13 Best Custom Personalized Pens

By Samantha Di Nardo

Cross Pens Calais Chrome Ballpoint best personalized pen

13 Best Custom Personalized Pens

By Samantha Di Nardo

In this article, I'm simply going to list our 13 best-selling personalized pens and offer short overviews of each one.

You'll get a look at the best features of each personalized pen, variations within each pen line, writing styles, and reasons why people choose each one over the others.

Personalized pens are some of the best kinds of customized gifts available on the internet, especially for business gifts. We hope this list is representative of some of the best pens for writing out there and can help you find the right one for you!

1.) Cross Calais

Engraved Calais Chrome Ballpoint on top of notebook

The Calais from A.T. Cross pens is our #1 best-selling personalized pen and our Best Cross Pen at Dayspring Pens, and it's easy to see why. 

The Calais is easily the most affordable (starting from $28.34), best designed, and reliable luxury pens on the market.

The most popular versions of the Calais are:

The engraving on these personalized pens looks really clear, so it makes a really great base for a meaningful gift pen. It's got a mid-sized barrel; that means it's great for logo engraving for promotional gifts and merchandise.

2.) Parker Jotter

Parker Jotter Kensington Red Gel Pen Engraved

The Jotter from Parker pens is one of the best personalized pens out there with the most bang per buck. Starting at only $23.09, the Jotter has a minimal design and construction but the maximum in solid durability. It comes standard as a smooth-writing gel pen.

The most popular models of the Jotter are:

The engraving comes out similar to the Classic Century from Cross Pens.

This one is sure to please; it's my preferred pen. And you don't need to just take my word for it. Bryan Collins author of Yes, You Can Write points out the strength of the Parker Jotter in his informative article on the Best Pens for Writing in 2022.

Plus, it's got the best click feeling ever.

3.) Dayspring Pens Monroe Pen and Pencil Set

Dayspring Pens Monroe Gold Ballpoint and Pencil Set

The Monroe Pen and Pencil Set is one of the best pen sets available on our website, and it's one of the most affordable gold pens on the internet.

A solid construction, rubber grip, and high-quality ballpoint cartridge make this pen as reliable and easy-to-use as a Cross pen, but for an even lower price point.

The best value deal for the Monroe is definitely the personalized pen and pencil set which includes a click pen and mechanical pencil.

The other Monroe models include:

Any length of engraving looks great on Monroe personalized pens. It's taller barrel means that it can accommodate longer engravings without looking overpacked.

4.) Cross Classic Century

Cross Classic Century Chrome Ballpoint and Pencil Set

This slender, professional Cross Pen is just as reliable as the Calais, but marks a step up in stand-out design, luxury, and elegance. These personalized pens have historically been given to graduates with many peoples keeping (and using) the Classic Century for over 40 years.

The most popular models of the Classic Century are:

The engraving texture on the Classic Century is a little more subtle than the Calais, especially on the chrome and gold pen versions—but it really pops in bright gold on the black models—making it the perfect graduation gift pen.

5.) Waterman Hemisphere

Waterman Hemisphere Black Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen

The Hemisphere is one of the best Waterman pens available. It's a favorite personalized pen with both our customers and our staff.

With the Hemisphere, Waterman have crafted an incredibly smooth pen in each of its pen writing styles, and it stands in a much higher pedigree of luxury than its Cross pens counterparts.

The Hemisphere has a slimmer barrel; however, it does not lose anything in solidity. It's even got a nice weight to it—not too heavy, but enough weight to give it a nice sense of purpose. These personalized pens just take the cake as far as writing experience.

The best selling Hemispheres styles available from Dayspring Pens are:

There are also some Waterman pen sets available exclusively from Dayspring pens.

6.) Cross Coventry

 

Cross Coventry Blue Lacquer Ballpoint Engraved in Cross Gift Box

 

 

The entry level Cross pen, the Coventry is a ballpoint pen that maintains all the classical elements of a luxury pen, all metal construction, fine lacquer finishes, precision mechanisms, in a pen that starts in the low $30s.

What is great about this pen is that it is a thoughtful, uniquely customizable pen that can be given out without the need for a big occasion or a high ticket buy.

I see them most commonly given as gifts for coworkers, corporate gifts, and friends who want to share a nice present.

The color options available for the Coventry are:

The Coventry is a no stress gift option when looking for a gift for things like the office Secret Santa or a team present at the start of a project.

7.) Waterman Expert

Waterman Expert Black and Gold Trim Ballpoint

The Waterman Expert Black and Gold Pen Ballpoint (pictured above) is one of our best professional pens.

The cigar-shaped medium barrel design makes it a comfortable options for both men and women. The accents give it a classic look perfect for the professional world.

Its larger cap and solid construction have made it the luxury pen of choice for logo engraved gifts to executives and for career milestones.

Aside from the ballpoint, here's our Waterman Expert selection:

Each style has the Waterman guarantee for excellent, smooth writing, which makes finding the best Expert a matter of preference over objectivity.

