The Jotted Line

At Dayspring Pens, we’re big fans of taking notes by hand. However, the pen you use can make or break your experience. In fact, studies show that using pens for note taking rather than using a computer increases your capacity to recall information.  It makes sense: writing is a more involved and complex activity than typing on a keyboard. But if you’re like us, you don’t want to just use any old pen. You’ll need something a bit more sturdy and permanent than a plastic Bic pen.  That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best luxury pens for note taking.  Let’s take a look! The 7 Best Pens for Note Taking What are the best luxury pens for note taking? Here’s our shortlist: Parker Jotter Click Gel Pen Dayspring Pens Richmond Ballpoint Pen Baron Fig Squire Rollerball Pen Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen Cross Tech3+ Multifunctional Pen Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen OHTO Dude Rollerball Pen But let’s take a closer look at each of these pens one at a time! 1. Parker Jotter The Parker Jotter is a classic pen (You’ve probably seen it once or twice in one of your favorite movies or tv shows).  But what makes this pen so great for note taking is its size, weight, and click-action. It’s on the shorter side of pens, so it feels like a pen you can really get to scribbling fast with. Additionally, it’s really lightweight being made of mostly stainless steel. Also it has a really nice solidity with zero rattle like most other click pens. And the click is just really satisfying if you’re compulsive like me.  I mean, it’s in the name.  TRY THE JOTTER.   2. Dayspring Pens Richmond One of the newest additions to the Dayspring Pens line, the Richmond combines a slimmer barrel, streamlined aesthetics, and simple, functional mechanics. The Richmond is really sturdy, and because it’s a ballpoint it can write on pretty much any surface and won’t run out of ink for a long time. Overall, it’s an affordable luxury gift pen that writes like a dream.  TRY THE RICHMOND.   3. Baron Fig Squire  This pen has been all the rage lately, showing up at #1 on The Strategist’s top 100 list.  We think these are beautifully designed rollerball pens with really minimalist design that still stands out. Additionally, they’re perfectly balanced pens which makes them as fun to fidget with as they are for note taking.  The stainless steel body gives it a really good solidity, and the twist-action mechanism is really satisfying.  TRY THE SQUIRE.   4. Pilot Metropolitan Our team has fallen completely in love with Metropolitan over the last year.  It’s one of the most affordable high-quality fountain pens on the market, and it writes better than most pens that are double or triple its price.  One of the things I really like is how springy the nib is without actually just bending right back and/or breaking. It’s such a nice quality in a fountain pen and makes note taking really enjoyable.  TRY THE METROPOLITAN.   5. Cross Tech 3+    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.  However, the ability to switch between the black and the red pen instantly makes it perfect for grading papers or fancy note taking. With every twist of the pen, the writing tip cycles between the ballpoints and the mechanical pencil. Additionally, 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.  TRY THE TECH3+.   6. Kaweco Sport   The Kaweco Sport has received a lot of attention over the last couple of years. It’s a wonderfully fun pen with a lot of character and functionality. I love the unique cap size that seems to swallow the whole pen, but gives it proper size when posted on the back end.  Without the posted cap, the pen is quite small, but it makes for a quick, effortless little writing instrument. The nib is really high quality, but I recommend getting the medium sized one which has a smoother draw than the small nib.  TRY THE SPORT.   7. OHTO Dude The OHTO Dude rollerball has been one of my favorite everyday carry pens over the last year. It’s got a really cool barrel design that transitions between a traditional round barrel at the back to a hexagonal shape in the center of the barrel and the cap.  Despite its unconventional barrel shape, this pen posts its cap satisfyingly.  Rollerballs like the Squire and the Dude are great because they have water-based ink that makes a really bold line, and they draw across the page super smoothly.  The drawback is, unlike ballpoints, they can’t write on smooth surfaces, and the ink tends to sink into the page pretty deep, so if you have thin paper, just be aware. That said, I really love the Dude, it’s easy to use and super smooth, so I’m happy to recommend it for taking notes.  TRY THE DUDE.   Frequently Asked Questions Why take notes by hand? Taking notes by hand cuts out a lot of room for distractions on your laptop, phone, or tablet. Indeed, your sketchpad doesn’t usually ring with notifications on the regular. Plus, taking notes by hand forces you to slow down and use your body, to think about the words you’re writing down more than you would just typing.  Studies also show that your capacity to recall information increases when you take notes by hand. What kind of pens are best for note taking? While I like rollerball pens because I find them smoother, I think objectively ballpoint pens are the best. They don’t smudge as much as other pens, and they can write on slick surfaces. But really, you just have to find a pen that works, that unlocks the best study habits in you.  What’s the best pen for student notes? From the list above, I think the Baron Fig Squire is going to be a crowd favorite for students. It’s just too cool and so functional. What’s the best pen for professionals?  I think the Jotter is going to be the best move for professionals. It looks amazing, and it can absolutely floats across a page.  However, don’t take it from me. Trust the two greatest corporate professionals on TV: Don Draper and Dwight K. Schrute, who are both Jotter users. Select Your Preferred Pens for Note Taking That’s all for our list of the best luxury pens for note taking. Remember! Every pen ordered at Dayspring Pens comes with free personalized engraving.  Personalized pens make great gifts for students and professionals alike! Before you go, tell us what pen you use for note taking in the comments below! To see other offers from Dayspring Pens, have a look at 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.

In this article, I list my 11 favorite EDC pens. Everyday Carry Pens are pens you'd have on you throughout the day, perhaps in your bag, that are capable of accomplishing daily writing tasks consistently and easily. As opposed to luxury pens, the point is not fashion, but function. I list pens in every writing styles (ballpoint, rollerball, fountain pen, and felt tip), and all pens are scaled from 1-5 for three categories: Functionality Durability Ease of Use 11 Best EDC Pens Countdown Here's the shortlist of our top-ranked Everyday Carry Pens: 11. Pentel Fude Touch Felt Pen10. Fisher Space Pen9. Richmond Matte Black Rollerball8. Kaweco Classic Sport7. PILOT Precise V56. Monroe Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil Set5. Abingdon Blue Ballpoint4. Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball3. PILOT Metropolitan Fountain Pen2. Cross Tech3+ Pen1. Parker Jotter Gel Pen 11.) Pentel Fude Touch Felt Pen Starting at number 11, I have my one felt pen offering to this list. Why only one? Well, felt pens are incredible at getting their specific job done (like bullet journaling and drawing), but I don't find them to be the most versatile pens, and they really give in to wear and tear. That being said the Pentel Fude is a classic Japanese felt pen, perfect for hand lettering and doodles alike. Water based ink sinks in to the page and dries fast. The flexible fabric tip adapts to movement and add character to every stroke. At around $6.99 for three its hard to beat the Fude's price for an EDC pen. What I don't like about this pen, its plastic body is not particularly durable and neither is the tip which will wear down with heavy use. So ultimately, the Pentel Fude is easy to write with, but some overall flaws in daily use. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 3/5 Ease of Use: 4/5  TRY THE PENTEL FUDE    10.) Fisher Space Pen The Fisher AG7 Space pen is a tank; its pressurized ink cartridge can write upside down, under water, in super cold weather, and, yes, in space. Because it can write on any surface which is a big pro for anyone on a work site. And if durability is your biggest necessity, this would be a solid choice It's steel body can survive almost anything you could throw at it (or throw it at). It also has a tight pocket clip so it will be very secure in your shirt. Ultimately, the Fisher Space Pen is a solid pen. My major con is that I find it requires a good amount of pressure and does not create a particularly dark writing line so I rate it lower on the ease of use. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 5/5 Ease of Use: 2.5/5  TRY THE SPACE PEN   9.) Richmond Matte Black Rollerball The Richmond rollerball is a nice, weighted metal pen that leaves a fine, black writing line. It's a pen with simple, functional lines that looks nice enough to be a business pen. The newest offering from Dayspring Pens, the Richmond's matte black finish is by far a must since the lacquer hides smudges and finger prints.  Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 3.5/5 Ease of Use: 4/5  TRY THE RICHMOND   8.) Kaweco Classic Sport The first of our fountain pen entries, the Kaweco Classic Sport is an uber portable, reactive pen, and it's one of the most reliable fountain pens I've ever used. A fine point nib and compact body, the Kaweco Classic Sport has a variable length depending on whether or not the abnormally long cap is posted or not. When it's posted, the pen is a standard size, but when it's off, the pen feels pretty compact. The clip is also unique: it's removable and adjustable, making it a pocket pro. The ink cartridge refills hold a sizeable amount of ink, able to last through long writing sessions. The plastic build is light weight, which is great for mobility, but it probably wouldn't hold up against too much abuse. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 3.5/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 TRY THE SPORT    7.) PILOT Precise V5 An excellent writing pen, the PILOT Precise V5 is a great EDC pen for crosswords and daily note taking.  Available both as a capped rollerball and click pen with an ergonomic grip, you can take your pick whichever style you find most compatible with your needs. The Pilot Precise V5 is a reliable, handy pen. When it comes to its writing experience, I could wax poetic. The downfall of the PILOT Precise V5 as an EDC pen is its durability. It is not a particularly strong plastic barrel and has the same pitfalls of the Pentel Fude. It would be great safely tucked in a pocket or purse pouch, but avoid tactical pen situations. Functionality: 4/5 Durability: 3/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 TRY THE PRECISE V5  6.) Monroe Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil Set The Monroe Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil Set is a click mechanism pen set with a nice presentation and solid writing at an affordable price. The newly redesigned Monroe set is much more durable and functional than its predecessors. It has a good weight that feels sturdy in the hand. The ballpoint has a consistent, smooth ink quality. The mechanical pencil is just fine. High end pencils can be hard to come by so it's a unique option. It writes as comfortably as the ballpoint. The major drawback is the light writing line of the pencil lead and the lack of an eraser. Lead can be replaced though. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 3.5/5 TRY A MONROE SET    5.) Abingdon Blue Ballpoint The Abingdon Blue Ballpoint is the largest of the EDC pens to grace this list. If slimmer barrel gives you hand cramps or discomfort, the Abingdon is sized to be super accessible to any hand size. The blue lacquer softens the chrome finishes and adds a nice notability. As for the writing, it's smooth and steady.  Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 4.5/5 Ease of Use: 3.5/5 TRY AN ABINGDON BLUE BALLPOINT    4.) Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball NOTE: We are starting to get into the "chef's kiss" area of the list for me. It starts out with the Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball. The highest end luxury pen on my list, the Hemisphere is an EDC despite the price point. Why? Because it writes so incredibly well. It's reliable as all get-out, and it's so classy-looking: understated chic in an upscale environment and a statement pen in the everyday. Drawbacks to this pen? It's a rollerball so it will not write on any glossy surfaces. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 TRY A WATERMAN HEMISPHERE ROLLERBALL    3.) Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen The Pilot Metropolitan is a shockingly good fountain pen for under $20. An aluminum body makes it light weight and easy to carry. It fits comfortably in the hand and is a pretty no-fuss fountain pen with very little maintenance required. What makes this an EDC pen for me, aside from its great flexible nib and fine point, is how easily the pen started writing again after sitting in my bag for two months. All the drawbacks with this pen are due to it being a fountain pen, so if you are averse to the upkeep of a fountain pen, then move on down the list. Functionality: 3.5/5 Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 TRY A PILOT METROPOLITAN FOUNTAIN PEN    2.) Cross Tech3+ Pen The Cross Tech3+ is my personal favorite ballpoint pen. It's durable with all metal material, it's portable with a slimmer body, and it's ridiculously functional since it is actually three writing instruments in one. Twist this pen to move from a black ballpoint pen to a red ballpoint pen to a 0.5mm mechanical pencil instantly. The Tech3+ also has an eraser under the cap and a stylus on the cap for tablets. I personally prefer the matte black finish or one of the translucent lacquer since the chrome can be slippery and shows my grubby fingerprints in a single touch. Functionality: 5/5 Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 4.5/5 TRY A CROSS TECH3+    1.) Parker Jotter Gel Pen And finally we come to the ultimate EDC pen since 1954: the Parker Jotter. It's slim and portable, durable as heck, and the click is next-level satisfying. I prefer the fine tip gel version for its rich black ink line and the metal material construction that last quite a bit of abuse. You can easily find this pen as a ballpoint and in plastic material online, engraved, or even at an office goods store. This has been one of the best EDC pens because it was the first to solve the skipping problem of the original ballpoints, making it a staple throughout history. You can even see it in a ton of films and tv shows from the '60s on. You can even see it in GoldenEye as the epic grenade pen. If that isn't functionality, I don't know what is. Functionality: 4.5/5 Durability: 5/5 Ease of Use: 4.5/5 TRY A PARKER JOTTER    Before we say goodbye, here's some frequently asked questions about everyday carry pens. Frequently Asked Questions: What makes good EDC pens? We all know pens come in any shape or style you could dream of from the classic Stic Bic to the carved wooden animal pens you get from the museum gift show to the thousand dollar jewel encrusted pens. As good as each of these pens can be for their specific reasons, they don't all make good everyday carry pens. But what really makes a good everyday carry pen? Here's our answer: Functionality Durability Ease of Use  Let's take a look at each of these three points. 1.) Functionality An EDC pen needs to be functional to get you through all of the different tasks you need a pen to accomplish throughout the day. The important distinction is figuring out just what you are constantly doing. Are you jotting quick things down on a worksite, making notes on wood and blueprints at all angles? Are you sitting down at a desk writing for long periods of time like grading papers? What you are doing with your pen matters for your every day writing needs. Something like that jewel encrusted luxury pen might be perfect to make a statement in a board room meeting, but probably isn't the best to pull out to fill out your intake form at the doctor's office. 2.) Durability Next an EDC needs to be durable enough to last through all your tasks. A Stic Bic is a great writer, but if someone nibbles the end a lil' too much or the pen gets buried underneath your books on the way to class, then it's ruined. 3.) Ease of Use Lastly, an Everyday Carry pen needs to be a good writing pen. I'm talking about minimal to no skipping, fast ready ink flow, and a comfortable fit in the hand. Many thanks to my parents for my carved wooden tiger pen from the Smithsonian, but that bad boy dried out fast, cramped my hand with its top heavy design, and gave me splinters. Conclusion So that's it for my list of the 11 best everyday carry pens. What's your go-to for EDC? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, and I'll be happy to try out a new pen and add it to the list. 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.

