Best Wishes! -- Choosing a Graduation Gift Pen

[This article was first published in May, 2022, and completely updated for graduation season 2026.]

 

The Ideal Graduation Pen

When I wrote my first version of this article, four of my workmates at Pen Boutique were about to graduate from high school, and my nephew had just finished college, so graduation was very much on my mind.  It was my first May at the store, and I quickly learned that, second only to Christmas, graduation season is our busiest time of year. It makes sense. A nice pen is the perfect gift to say, "Congratulations. I'm proud of you. Best wishes for the future!"

A graduation pen is usually an elegant and classic one that you hope the recipient will treasure. Many customers have told me that their first "fancy" pen was a graduation present, or that they had inherited a pen that their father or mother was given as a graduation gift. Sometimes a graduation pen will sit in a drawer, it's true... but, when that happens, it is often rediscovered years later when the recipient is older and more mature, and the pen is then enjoyed and appreciated, and the giver remembered with love and respect.

Because of the nature of graduation pens, the ideal one has a timeless quality. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should give the message that you feel the graduate is worthy of a serious pen that they will take care of. Should it be a fountain pen? It could be, but a rollerball or ballpoint is a safer choice because it is more likely to be used, unless you know the new graduate is already a fountain pen lover.

With the help of my very knowledgeable colleague Joy, I selected our top recommendations for graduation gift pens. Joy handles vendor reorders when stock runs low, and has assisted countless customers through our customer service line, so she knows which pens have proven to be the most reliable graduation gifts.

I chose a mix of rollerballs, ballpoints, and a few fountain pens, with most models available in a variety of colors and styles. The selection ranges in price from under $40 to over $500, though most fall comfortably within the $100–$200 range.

 

Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain?

Before I get into my pen model recommendations, I want to quickly explain the differences between ballpoints, rollerballs, and fountain pens. If you already know this, feel free to skip ahead to the next section!  Many people don't, and understanding the differences will help you select a gift.

[Left to right:  a Waterman Expert ballpoint, Montblanc PIX rollerball, and Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen.]

A ballpoint is the kind of pen you are probably most familiar with. Ballpoints use an oil-based ink that has a slightly sticky feeling and writes well on a multitude of surfaces. It rarely smears. Your typical disposable Bic pen is a ballpoint, but a quality ballpoint writes much more reliably and nicely than the kind you can buy at the drugstore. A fine ballpoint pen usually has either a twist or click mechanism to extend the writing tip. They contain refill cartridges that last a long time and can be replaced when the ink runs out. The refills are normally available in a limited number of different line widths (fine, medium) and colors (black, blue).

A rollerball uses a water-based ink and has a smoother flowing feel than a ballpoint. Many people enjoy this feeling more. You don't have to press down to write with a rollerball; it glides over the paper.  The ink smears more easily because it takes a few seconds to dry, and it will smear if it gets wet. Because rollerball ink dries out more easily than ballpoint ink, a rollerball must be kept capped when not in use. The cap can be posted on the back of the pen when writing, or set aside on your desk, whichever feels better to you.  Rollerballs use refills that look similar to ballpoint refills, but ballpoint and rollerball refills are not interchangeable. Like ballpoint refills, they are available in a small range of different line widths and colors.

A fountain pen uses water-based smooth flowing ink like a rollerball. When capped, the two pens look exactly the same, but if you come into the store you'll notice that we usually display our fountain pens with the cap off to show the nib. When buying a fountain pen, you choose the nib size (Fine, Medium, Broad, etc.) and this controls the line width. A fountain pen must be cleaned periodically and refilled more frequently than a ballpoint or rollerball, so they aren't as convenient. If they sit unused, the ink will dry out and they will need to be cleaned and re-inked. You also need to replace the cap when not actively writing with the pen. Fountain pens use ink cartridges that come in many different colors, or are filled from an ink bottle, which enables you to use any ink color you want (the choices are almost endless!). They are more distinctive looking and can feel wonderful to write with, but they are also less reliable. Because there is so much variety between nibs (depending on brand, pen model, nib size, nib material, etc.), the look and feel of writing with different pens can vary greatly. People who are into fountain pens tend to love the whole experience of the looks, care, and feel of using the pen, but it's not for everyone.

