Best Pen as Graduation Gift

[panda1]

First post, please tell me if I'm breaking some rules unintentionally

 

I have discovered that my aunt wants to buy me a fountain pen. However, she does not know much about fountain pens and, as a result, it would be better if I could drop hints here and there as to which fountain pen I would like. She has already told other family members that she plans on buying a new (low- to mid-end) Montblanc for me. So that gives you an idea of her price point.

 

To give you an idea of my taste in pens:

I like my Brushed Stainless Steel Lamy Studio. However, its "Extra Fine" nib is too large for me and isn't the smoothest around. Otherwise the styling is very nice, particularly the clip.

I like my Black Pelikan M200 but its F nib is a little too fine for me. Otherwise I love its light weight.

I REALLY LIKE my (Black carbonesque) Vanishing Point with an M nib. If I could get another pen with the same line as its medium nib (more like a F for most other pens) then I would. Weightwise, its a little heavy for me but I can still write for a good 45 minutes or so without getting tired. I also find that the clip does not get in my way and it helps me intuitively store the pen with the nib upwards.

I also have a Waterman Kultur demonstrator.

 

With that in mind, what pens would you recommend for me to recommend to her?

[Koyote]

I think it is in poor taste to drop hints and try to control the process, as it degrades the experience for both of you: part of the fun of giving a gift is in the choosing, and part of the fun of getting a gift is in receiving something that you may not have chosen for yourself.

 

Bottom line: if you want to choose a new pen, spend your own money. But that's just my $.02.

[JohnCruzNg]

I think it is in poor taste to drop hints and try to control the process, as it degrades the experience for both of you: part of the fun of giving a gift is in the choosing, and part of the fun of getting a gift is in receiving something that you may not have chosen for yourself.

 

Bottom line: if you want to choose a new pen, spend your own money. But that's just my $.02.

 

I like the way you're thinking.

 

And don't you want to be a bit surprised when you open a box of the unknown (aka present). I mean I love presents from other people because I have no idea what it is but I also buy presents (or rewards) for myself when I think I've achieved something as great as graduating.

 

Anyway on a different note, some people have probably seen that I like my M90 and I've been suggesting it to everyone but it is really a great pen. Here is a review on it by dandelion: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=121412

 

I got it for my 21st birthday which will be tomorrow but I couldn't wait that long to use it.

[cocojj]

Okay, I don't know enough about fountain pens to make any suggestions but I will disagree a bit with previous posts in that, I think it's okay to say what you want as long as you're subtle about it (or direct if you're asked). I have a Parker Sonnet that was given to me as a gift from my previous boss, it's my most expensive pen to date (the next most expensive not even costing a fourth of its value) but I like using it the least. I still appreciate it for what it is and it was my first FP, but I would have chosen (and loved more) another pen for the same price if I had a choice today. And when I buy presents I would prefer that the recipients tell me what they want so I don't spend a lot of time walking around the mall trying to find something they'll like and actually use. Of course it depends on your personality if you like the surprise factor. I suppose I go more for practicality.

Edited October 27, 2009 by cocojj

[richardandtracy]

If she asks what you like, I reckon that's a perfect idea.

 

How about a Parker Duofold? They are nice, possibly a little pedestrian in some of the colour variations, but overall you're likely to like whichever you are given. Your Aunt will also be aware that it's a quality pen too.

I suspect the same could be said for any Visconti, Onoto, Pelikan, Conway Stewart in that price bracket too.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[Koyote]

Let me follow-up my earlier post with a bit of personal experience: I received a fountain pen as a college graduation gift, though this was twenty five years ago. If I had been consulted, I probably would not have chosen the pen that was given to me; but in hindsight, I realize what a wonderful gift I received: one that meant something not just to ME, but to my grandfather, too, since he chose it. Whenever I pick it up, I think of him. Would I have that same reaction if I had told him "This is the pen I want, so buy it for me"? No, probably not, as that would have treated him as my personal shopper rather than a thoughtful relative.

[Kelly G]

Perhaps a good compromise to the "tell her what you want/don't tell her what you want" issue is to let her know what you like in a pen - size, nib size and style, shape, weight, etc. You don't have to give her so much detail that it narrows it down to one pen, but you can help her avoid the anxiety of shopping for something when she doesn't know your preferences. Given the range of options that seems only helpful and still gives her the final choice and you will be surprised.

[djh]

I'm just wondering the best way to drop the hint that you really want a Lamy 2000.......

[Nikhil]

I'm just wondering the best way to drop the hint that you really want a Lamy 2000.......

 

How bought this. "Aunt ______, did you know I saw my first Lamy... I mean Lhama, in the year 2000. Yep, in 2000, I saw a Lamy.. Lhama

[BerneseMtDogEatsArco]

For Junior High graduation, my parents gave me a bible.

For High school graduation, they gave me a dictionary that's about 1 foot wide.

For college graduation, I thanked them for their support over the years... and bought myself an Omega.

 

She'll get you what she gets you, and you can take care of the rest.

[adam11]

Mont Blanc would be fine. Especially if it is first choice by your aunt. Nice Pelikan M800 would be perfect to

[jmpennifeather]

Give her a choice of about 5 pens which you like the sound of and let her choose. That way you both win.

[Yuki Onitsura]

I think it's okay to drop a few subtle hints, but part of the fun of receiving a gift is tearing the wrapping off and finding out what it is. Why deprive yourself of that joy?

 

Yuki

[mkkm19912002]

The Mont Blanc Choplin.

[jniforat]

Graduation???

 

A really, really nice Parker 51...or an Edison

[AltecGreen]

Here's what I got my Odyssey of the Mind team for graduation.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=103910&view=findpost&p=1023138

 

 

Personally, I agree with several of the previous posters. A pen chosen by your aunt that is a surprise will have much more meaning than a pen you suggest. These seven pens I gave have much more meaning to the recipient because they had no idea they were receiving a gift and the fact that I spent time to find something that represented each of them.

 

I will have to admit that the Edison is absolutely stunning.

[Silvermink]

I really like my MB 146 (LeGrand), though new ones are about $650 nowadays. If that sounds like too much, maybe a Chopin? Fairly slender, though, so I dunno if that works for you.

 

Plenty of good choices with other brands, too, of course. A Pelikan M600 or M800 (depending on which size is comfortable) would also be nice.

Edited October 28, 2009 by Silvermink

[Koyote]

Here's what I got my Odyssey of the Mind team for graduation.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=103910&view=findpost&p=1023138

 

 

Personally, I agree with several of the previous posters. A pen chosen by your aunt that is a surprise will have much more meaning than a pen you suggest. These seven pens I gave have much more meaning to the recipient because they had no idea they were receiving a gift and the fact that I spent time to find something that represented each of them.

 

I will have to admit that the Edison is absolutely stunning.

 

My goodness, you are quite generous.

[Arts11]

My opinion on the the whole gift-giving "do's and donts" matter is that it's okay to give hints/suggestions as long as you're not demanding anything. I figure Christmas Wish Lists are a big example of this. Greedy/spoiled kids aside, I'd like to think most kids are still genuinely surprised and grateful for whatever they receive on X-mas, even if it was on their list. Heck, if it wasn't for that bloody list, I'm sure most parents wouldn't know what to get their kids. But at the end of the day, it's still the thought that counts, and [not trying to be preachy] whatever pen your aunt ends up giving you, you should be appreciative of it.