As every business owner knows, running a company is not a one-person job.  Behind every successful company, there’s a network of dedicated team members and clients who believe in you and support the work you do.  They’re your carefully selected team of Avengers who assemble every day from 9 to 5 and keep the wheel turning using the power of their time, expertise, or finances. So what should you give your employees and clients to celebrate these important milestones that also communicate how much you value their work all year round?  Personalized corporate gifts are a simple and thoughtful way of saying that you appreciate their contribution to your company.  Let’s dive into the complete list of some special corporate gifts you can get personalized here at Dayspring Pens.  We’ve handpicked seven gift ideas that say how much you acknowledge splendid work that’s being done within the company. #1 Pens Are the Ultimate Personalized Business Gifts We might be biased here because we really do love pens, but hear us out. Engraved pens make great personalized business gifts because they are professional, versatile, and everyone needs one.  Pens are useful presents ideal for any occasion within a corporate environment. They’re one of the most professional gifts you can get for any employee within the company.  We have a variety of pens that are ready for laser engraving with different writing styles, finishes, and brands.  When you choose one style you know your employees or clients will love, it’s time to customize it.  #2 Personalized Stationery to Keep Their Notes Whether it's a notepad for a desk or stationery for writing letters, this personalized stetionary by Curio Press is delightful.  Pursue through their incredibly cute designs to find something that would fit your client or employee.  Curio Press is a handmade, family owned business that will even let you custom select your colors as well as personalize the name.  #3 Custom Phone Charging Port  In this day and age, having a phone charger at the office is basically gold and keeping track of your own charger after someone borrows it can be a challenge.  These personalized chargers from Classy Charger are perfect for your office work station. With a variety of designs and monograming, this gift will be perfect for an office party and making sure the office stays nice and peaceful when tracking down who borrowed a charger.  Classy Chargers are universal 5W wall chargers, ready for Apple certified cables. They also have personalized power banks. #4 Personalized Journal and Pen Gift Set for Deep Thinkers  For people who like writing their thoughts down, there’s no better gift than a journal. Cross Classic Ballpoint Pen & Journal Gift Set  This often-overlooked habit of writing out thoughts by hand makes your employees more productive because it helps them with:  Reordering rushing thoughts to make space in their minds for what truly matters Jotting down notes to prevent forgetting ideas for how to improve a project  Discovering new ideas by writing them down with a pen  Decluttering the mind to ease the anxiety and feeling of being overwhelmed Journals are a splendid gift choice for different gift-giving occasions in the office—regardless if they’re intended for your coworkers or for showing your appreciation to your long-term employees and clients.  #5 Personalized Hats Sometimes, the "office space" isn't four walls and desks. For employees who spend their work day out in the field, a personalized hat is a fantastic, practical gift. With embroidery, engraving, and printing, Hatstore has everything you need to find whatever time of hat you would like to customize - from beanies to flatcaps to visors, name brand and generic.  Add staff's names to your logo or a special design just for them. #6 Personalized Food Basket Food is a tried and true gift. Mainly, because food is amazing and everybody eats, but also because it has little consequence in regards to gift giving laws and taxes for a business.  Mouth has an almost baffling array of food baskets. You can either customize a basket completely or choose one of their already crafted packages.  No matter what the allergies, diets, or preferences are in your office, you can find a food basket perfect for each member of your business.  You can even gift a subscription that would be perfect for a monthly surprise in the break room! #7 Clock for Desk as a Unique Custom Corporate Gift  A desk clock is a classy feature for employees, bosses, or clients and is one of the top personalized business gifts in businesses because it recognizes that workspace matters.  Adding natural elements such as a wooden desk set makes the space warmer, more natural, and inviting.   This desk set that features a clock and pens uplifts any office space while communicating to your employees that you care about their well-being while working in the company.  The ornamental clock is a savvy idea for people in a time sensitive role or for special occasions, such as promotions and anniversaries.  #8 Laptop Cases Let's be honest...almost every job has some computer element nowadays so giving the gift of a custom laptop case for your clients or staff is a gift that will get used.  These classic leather laptop cases from The Daily Edited are classy, sophisticated, and versatile, making them a perfect option for personalized business gifts.  I am particularly fond of the personalization in gold and the option to have personal handwriting embossed on the case.  Don't miss out on the other personalized cases and sets offered by TDE. #9 Yoga Mats for the Workout Group  Yup! A yoga mat complete with an employee's name printed on it. It's unique, useful, and ideal for office's that have community groups among staff.  This customized workout mat is a lovely present for anyone on your wellness gift giving list (even if that's you!). At home, the embroidered details add that extra special touch -- and at the studio, it's great way to ensure you don't have any mat mix-ups. It's the perfect mat for meditation as well! #10 Nameplate Holders to Welcome New Employees  The nameplate holder is a gift that says “congratulations you’ve got a job” and “we’re happy to have you at our company” all at the same time.  Gifts such as nameplates make your new staff member feel welcome in your company while they adjust to a new work environment. They commemorate new promotions.  The nameplate is also a lifesaver if you run a large company and aren’t good with names. Be sure to engrave their position alongside their names to signify their role at the company. #11 Personalized Mugs These personalized mugs from Uncommon Goods are incredibly cute and perfect for the office kitchen.  For obvious reasons, you won't have to worry about which cup is yours.  Mugs are a great way to help employees get into their workflow and rhythms as they get into the office and start their daily rituals.  It’s the Thought That Counts  Custom gifts such as engraved pens with a thoughtful message  speak that you notice good work done in the company and want to motivate your team members.  There’s so much you can say with corporate gifts:  Thank you for your contribution to our company Thank you for appearing at all of those Zoom meetings that could have been done via email We enjoy doing business with you You did a great job Whatever you want to say, we can engrave it for you—at least anything you can express within 30 characters or less.  Which personalized business gift will you choose to show appreciation for your team of super workers?  Let us know in the comment section or send us an email if you want to place an order and become one of our long-term clients. 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.