 

 

8.) Dayspring Pens Alexandria

Dayspring pens Blue Alexandria Rollerball Pen

The Alexandria Blue Fountain Pen seen above is a best seller for two reasons: 1.) because it is a great entry level fountain pen and 2.) because of its wide barrel.

We constantly hear from beginners and fountain pen buffs how solid the nib of the Alexandria Fountain pen is and starting at $31.49 it can be a great option for trying out different kinds of fountain pen ink without worrying about mucking up a more expensive pen.

The wide barrel on these personalized pens is also perfect for larger hands. The popular Alexandria options include: 

Each Alexandria Fountain Pen includes an ink converter and two free black universal ink cartridges.

9.) Cross Bailey

Cross Bailey Medalist Rollerball Pen

The Cross Bailey line is the perfect example of the professional line of AT Cross pens. Recognizably Cross, the Bailey features a medium barrel, etched banding, and an incredible clip that is large enough for an easy slide in and out of pockets and portfolios.

A step up from the Cross Calais, the Bailey is a business pen. The ballpoint is great for constant note-taking, the fountain pen for signing, and the rollerball for just about everything else.

The best selling Baileys and colors are:

Plenty of space on the cap for engraving makes this a popular pen for logo and two line engravings.

10.) Parker IM

Personalized Parker IM Black Gold Trim Rollerball Pen

Glossy black lacquer and the icon Parker arrow clip with polished gold accessories highlight the Parker IM Rollerball seen above. Designed to be modern, comfortable, and professional, the Parker IM is a go-to gift for graduations and celebratory office gifts.

The Parker IM offers the only click-action ballpoint pens in the professional lines of our luxury pens starting at $33.59.

Available in black or blue lacquer with gold or silver appointments, the best of the Parker IMs are as follows:

The perfect barrel size for logos and signature engravings, the Parker IM engravings match the trims for a stand out personalization.

If you are a Parker Pen fan, the IM is a must try.

11.) Cross Century II

Cross Century II White Rosegold Rollerball Pen

The ideal blend of the Cross Classic Century and the Cross Townsend, the Century II shows the best that Cross has to offer.

Where some of the more premium Cross pen lines can become self-indulgent or unwieldy, the Century II nails the classic elegance and functional design that has made Cross a household name.

It's a sharp-looking pen with quality construction. Even the twist of the ballpoint and the snap of the capped models feel expensive.

What are the top Century II contenders?

12.) Dayspring Pens Abingdon Pen

A staff favorite, the Abingdon gives a luxury writing experience in a pen designed to highlight a custom engraving. This affordable pen is one of the smoothest sets from both the ballpoint to the rollerball available at Dayspring.

A twist-action ballpoint and capped rollerball, the Abingdon writes so well I regularly dig through our test pen bucket for any extras.

The Abingdon has a lustrous chrome barrel with a wide cap that can handle longer names and messages like a champ.

The pen options available for the Abingdon are:

The Abingdon pens are hands down one of Dayspring Pens greatest deals and best kept secrets.

13.) Dayspring Pens Woodmark Pen and Pencil Set

Rosewood Engraved Ballpoint Pen and Mechanical Pencil in an engraved case

Our only selection that is entirely wood except for the mechanical elements and appointments, the Woodmark pen and pencil sets are one of a kind since no two pieces of wood are the same.

Showing off the natural grains of rosewood, the warm finish of these personalized pens make them an excellent accessory to a desk.

An affordable option for promotional gifting, the case offers a large medium for both logo and text engravings. There is also versatility in how the custom pens sets are customized with the option to engrave the case and the writing instruments differently.

The most popular of the Woodmark line ranks:

Each rosewood ballpoint is also compatible with Cross brand ink refills making it a convenient for refilling.

What's included with a Dayspring Pen?

Every Dayspring pen comes with a free single line of custom engraving and free standard shipping in the US.

Each one includes ink and comes gift-ready in a gift box with a personal gift note available.

All personalized pens also come with a varying warranty against mechanical issues from the manufacturers.

People Also Ask...

How do you put your name on a pen?

Easy! Get your pen laser engraved.

Engraving usually costs about $5-$15, but it's free from Dayspring Pens.

How much do personalized pens cost?

Personalized pens cost about as much as any other kind of luxury pen: they can range in price from $5 to $1,500 or more, depending on the quality of the pen.

How long does it take to get personalized pens?

Dayspring Pens ships your personalized pen in one business day! That means that, depending where you live, you can get it in 3-6 business days.

What is the smoothest pen?

There's a lot of high-quality pens out there that claim to write the smoothest. Not to mention, what one means by "smoothest" differs between writers.

However, fountain pens are arguably the smoothest writing pens available on the market. 

Have a look at the Waterman Hemisphere fountain pen or our very own Alexandria fountain pen. These high-quality pens write incredibly smoothly.

Conclusion

I hope this list helps you find the right pen for you from the Dayspring Pens Best Sellers. We pride ourselves on giving maximum help in navigating the big world of luxury pens to every customer.

If you want to stay up to date with our best sellers, new products, and special discounts, consider subscribing to our Dayspring Pens newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Let us know which of these fine writing instruments is your favorite in the comments below!

Sam Di Nardo

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.

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