 

Engraving

One of the advantages of many of the pens that I've chosen is that they can be engraved. Engraving is especially nice for a pen that is given to honor a significant event like a graduation or new job. We offer engraving for $20 per line, but, for a pen to be suitable for engraving, it needs to have a plain lacquered surface (no patterns). The engraving is done on the cap section of the pen (even for a capless pen like a ballpoint). Each line can have 10-15 characters (this includes letters, numbers, special characters, spaces, and punctuation), and we can fit 1-2 lines, depending on the size of the pen. There are two options for font style:  block and script.

All engraving orders need to be done over the phone (our customer service number is 410-992-3272) or in the store. Engraving can take between 7 to 10 business days, so plan accordingly.  I'll note in each pen's description if it can be engraved!  Please check to confirm that the pen you like is currently available for engraving. We are not able to accommodate all engraving requests.

 

Waterman for the Win

My top pick for the perfect graduation pen is the Waterman Expert. The Expert is a very popular choice for those who need a beautiful and traditional gift, whether to thank a business associate or honor a milestone occasion. It's usually the first pen I show customers who come into the store looking for this type of pen, and most tell me it was exactly what they were hoping to find. Unless it is out of their price range, customers who see and hold the Expert say, "I'll take it!" Waterman writes of this pen, "A symbol of ambition and success, Expert's assertive and powerful silhouette infuses confidence into any occasion." This is the ideal message to convey for a graduation.  Even the name, "Expert" conveys the message that you perceive the recipient as someone with knowledge and authority.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert ballpoint and fountain pen, both in Black with gold trim.]

Waterman is a highly respected luxury pen brand that was established in 1884 in New York City by Lewis Waterman, an insurance salesman. Legend has it that the pen he was using at work leaked all over a contract he had prepared for a large policy, costing him his client, so Mr. Waterman took matters into his own hands and invented the first truly functional fountain pen, revolutionizing the pen industry. I love the symbolism of giving a Waterman pen to wish a graduate future success!

Waterman is headquartered in Paris, France, but is still owned by an American company, Newell Brands. All of their pens are high quality, with a solid, substantial feel, and a refined, elegant look.  Experts, and most other models, come in attractive and sturdy Waterman Prestige gift boxes in the traditional Waterman blue, with a lovely flowing wave design on the hinged lid.  The inside of the boxes are a pleasing soft cream colored suede fabric that contrasts beautifully to display the pen. The clean design of these boxes, with their precise corners and simple "Waterman Paris" written on top in gold, looks thoughtful and timeless.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert L’Essence du Bleu rollerball.]

I love the lines of the Expert:  the tapered shape, strong body (neither too slim nor too thick), and angled end finial on the cap. The two metal bands (one wide, one narrow) are perfectly balanced with the rest of the pen and remind me of wedding rings. The slit in the clip, allowing a glimpse of the pen color to show between the metal, lightens its substantial look. The overall feeling is both harmonious and powerful. This is an eloquent looking pen, with a dignity and maturity to trust and admire.  It's a classic, and I feel like buying an Expert conveys a sense of achievement and gravitas.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert ballpoint in Black with gold trim.]

The Expert comes in rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain, and in a wide variety of color and trim combinations. Depending on the pen, the accents are either palladium or 23-karat gold plated.  The ballpoint tip extends with a smooth and decisive-feeling twist of the pen and writes with a nice blue fine line, while the rollerball writes with a fine black line. Their refills are easy to install and replace.  The pen has a nice substantial-feeling weight in your hand, and is extremely well balanced so it doesn't feel heavy even to smaller hands.  It suits both men and women.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert fountain pen in Black with gold trim, in my hand.  In the background is the slimmer Waterman Hémisphère rollerball in Reflections of Paris, a retired collection.]