Today, I am going to break down the top 5 Waterman rollerball pens and some sweet hacks to make these pens your most used writing instruments. First, let's break down what you get when you get a Waterman rollerball pen. Then, we will tackle the top 5 Waterman designs for rollerball pens. Last, we will go into my list of hacks for a Waterman rollerball pen to make it your go-to custom brand. Let's get rolling! Waterman Rollerball Pens When it comes to name brand pens like Waterman, sometimes different designs really do matter in terms of the writing quality of the pen. (This is particularly true of fountain pens where the more expensive pens will feature better quality nibs.) When you pay for a more expensive fountain pen, you are ideally getting the best writing experience possible with pure gold nibs and hand-tooling. Unlike the fountain pen, the ballpoint and rollerball pen tend to have the exact same ink refills from pen to pen. That means the same ink writing experience will occur from the highest price item to the lowest price item. Every Waterman rollerball pen will feature the Waterman rollerball ink refill in black. And this is not to knock the Waterman rollerball gel ink refills. They are, in fact, quite a good ink refill whether you choose to use the fine or the medium point. The writing is smooth with very limited skipping, fast dry time, and none of the headache of liquid ink which can dry out inside the pen too quickly if the cap is left off. And the two ink color choices are solid: a nice inky black and their trademark Mysterious Blue. With that in mind, you might be thinking: what's the point of paying for a more premium, expensive Waterman pen if they all have the same writing mechanism? What makes a pen? Ultimately, how the ink flows out of the tip of the pen is just one small factor in how well a pen actually writes. Especially with rollerballs, factors like the size of the pen, the weight, the shape, the finish all play important roles in preventing hand cramps and ensuring a long-lasting, comfortable jot. The other major price factor is the materials used to make the pen. An entry level Waterman pen will not have the same quality of materials in the construction and finery as the higher end product lines. Waterman pens are a timeless brand with a design aesthetic that always says classic, refined, elegant. The question with a Waterman rollerball isn't will it write well. That fact is table stakes. The question is which Waterman design will fit me best? To answer that question, I am going to enter into the world of Waterman pens and discuss my top five favorite products from Waterman to help you find the perfect Waterman rollerball for your needs. The Top 5 Waterman Rollerball Pens Lines Here's the shortlist: 5.) The Allure 4.) The Carène3.) The Perspective2.) The Hemisphere1.) The Exception Let's take a more in-depth look at each of these great rollerball pens! 5.) The Allure Rollerball Starting off at number 5 is the Waterman Allure. Why I like this pen? It is far and away the most cost friendly Waterman pen with the widest selection of color choices, designed to be an easy go-to pen for anyone. A slimmer medium body makes it easy for pockets and purses, and the silver trim against the straight lines of the pen feels stylish and contemporary. Waterman also released a Pastels selection of the Allure that just feels extra Parisian (like I'm strolling down the street in Coco Before Chanel). Features of the Allure Waterman rollerball pen: All metal construction for durability Color selection ranges from satin matte black to pastel pink It hovers around a whopping $19.20 Fine point, black ink 4.) The Carène Black Sea Rollerball Next up! The Carène (aka a little nautical adventure in a pen). The Waterman Carène was designed to evoke sailing on a yacht in the Mediterranean. Does that sound pretentious? 100%. Does it still look insanely cool? 100%. I love the sleek curved lines and wave-like appointments of the Carène. Waterman made a unique design makes a bold statement about your personal style without rocking the boat. Things to note about the Carène: High gloss lacquer finishes Precious metal appointments such as 23k gold trim Medium barreled, cigar shape Price point around $200 P.S. If you are a fan of liquid ink take a look at the Carène fountain pen. The nib design is next level. 3.) The Perspective Rollerball Coming in as my number three, the Waterman Perspective Rollerball (aka Modern, Geometric, Precision). First off, the Waterman Perspective has a cylindrical body from top to bottom that makes it feel incredibly modern. The simplicity of the cylinder barrel makes it comfortable to grip in all locations and draws special attention to the detailing work on this rollerball pen. A wide banding is the perfect medium for the elaborate geometric patterning that makes the Perspective a sculptural pen. It's also one of the heavier Waterman pens, so if you like some heft, this is a great option. What to know about the Perspective: Medium barrel, weighty balance Price around $160 Cap rollerball pen 23k gold trim all metal materials construction 2.) The Hemisphere Rollerball Second to last on the list is the infamous Waterman Hemisphere rollerball. This pen pops up on best seller and staff favorite lists alike because it is the best all-around pen from Waterman in my opinion.  Slimmer bodied while still having a modicum of heft, the Hemisphere is a timeless pen that will get the job done day or night. It is a simple yet tasteful design, available in standard high gloss black finish as well as stainless steel with gold and silver trim. The price on the Hemisphere won't break the bank, but won't make you feel like you just opted for the cheapest thing available. What's great about the Hemisphere: fine point writing cap can be posted on rollerball pen Price starts around $70 Includes three year Waterman mechanical guarantee 1.) The Exception Rollerball And last, but certainly never the least, the Waterman Exception. This is the most premium of the Waterman Pen lines, and honestly, I was prepared to file this pen in the "overpriced for what you get" category. But oh my, was I wrong. The Waterman Exception is far and away my personal favorite Waterman product. In terms of design, the Exception is a square pen, which is insanely cool and unique. It's elegant and makes a statement, but doesn't look so flashy you don't want to use it. It's the details of this pen that show its true excellence. The satisfaction of the cap clicking into place, the perfect balance, the weight that requires almost no pressure to create a smooth writing line... Features of the Exception: Square body that meets at a perfectly sized grip Precious metal material trim Fine point liquid ink refill Price around $300 Hacks for Using a Waterman Rollerball Pen Now, I just want to share a couple of tips I have learned along the way when it comes to Waterman. Swap the Ink Refill Just like every pen brand and design is unique, so not all ink is made alike. If you find you do not particularly enjoy the Waterman ink refill or you are ready to replace a depleted cartridge, you can actually fit different brands of ink refills in Waterman rollerball pens. The Waterman rollerball pen is compatible with the Pilot G2 rollerball refill. So no need to search for only the Waterman brand refills unless you want to. If you love how a Pilot rollerball writes, but want the body of a luxury pen, you can have it.  Shop Now: Pen refills from Dayspring Pens Add Custom Engraving The other trick to getting the most out of your Waterman rollerball pen is to add personalized engraving. Dayspring Pens offers a free line of custom text engraving with any Waterman items, available with same day shipping for special rush order shopping. This makes the pen completely unique to you. You can even get a handwritten engraving or design. (I specially engraved a handwritten note on a Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball as a Father's Day gift for my husband so I highly recommend this!).      Conclusion Waterman rollerball pens are excellently crafted pens that will last a lifetime if you choose the right one for your needs. I hope this article has helped break down which pen lines are the best and given you some ideas for your shopping. For more on what makes Waterman pens special check out my article on the top 5 all around Waterman pens. And feel free to peruse Dayspring Pens site to see our selection of Waterman rollerball pens. But it's your turn now: which Waterman rollerball pen do you prefer? Let us know 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.

What's the best Parker fountain pen? The answer is going to vary somewhat between different pen users, and that's okay! However, we're just going to give you our own top 7, some of which you can find in our collection of Parker pens, others you can find on Amazon and with other online vendors and local pen shops. With us, you can get your Parker fountain pen shipped with a free personalized engraving, making it a great gift for anniversaries, graduation, and Christmas. Consequently, we think personalized pens make the best gifts for any occasion. Parker pens are preferred the gift pens of thousands of pen users all over the world. Indeed, even the Queen of England uses a Parker 51 fountain pen, and we're happy to offer a fairly wide selection of engraved pens to our customers. Parker offers pens in both the affordable and luxury pen ranges, all of which are crowned with a distinct clip design which is etched to resemble an arrow. I think the arrow clip is the most unique brand signature among high-end pen companies. In this list, I’ll simply say which ones I prefer and why, but they’re all worth considering. One of the big questions you’ll probably have is how much Parker pens cost, so I’ve added the price range to each listing.  All that said, enjoy the list and good luck with your search! My List of the Best Parker Fountain Pens Here's the shortlist: 7.) The Vector6.) The Premier5.) The Sonnet4.) The Urban3.) The Jotter2.) The IM1.) The 51 Let's take an in-depth look at each one! 7.) Vector Fountain Pens ($12-$30) The Parker Vector fountain pen is one of Parker Pens’ economical fountain pen lines. A slim, plastic body available in multiple color options makes the Vector an easy sort of “easy choice eggs and bacon” for cheap fountain pens or an addition to an otherwise stacked collection of daily writer fountain pens. The last thing this pen is going to do is give you an undue serving of buyer’s remorse—it’s too cheap for that. But that’s kind of what I love about the Vector: it doesn’t pretend to be for the purist pen enthusiast. It’s democratic and honest.  You get a solid nib on a colorful barrel of your preference for cheap—that’s it.  However, if you’re looking for a more “outstanding” cheap fountain pen you could look at the Pilot Metropolitan or our very own Arizona fountain pen which features a Jinhao nib. If, however, you need a reliable and super cheap back-up, be sure to grab one of these. 6.) Duofold Fountain Pens ($800-$3,000) The Parker Duofold Fountain Pen is at the apex of the high-end pens in the Parker Pen collections, ranking up there with their most expensive pens. On the other hand, the Duofold Big Red Vintage Fountain Pen is very popular. The Duofold was long the staple of Parker excellence in fountain pens. Originally made in 1921, the Duofold is a little piece of Parker history, brought back as a great fountain pen. Although its a child of the Roaring Twenties, the Duofold doesn't just capture the essence of the influential decade, it is the design of the decade. The attraction here really is luxury. It’s a solid, conspicuous writing instrument that brings a piece of the past into the present. 5.) Sonnet Fountain Pens ($100-$405) The Parker Sonnet fountain pen spans Parker’s middle-range and high-end luxury pen styles. It’s cleaner, slimmer design makes it one of Parker’s gold standard with rounded lines and a shiny black resin section. The etchings on the nib give it just the slightest bit of flash. An unforgettable pen, really—the Sonnet is worth every penny. Fortunately, our friends at Goldspot pens offer a wide collection of the Sonnet fountain pens. 4.) Urban Fountain Pens ($40-$116) The Parker Urban fountain pen features a slightly undulating cigar-shaped barrel and subtly minimal nib.  The unique design is more prominent in its ballpoint counterpart; the fountain pen is a little more straight-laced, but subtle flourishes in design (for example, the cross-hatching on the nib) mean this pen is not getting left in the mug with all pens you swiped from the bank.  In comparison to a roughly comparable pen (say, the Cross Bailey fountain pen), I prefer the Urban. The simple reason is that the nib is just that much smoother.  As far as I’m concerned, a Parker medium nib fountain pen is almost always going to outperform a Cross fountain pen.  As far as what’s more worth the price, the Urban soars above the Bailey. Breaking it down a bit: the Urban is a professional’s pen, but it’s not shouty. That’s why I love it.  Related Reading: How To Store a Fountain Pen Properly   3.) Jotter Fountain Pens ($22.50-$30) The reason I love the Jotter fountain pen so much is because of its economic price, its reliable construction, and its streamlined design. The Jotter is the most affordable Parker fountain pen after the Vector, but it marks a significant step up in quality. The design emphasis nods to the Bauhaus, I think, with a minimization of the number of materials (stainless steel, chrome, resin in some models, and plastic only really in the cartridge), but a maximization on the function of those materials.  That is to say, there’s not a whole lot of waste with this pen; everything is cut down and simplified without making the pen feel super cheap, shaky, or plastic-y.  I also love the candle-flame nib design; it’s not winged like a lot of other fountain pen nibs. The Jotter pen is perhaps more popular in its click gel ink version, but the fountain pen really holds its own. 2.) IM Fountain Pens ($20-$50) The Parker IM fountain pen is Parker’s flagship economy pen.  It’s a fantastic all-around fountain pen, mixing daily writer reliability with a nod to the glamor and glitz of its higher-end counterparts. I put it in the #2 placement because it’s the most accessible pen for the quality; it’s just worth the price because you get a higher quality pen for so much less. The black and gold trim engravable fountain pens are definitely, some of our best sellers here at Dayspring Pens.  Further Reading: How To Write With a Fountain Pen: The 3 Simple Steps 1.) 51 Fountain Pens ($80-$260) The Parker 51 fountain pen is the height of Parker ingenuity.  The Parker 51 features a kind of “hood” over the stainless steel nib, making it look more arrow-like than any of the other Parker pens. I love that about the 51. Plus, it’s a surprisingly affordable pen for such a unique design. While there’s the black and gold 51 that runs for around $250, the resin barrel models run for around $90.  It doesn’t pretend, even though it seemingly has a lot it could be pretending about. Maybe that’s why it’s been the Queen of England’s preferred pen for a number of years now.  That’s all for our list of the best Parker fountain pens. Whatever pen you choose, ensure you accompany it with the best ink for fountain pens to enjoy your writing experience. Check out our collection of other great Parker pens and fountain pens shipped with free personalized engraving. But if you have other questions... People Also Ask… Where Can I Buy Parker Pens? You can find Parker pens for sale at vendors like us, but also Goldspot and Pen Chalet. Where Can I buy pen refills and pen ink? Check out our selection of parker pen refills! What’s the difference between ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pens? Ballpoints have a tiny spinning ball mechanism that uses oil-based, quick-drying ink. Rollerballs have the same mechanism as ballpoints, but they tend to use water-based ink or gel ink. Fountain Pens are the fancy pens with the wing-like nib for a tip. There’s also mechanical pencils to consider. Check out my guide to the different pen writing styles for more on the differences. What size of nib should I get? I always recommend going for a medium point nib; luckily, most any standard fountain pen will be a medium nib.  Some people recommend getting a nib that benefits your own handwriting: ie. if your lettering is tightly packed, then go with a fine point, etc.  But I recommend going with the medium because it’s usually going to be the smoothest without emptying out your ink reservoir in a single writing session.  Fine point nibs can often be a little scratchy at first, and I just don’t enjoy that. So, if you’re like me, the medium nib is the way to go. Conclusion This has been our article on the best Parker fountain pens.   For more on the best luxury pens, brands, and gifting tips, review our other articles on The Jotted Line.  If you're looking for a personalized gift pen for a special occasion (be it Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any other day), be sure to check out our complete collection of personalized pens. But now, it’s your turn! Let us know which Parker pen you prefer, or if there’s a better pen than the Parker 51, in the comments below! 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.

