With Black Friday and the festive season fast approaching, we decided it was time to update our guide on the best pens to gift! Our team has put together this complete guide to help you find the perfect gift for Christmas 2022, whoever you’re buying for.
What’s a Good Pen for a Gift?
Gifting a pen is an excellent idea, but the best pen as a gift really depends on who you’re buying for! We’ve broken our guide into categories so you can find what you’re looking for easily this festive season.
Best Pens as Gifts for Him
We start our list with one of the finest pens on the market – the Meisterstuck 146 LeGrand Fountain Pen from Montblanc. This is one of the largest pens in the Montblanc collection, so it’s the best gift for someone who prefers a pen that feels more solid and weighty.
Each fountain pen has an Au585 14k gold, a hand-grinded nib that’s individually stamped by Montblanc’s craftsmen, offering that extra special touch. Plus, the pen will arrive to you in a beautiful Montblanc gift box, making it one of the best pens to give as a gift on Christmas day.
This fountain pen is certainly a luxury gift that’s worth it, ideal for a loved one. It’s also available in a gold trim or as a rollerball pen, so you can choose the style they’ll love most.
For the man in your life who’s captivated by space exploration, the Montblanc StarWalker ball pen is a must. Its matt black precious resin barrel and black ruthenium-coated trim has been designed to reflect the depth of space, whilst looking ultra-sophisticated.
This unique pen will be a cherished addition to any stationery collection. It is timeless yet still makes a statement, and you can enjoy Montblanc’s exquisite craftsmanship whenever you put pen to paper.
Presented in a Montblanc gift box and with a two-year international guarantee, this is a hassle-free gift that he’ll be over the moon to receive!
Another galactic-inspired pen comes from Fisher Space. Their 600 Black Ball Pen features a stunning, gold plated space shuttle emblem that stands out against the pen’s super sleek, matt black barrel.
What’s even cooler is that this pen was designed with astronauts in mind! The pen is pressurised with nitrogen, so you can write on most surfaces and at any angle. You can also write underwater and in extreme weather conditions.
This nifty pen is one of the best pens to give as a gift and even comes with a lifetime guarantee.
If you’re on the hunt for a highly-sophisticated pen that isn’t black, look no further than the Parker Sonnet rollerball with a blue lacquer chrome trim. This pen is both masculine and elegant, while the gorgeous blue barrel and palladium trims make a real statement.
What’s more, the Parker Sonnet rollerball pens offer an excellent writing experience and are carefully built to last for years. Perfect as a luxury Christmas gift for a loved one, this special Parker Sonnet pen is a great buy.
The Cross Classic Century Metals Brushed Black PVD Fountain Pen is one of the best pen gifts for him. It features a uniquely engraved engine-turned diamond-pattern finish, offering added texture and grip. Plus, it has a PVD coating on the barrel, cap and appointments for added durability.
We recommend using Cross’ specially formulated fountain pen ink when using this pen. This will offer you a flawless writing experience with ink that’s quick to dry and helps to keep your pen in a healthy condition. You can also use a converter with this fountain pen, so cartridges or bottled ink are both compatible.
This is a faultless pen that makes for an excellent gift, bringing a modern style to a classic design.
Best Pens as Gifts for Her
The Waterman Hemisphere ballpoint pen is an incredibly sleek pen that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Its classic design is the epitome of French elegance, and it’s built to last for years. Plus, you can transform this gift with a personalised engraving, making the pen truly one-of-a-kind.
Many women love the sleek fashion of a stainless steel finish, but as a staple ballpoint in the Waterman collection it’s available in various other timeless finishes including matt black or with a gold trim.
Go all out for your loved one this Christmas with this luxurious Montblanc Meisterstuck ballpoint pen. This is an exquisite pen featuring a champagne gold-coated clip and cap, which look extremely classy against the black precious resin barrel.