Any Expert would look appropriate as a graduation gift, but my favorites for graduation are the traditional Black models with gold or chrome trim, and the handsome Deluxe Metallic Stone Grey special edition, part of a new 2026 line designed to bring a contemporary, industrial shimmer to the classic Expert series.  This pen features a metallic grey lacquered barrel and a silver cap with a laser-engraved contoured stripe pattern inspired by timeless gentlemen's tailoring. This cool two-tone pen provides a professional alternative to standard black and offers a subtle depth that catches the light.

[Pictured:  Expert in Deluxe Metallic Stone Grey.]

Impression, Hémisphère, Carène, and Exception, the other four Waterman pen lines, would also make excellent graduation gifts. I chose the Expert as my top recommendation because it offers the most traditional design and the most versatile size.  Carène and Exception are the most premium options, and if you’d like to explore Waterman’s finest models in greater detail, you can learn more about them in the article I wrote on the complete Waterman collection.

The graceful Hémisphère model is slim and stylish, and it's perfect for those who want the elegance of Waterman at a lower price point.  Hémisphère's styling is reminiscent of the Expert, but the pen has a chic look rather than an assertive one.  Both have a tapered shape and angled top finial, but to quite different effect.

[Pictured:  Black with Gold Trim Expert in front, and Understated Edit Metallic Copper Hémisphère in back.]

Hémisphère comes in all three writing modes, and in many beautiful color variations, all with a lithe and polished feel.  Inspired by chic and elegant Parisian fashion, it's a great choice if you would like less formal color options, or for a recipient with smaller hands.  The Colour Blocking Hémisphères have a sharp looking two-tone style that I love, and the new Understated Edit, featuring a cool metallic lacquer, is inspired by "fashion’s shift to quiet luxury" providing "the perfect grounded neutral match to staple wardrobe pieces."

[Pictured:  Understated Edit Stone Grey Hémisphère ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen.]

Since the Hemisphere is smaller and less expensive, it is also a lovely choice if you'd like to create a matching set with any combination of ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen paired together.  This is an especially good option if you'd like to introduce a graduate to fountain pens, but aren't certain that they would regularly use one. 

[Pictured:  Understated Edit Copper Red Hémisphère fountain pen and ballpoint.]

I love the new Understated Edit release, but there are so many different versions of the Hémisphère, you can select the perfect one to suit the recipient of your thoughtfully chosen gift.  

The Impression model is the most budget friendly of the five Waterman lines, and is a new addition to the Waterman lineup.  Its retail price falls under $100 for the fountain pen and under $70 for the ballpoint (considerably lower when on sale), making Impression an ideal gift that allows you to both make a great impression and stick to your budget.  It's presented in a slimmer slide-out version of Waterman's gift box, without the hinged lid.

[Pictured:  Impression fountain pens in Black with Chrome Trim, Stainless Steel with Chrome Trim, and Navy Blue with Chrome Trim.]

The Impression is longer, thicker, and heavier than the slender Hémisphère model (30 grams for both the fountain pen and ballpoint, compared to 26 grams for the Hémisphère ballpoint and 20 grams for a Hémisphère fountain pen), offering a new alternative to writers who prefer a slightly more substantial pen, but is still well suited to carrying in a shirt pocket, jacket pocket, or purse. 

It has a bold and polished look, and a space age silhouette, with a more pronounced version of Waterman’s signature double-branched clip design. The pen's overall shape is gently tapered, with flat ends and a cool brushed silver colored circular accent piece at the top, on all pens no matter the trim color.  Waterman says, "With its carefully balanced weight, the pen sits comfortably in hand, offering a sense of poise and control," and I agree, this is a pen with calm confidence and poise.

Their ad campaign teasing the new pen features a handsome and suave young gentleman making a lasting first impression on a sophisticated young woman in an elegant cocktail bar, offering her his Waterman Impression ballpoint when the bartender is unable to find a pen.  I think the design will appeal to a slightly younger audience than most Watermans, and it would make an excellent graduation gift.