If you've been in search of a luxury pen,  you've come definitely come across the brand name Cross Pens. There are some of the best-selling pens in the world. However, you must have wondered about the Cross Pens price. We're going to answer that question. Why are we asking this question? Because it seems that there's either too much or too little talk around the pen brand. On one hand, purist pen lovers often look down their noses at Cross. On the other, big name vendors over-exaggerate the value of Cross writing instruments. Some readers might not consider luxury pens worth it in general. However, instead of answering the big general question, we want to focus on Cross in particular. So without further ado... How much do Cross Pens usually cost?  Cross Pens price range by pen model, writing tip style, and construction material. Cross pens have many different lines of pen designs. These range from luxury pens like the Peerless 125 to economy lines of high-quality metal pens like the Calais. As far as writing styles are concerned, fountain pens tend to be more expensive than ballpoints. However, rollerballs tend to split the difference. Finally, construction materials: sterling silver or 10k gold pens are obviously going to run much higher than a chrome plated pen. All that said, here's a short list of some of the best Cross pens and each of their price ranges from ranked from lowest to highest: The Coventry: $27.49-$44.09 The Calais: $28.34-$73.49 The Classic Century: $37.79-$199.49 (The Classic Century has the most variations of style so its worth exploring all your options here). The Bailey: $46.19-$104.99 The Tech2: $36.74-$38.49 The Tech3+: $59.84-$68.19 The Century II: $77.69-$151.79 The Townsend: $104.99-$482.99 The Peerless 125: $188.99-$657.29 "Why are Cross pens so expensive?" $657.29 for the most expensive cross pen, huh? Besides Jeff Bezos, who even has the cash to blow on a pen like that? Well, clearly a great many people find luxury pens at that price well worth it. Consider the fact that Montblanc, one of the most well-respected luxury pen brands in the world, doesn't offer a fountain pen cheaper than $500. In that light, a $40 pen obviously isn't even in the same universe. We're talking about two different strata of luxury pens, one of "luxury" in the full, Montblanc-esque sense and one of luxury in a more qualified sense. Cross pen lines span both sorts of pens, but they principally land in the second. One might call these kinds of pens "professional pens" or merely "high-quality pens" if "luxury pens" feels like an exaggeration. But, to answer the question, the Cross Pens price is as high as it is precisely because of their design, writing tip style, and construction materials which we mentioned previously. And the most expensive are going to be gold fountain pens. Are Cross pens real gold? Yes! 10k and 23k gold pens from Cross are plated in real gold. Almost all, however, naturally make use of other sorts of metals and plastics; some (particularly, the Peerless) have more gold than others. So... Are they really worth the money? The short answer is yes. The long answer really has to do with what you, the shopper, need from a pen manufacturer like Cross. If you're looking for something in the Montblanc range of luxury pens... well, there's Montblanc (While the Peerless is a great pen, there's just a thousand more options out there to consider before going with a Cross pen). However, if you're looking for a high-quality writing experience with a lifetime mechanical guarantee for an affordable price, then Cross is a fantastic option for a pen company. Plus, you can get very close to the fine Montblanc experience without paying the $500 price tag for it. Top 3 Cross Pens Worth Your Money To the above point, here's three different options from the A.T. Cross company that we think are worth buying. They aren't ranked from worst to best; rather, I mean to set them out as three separate options for different sorts of pen buyers. 3.) The All-Around: The Classic Century Ballpoint Pen  The Classic Century collection from Cross has the widest variety of quality pens for a spectrum of writing experience. This wide range makes it appealing to pen buyers of all kinds, making it our #2 most popular pen and one of the best Cross ballpoint pens out there. The slim, solid barrel design makes it seem unobtrusive, subtle, but still elegant. It's a pen that means business without being shouty or obnoxious. The Classic Century chrome ballpoint pens price start at just $37.79 while the 23k gold version of the pen cost around $160. Be sure to also shop the pen's other writing tip and nib styles, and check out the other color options including the black and gold rollerball.  2.) The Professional Economy Line: The Calais Chrome Ballpoint Pen   The Calais ballpoint in chrome is our most popular pen by far. The Calais has one of the lowest Cross Pens price in the line, and the medium barrel makes it both comfortable on the hand but also a grand surface for the eye: it's large enough to engrave a decently visible business logo onto it making it perfect for bulk business gifting. The reflective, silver sheen of chrome makes this pen stand out without giving you buyer's remorse. 1.) The Reasonably Priced Penthouse: The Century II Rollerball   In design terms, the Century II is closely related to both the Classic Century and the Townsend. It's like the middle ground between them. In particular, the black lacquer rollerball is one of the best models available in the $100 price range. Also check out my review of the Century II fountain pen model; it rivals a lot of other nib pens in the $300 range. I hope these buying options present a good place to start, but you can also check out our entire selection of Cross brand pens for more. Other Frequently Asked Questions... Are vintage Cross pens worth anything? One of the most frequently asked questions about Cross pens has to do with the vintage pens from the late-19th and mid-20th century Cross co. pen lines. Cross was founded circa 1858, and so there are some Cross pens which collectors greatly covet, especially the old stylographic pens that the founder, Alonzo Cross, famously patented. The online fountain pen community generally considers vintage Cross fountain pens to be extremely rare; it's likely that the earliest one was the Century I, the precursor to the popular Century II. The company made a pen commonly known as the "Art Deco" pen in the 1930s but set aside the role of manufacturer of the fountain pen until the early 1980s in favor of rollerball and ballpoint pens. There are very few fountain pens available which were not manufactured before 1982. The value of Cross's older ink pens varies as widely as its contemporary line of pens; seeing as we're not necessarily the authority on old pens, you might instead check out Collectors Weekly or other vintage sellers market. How do you date an old Cross pen? Dating a Cross pen can be a bit of an adventure; the simplest way to do it is to check the user manual and see if the year of manufacture is printed somewhere within it. These are often kept under the satin lining in the pen box. On the actual pen, however, you can check the top of the pen cap, right above the clip, and there maybe be some markers like a manufacturer number which can give some indication. The same can be said of the pen nib if it's a fountain pen, but as we said, if you find a fountain pen, it's likely not from between 1930s and 1970s. Another way to get a good grasp on the date is to find a book on vintage pens and compare your pen to ones you may find within. Conclusion       Clearly, Cross pens are far from being the Aurora Diamante, but no one is pretending otherwise—especially not Cross. The brand presents an affordable entry into the world of luxury pens. But how much Cross pens are worth really depends on the kind of buyer you are; that's why you should check out our guide to choosing a luxury gift pen. The purists simply do not have the final word on Cross. That said, be sure to also shop Parker and Waterman brands for other high-quality and luxury writing instruments. Now it's your turn: What's your opinion on Cross company pens? Which pen do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! 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.

When Krystal Stearns, founder of Loan to Home wanted to grow her brand's value chain, she went for corporate gifting. Loan to Home is a company that connects people to mortgage agents. Though as of 2020, Experian recorded that up to 44% of Americans own a mortgage, the market is still somewhat tough. Stearns knew her company would fail from lack of clients if the team didn't put their best foot forward. The brand had to create satisfaction and a lasting impression on its clientele. An impression so strong, people would return for more and possibly refer their friends/family. I'll tell you how Stearns employed corporate gifting to achieve this, but first what is corporate gifting? It's the art of sending presents to: Clients  Potential clients/partners  Business partners, or Employees Although used interchangeably with promotional gifts, they're not the same. Promotional gifts are aimed at creating mass awareness for your brand. Like offering general discounts, promo codes, or pens branded with your company logo. But corporate gifts are more personalized. They aim to say “thank you for contributing a quota to this brand,” or “We’ll like to work with you, here’s a gift to show how interested we are.” Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen- Lustrous Chrome Why Corporate Gifts? With the right approach, corporate gifts could build your network, brand, and profit margin.  Here's why:  When people are appreciated specially, they feel happy.  When customers, employees, and partners are happy, they are more likely to speak well about your brand and come back.  When employees are happy, they're more productive. More productivity of course, could mean more sales.  When business partners are happy, they could offer solid discounts on their products or services.  Corporate gifts help to build a stronger relationship with the receiver. It shows them how creative, thankful and concerned you are. Rather than stressing to grow your customer base all the time, an alternative is to grow your profit by retaining your current clientele. According to Forbes, a "...5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25-95%." Further "Over 80% of C-suite executives believe that business gifts generate measurable positive ROI in addition to intangible benefits. 'Gifts humanize business,' said a survey respondent. 'It pays for itself twofold,' said another." Loan to Home’s Corporate Gifting Process  When we talk about corporate gifts, the first set of recipients that should come to mind are clients. Because without them, a company cannot sustain itself. This is why the Loan to Home team cares so much about theirs.  The Strategy  For Krystal, it wasn't just about giving, but using the gifting experience to pass a solid message to clients. She curated something they'd still possess years later. This way, they could always look at it, remember Loan to Home, and come back. Or refer others. Her gifting process thus imbibed four major values: Gifts that Last: To get started, the Loan to Home team sourced quality items that would stand the test of time. This way, the gift is always there to remind its owner of the company. Custom Items: You know how personalized items have the hearts of many in the 21st century? Topping the gift boxes that Loan to Home sent are unique cards inscribed with a custom message for the recipient.  Image from: spoonfulofcomfort.com Consistency: It wasn't just during Christmas or once in a blue moon. Loan to Home sent gifts before and after the mortgage process. Sometimes, during the process as well.  Gifting Needs: Who doesn’t need a bowl of soup? Or a blanket?  A lot of people will settle for logo branded packages filled with items that no one needs and are only an obvious attempt to put the firm’s name out there. But Loan to Home’s gifting was different. The boxes of soup, blankets, and cards were soothing, a way of saying “We don’t just help you own a home, we care about your comfort in the home!”  The Result Loan to Home is not just creating a strong bond with existing clients, but making new ones. According to their gifting agency Spoonful of Comfort, Loan to Home updates their customer database at least twice a month. Quality, thoughtfulness, and creativity got them here, and it's going to get better. "You have to look at the life of our clients. I can justify a more expensive gift because it will impact a relationship that will last years. The quality of the message we send reflects the quality of our service and our commitment to that client. For us, that’s a meaningful way to grow our business.” — Krystal Sterns, Founder Loan to Home (derived from Spoonful of Comfort).  The Lesson Bagging profit shouldn't be the primary aim. It's the end goal but first, focus on making your recipients happy. This way, you'll be able to determine a suitable gift. Your ROI is only as good as your gifts are. A lot of companies have engaged in corporate gifting, but received negative outcomes because their gifts were low quality, too common, or unthoughtful. Timetrade’s Corporate Gifting Process Image from: timetrade.com Giving presents to potential clients and business partners is almost an entirely different ball game. According to American Marketing Association: "Companies won’t do business with you simply because you bought them something­—regardless of how useful or fancy it is." Some of these potentials are also in the market­—they know how the game is played. To impress them, you have to do a little more than expensive presents wrapped in gift boxes. You’ve got to be extremely innovative with your gifting.  And that's what Timetrade was.  The Strategy  Creativity: Timetrade, a software company for appointment scheduling, wanted to get the attention of a potential client. So they curated and sent a gift of golf balls to the sales team. And for the Team Lead, a putting mat. If the sales team received their business call, Timetrade promised to complete the golf set. Now, that’s mind-blowing, daring, and exciting! Tactical: Imagine how curious the team would be to speak to Timetrade. At least one of them would want to know: Who is Timetrade?  What do they offer?  How can we get the complete golf set?  This curiosity would open the door for conversation, which leads to negotiations, and boom! They might strike a deal.  The Result  In his discussion with AMA, Daniel Gaugler stated that Timetrade saw a “...a 20[-time] return on their investment on that program, which slayed anything they were doing previously.” Even if Timetrade hadn’t won the hearts of those potentials, they’d left a lasting impression. The Lesson  Through this gifting strategy, Timetrade introduced what the company stands for. They subtly told the target that if they can offer such spectacle as a gift, they’d do much more on their products and/services. Your gifts offer the opportunity to show what you offer and demonstrate your brand values. This is more than just a promotional item with your company logo etched on it. It is the chance to say your work ethic and values, sharing who you are not just what you do. Want Your Chance to Gift?  Appreciate your clients, employee, or a partner by choosing the type of gift that communicates your care with the ever important demands of business-giving etiquette. Dayspring Pens products are professional yet thoughtful, creative, and useful as attested to by our wonderful buyers: Executive Business Gift Pens with Logo Decorations  Read also: How to Foster Healthy and Professional Gift Giving in the Workplace: The Ultimate Guide.   To make your pen particularly personal, try engraving a special note or a handwritten engraving just for them. Engraving can be done in 24 hours. Personalized/Engraved Woodmark Rosewood Desk Name Plate - Engraving Included. Each Dayspring Pen item is meticulously crafted and engraved to show your recipient the delight of well-made luxury. Whether you’re searching for a branded item or a plain one, the journey to growing your brand through corporate gifting begins here.  Customer Review | Richard P. Featured image: Freepik 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.

