dayspring really took the time to hone in the writing experience of the Alexandria for both the ballpoint, the rollerball, and the fountain pen. All three are medium point with almost no skipping or resistance. Moreover, each writing style represents a textbook example of the strengths of the style. With a larger barrel, this pen will be great for bigger hands or anyone who likes a looser grip. Santa's going to be checking off his list with the Dayspring Alexandria: Price: starting at $25 Ink: Black inside the ballpoint and rollerball, cartridges with the fountain pen Size: Large Engraving Color: Gold    DISCOVER THE ALEXANDRIA   2.) The Cross Bailey The Cross Bailey line of fine writing instruments is a classic pen design that looks impressive and writes admirably. Furthermore, engraving looks particularly snazzy on this pen since the two bandings on the cap create a balanced focal point for personalization. The Bailey comes in black, blue, and red lacquer finishes and a “Medalist” option, with a choice of a rollerball, fountain nib, or ballpoint tip. Personally, I recommend the ballpoint or the rollerball for this pen. However, Cross fountain pens tend to have a stiffer, medium point nib that can be less responsive. Additionally, it has a medium barrel width that makes them easier to use for longer periods of time, perfect for fighting the writing fatigue often faced by consistent writing. Christmas gift highlights of the Cross Bailey: Price: starting at $44 Ink: Black inside the pens Size: Medium Engraving Color: Silver on colored finishes; light gold on medalist   DISCOVER THE BAILEY    3.) The Parker Jotter This pen is great as a gift or a stocking stuffer with its shorter slimmer design and durable all metal construction. The click mechanism on this pen will have the person next to you go crazy as you click it open and closed. (It's snappy and addicting). The Parker Jotter has been around pretty much since the ballpoint was invented and is just such a sturdy, reliable pen it is easy to see why. A nice taper, the Parker arrow clip, and a two-tone finish on the color models are the standout design features of this pen. Engraving takes a slightly darker tone-on-tone look, so it is more subtle if you aren't looking for pizzaz and are looking for a lil something nice. Traditionally a ballpoint, I am a massive fan of the gel pen version because I write close together and the fine point gel line looks dark and lush on the page. The Grinch will steal the Parker Jotter because: Price: starting at $20 Ink: Black inside the pens Size: Slim Engraving Color: Dark Brass   DISCOVER THE JOTTER    4.) The Dayspring Pens Monroe What is great about the Dayspring Pens Monroe is the weight, the click action, and the comfy ergonomic grip. This pen looks and writes like your favorite cheap throwaway pen, but looks nice enough to sit on your desk or use in a boardroom. Rich color finishes in black, blue, and red all come with 18k gold plated appointments, or you can go straight gold with the 18k gold plated Monroe. It comes predominately as a set of ballpoint and mechanical pencil which is nice cause you get two pens for the price of one. This pen also has plenty of room for an engraving so there isn't as much pressure to squeeze something small on the pen. The Monroe is one of the perfect Christmas gift pens with: Price: starting at $20 Ink: Black inside the pens; 0.7mm lead in pencil Size: Medium Slim Engraving Color: Gold   DISCOVER THE MONROE    5.) The Waterman Expert The Waterman Expert is the kind of pen that is a stand out Christmas present. It is a luxury pen with no bones about it. Indeed, rich high gloss lacquer finish, precious metal detailing, and time-tested writing precision make the Waterman Expert a rival with brands like Montblanc. The Expert has a larger, cigar shaped barrel and a magnificent twist-action on the ballpoint. The Waterman fountain pen and rollerball are also a great way to experience the world of high end pens. Its a great pen that is going to look really nice as a Christmas gift, especially when you add a personal engraving (which is actually free with this pen from Dayspring). Find the Waterman Expert on a desk in Nakatomi Plaza because: Price: starting at $130 Ink: Black inside the pens Size: Medium Engraving Color: Gold    DISCOVER THE EXPERT   6.) The Cross Century II The Cross Century II is one of the jolly christmas gift pens, exceptional in its design and writing performance. Arguably, it is one of the best pens Cross has ever made. Consequently, a fusion of the Cross Classic Century and the Cross Townsend, this pen has been an official White House pen for three presidencies. The finishes are luxe and refined, but the best part of this pen is the functional details. The way the cap snaps back on the pen in the rollerball and the seamless twist-action of the ballpoint. Each moment of using the pen feels completely thought out and meticulously crafted.  