Every final detail has been considered with this beautiful pen, making it a thoughtful gift for her. The cap has an engraved geometrical pattern and you’ll find an individual serial number on the clip. Each pen is also hand-made in Germany and features the iconic Montblanc emblem in a mother-of-pearl finish.
As this item is available on special order only, it may take a little longer to get to you. But, trust us, it is worth the wait! Order your gift now, and if it doesn’t arrive in time for Christmas, you can always gift it to your loved one as an extra special Valentine’s Day gift.
This eye-catching fountain pen from Cross is the perfect pen for her! The body of this pen is a pearlescent ivory colour and features an intricate, purple floral design on top. The soft, calming colours on this pen complement each other perfectly, so this is a great gift for anyone with a stylish stationery collection.
Cross fountain pens are much-loved writing tools, offering a smooth and effortless writing experience. You can also expect this pen to last a lifetime thanks to Cross’ world-renowned, quality craftsmanship.
- BENU Briolette Milky Way Fountain Pen
One of the most unique pens in our collection is the Briolette Milky Way Fountain Pen from BENU, making it a special gift. This pen has been carefully designed with long, diamond-shaped facets that prevent it from rolling off the table. The shapes also add an eye-catching touch to the pen, helping to highlight its bold design.
As the name suggests, this BENU fountain pen is inspired by the Milky Way. The deep purple and silver galactic design makes a statement while still looking refined.
This striking pen is easy and enjoyable to write with, and you can be confident it will stand the test of time thanks to BENU’s lifetime warranty.
For a pen that oozes sophistication, the Caran d’Ache Ecridor Retro Ball Pen is a fine choice. This ball pen features a hexagonal body with an intricate guillochage design that has been crafted by master engravers. The result is a timeless, stylish design that offers something different to your typical black pen.
With a bold yet sleek finish, this pen is a favourite among our female customers. It’s also excellently weighted and easy to hold, making it a comfort to use. You can order this classic pen from The Pen Shop with luxury gift wrap so it’ll look beautiful under the Christmas tree!
Best Pens as Gifts for Students
One of the more affordable fountain pens to gift is this exquisite LAMY AI Star fountain pen. For under £30, it’s a great option for both students and fountain pen beginners.
The AI Star comes ina range of stunning shades, adding a fun pop to any stationery collection without being overly bold or trendy. The flexible, chrome clip means they can keep their pen safe, and perfect ergonomics provide a comfortable writing experience all day long.
You can also gift this pen with a personalised engraving, providing a sentimental touch!
This Parker Jotter pen is super stylish with a fully monochrome, matt black finish, but, at under £30, it won’t break the bank. This special edition version of the Jotter pen is – as the name implies – extra-large! Perfect for anyone who prefers a chunkier pen to write with as it’s slightly longer and wider than the classic Jotter.
It also provides a seamless writing experience as it makes use of Parker’s Quickflow technology. Plus, ballpoint pens don’t smudge easily, so this pen couldn’t be more ideal for students sitting exams or jotting down notes at lightning speed!
Another pen that’s perfect for students is the Cross Bailey Light Glossy Ball Pen. Weighing less than a metal pen, the Cross Bailey Light pen is super comfortable to use and take on-the-go. Plus, it uses specially formulated Cross ink for a seamless and, importantly, reliable writing experience.
Available in six different shades, you can choose a colour that suits them best, making for a more personal gift.
You’ll even receive your pen in a Cross gift box when ordering from The Pen Shop – perfect for Christmas day!
Best Pens for the ‘Impossible to Buy For’
For a striking yet timeless pen, why not gift this ball pen from S. T. Dupont ball? It’s distinguished and modern design makes it the perfect choice for those family members who are hard to buy for!
This stunning pen is high-performing and highly-responsive, providing a flawless writing experience with every use. It also boasts perfect ergonomics for maximum comfort.
You can be assured that each and every pen is unique; just take a look at the individual number engraved on the edge of the pen clip! This is a really special touch that anybody would appreciate.