If you're an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or just generally mean business, you need the right tools for your trade—especially one of the best pens for writing. But how do you know which pen is the most professional? Or which pen is best for you? 25. Prismacolor Premier Felt-Tip Pen24. Uni-Ball Signo 207 Premier Gel Pen23. Pilot Precise V522. Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen21. Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen20. Bic Cristal19. Cross Classic Century Ballpoint18. Dayspring Pens Abingdon Rollerball17. Ohto Dude Ceramic Ballpoint Pen16. Fisher Space AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen15. Dayspring Pens Monroe Set14. Parker IM Rollerball13. Kaweco Sport Classic Fountain Pen12. Baron Fig Squire Rollerball11. TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen10. Cross Townsend Ballpoint Pen9. Parker Duofold Ballpoint Pen8. Waterman Expert Ballpoint7. Pilot Metropolitan Rollerball Pen6. Mont Blanc Meisterstück Gold-Plated Classique Rollerball Pen5. Ohto Horizon Gel Ink Ballpoint4. Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen3. Parker Jotter Gel Ink Pen2. Uni-Ball Jetstream Prime1. Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball Pen   Before I get to my actual list of the 25 best pens for professionals, I want to take some time to talk about why professionals need good pens and why they're good for business (just in case you weren't convinced already). Let's begin. Why do I need a pen for work? We all need pens for our workplace to perform daily tasks. But we also might need them in order to establish a kind of tone that communicates the caliber of excellence with which we approach our various occupations. Finding the right pen for you is as much about function as it is about communicating the kind of professional you are. Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pen   What are the benefits of a high quality pen for the workplace? Going for a higher quality writing instrument is about your enjoyment in writing and performing daily organizational tasks. However, that comes with a feeling and a general atmosphere of purpose and efficiency. Sometimes it's great to shell out a lot for a pen that makes a statement. That said, quality writing doesn't always have to cost; Bic Cristals, which we'll talk about later, are just as "professional" as the fanciest Mont Blanc fountain pen, but it's a different kind of professionalism from the one to the other. Does writing things down by hand affect my workplace performance? Indeed, the best thing about being intentional with the pens you buy for work is that writing things by hand actually increases productivity. Studies show that people who take notes by hand are far more likely to recall information than people who take notes on a computer. This goes for scheduling and organizing tasks as well. Writing just connects the memory to your actions better. What are the best pens for writing: My top 25 In this list of top 25, I am going to bounce around quite a bit in price points. Additionally, I wanted to give an honest look at pens that I love, that are objectively good, and have a reputation that makes them professional. 25.) Prismacolor Premier Felt-Tip Pen For fans of felt-tip pens, I present the queen of all felt-tips. In terms of writing, she's beauty and she's grace. In terms of looks, its hard to find a great felt-tip pen that looks as professional as it writes. It's the writing experience that truly matters for a felt-tip, and the Prismacolor Premier offers something perfect. You can also find a variety of colors and point sizes so if your work needs a little more than black, blue, or red try these out. I'm a sucker for the 01 fine tip myself. 24.) Uni-Ball Signo 207 Premier Gel Pen JetPens named The Signo 207 Premier as the best ergonomic pen: Its free-flowing ink helps you hold the pen lightly as it glides across the page. The pigmented ink is satisfyingly dark regardless of how lightly you write, but if you do still grip the pen hard, its delightfully squishy grip section will relieve your achy fingers. In addition, the 207 Premier’s light weight and low center of gravity won’t tire your hand as you write. The negative of the Uni-Ball is that it just doesn't look particularly appealing, but it writes so well that someone borrowing it will want to get one for themselves. 23.) Pilot Precise V5 The Pilot Precise V5 falls heavily into the category of "not a looker, but a daggon great pen". The V5 will only be impressive to fellow lovers of this pen. For those who are loyal to it, when you see someone using it, you respect the user. With multiple options available for ink color and tip size, this rollerball pen will always write smoothly and ink dries quickly. The bleed through is very limited on this gel ink (I use it for my crossword puzzle and newspapers are notoriously savage for gel pen ink feathering). This pen is professional because it just works so well. If only it looked and felt as spectacular when you hold it... 22.) Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen The Platinum Preppy has often been dubbed "The Welcome to Fountain Pens" fountain pen. It is the perfect entry level fountain pen or daily writer. It is simple and easy to use, wont break your bank, and has surprising longevity for a plastic pen.   I particularly enjoy the stainless steel nib fine. It has some flex, but gives clear precise lines.  It's refillable either from cartridges or you can turn it into an eyedropper pen.  It's the kind of quality that someone in the know sees on your desk and can easily say, "oh you know good fountain pens" at just dollars. 21.) Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen The Cross Calais Ballpoint is the best selling pen at Dayspring Pens for a couple of reasons. It's a pleaser for buying in bulk, it's affordable, and it has the reputation and solid construction of AT Cross. This pen will look nice in your pocket, engrave well for a statement piece, and do the job, whether you sign a contract or take notes. 20.) Bic Cristal The Bic Cristal is arguably the greatest pen ever made. With over 100 billion sold since 1950, the Cristal is the best selling pen in the world. Fun fact: you and I tend to think of the Bic Cristal as a cheap throwaway, but Eliot Noyes included it in the first ever exhibit of industrial design at the MoMA. Noyes was the head of the MoMA's industrial design department in the 1930s and 1940s, and he later went on to become the head of IBM's design department from the late 1940s to the 1960s, designing iconic pieces of technology like the Selectric Typewriter. Noyes and many other industrial designers were very impressed with the Cristal's minimal, functional design, so much so that it now has its own dedicated collection at the MoMA. But the Cristal is widely popular now mainly because it doesn't suffer from the usual issues with ballpoints: too much pressure needed to write and line skipping. It is the top pick for Ballpoint Artists (like the one in the video above) because it is so easy to write with and the fine writing line can be manipulated for the most detail. Ink starts the second you put it to paper. It will give you a long time of writing (Bic advertises 2km of lines). You can find the point size of your preference. The pen writes incredibly well. Its hard to say too much about the Bic Cristal because it is what it is: one good pen. 19.) Cross Classic Century Ballpoint Cross is an American pen company that often gets the reputation for the pen of professionals...for good reason. They write well and price in the lower luxury range up to fancy pants luxury. The Classic Century line has been in production since the 1930s and are often considered heirloom pieces that will stay in the family for 30+ years. It's a slim pen so if you are looking for heft, this isn't your pen. Available as a ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen, I chose the ballpoint version for its ease and convenient twist action. 18.) Dayspring Pens Abingdon Rollerball The Abingdon is the kind of professional pen that is perfect for giving as a gift.  Does it write well? Yes, it does. It also presents as a perfect everyman pen, which is exactly what you need when you are giving a pen for signing the purchase of your first house or celebrating a corporate milestone.  It also has a ton of engravable space and comes with a free line of standard engraving. Hard to beat.    17.) Ohto Dude Ceramic Ballpoint Pen Full disclosure, I saw this pen and the Ohto Horizon (you'll see it later) pop up on different forums, so I got both to try out for myself. Now, I'm obsessed with Ohto, and the real debate amongst the staff is who likes which Ohto pen better. Luckily I am writing this article, so my opinion wins. The Dude Ceramic Ballpoint writes like a heckin' dream. The grip is insanely comfortable, it looks professional and comes in at a whopping under $20 on Amazon. Do not be deceived by the ballpoint title. Turns out Ohto invented the water-based ballpoint (AKA the rollerball) so this pen is really a rollerball. It's got a medium sized barrel, and it's Waterman-refill compatible (although why you would swap the ink out in this pen baffles me.) 16.) Fisher Space AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen Are you looking for a conversation starter? The Fisher Space Pen is definitely that. Capable of working in zero gravity, underwater, in extreme temperatures, and writing at any angle (including upside down). Consequently, this pen was used by NASA for the Apollo space missions. It is a little piece of history. Now the pen itself is decent. It has a nice weight and durability to it and will look relatively unique in the hand or pocket. I would say it is a solid ballpoint, but not one I am inclined to wax poetic about it. I personally wish the ink was darker. Ultimately, if you are a scuba diver, construction worker, or on board a Deadliest Catch Crabber, this is a great pen choice. If you are looking for something to talk about with a client, go for it. If you are simply looking for an awesome cool looking ballpoint, see some of our subsequent options. 15.) Dayspring Pens Monroe Set  It clicks. It has a rich metal or lacquer finish. It is weighted and durable. And the ink inside the pen is some of the most solid Schmidt ink out there.  The Dayspring Pens Monroe is a great little ballpoint pen that also comes available as a set with a mechanical pencil and custom engraving included. It's definitely not a pen to sleep on and is an entry level price for luxury professional pens with 18k gold... The only reason its not higher up the list it that the ergonomic rubber grip that makes it so comfy is quite as luxurious/professional looking as some of the following pens.    14.) Parker IM Rollerball Parker has always been associated with professional writing instruments. The Parker IM Rollerball is one of the best pens for professionals, and it's super affordable, too. D.P. at the Strategist said it best: A smooth operator. The kind of pen that takes itself seriously. One could imagine it on a wooden desk, being used to sign important papers by an important person. An important person who doesn’t have time for smudging or bleeding. Granted, its relative heft isn’t great for writing over extended periods. But this pen approximates what a luxury pen offers, at a much lower price point.  13.) Kaweco Sport Classic Fountain Pen The Kaweco Sport series fountain pen is brilliantly designed writing instrument. I recommend it to professionals because of its cool, German design, the feel of it in your hand, and the ink flow. The screw-on cap is significantly larger than most pens. When it's on, it takes up over half the pen barrel; the barrel is likewise a bit shorter than most other pens. The cap is designed to be placed on the back end of the pen during use in order to feel like a full-sized pen. The pen features a removable clip. When you take it off, the pen looks like a really cool cigar tube. I absolutely love this pen, but I recommend getting the metal or brass version. I also recommend against getting the Sport with a fine point nib. The ink flow in these fountain pens is amazing, but the fine point can be very scratchy. Opt for the medium nib or even the large nib instead. 12.) Baron Fig Squire Rollerball The Baron Fig Squire is currently all the rage in the affordable luxury pen scene. What's great, but also surprising, is that the Baron Fig isn't strictly a pen company. They're a product design company specializing in tools for inspiration and organization, tools like their really amazing Confidant notebook which opens completely flat (I really can't tall you how satisfying that is). How did the Squire take the #1 spot in The Strategist's master list? Sleek design, solid feel, and world-class branding. The good folks at Unsharpen have likewise meticulously reviewed this pen and given it a solid four stars. 11.) TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen The TWSBI (pronounced twizz-bee) ECO is a really popular pen, and when you dig into its design, it's no wonder why. The ECO stands for both "economy" and "ecology." The fountain pen is super affordable, but it also uses significantly fewer pieces in its construction, reducing general construction waste. Despite its minimal construction, the ECO is a super well-built and durable fountain pen. Its acrylic barrel is far more stress-resistant than other TWSBI fountain pens, such as the TWSBI 580 which has a polycarbonate barrel. The houses a piston filler, and this means 1) no need for buying refills or convertors (the ink is housed in the barrel itself), and 2) the ECO has a super generous capacity for ink that outdoes a lot of the competition. You'll just want to be sure to buy a bottle of your favorite ink color and learn a little about cleaning a fountain pen. 10.) Cross Townsend Ballpoint Pen  AKA the Pen of Presidents. No joke this pen was used by Clinton, G.W. Bush, and Obama as the official White House Pen. The Cross Townsend is a simple, sleek pen with glossy lacquer and lovely appointments. I prefer the Black with Gold Trim. The pen has smooth writing, quick drying ink, and it is available as both a ballpoint and fountain pen. One of the things I like the most about this pen is how the cap snaps onto the barrel, softly, with a nice click. A bad cap experience will deter me from a pen. 9.) Parker Duofold Ballpoint Pen I, for one, am not mad when a company decides to bring a pen back from the vault, especially when its as iconic a design as the Parker Duofold.  