Available in multiple finishes, but particularly remarkable in the Pearlescent White, it is a medium barrel pen that is a delight to unwrap. Sleigh bells ring on the Cross Century II: Price: Starting at $89 Ink: Black inside the pens Size: Medium slim Engraving Color: Gold, silver    DISCOVER THE CENTURY II   7.) The Dayspring Pens Natural Leather Padfolio     Technically not a pen, but what experience of giving christmas gift pens is complete without the paper to write on? The Dayspring Pens Leather Padfolio is a beautifully crafted piece of natural leather, closed with an adjustable brass claps that expands or shrinks the portfolio.  Two sizes are available, A4 and A5, both complete with 40 pages of heavy 100 gram dot paper, perforated for easy tearing, an inner folder to hold loose sheets, and a cut out to fit an engraved pen in the spine. The larger A4 also has a business card holder slot. The Padfolio come custom engraved so it can complement an engraved pen for the gift set of the season. See why Santa got Dayspring Pens Padfolios for all his elves: Price: Starting at $120 Color: Natural brown leather Size: A4 and A5 Engraving Color: Black   DISCOVER A DAYSPRING PENS PADFOLIO    Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift Pens These are just five of the best Christmas pens you can find at Dayspring Pens. Additionally, each comes in gift boxes with free domestic shipping and a free line of personal engraving to help with as you shop for the holidays. Not only does each pen write well, but also they look great with engraving, and can find the perfect spot under your tree depending on your price point. For more pens and personalized gifts, check out our website or leave a comment below about your favorite pen this Christmas season! Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.
Graphic with happy fathers day sign

The Jotted Line

Choosing the Perfect Father's Day Gift Pen

on Jan 02 2023
If your dad is anything like mine, the search for a Father’s day gift he doesn’t already have is an impossible task, but finding him a relevant present he’ll use everyday and love doesn’t have to be. I invite you to consider getting him a Father's day gift pen. Personalized pens are practical enough for any dad, no matter what he does, and can be completely unique to him. In this article, we are going to talk about how to choose the right pen for your dad for Father's Day whether he is constantly working on projects around the house or relaxing with a video game. Where to Start with Writing Instruments Now, when I am looking to buy a pen as a gift for someone I always like to start by asking myself a few questions: What kind of pen do I see him using? Is it a ballpoint? A rollerball? A fountain pen?  What is his style? Is he very professional and put together or more comfortable in a pair of jeans and a favorite t-shirt?  How does he use his pen? Is he constantly writing at a table or out and about pulling a pen out of his pocket?  With those questions in mind, let's look at three different "types" of dads, how they use their pens, and what kind of pens we think they will be proud and excited to use this Father's Day. The Dad on the Go This dad is the kind of guy who is constantly moving from task to task. His job may be out on a worksite, visiting different locations, or walking from patient room to patient room.  This dad always has his hands in a project or fixing something around the house. I like to focus on practicality when searching for a Father's day gift pen in this case. He needs a pen that is durable, functional, and easy to carry. Ballpoint pens fit that bill perfectly. They are ready to write at any moment, they dry almost instantly, and they can write on pretty much any surface.  Something with a quick, easy click-action and something that has a smaller profile for portability is super handy if he is constantly taking his pen in and out of is pocket. Durability is also something to consider since the writing instruments will need to stand up to a work day. Further Reading: What are the Best Ballpoint Pen Brands? Great Options to Think About When Buying a Father's Day Gift Pen The Parker Jotter Light weight, slim profiled, and durable as all get out, the Parker Jotter has long been an Everyday Carry Pen because it is the quintessential workhorse pen. Addictive click action and smooth ink refill makes this pen a steal at around $20. The Dayspring Richmond Matte Black Set A set made up of a ballpoint pen and a mechanical pencil, the Richmond is sleek, minimal, and solid. It's a great middle of the road set at around $30. The Waterman Expert Stainless Chrome Trim Ballpoint Durability is a given with the Waterman Expert Stainless Ballpoint. The stainless steel finish could survive a tank and the Waterman quality ballpoint is unparalleled. A luxury pen that can stand up to a hard days work, the Waterman Expert comes in at roughly $140. The Weekday Warrior Dad This dad works his nine to five from his office whether that’s remote at home or in the office building. Maybe he likes to do the morning crossword or keeps a physical planner. Whether crunching numbers or building a website, a majority of his time is at his desk.  