[Pictured:  Impression ballpoints in Black with Gold Trim, White with Gold Trim, and Stainless Steel with Gold Trim.]

Like the more luxurious pens in the collection, Impression is hand assembled in France, and features a barrel and cap finished in glossy lacquer or brushed stainless steel, with either palladium-coated or gold-coated clip and cap ring, depending on pen color.  The initial release is available in six different variations, in both fountain pen and ballpoint.

All the series except Impression are also available in the beautiful L’Essence du Bleu design, featuring deep blue lacquer with Waterman’s signature wave pattern etched into the metal cap. L’Essence du Bleu pens are slightly outside the traditional graduation style, but I think they are extremely beautiful and would be perfect if you are the kind of person who likes to be a little different.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert L’Essence du Bleu rollerball.]

In 2026, Waterman added the new Opera Collection for all four higher-end models, with a black lacquered barrel and an intricately engraved gold-coated cap that evokes the timeless elegance and ornate detailing of French opera houses.  Joy says it reminds her of the tassel decoration on a traditional graduation mortarboard!  This very sophisticated collection is a lovely option to have when choosing a special gift pen.

[Pictured: Carene ballpoint in Opera (foreground), with Expert ballpoint in the background.]

Please note that only the pens with plain caps can be engraved, so Deluxe, L’Essence du Bleu, Reflections of Paris (retired collection), and Opera pens cannot be personalized, but, they are so handsome, many customers who see them decide that their uniqueness outweighs engraving.  Plain Experts, Hémisphères, and Impressions make beautiful engraved pens.

[Pictured:  Waterman Expert rollerball in Black with chrome trim.]

 

Montblanc Status and Style

If you have a slightly higher budget for your gift, you'll want to consider the slim and stylish Montblanc PIX rollerball. The PIX model isn't as expensive as other Montblancs, but still has the name and reputation associated with the most famous brand in fine pens. Montblanc's very name carries the image of status and luxury, along with a history going back to 1906. Montblanc's trademark white stylized six-pointed snowcap with rounded edges, representative of the Mont Blanc snowcap from above, is instantly recognizable. A gift of a Montblanc never fails to impress and make the recipient feel very special indeed.

The pen is named after Montblanc's historical PIX trademark, introduced in the 1930s as an anti-counterfeiting feature on their pens. Some Montblancs have PIX stamped onto their cap band, as well as in a much less obvious place: the underside of the clip. I think the pixie-like name is kind of cute, and suits this slender pen, but I also love that its real meaning is serious and secretive, reminiscent of an acronym used by a secret intelligence agency.  Each Montblanc is now marked with a unique serial number around the ring of the pen clip to thwart counterfeiting, and comes with a booklet containing this number and the stamp of your authorized Montblanc dealer.

The PIX is an ideal size and weight for smaller hands, and is also effortlessly transportable. You can easily carry your PIX in a shirt or suit pocket, and the styling is both timeless and genderless.  Like the Watermans, the PIX features a snap cap. It's made of lightweight gleaming precious resin with platinum plated trim and clean, Bauhaus architecture-inspired lines.

The PIX doesn't look out of place with the modern styling of cell phones and laptops, and is as at home in a coffee shop as it is on a desk or conference table. The iconic snowcap logo on both the cap and end finial is a great touch and makes this pen look special from any angle.  I brought home a PIX in blue when I originally released this article, but PIX is now limited to classic black and a wonderful buttercup yellow, a stylish option for a friendly and joyful pen that will brighten your graduate's day.  I'm still keeping my blue PIX photo anyway, because I really like it!

The PIX is a beautiful pen that will become an heirloom and conveys the message that you see a bright future ahead for the graduate.  For an even more memorable gift, you may also want to consider a traditional Montblanc Meisterstück or modern StarWalker.  Check out my Meisterstück and StarWalker blog articles on why these pens are so special!

[Pictured:  Montblanc Meisterstück Classique ballpoint on left, and Montblanc PIX rollerball on right.]