I opted for the ballpoint version of the pen over the fountain pen because I have been relatively unimpressed with Parker's fountain pen nibs, but! Their ballpoint quality has steadily grown on me over the years.  This is a pen about prestige so if you are looking for something to knock people's socks off...the Duofold will do it.  8.) Waterman Expert Ballpoint For me, it is hard to be impressed by the writing of a ballpoint. I tend to find that they all pretty much write the same—unless they are terrible. However, the Waterman Expert ballpoint is far and away my favorite ballpoint because it writes so smoothly. My father-in-law still gets confused and calls his Waterman ballpoint a rollerball because its oil based ink baffles the mind. My policy towards Waterman writing experience is that there is no wrong answer. I chose the Expert III for this list (with a big shoutout to the Exception) because its medium cigar shaped barrel is great for all hand sizes and comforts. The Expert III will not only be a statement pen professionally, it is also the kind of pen your client borrows and thinks about later. 7.) Pilot Metropolitan Rollerball Pen When Pilot first launched the Metropolitan in 2012, its fountain pen version quickly became one of the best entry level fountain pens on the market, but little does the rollerball iteration get the praise it deserves. I say this because the rollerball Metropolitan is filled with none other than the same ink as the beloved Pilot G2. That's right. The pen that launched a thousands fights over who didn't return it, not comes in a barrel design that looks professional enough to grace a boardroom. (Also, someone is going to return it cause they know it wasn't a $1 pen). It's made for everyday writing that can take a quick note or write for hours. The grip is comfy and the cap has a satisfying click. 6.) Mont Blanc Meisterstück Gold-Plated Classique Rollerball Pen The Mont Blanc Meisterstück Classique is a symbol of excellence for the corporate professional collector. By far the most expensive writing instrument on our list, it nevertheless comes with Mont Blanc’s high quality construction, luxury writing experience, and unsurpassably beautiful design. That’s what landed this pen at the #27 spot on The Strategist’s top 100 list. It is, however, more of a distinct symbol of luxury than a tool with particularly efficient features. With the Meisterstück, you’re getting a pen that communicates value status to others rather than something that writes better than this or that rollerball or ballpoint. 5.) Ohto Horizon Gel Ink Ballpoint I love this pen. Again, this is labeled by Ohto as a ballpoint, but it has gel ink inside, so it's essentially a rollerball and my oh my! what a rollerball! It's just nice to stumble across a cheaper pen (you can find it for as low as $8 depending on your website of preference) that is so well crafted. The geometric design feels modern and fresh without sacrificing comfort. It's a needle tip pen which means it has a very fine tip and the gel ink version of this pen comes with a .5mm refill. All-metal construction means it's super durable. Taking this pen apart, you can see the thought that when into the construction design. Its click action has a delightful snap. I would highly recommending trying the Horizon and the Dude together and comparing. 4.) Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen When it comes to a professional fountain pen you cannot top Pilot.  The Vanishing Point, a retractable fountain pen, highlights all the best things of a high-quality fountain pen (an incredible gold nib, steady flow of ink, precious metal exteriors) and delivers a pen that doesn't have to flash to show off how good it is.  (You would be surprised how many gaudy luxury fountain pens there are out there).  It's the epitome of a professional fountain pen in design and execution.  The Vanishing Point is just a really really great pen.  3.) Parker Jotter Gel Ink Pen The Parker Jotter came in at #7 on The Strategist's top 100 list, and it's my personal favorite pen. Jotters are gel ink pens with impeccable design sense and construction quality. The sleek design is coupled with one of the best clip designs out there by far. Nothing feels clunky or loose, and it has probably the most satisfying click of any pen I've ever used. The gel ink makes for a super smooth writing experience across the page. I honestly have around 6 of these in my backpack because I really consider this the best pen for daily writing ever. 2.) Uni-Ball Jetstream Prime Wirecutter ranked the Uni-Ball Jetstream as the best pen out there for every day writing, and it has long been a favorite of users despite its underwhelming exterior. But! Uni has created the Prime version of the Jetstream, which takes the same unbelievable writing experience and puts it in a barrel that is refillable, durable, and pleasantly designed. Easy to find, quick-drying, and comfortable are the top factors of this pen. Moreover, if you write often and frequently or for left handed people looking for a gel pen, the Uni-Ball Jetstream Prime is definitely worth the cost upgrade from the standard Jetstream. 1.) Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball Pen The Waterman Hemisphere is one of the best pens of all time. No matter the model (ballpoint, rollerball, fountain pen), it just rules. The rollerball pen version, however, is my top professional pen. Here's why: The design is simply superb (especially in black and gold), very sleek, regal, and distinct. The smooth writing quality is unmatched in every single writing style. The range of prices for different styles and materials is pretty much unbeatable for the quality. The size of the barrel is perfect in every dimension: it's neither too long nor too short, nor is is too slim or too fat. For water-based ink rollerball pens, this one has a surprisingly quick drying time, so it smudges very little. These are pretty much all the reasons I really love this pen. Opt for One of these Best Pens for Writing That's all for my list of the 25 best professional pens. I hope one or two on this list pique your interest and complete your professional tool belt. For more, read about how promotional pens can grow your business. But now I want to hear from you! What's your favorite pen for work? Let me know 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.

Where to buy custom pens is a common question for many. When purchasing a gift for a loved one or customized pens for business, the importance of making the right choice is paramount. Think about it: you buy a personalized pen, believing it’s the grandest idea in the world. Yet on a whim, you decide on going after cheap instead of quality. You think to yourself, “it’s just a pen, right”? What does that result in? Uncomfortable grip Poor balance when you write Unreliable ink cartridges that leak easily These are the make-or-break elements that make your gift a personalized pen they will use a cherish for a lifetime or a nice thought that gets lost in the back of a drawer only used for emergencies when a better pen can't be found.That’s why I'm bringing you the definitive guide on where to buy custom pens whether they are fancy pens for the big events of life or promotional pens to market your business.  I am going to talk about: Section 1: Where to Buy Custom Pens Section 2: The Best Custom Pens in Each Writing Style What’s more, I'm going to tell you exactly why I decided on each location, too. So roll up those sleeves, put your writing cap on, and let’s get exploring. We’ll start with the top custom pen company. #1.) Dayspring Pens Dayspring Pens is by far the best place to buy customized pens. The care and attention to detail on each order —no matter the occasion—is admirable. Just one look at the Cross Century II Medalist Selectip Rollerball Pen makes that crystal clear. Look at that pristine metal quality construction and those gorgeous plated appointments. The Cross Century II writes like an absolute dream. Moreover, it’s just one of Dayspring Pens’ many choices.   DISCOVER CUSTOM CROSS PENS   Dayspring Pens also offers remarkable pens from top brands such as Waterman Paris and Parker. Even better: Dayspring offers free engraving on each of these pens, too—in any of the following fonts. Many competitors adopt the policy of “your pen is engraved in the font you’re given.” However, this small attention to detail from Dayspring Pens is yet another sign of dedication. Related: How Does Engraving Work? The Ultimate Guide to Personalized Laser Engraving. What if you’re in a rush? There’s little waiting for your Dayspring pen. Indeed, you can enjoy free shipping to any location in the United States in as little as 2-4 days.  However, if that’s still too long of a wait, then Dayspring’s “Rush Pens” are the choice for you. Dayspring Pens offers 1-day rush pens that can get to your door before the ink has run dry on yesterday’s writings. Not only that, even if you need to shoot out as soon as your pen arrives, Daysprings gift wrapping will ensure your pen is ready to go as quickly as you are. “Excellent product and service was top notch!  The pen writes perfectly and the engraving really sets it off!  On top of that the pen was received earlier than promised.  Thank you I will order again!” — Paul, verified buyer. Looking for another shop where you can buy custom pens? Then let’s take a look at our runner-up: Vistaprint. #2: Vistaprint Vistaprint is a Dutch company that’s been around since the 90s, and while their personalized pens are a great option, they’re not the sole focus of the company. That’s because Vistaprint also offers personalized: Business cards Wall art Clothing Stickers And more This wide range of choices is excellent, especially for starting businesses looking to stock promotional material on their shelves. However, because of it, Vistaprint’s personalized pens don’t quite share the same quality and focus as Dayspring Pens do. However, that isn’t to say Vistaprint isn’t a great choice — it’s why they’re our number two! Let’s take a look: Vistaprint offers three types of customizable pens for everyday use: Premium Ballpoint Pens Engraved Pens Engraved Styluses The pens all come in one ink color—black—and while the engraved pens and styluses feature laser engraving, the premium ballpoint pen only has a full-color wraparound print, which means it may fade in time. That being said, Vistaprint’s pens are much cheaper than Dayspring Pens — so it’s expected they won’t last as long or make such a grand gift gesture as a Dayspring Pen does. However, if you’re looking to simply fill up your pen holder or purchase a loved one a pen that they can whip out in an emergency—then Vistaprint is a great option—and our second top choice. “I got 3 of these pens and everyone I gave one to loved them and I am going to have to get some more.” — Annie, Henrietta, NC. Are you looking for business pens? Vistaprint offers promotional pens, too. #3: Forever Gifts Finally, let’s take a look at Forever Gifts—a company where you can buy custom pens at the lowest prices on engraved material while offering 100% customer satisfaction. Similar to Vistaprint, Forever Gifts doesn’t just focus on pens. They also sell: Personalized jewelry Coffee mugs Money clips Phone cases And more Now, like with Vistaprint, we feel Forever Gift’s wide range of choices does take away from that focus on having the top quality pen that Dayspring Pens provides, but that doesn’t mean that Forever Gift’s pens are a bad choice. Let’s take a look: Forever Gifts personalized metal ballpoint pen is just one of their options and comes in 5 colors, shipping within 2-3 business days. You have the option to engrave the pen for free or just get it as is (if you so choose). However, if you pick the engraved option, you’re given up to 30 characters—including symbols—to make that unique gift for a loved one.  Like with Vistaprint, these pens are cheap—so they’re not going to have that same quality that Dayspring Pens have. However, if you’re only out to fill up your kid’s pencil case and want to add that spark of personality to it—then Forever Gifts is yet another winning choice. “I purchased these pens for my three grandkids as they are learning to write in script. They were so happy to see the pens in their favorite color with their name engraved on it.” — Anonymous, verified buyer. That’s it for our top 3 list. To recap, our top three custom pen companies are: Dayspring Pens. Excellent quality engraved pens with quick delivery for you or that loved one in your life. Vistaprint. Wide selection of cheap promotional pens for everyday use.  Forever Gifts. Affordable pens, available both with and without engraving. The Best Custom Pens in Each Writing Style Now for the fun part! Here are my favorite custom pens for each of the major writing styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, and Fountain Pen. Best Custom Ballpoint Pen There are three keys to a great personalized ballpoint for gifting: a durable barrel, an incredible ink refill, and a simple, refined design that engraves beautifully.   Find More: The Best Ballpoint Pen Brands  With those in mind, the Dayspring Pens Abingdon Chrome Ballpoint is a delight that hits all three.  Constructed of all metal, this lustrous chrome pen was built to withstand the daily wear and tear of being constantly in use as well as the battlefield known as the bottom of a backpack or purse.  