Since this father is doing his work at his desk, I find he has a lot of freedom in what he writes with. I like to recommend fountain pens or even rollerballs for this dad. They give a unique, smooth writing experience perfect for jotting down notes and marking up documents.  Look for a fountain pen with a comfortable weighted body allows for longer periods of writing without hand cramping.  You can find a wide range of styles from something modern and architectural to something classical with finesse so you can tailor the Father's day gift pen to his style. Discover More: What Are the Types of Fountain Pens?   Father's Day Gift Pens to Consider The Dayspring Alexandria Fountain Pen An entry level fountain pen, there is nothing to fear with getting this pen. The Alexandria Fountain Pen is simple to load and has a nice medium to large barrel. Each Alexandria comes with a converter and two universal ink cartridges at approximately $35. The Cross ATX Blue Rollerball Architectural and futuristic, the Cross ATX just looks so cool. With gel ink inside the pen, the ATX is one smooth writer from an American company, starting at $80. The Cross Century II Black Fountain Pen A classic pen with all the right details, the Century II is a thing of beauty. The pen inks a fantastic writing line. A memorable addition to the Cross collection, the Century II is around $165. The Father of the Boardroom Somewhere in between the dad on the go and the dad working from his office, this father is a go getter, taking meetings with clients or running his own business. He might be the head of the office or someone who takes their personal style seriously to present who they are and show their respect to their employees. When I think about this type of dad, his writing instruments are an extension of how he dresses and approaches a room. I like to suggest something that is equally practical, but makes a statement in how it appears and how it writes. That can mean a writing set like a pen and pencil that offers flexibility, but I like to think of the rollerball as the best writing style for this dad. Rollerballs have the ready to write practicality of a ballpoint, but the beautifully smooth liquid line of a fountain pen which means they make a signature look impressive.  Handwriting Engraving And speaking of signatures I want to mention my favorite option for personalization: engraved handwriting. Engraved Handwriting puts his signature on the pen making it completely unique to him. His Father's Day gift pen will make a statement that perfectly represents what he does and the documents he has signed. Related Reading: 20 Best Rollerball Pens to Give as Gifts Recommended Father's Day Gift Pens Dayspring Pens Monroe Gold Set 18k gold-plating is a rarity on a pen set and looks fantastic in this classic take on a click pen.       The Dayspring Monroe Gold Set comes with a black ink ballpoint and 0.7mm mechanical pencil with a comfortable ergonomic rubber grip. Waterman Hemisphere Stainless Gold Trim Rollerball Finessed and detailed, the Waterman Hemisphere is a Dayspring Pens staff favorite with the rollerball iteration being the most used pen in the office. Durable and fancy with 23k gold appointments, this pen looks great and writes even better. Parker Premier Rollerball  Parker's highest end luxury pen, the Premier Rollerball is stunning with its high gloss finish and precision gold bandings. This is a boardroom, executive pen through and through. The table below highlights different pens that are fantastic options for Father’s Day gifts:  Pen Type Average Price Range Budget-Friendly Options Premium Collections Ballpoint pen $10 - $150 Parker Jotter, Waterman Expert Montblanc Meisterstück Fountain pen $20 - $500 Dayspring Alexandria Fountain Pen Cross Century II Rollerball pen $15 - $300 Cross ATX Parker Premier Conclusion Those are my tips for finding the best Father’s Day gift pen. Really, finding the perfect pen for Father’s Day is about finding a gift you are excited to give, and I hope asking yourself these questions and thinking about what he does and how he uses his pens has helped you shop. If you have any questions or suggestions that helped you find the perfect pen for Father's Day leave a comment. Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

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