This LAMY pen ticks all the boxes for loved ones that you struggle to buy for. Not only is at an award-winning pen, but comes at a really reasonable price, too!
With over 80 years of experience, LAMY know a thing or two about excellent pen design. Functionality doesn’t compromise style, and the crisp, modern design of this pen makes it one of our most popular.
Parker is a world-renowned pen brand that everyone knows and admires, so gifting their 51 Black and Chrome Fountain Pen is an excellent bet.
With a streamlined design and iconic hooded stainless-steel nib, this pen looks the part and provides a superior writing experience. Feel confident that their pen will last a lifetime – its craftsmanship is exquisite and no detail has been missed.
When ordering from The Pen Shop, your Parker 51 Fountain Pen will arrive to you in a smart gift box with two Parker ink cartridges for a gorgeous Christmas gift that’s ready to go.
Extra Special Pens to Gift
Looking for an extra special pen for your loved one? This limited edition Montegrappa fountain pen makes for a show-stopping Christmas gift.
With only 300 pens available around the world, this striking pen is extremely limited. Inspired by the beauty and rarity of a meteor shower, it features streaks of incandescent light against a modern matt black silhouette.
Montegrappite resin forms the body of this fountain pen, and each pen has a completely unique pattern. It will arrive with you in a premium gift box, making the best pen gift for a collector.
Another standout pen to gift this Christmas is the Graf von Faber-Castell Classics Macassar Black Edition Fountain Pen. Every detail of this pen is special. Its barrel is made of macassar, a finely-fluted ebony hardwood, and it features a hand-made 18-carat gold nib.
Crafted with care and precision, this luxury Graf von Faber-Castell fountain pen will last a lifetime. Plus, you’ll receive it in a beautiful gift box that will sit proudly underneath the Christmas tree.
The prestigious Montblanc Meisterstuck Le Grand fountain pen has been redesigned to honour Jules Vernes’ ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, the classic adventure novel we all know and love. The detailing on this pen is second to none, with every feature inspired by the story’s voyage. It’s a phenomenal pen that would be a precious addition for any collector.
What stands out the most with this pen is its stunning nib. It’s an 18K bi-colour rhodium and champagne-gold coated nib, hand-crafted by Montblanc’s experts. The nib also features the hot air-balloon and dates from the book’s journey – an incredibly unique touch.
This is an awe-inspiring Christmas gift for the special someone in your life, and a gift they’ll never forget!
Best Pen Brands to Gift
Montblanc is perhaps the most prestigious pen manufacturer on the market. With over 100 years of expertise, this luxury brand is widely-recognised and adored. Montblanc pens are truly timeless and everlasting, making it our best pen brand to gift.
Parker pens are renowned for their quality and excellence, and the brand even holds two Royal Warrants in recognition. With decades of experience, Parker is an expert in combining classic designs with modern techniques, and you can be sure that your Parker pen gift will be enjoyed for years to come.
As the official pen of the American presidency and the USA’s oldest pen manufacturer, Cross has established itself as a brand with expertise and style. Every Cross pen comes with a lifetime guarantee, offering you peace of mind when buying for a loved one.
Established in 1883, Waterman Paris is a timeless, luxury pen brand. All Waterman writing tools are sleek and sophisticated, inspired by France’s iconic style, and offer a flawless writing experience. This makes it a beautiful pen brand to gift.
Sheaffer is a reputable brand known for their quality writing instruments that last. From calligraphy kits to luxurious rollerball pens and everything in between, Sheaffer is one of our favourite brands to gift this Christmas.
You can’t go wrong with gifting a LAMY pen. Innovative, design-led and fresh, LAMY is a brand that combines style and functionality with every pen – perfect for a young professional, student, or someone who’s always on-the-go.
You’re in safe hands with a pen from Montegrappa, the first Italian manufacturer of writing instruments. Montegrappa pens are instantly recognisable due to their beautiful, unique designs and provide a superior writing experience. This certainly makes them one of the best pen brands to gift.