Inside, you will find one of the best ballpoint pen refills out there, the Schmidt P900 — the silky black refill with just enough tack to stick to the page and enough oiliness to slide across it.  And when it come to engraving the Abingdon was designed for it.  Intentionally crafted for a cap that showcases any engraving with ample room by people have spent over two decades engraving pens, the Abingdon focus on clean lines and a balanced profile to bring any customization into prominence.  EXPLORE CUSTOM ABINGDON PENS   Best Custom Rollerball Pen Now for the ballpoint's liquid smooth brother: the rollerball.   Fine More: The Best Rollerball Pens to Give as Gifts For sophisticate elegance with the heritage and quality of one of the oldest pen houses out there, the Waterman Expert Rollerball pen reigns. Medium barreled, finished with precision and luxury, the Waterman Expert takes the classical pen design of Paris and makes it a piece ready for a boardroom.    The liquid black ink inside the pen adds a glossy gleam to any signature, while offering archival quality that will stand the test of time.  The Expert offers premium appointments in chrome or 23k gold that bookend a custom engraving on the cap, making this high end luxury pen completely unique to the owner.  EXPERIENCE A CUSTOM WATERMAN EXPERT   Best Custom Fountain Pen As a fountain pen user, it is easy to get an incredible fountain pen, but oddly difficult to find one that is also custom engraved.   Fine More: The Best Fountain Pen Brands But the Pilot E95 is both. Pocket-sized and portable, strikingly beautiful in design, and tipped with a tactile nib that is one of the best in the business, the E95 is incredible.  It is hard to condense all the great things about this pen into a snippet so I will just say look into what Pilot Fine Writing is all about and see the evidence of how personalize engraving takes a masterpiece of a fountain pen and elevates it a statement heirloom. Looking for Where to Buy Custom Pens?Dayspring Pens Is Your Best Bet While Vistaprint and Forever Gifts are excellent, affordable choices, they don’t quite match the same superior quality as the custom pens from Dayspring Pens. However, knowing which business to buy from really depends on your needs. If you’re looking to: Treat yourself  Impress that loved one in your life Gift a top CEO or work colleague Then Dayspring Pens is an excellent option. In fact, if you’re looking for an engraved, high-quality pen for a loved one, then we have the Definitive Guide to Buying a Personalized Gift that you can’t go wrong with. Otherwise, without further ado, contact us today to get your Dayspring Pen. 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.

In this article, I'm going to answer a very simple question: What is a corporate gift? A corporate gift is any gift given by a corporate body to its staff or clients. Corporate gifts can be in-house gifts or out-of-house gifts, but they always observe professional etiquette which differs based on the relationship between the giver and the recipient. Now that we've answered the main question, what else is there to say about corporate gifts? A lot! Let's take a deep dive into every aspect of corporate gifts and break each one down into its simplest forms. Let's get started! Part 1: What are the different types of corporate gifts? Let's look at the different types of gifts that can be given in the corporate environment. Celebration gifts Celebration gifts are items given for a specific occasion or event. They can be a company wide gift to celebrate a holiday, business anniversary, or even just a surprisingly good quarter.  Special note: this would not be an award for making a goal. It’s important to remember awards and rewards are not gifts. We will go into that in Part 2.  Celebration gifts also include individual gifts tailored to employees. This would be events like a birthday, professional milestone (like 10 years of service), or a wedding. They should be linked to an event in the personal life of the employee or client. Group Gifts Group gifts are gifts amongst coworkers or from employees to their employers. They can either be a single gift funded and given by a whole group or the same gift given out to multiple people. Spoonful of Comfort recommends buying group gifts for colleagues because: Teams who pitch in on a group gift to a co-worker or boss share the expense of a high-quality gift. It can build a sense of camaraderie. And it gets away from being too personal. A group gift can consolidate work, increase the personal impact on the recipients, and also disperse the possibility of a breach in professional boundaries. Personalized corporate gifts       A personalized gift can be either a celebratory gift or a group gift. They receive their own category because they demonstrate an additional thoughtful effort that can create a greater impact. This could be as simple as an employee's name engraved on a pen or as fancy as customized gift baskets to clients. Promotional gifts! Promotional gifts are physical items that promote your own business and usually have some marking of your brand on them, like a company's logo or website. They are crucial marketing even in our modern web-based society because they give a physical point of contact with your brand. We will talk more about how crucial they are when we discuss how they can be used to grow your business. For now, what you need to know is that they are freely given out in-mass to just about anyone and are traditionally something that is cheap to buy in bulk and branded. They are sometimes called swag. Ok, so we know what a corporate gift is now, but it's time to go into the big question: Why should a company give a gift? Part 2: Why is corporate gifting important?       Corporate gifting is incredibly important because it will grow your business. There are four major ways it does this: It will boost morale at work. It will increase your brand recognition. It will generate client leads. It will increase client retention. Let's take a general look at each of these points by splitting them up into two categories of corporate gifting: gifts for employees and gifts for clients. Why should companies give gifts to their employees? The non-practical business generating reason to get gifts for employees is...it feels good. In their article on the science of giving and how it is good for you for Berkley's Greater Good Magazine, Jill Suttie and Jason Marsh detail how giving: Makes us feel happy Is good for our health Promotes cooperation and social connection Evokes gratitude Is contagious Practically speaking: The biggest reason to give to your employees is to show completely gratuitous value for their work which ultimately grows morale, increases personal happiness, and encourages employees to be generous with themselves and others. Morale is key to both productivity and employee retention. If people aren't happy with their workplace, they're not going to want to give it their all or stick around too long. Your team works incredibly hard for their wages, but a free show of appreciation from their boss can give a new life to that work in a way that their salary just can't. It makes a huge difference in workplace mentality just knowing that a boss cares enough to give something without reason, especially during the holidays or during particularly productive parts of the year. Gift giving makes a workplace feel less like a giant machine, a little more human. Keeping morale up keeps productivity up. Healthy company gift-giving       It is massively important to foster a healthy company culture of gift-giving. Why? Because improper gift-giving does the opposite of what you want it to do. Rather than bringing everyone together and celebrating people, it causes unhealthy competition and bitterness in the workplace. At best, they will make things awkward. At worst, you could be doing something illegal. It can cause strife in the office space. Here's some quick guidelines on healthy office gift-giving: 1.) As a rule, gift-giving should never be mandatory. There is a massive difference between awards for impeccable performance and office gifts. Gifts are given freely, and they deepen the bonds between people. Awards for performance are meant to give something for your employees to reach for. Everyone should feel seen and respected in receiving a gift, and everyone in the office should have the same opportunity to earn performance awards. 2.) Don't give gifts that are too personal or too expensive. Gifts that are too personal include things like underwear. And keep your spending to a minimum so as not to be seen as showing or currying particular favor. Be especially careful when getting gifts for bosses. The need to maintain professionalism is even more important when giving to bosses. According to The Spruce, The general rule of thumb is that a boss should never expect a gift from his or her employees for any occasion, but it is still acceptable for the employees to give something. It should not be anything too personal, such as lingerie or something that could possibly embarrass him or her in front of her supervisor. If you're in doubt about a gift you're considering, take the safe route and don't do it. Ultimately, keeping things professional reduces the chances of coworkers or employees feeling slighted. Be sure to check out my article on the 6 Best (and Worst) Gifts for Bosses for more. Why should companies give corporate gifts to their clients? The simple answer is because it can grow your business in big ways and is one of your biggest marketing assets. In reality, there is a lot more to corporate gifts to clients. That's why we need to examine exactly how corporate gifting can grow your business in more detail. Part 3: How can corporate gifts grow my business?   Now that we've talked about gifting in-house, let's talk about giving to clients and customers.   First, we are going to talk about promotional gifts and their marketing benefits. Then, we will talk about individual gifts to clients. What’s the deal with promotional gifts? Like I mentioned before, promotional gifts "are products branded with a logo or slogan and distributed at little or no cost to promote a brand, corporate identity, or event" (thank you Wikipedia for that perfectly succinct definition). Think the ballpoint pen your bank hands out, the t-shirts shot out of cannons at sports games, or even the little goody bags your dentist hands you at the end of your teeth cleaning. The entire purpose of a promotional gift is to keep your brand name in the working memory of potential clients. Are promotional gifts good marketing? Are they ever. If you have the time, the Advertising Specialty Institute has a deep dive cost analysis of promotional products versus other advertising media that is incredibly informative. Despite the digital age on on-line ads, the actual amount of contact an individual has with your brand is incredibly small. I personally spend less time looking at the advertisement than I do looking for the little "x" to close out the pop-up. Unlike ads, The ASI study notes that most people keep a promotional product for up to eight months. That's eight months of them seeing your company's name or logo and thinking positively about your brand for 1.) giving them something for free and 2.) giving them something they can actually use. Forbes contributor Michael Woods noted it best: In addition to being tangible, people love promotional items because they don’t cost anything to receive. But money isn’t all that matters, according to Entrepreneur.com contributor Gene Marks. “It’s not just the money,” writes Marks. “It’s the little act of saying ‘I care’ and ‘Thank you for being a customer.’” He adds that a “stupid, silly little act of kindness goes a long way.” So there you have it. Promotional products are great marketing because they both share your business across a large group, and they are shown to leave people with positive feelings about your company. How can promotional gifts grow my business? Promotional gifts grow your business by creating brand ambassadors and retaining more customers. There are three ways that promotional gifting can grow your business: 1.) Brand recognition: Remembering and Using Your Business The Promotional Products Association International discovered "88% of promotional product recipients remember the name of the advertiser on the products. 85% of the recipients do business with the advertiser on the product. 83% of people like receiving them." That is a potentially insanely lucrative return for companies by simply throwing out a little free swag. At the very least its worth sifting your marketing campaign to try promotional products for your business. Brand recognition is when people can spot your products or merchandise and associate it with certain qualities. It's what happens when people say, "Oh, those guys? They do x, y, and z." Giving gifts to your clients spreads signals of your brand around. More people see it and, slowly but surely, they begin to associate it with the quality of your gift-giving. So say you give a t-shirt or a tote bag to someone who wears it out in public. If the branding is good, usually people will remember it, and if they need a service or product like the ones you provide, they'll be more likely to look for you first. That's the power of gift-giving for brand recognition. 2.) Generating Client Leads: Creating Brand Ambassadors A habit of giving corporate gifts can also generate new client leads. Every time a person used your promotional product, whether its a pen, keychain, or even a pop socket, around another person they are sharing your brand and endorsing it. Beyond that, the ASI study showed that 63% of people in the United States (64% of people in Canada) actually give promotional products away when they are finished with them. What an incredible platform for reaching new customers. 