Have You Gifted A Nice Pen To A Young Person?

[AlexLeGrande]

One for show, one for blow as the saying goes...

I remember kindergarten "inspection" in 1952 in Newark, New Jersey. Each day students were called up from their seats on the floor to appear before the teacher, with the entire class watching, and display their hands, front and back, their fingernails, and a clean handkerchief. I also learned to write cursive with a dip pen in second grade. By third grade we were required to purchase an Easterbrook fountain pen (sturdy, cheap, and made in our home state), no new-fangled ballpoints allowed!

[Erik Dalton]

I think it's important that he initiates the interest (a pull transaction), so that I'm answering a perceived need he has already felt.

 

In a related example, my grandfather years ago, and recently my wife's grandmother, gave me a handkerchief set. From their perspective, a gentleman isn't complete without a handkerchief in his pocket. From mine, and others of my generation, handkerchiefs are gross and we don't carry them.

 

Well, I do use handkerchiefs... A White one folded in my suit or sport jacket breast pocket and a nice big red bandanna in my back pants pocket. (Suit or Jeans)

I have also given pen and ink to both older and younger folks. I've done this for people I believe have earned such a gift, because of their accomplishments, or having done something special for someone else.

All I ask is that they do something similar, when they are in a position to do so.

I do this because it makes me feel good, that's all.

[penaholic75]

Thanks to each of you for sharing your stories; you make me smile.

[goodpens]

I gave a Pilot Metropolitan, M nib, with assorted cartridges to the daughter of my cousin for her bat mitzvah. She is a great writer and I thought it would encourage that habit -- and maybe make all the thank you notes a little more enjoyable. She LOVED it and has mentioned it to me on multiple occasions; it was a bigger hit than I expected and I am glad she was so into it. Maybe she'll get addicted as I did when someone gave me a Sheaffer calligraphy set when I was about that age.

[temptar]

Yes. I most recently gifted a rose gold Lamy Lx to someone who really wanted it but would not have bought it for herself. She has previously received a Caran d'Ache Ecridor.

[MHBru]

An ST Dupont to my son when he graduated law school.