Caran d’Ache pens are renowned for their quality materials, intricate craftsmanship and excellent finishes. Expertly designed in Switzerland, Caran d’Ache rollerballs and fountain pens make a beautiful addition to any collection.
A pen from S. T. Dupont would be a wonderful gift to give this Christmas. With a range of uniquely handcrafted fountain pens, rollerballs and ballpoints, you’ll easily find something special for your loved one.
Best Pen Set for Gifting
Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen and Ball Set
The Parker Sonnet range features a timeless collection of pens and, with this classic set, you can gift your loved one a premium fountain pen and ballpoint pen in either a matching gold or chrome trim finish. Both pens are a joy to write with and will arrive in a branded gift box, all ready for Christmas day.
Waterman Hemisphere Ball Pen and Rollerball Set
For classy and contemporary pens, this Waterman Hemisphere pen set is an excellent choice. You’ll receive a sleek ballpoint pen and rollerball pen in a black and chrome trim finish, both offering a comfortable writing experience. Easy-to-use and timeless in style, this Waterman duo is one of the best pen sets to gift this year.
Manuscript Modern Calligraphy Gift Set
With more people looking to get started with calligraphy and hone their skills, a calligraphy gift set is an excellent gift to give this Christmas. This Modern Gift Set from Manuscript has everything they’ll need to put ink to paper, all set out in a neat storage tin – perfect for any budding artist!
This Sheaffer Maxi Kit is an excellent gift for a calligraphy enthusiast. Not only does it include three pens with different nibs, but it also comes with 20 ink cartridges! There are two versions of the kit, one for her and one for him, with different colour finishes, so you can choose the style they’ll like best.
Best Pen Gifts by Price
Luxury
- Montblanc Meisterstuck
- Montblanc Starwalker
- Caran d’Ache Ecridor Fountain Pen
- Cross Townsend Fountain Pen
Premium
- Parker Sonnet Rollerball
- Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball
- Cross Classique Fountain Pen
- LAMY Studio Fountain Pen
Entry Level
- LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
- LAMY Al Star Rollerball
- Cross Bailey Light Fountain Pen
- Fisher Space Ball Pen
- Parker IM Rollerball
- Sheaffer Rollerball
Best Accessories to Gift
Many of the brands we stock sell a range of luxury accessories that would also make special Christmas gifts. Here are some of our favourite pieces:
Montblanc Cufflinks Stainless Steel Heritage
A pair of Montblanc Heritage cufflinks is a timeless, heirloom gift that your loved one will adore. These cufflinks are stainless steel with a polished finish, so they’re built to last. And, with a stylish, recognisable design, they won’t go out of fashion.
Help them protect their money with this Powder Card Protector from Secrid. With its innovative design, this minimalist wallet prevents unwanted wireless communication, keeping their money safe when they’re on-the-go. Plus, it’s sleek and streamlined design makes it easy to carry, especially as our reliance on cash is fading!
Orbitkey Leather Key Organiser
For a practical and stylish gift, you can’t go wrong with the Orbitkey Leather Key Organiser. It holds up to 7 keys, including car keys, and prevents unwanted scratching. Plus, it’s available in a range of smart colours, including Stone Grey and Navy.
Montblanc Fine Stationery 146 Lined Notebook
The 146 Lined Notebook from Montblanc’s Finest range is an iconic piece of stationery that looks smart and sophisticated on any desk. It’s an excellent quality notebook with silver-edged 85 g/m paper and the finest Saffiano leather cover. Perfect for a stationery lover, budding author or organisation expert, a luxury notebook from Montblanc is a special Christmas day gift. The Pen Shop stock this notebook in various colours, such as black, pink and purple, so you have a broad range of styles to choose from.
We hope this guide will help you find some great stationery and the best pen to give as a gift this Christmas! The Pen Shop is proud to stock a range of reputable brands and styles, with many of our pens eligible for custom engraving, so please contact us if you need any further assistance ahead of Christmas day.