The Montblanc Meisterstück Classique Ballpoint (pictured above) is the timeless classic that's always in style, and is Montblanc's second most affordable pen.  This pen needs no introduction, and is the overall most popular Montblanc gift pen for special occasions and lasting memories.  If you'd like an alternative to the original black, Montblanc has recently released two beautiful new colors for the Meisterstück, White and Burgundy.  They are both extremely elegant!

[Pictured:  Montblanc Meisterstück Classique ballpoints in White and Burgundy, with Montblanc Extreme 3.0 pen pouch.]

We even have Montblanc Classique gift sets, which come with a Classique ballpoint or rollerball packaged with a matching Montblanc notebook.  Whatever Montblanc pen you choose, it is sure to be memorable and cherished.

 

Pilot MR Collection: Streamlined Versatility

On the other end of the graduation pen spectrum, a Pilot Metropolitan or MR makes a wonderful graduation gift on a budget. A black Metropolitan fountain pen was my first serious pen, and I still love it. You can never really go wrong with Pilot's MR Collection. It's a well-built, quality design that will stand up to years of use, looks great, and costs less than $40. The Metropolitan/MR comes in fountain, rollerball, and ballpoint, and in a plethora of eye-catching colors and designs. I think the simple black version looks the most sophisticated, but for a younger graduate or one with a colorful personality, you have a rainbow of options. This pen suits any age and any gender.

[Pictured:  Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with Field Notes 56-Week Planner.  This versatile datebook works best with ballpoints, rollerballs, and gel pens.]

The "rollerball" version of the Metropolitan/MR actually uses a G2 gel pen cartridge, which writes with a nice fine line and has a great feel. Gel-based ink is vivid and even smoother than rollerball ink, but more water-resistant once it dries. The popular G2 refill comes in lots of colors including black, blue, green, red, and purple, and in 1.0mm (broad), 0.7mm (fine), 0.5mm (extra fine), and 0.3mm (ultra fine) line width.  It's inexpensive and is easy to find at office supply stores or at Pen Boutique.  The fountain pen can be used with Pilot ink cartridges for convenience, or with a converter for bottled inks.  Both are provided in the box.

[Pictured:  Black Pilot Metropolitan, looking very "Ivy League."]

The Metropolitan/MR's streamlined, nearly symmetrical shape sets it apart and looks almost futuristic, but timeless at the same time. My personal favorites are the rollerballs and fountain pens, but the ballpoint is also really nice if you want a pen that activates with a twist and doesn't require removing a snap cap.  It’s an especially practical choice for the absent-minded graduate who might otherwise misplace a cap!

[Pictured:  MR Collection ballpoint in Pop Red, with Gold Zig Zag Metropolitan.]

All three pens are metal, with premium brass matte finish barrels and polished stainless steel accents, and can be engraved, revealing the brass material beneath the colored outer coating. (The turquoise pen in the engraved pens image above is a Retro Pop MR.)

Pilot Corporation, founded in 1918, is the largest pen manufacturer in Japan, and its pens range from the everyday disposable variety to beautiful works of art made with traditional maki-e lacquering designs.  (These are marketed under their Namiki label, named for Ryosuke Namiki, the founder of the Pilot Corporation, originally named "Namiki Manufacturing Company.")  Pilot is one of my personal favorite pen brands, and the MR Collection is the perfect place to start when entering the world of quality writing instruments.  

 

Lamy Studio: A Modern Classic

The Lamy Studio is an excellent choice when you want an attractive and refined pen that's a step up from an entry-level classic like the Pilot MR, but still sits below $100 for most models.  I often recommend the Studio to customers looking for a gift that feels sophisticated without being too expensive, and that offers a more modern, distinctive style compared to a traditional gift pen like a Waterman.  Lamy introduced the Studio in 2005, declaring it "a piece of creative contemporary art," and I think this description is apt.  By envisioning a twisted clip modeled after an airplane propeller, designer Hannes Wettstein created a writing instrument that is unique, beautiful, and impossible to forget.