3.) Client Retention Gift giving also helps with client retention. Client retention is simply how you keep clients coming back to you for your products or services. If you give free gifts—say, on the anniversary of a client company's launch anniversary—your client will likely feel appreciated and understood because you're addressing the details of their business with a material gift. That kind of connection keeps clients involved and open to collaboration. If your clients are happy with you, it's likely that they will recommend you to their associates. If you give really intentional corporate gifts, they'll likely tell those associates about the kinds of gifts you give. And who doesn't love free stuff? Giving good corporate gifts establishes your reputation as someone who cares and who knows how to communicate value to your clients, and that means more and more clients and companies will come to you. Anyway, that's everything about promotional gifts.  What's a good strategy for promotional gift giving? Here's 5 our 5 actionable steps to using business gifts for small business owners: Why you should give gifts to individual clients Promotional gifting generally accounts to mass giving to acquire more customers, but another huge part of corporate gifting can be gifts to individuals outside your company. Giving to individual clients has a two-fold purpose that combines the benefits of giving in-house to employees and the benefits of promotional gifting. When you give to clients you: Increase their personal happiness and generosity which increases their trust and gratitude in your business which increases their likelihood to work with you in the future and promote your business to others. An example to illustrate: A real estate agent gives a custom engraved pen to new home owners at the closing they can use for the momentous event. This not only helps celebrate a joyful event, it also acts as a promotional item since the home owners will now think of the real estate agent every time they look at and use their custom pen. This in turn means when they are either ready to sell or have friends in need of an agent, the business has a greater chance of being referred. Gifts to clients helps leverage appreciation into future business. (Personally, my air conditioning repair man gave me a free filter and told me how I could get replacement parts and change them out on my own for cheaper. I will use and recommend him unequivocally until I die now. What quality service...) Even giving a cup of coffee to a customer at the hair salon is a lovely gift. Giving to an individual customers also helps create a personal connection that is invaluable to confidence in a business. Corporate gifting doesn't have to be a big thing to lots of people. It can be as simple as an employee being intentional with their client, showing them that the working relationship if important to them. Before we can move on into the fun of looking at different types of gifts and what can be given, we need to do a little dive into the legality of corporate gifting. Part 4: What are the laws for corporate gifting?       It is incredibly important to know just what and how much you can give before gifting becomes an ethical issue. Sometimes even the best intentions in giving can put someone in a moral dilemma. To make sure you always stay above board when dealing with corporate gifts, here are a few things to consider. Are there specific regulations on your industry with regards to gift giving? Certain industries have very specific regulations on what can be given and how it can be given. And all for very good reason. Government entities and employees all have rules about what they can receive, many of which are actual laws that can result in criminal charges, not just policies. The pharmaceutical and medical industries also have ever evolving guidelines around corporate gifting. Nancy A Shenker, CEO of theONswitch marketing points out that "Drug and device manufacturers are now required under the Sunshine Act to submit data annually to the government, reporting any money paid to physicians or the monetary value of gifts." Some companies like Coca-cola publish their code of ethics online to make sure anyone considering gifting to them as well as employees looking to gift within the company are fully aware of their policies beforehand. Does your business have any specific regulations on gifting whether legally or company-wide? Who can’t you give corporate gifts to? The big No-No for corporate gifting: You cannot give gifts to government officials. In the strictest terms as stated by Steven Koprince: As a general rule, a federal employee cannot accept your gift if you or your company seeks official action by the employee's agency, does business with the agency, seeks to do business with the agency, or if you or your company would be otherwise affected by the employee's performance of his or her duties. Outside of government officials, you should never give a gift that could be perceived of as a bribe or with the intention to influence a business decision. If a company or individual solicits a gift...runaway! What can and can’t you give legally? Somethings you can always give without worrying about ethical boundaries. Those things include: Perishable gifts Low cost items (anything $25 or lower) Meals Experiences Avoid: Lavish gifts High value items Multiple gifts Charitable donations Some of these things like charitable donations, multiple gifts, even experiences toe a line. They could be completely safe, fun options or big areas to avoid. For these things, look into the corporate policies of your company and the company of the clients you are giving to make sure that you are always ethically sound in your giving. The worst thing to do would be to give without checking. Best case scenario you just lost your client. Worst case...you are in court. When in doubt… Check with HR, your legal counsel, or do your research. Stick with the safe stuff Keep any gift notes giving with the present warm and generic. Communicate gratitude and nothing more. Next, we are going to talk about the strategies for actually giving your corporate gift. Part 5: What are the best ways to give my corporate gifts? How do I give gifts in-house? The funniest way...have a party! Whether its a company picnic or the office Christmas party, having an event where your employees are already gathered together with the express purpose of celebrating and enjoying each other's company perfectly sets to tone for some good old fashion corporate gifting. Often, the experience is the gift itself. Make sure your gift is either nicely boxed or wrapped. Presentation helps communicate the value of the gift and the recipient. A dented box or half-ripped wrapping paper doesn't exactly scream "I'm so thankful for the work you do!" Also, as mentioned in Part 4, include a gift message. Since the recipient is an employee instead of a customer, focus on communicating the importance of their work and their value to the company. Keep it kind and be specific to the employee. How do I give promotional gifts? First, you will want to select a promotional product (or a few items) that are a good reflection of your brand. Choose items that are either useful or displaying your logo or website well. A useful item tells the customer the kind of business you are. An aesthetically pleasing item communicates  your relevance. It's important to be thoughtful in your selection. Say a company that helps people budget might choose promotional pens or a small calculator. Companies that sell beer or wine might choose a fun bottle or t-shirt. In Person The easiest and most effective way to give promotional gifts is in person. This gives people a personal impression to the item and your business. There are tons of ways to give items away in person. To name a few: in your brick-and-mortar pop-ups at events business fair Through the Mail People still love getting actual mail in their mailbox. It makes them feel special. Sendoso states "Sending a marketing gift is an excellent way to break through the noise and connect with people on a human level. Plus, 44% of people said they had visited a brand’s website after receiving direct mail: 34% searched online." How do I give gifts to clients? This is another situation where you can either give in-person or through the mail. Take the time to think about who the client is. Do some research. Sometimes, the personal touch of giving a gift face-to-face is key to building the relationship and your value for the recipient. Sometimes, it's best to have an extra layer of professional distance to prevent any ethical or social faux pas. Ask yourself: How well do I know the recipient? What is the nature of their business? Does the type of gift warrant a personal encounter? If you are giving an experience like tickets to a sports game or a lunch, it is probably best to be present for the gift. It makes much less of an impact to just say, "This meal was paid for by .... " then it does to sit down and share the meal with the recipient. That being said, if you are giving a physical gift like custom socks or a coffee gift card, a small note is more than enough to show your gratitude. It may even be a little awkward to go give a $5 gift card in person. If your business is all about interpersonal communication, maybe stick with in-person gifting. If privacy and professionalism are your bread and butter, go remote. At the end of the day, think about how you want to communicate what your company values and show appreciation the best way you can. Part 6: What are good corporate gift ideas? The best corporate gift always starts out by thinking about what your business is and who your recipient is. I have talked at length about making sure your gift reflects a good knowledge of both those things. Remember to check your budget and get everything approved by your supervisor if that is your company structure. With that said, I am going to jump right in to gift ideas! What are good corporate gift ideas for employees? Here's a short list of great corporate gifts for employees: 1.) Wood Docking Station A wood docking station makes a great gift for employees to organize their desk space. 2.) DivvyUp socks Check out these custom socks for a fun and comical gift for employees! Goofy socks for the goofy coworker! 3.) Bobbleheads Like socks, another funny gift for employees! Gifting a customized bobblehead is sure to get a laugh and a career's worth of memories. Can be a great surprise for a boss too! 4.) Personalized calendars Personalized calendars are a good move to help your employees stay organized. 5.) Personalized mug Who doesn't want another mug for hot coffee, and one with unique personalization? Surprise your employees with their name and adorable little cartoon on one of these. 6.) Personalized desk wedge       Personalized desk wedges are great professional gifts, and they can even be funny if you give someone a good-spirited but entirely fictitious office title. What are some good promotional gift ideas for marketing? 1.) Personalized Hydro Flask Every office has a few well-hydrated H2O enthusiasts who carry their own bottle around with them wherever they go. They're very rarely seen without it. Consider offering HydroFlasks as a corporate gift to promote your brand to other offices! 2.) Face masks The pandemic is, unfortunately, still here, and so many of us are still forgetting our masks at home. Be a helpful corporate partner, and offer other businesses face masks for the workplace. 3.) Personalized T-shirt Branded T-shirts are one of the most popular corporate gifts in the US. 4.) Fanny packs Fanny packs are making a comeback, and they're honestly one of the best corporate gifts for sealing your business's brand identity. 5.) Create Your own PopSockets PopSockets are a fun, inexpensive way to promote your business in a tech-oriented world. 6.) The best personalized hats Hats are also some of the best promotional gifts out there. Branding with them can be inexpensive in bulk, and they are one of the most readable personal items—perfect for trying to get your logo out there! What are good corporate gift ideas for clients? Here's some corporate gift ideas for clients and customers: 1.) A personalized pen Personalized pens are our real bread and butter at Dayspring Pens, and we think they can really seal the deal for your corporate gifting strategies. Your customer will see either their name or your company logo engraved on the pen, so either they'll feel known with the gift, or they'll have a high quality pen with your logo emblazoned on the barrel and be reminded of your work every time they pick it up. 2.) Laptop cases Laptop cases are an above-and-beyond corporate gifting idea, and they're great for tech companies with work computers. 3.) Mouth.com's food baskets Custom food baskets are a great way to add a personal touch for the foodie recipients who like a good gastro-adventure! 4.) Custom Rocketbook Rocketbooks are great for customers who take a lot of notes but are tired of buying new notebooks every other month or so—a corporate gifting strategy that's also great for the environment! 5.) Personalized phone cases from Collage A branded phone case is a great corporate gift for customers who need their phone screens to survive the week. They're best presented in a set of other gifts, but they're sure to be appreciated either way! 6.) Woodmark Stinson  Desk Set A Desk set comes with a personalized plaque; get your gift recipient's name and official title engraved to show your appreciation for their patronage. Great gift for customers who are starting into a new office job! Conclusion       That's everything we know about corporate gifts! We hope this guide is helpful for generating ideas to grow your business with personalized gifts. If you found it helpful, share it with others and let us know what corporate gifting strategies you employ 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.

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.