Pens

[Drisgirl]

My niece is 21 very soon and I am at a loss as to what to buy her.

She is completing an English Lits Degree and I thought a good pen might be an idea -engraved and all that.

I am not being lazy but does anyone know what would be an exceptional pen to give her quality wise -I am thinking about �50.

[Buenchico]

I've had several pens engraved as gifts for friends and relatives and the engraving has frequently cost more than the pen! So remember that you need to allow a fair bit for the cost of engraving when you decide which pen to purchase. You also need to take care to buy a pen with a surface suitable for engraving.

The cheapest good quality pens are probably those made by Parker. (Like all of the 'quality' pen manufacturers, they'll repair or replace any faulty pen for the lifetime of the owner). However, because you can buy products from the cheaper end of their range in shops like Woolworths, they don't have the 'cachet' of brands like Cross or Waterman (which tend to only be found in quality stationers or in specialist pen shops).

Cross pens are particularly well-suited to engraving. (Companies which supply corporate gifts for executives often choose Cross products precisely because of that reason).

This might help:
http://www.thepenzone.co.uk/

Chris

[Drisgirl]

Aww Chris I was just coming on to say i have orderred a special edition of Jk's latest book -see Arts and Lit -cant remember the name off hand.
It a beautiful book which she can treasure for the rest of her life.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer -her birthday is within the next few weeks so think the book is the best option.

Thanks anyhow -much appreciated x