[Pictured:  LAMY studio in Brushed Stainless Steel.]

Founded in 1930 by C. Josef Lamy in Heidelberg, Germany, Lamy is renowned for its award-winning Bauhaus-inspired design. Its Safari and 2000 pens are iconic to the brand, but Studio makes an especially good gift because the streamlined and harmonious design looks serious and understated, yet distinctly different. 

Studio's designer, visionary Swiss architect and industrial designer Hannes Wettstein (1958–2008), was known for creating objects that felt instinctively “right,” with designs that often seemed simultaneously new and familiar.  Wettstein's designs have often been called "surprisingly simple," and he had a passion for questioning norms and reinventing the everyday.  I love the idea of inspiring a graduate to think outside the box with a gift like Studio!

Like many of my other graduation recommendations, the Studio is available as a ballpoint, rollerball, or fountain pen, and all three variations have the stylish look and premium feel that raises this pen to the next level.  Most Studio models can also be engraved.  Each pen is assembled by hand at the Lamy craftsman's workshop in Heidelberg, Germany, and has a sturdy all-metal body (stainless steel, lacquer-finished metal, or anodized aluminum), high quality steel clip, and a seamless transition between the barrel and snap cap.  

[Pictured:  studio ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen in the Lx All Black edition.]

The Studio also comes in an intriguing spectrum of colors and finishes, so you can choose the perfect one.  You can read about all the standard and special edition colors in my article on the Studio, but one of my personal favorites is the Lx All Black, which uses the special Lx nib created for the LAMY Lx fountain pens.  I love the sleek look of this edition, and the comfortable rubberized grip section used on the fountain pen and rollerball.

Another especially nice edition is the Imperial Blue, a great alternative to black for a timeless graduation gift. Studio's slim profile also makes it perfect if you'd like to make a set with two styles in the same color for an extra memorable and versatile gift.  

[Pictured:  studio rollerball and fountain pen in the beautiful Imperial Blue edition, glistening in the sun.]

 

Pilot Vanishing Point: Capless Convenience

Speaking of modern classics, although it may feel like a radical design, Pilot's capless fountain pen made its debut over 60 years ago, in 1963, and was billed as the world's first retractable fountain pen.  It remains one of the very few retractable fountain pens on the market, and is widely considered to be the best.  The Vanishing Point (or Capless, as it is called in Japan) looks more like a ballpoint than a traditional fountain pen, and provides a ballpoint's quick-operating convenience.  There is no cap to remove (or lose!), so you can start immediately writing with a click of the push button at the back of the pen. The design has evolved over the years, as Pilot continues to innovate. The Vanishing Point has become a classic, and is the perfect pen for the busy graduate who would appreciate the smooth and effortless feel of writing with a fountain pen in the fast-paced modern world.

The Vanishing Point is Pilot's biggest selling gold nib fountain pen for good reason.  Its convenience, ease of use, and stylish looks make it stand out from other pens, and loyalists love carrying their trusted Vanishing Point in a shirt or jacket pocket to quickly take notes at any time.  Since the Vanishing Point's clip is located on its nib end, the pen is stored in a nib-up orientation if you carry it in your pocket, an extra assurance against the possibility of it ever leaking onto your clothes.  (A leak with a Vanishing Point is extremely unlikely.  You can read more about why in my article on the pens, which are famous for their reliability.)

Although the clip position looks a little odd at first, the Vanishing Point is actually very comfortable, and it's surprising how quickly the clip "disappears" when you pick up the pen. Writers with a nonstandard grip may find it gets in their way, but, for most people, the clip helps you align the pen in the right position and you don't even feel it because the narrowest part of the clip falls in the curved space between your thumb and finger.

[Pictured:  Standard Vanishing Point in Black with Gold Trim.]

The standard Vanishing Point collection has a brass barrel.  It feels good and solid in the hand, and is available in six colors with rhodium trim, four with matte black trim, and three with gold trim.  Most are solid colored lacquer over the metal barrel, but some are a little fancier.  For an elegant graduation gift, I particularly like the classic Black or navy Blue versions with gold or rhodium trim, but the Matte Blue or Black are also great options with a timeless cool.

[Pictured:  Standard Vanishing Point in Matte Blue with Black Trim, and Black TRAVELER'S notebook.]

[Pictured: the elegant and cool Standard Vanishing Point in Matte Black with Black Trim, Pilot's best seller.]

I find it extremely natural, quick, and comfortable to click the pen "on and off" and move it into writing position, all with one hand. Once you start using the Vanishing Point, it becomes second nature.  Not only that, but the pens are very satisfying to click!  Many customers comment about what a great click the Vanishing Point has, and that is actually one of the selling points for them.  

Décimo, the lightest and slimmest Vanishing Point model, is built on an aluminum barrel rather than brass, and can feel more friendly to smaller hands.  Décimos are the same length as the standard size pens, but about 1.1mm slimmer and weigh almost 10g less. The difference is very noticeable when you hold the pen.

[Pictured:  Décimos in Purple, Champagne, and White.]

All Décimos have a brushed metallic lacquer finish, which is very cool looking and reminds me of the finish on many cars.  There are eight colors: Black, Navy, Burgundy, Champagne, Purple, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and White.  Standard Vanishing Points and Décimos are the same price and quality; the differentiation is in the size, weight, and appearance only.  All Vanishing Point fountain pens, from the yearly Limited Edition models and hand lacquered urushi finish Maki-e Raden designs, to the slim Décimo and everything in between, use the same 18k gold nibs and CON-40 converter, which come installed together as a unit in the pens, and can also be purchased separately. 

For an extra special Vanishing Point upgrade, I recommend Vanishing Point Stripes.  The body of Stripes is entirely rhodium plated, so it will never pit, tarnish or patina, making it a truly timeless gift.  Stripes has matching rhodium trim and a wonderful vertically ribbed texture.  It's even easier to grip, and feels great moving against your hand!  I love the classy silver pinstriped look.

Read my article, Updating My Perspective on Pilot's Vanishing Point Pens, if you'd like to learn more about all the different kinds of Vanishing Points and how they work.  There are a staggering 36 different variations currently available if you count all the different models and color options.

All Vanishing Points and Décimos can be engraved, except Black Carbonesque, Blue Carbonesque, Stripes, the five Vanishing Point SE Italian marbled resin colors, the two Birchwood colors, the Limited Edition models, and the three Urushi lacquer Raden pens.

 

Aurora Ipsilon:  Colorful Individualism

My final pick for graduation pen is a delightful one because it comes in so many rich colors. My first year at Pen Boutique, I had fun recording an Instagram video in the store with soon-to-graduate seniors Shriya, Austin, and Winnie, and instructed Winnie to reveal the pens in this photo with a dramatic flourish, declaring that one of them even matched the colors of her future university.

The Ipsilon, which comes in ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain, can't be engraved, but I love the idea of buying a graduate a pen that is personalized in a different way and will always remind them of their school. I chose the rollerball in red resin because the colors are perfect for the University of Maryland, the state school closest to Pen Boutique.

This pen's bold lines and colors express the personality of an individualist. I like the shape of both the rollerball and ballpoint, and find the two-tone black barrel ballpoint with chrome plated cap section especially striking. The contrast between the shiny silver trim, textured brushed metal cap area, and gleaming black resin is very cool.

I also love the way Aurora describes the Ipsilon:  "The pen created to become the everyday friend of those who study and faithful companion for those who work: this mission is carried out with striking success by the Ipsilon, the pen that is eye-catching because of its innovative design, full of personality and characterized by the exclusive Aurora designed 'Y' shaped clip."  Perfect!

The Aurora ballpoint, unlike most others, clicks rather than twists to extend the tip, so it can quickly and easily be operated with one hand. The rollerball is another firm and satisfying snap cap that posts on the end of the pen with a good solid feeling.

Because the body of the Ipsilon is acrylic resin, this is a lighter weight pen than the Watermans or Pilots, but it is heavier than the Montblancs and has a more substantial profile, with a barrel that is similar in girth to the Waterman Expert and Pilot Metropolitan, but with an interesting slightly oversized cap section.

The Ipsilon is presented in a strong and glossy outer cardboard box with a dropdown front that makes it easy to access the elegant plain black leatherette storage box within, decorated only with Aurora's logo embossed on the hinged lid. The pen is secured on a bed of black satin, and the outer box includes an enclosure with Aurora's excellent motto, "Il Segno di un Sogno" -- "The Sign of a Dream."

Aurora pens are made in Italy and the company was founded in Turin in 1919, so it, too, has a long international legacy. But this brand has what its American distributor, Kenro Industries, describes as a "traditional-meets-modern approach [that] gives them a broad-ranging appeal."  As Kenro puts it,

Their pens are coveted not only by professionals and professors but also by Millennial bullet journalers and Gen Z influencers. Imagine! An Italian fountain pen backed by 100 years of history, now considered among the best pens for journaling and a cult sketch pen adored by current artists! Surely, a testament to Aurora’s unique flair for creating timelessly on-trend pieces?

If you'd like to learn more about this pen and its many variations, please read my blog article, A Faithful Companion with Personality -- The Aurora Ipsilon.

The Aurora Ipsilon manages to look both collegiate and fresh at the same time, and each color variation has its own distinct personality. This shapely pen may be the perfect way to say "Best wishes!" to the graduate in your life.

 

Final Thoughts

Leena, Aurora, and Joy had a few additional suggestions for graduation gift pens!  Monteverde Ritma, Faber-Castell Ambition, and Graf Von Faber-Castell Classic span a price range from $45 to $650, and all come in ballpoint and rollerball as well as fountain pen.  These pens would also be great options if you'd like to create your own set, combining a ballpoint and fountain pen, for instance.

The popular Ritma, starting at only $45 retail price for ballpoints, comes in a huge range of beautiful color options, and is also available in a nice gift set that includes a fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint, plus bottle of Monteverde ink, and a MV P44 ballpoint gel ink refill!  The sleek aluminum and steel Ritmas were inspired by the clean lines of 1960s and 70s design, and feature a satisfying magnetic cap. I especially love the Purple!

The very slim and streamlined Faber-Castell Ambition is well-named for a graduation choice, and its wide range of textures and materials can add an interesting twist to your graduation gift.  From simple black, to elegant guilloché patterns, brushed resin, stainless steel, interesting textures, and a variety of different real woods, the Ambition offers something for everyone.

[Pictured:  Faber-Castell Ambition in ballpoints Black Precious Resin and Pear Wood, and rollerball in Rhombus, with Hobonichi planner and Monk Paper Hard Cover Journal.]

If you like the Ambition, but want to give something a little more elevated, the Graf Von Faber-Castell Classic is a perfect option. My blog article, Polished Perfection with Graf von Faber-Castell, will tell you all about these writing instruments with a refined, classic look and feel, made from exotic woods and precious metal.

[Pictured: Classic Pernambuco and Classic Anello Grenadilla.]

I hope this article has helped you decide on a gift pen. No matter which one you choose, a fine pen is a thoughtful and memorable way to tell someone how proud you are of their achievements and to wish them a bright future, wherever their path may lead.

Speaking of graduates' achievements, four years after my original version of this article, a lot has changed.  My nephew has taken a pause from a successful engineering career to pursue his doctorate at MIT, and Shriya, Pen Boutique owners Leena and Raj's daughter, will be graduating from UMBC near the top of her class and has been awarded the Outstanding Graduating Senior award in Financial Economics. She will soon begin a career on Wall Street!  We don't work together as often anymore, but I have so many fond memories of our time together, and it's amazing to see how mature and accomplished she has become.  I am so proud of them both, and can only imagine what the next four years will bring.

-Laura P.

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