11 QUALITY Pens For Gifts: <$80 Pen Lover's ULTIMATE Picks!

Written by: Dalia Abdalla

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Time to read 8 min

Our List of Quality Pens For Gifts

Working in the stationery business, I have met many collogues that absolutely LOVE fancy pens. I have gifted many pens to those pen fanatics in my life, which is why I have curated a list of 11 QUALITY Pens For Gifts that make perfect gifts for any pen enthusiast, all priced at under $80!  

Fountain Pens Under $80


Fountain pens make an exceptional gift for quality pen aficionados for several compelling reasons. They exude an air of timeless elegance and sophistication that transcends mere utility. Their meticulously crafted designs and materials showcase fine craftsmanship, making them not just writing tools but works of art. Secondly, the smooth and fluid writing experience offered by fountain pens is unmatched, delivering a unique tactile pleasure that transforms writing into a pleasurable ritual. Additionally, their refillable ink cartridges or converters contribute to sustainability and long-term use, a testament to their enduring value. Lastly, a fountain pen can be a symbol of thoughtfulness and prestige, making it a memorable and cherished gift for those who appreciate the art of writing and the finer things in life.

1. Scriveiner Luxury Fountain Pen

  • Finish: 24K Gold
  • Nib: Schmidt 18K Gilded Nib (Medium)
  • Ink Color: 1 x black cartridge, 1 x blue cartridge
  1. Luxurious Design: Crafted with brass and a 24-karat gold finish, the Scriveiner Luxury Fountain Pen exudes understated luxury and elegance.

  2. Smooth Writing Experience: The pen features a German-made Schmidt nib that is perfectly weighted and balanced, ensuring a smooth and effortless writing experience on various types of paper.
     

2. ZenZoi Blue Fountain Pen

  • Point Type: Medium Nib
  • Material Type: Metal
  • Ink Type: Refillable with included converter and 2 ink refills
  1. Elegant Writing Experience: The ZenZoi Blue Fountain Pen offers a luxurious and elegant writing experience for both men and women.

  2. Gift Box Presentation: It comes beautifully presented in a gift box, making it an ideal choice for gifting on occasions like birthdays, holidays, and special events. 

Ballpoint Pens Under $80


Ballpoint pens are perfect for pen enthusiasts. Their versatility and reliability make them indispensable tools for everyday writing tasks. Whether it's jotting down quick notes or signing important documents, a high-quality ballpoint pen ensures a smooth and consistent writing experience. Their durability and longevity make them a practical choice, as they can last for a long time without the need for frequent refills or maintenance. Ballpoint pens often come in sleek and elegant designs, incorporating premium materials that elevate their aesthetic appeal. This combination of functionality and style makes them a thoughtful gift choice for individuals who appreciate both the practicality and aesthetics of a fine writing instrument.

1. Dayspring Pens Engraved Cross Pen

  • Color: Chrome with Gold Trim
  • Ink Color: Black
  • Point Type: Medium
  1. Stunning Design: This pen elegantly combines chrome with 23k gold-plated accents, offering a balance of comfort and style for your writing needs.

  2. Custom Engraving: You can personalize this pen with up to 30 characters, adding a personal touch with subtle, light brass engraving. Dayspring Pens offers tone-on-tone custom engraving.

  3. Ideal Gift: It arrives in a Cross gift box, making it perfect for significant life milestones like graduations or retirements. This pen adds a touch of sophistication to any celebration and is sure to be cherished by its recipient. 


  • Ink Color: Blue
  • Grip Type: Cigar-shaped
  • Color: Gloss Black with Chrome Trim
  1. Expert Black with Palladium Trim: This pen features a sophisticated gloss black lacquered body with a palladium plated clip and trim, giving it a premium and executive look.

  2. Generous Silhouette: The pen has a generous cigar-shaped silhouette that offers supreme comfort when writing, making it perfect for extended writing sessions.

  3. Meticulously Crafted in France: Waterman pens are known for their craftsmanship, and this pen is meticulously crafted in France to enhance your signature style. 


  • Color: Dark Gray
  • Ink Color: Black
  • Point Type: Fine (0.8mm)
  1. Premium Materials: Crafted with aluminum or titanium, the Hoverpen offers lifelong durability while maintaining an extraordinary grip.

  2. Waterproof Free-Flowing Ink: The archival ink used in the Hoverpen ensures easy-glide writing without bleeding and lasts a lifetime. The pen cartridge is designed for quick and easy refills.

  3. Strong Magnet: The pen's strong magnets on the base keep it securely in place, preventing it from falling over. 

  1. Material: Handcrafted using Abalone sea shell, known for its iridescent and shimmering appearance.
  2. Ink Type: Ballpoint pen with a medium point for a comfortable writing experience.
  3. Smooth Writing: Equipped with a German-made P900M refill, the pen offers a smooth and consistent writing experience.
  4. Unique Appearance: The use of Abalone shell gives the pen an iridescent and shimmering appearance that sets it apart.
     

Rollerball Pens Under $80


Ballpoint pens can be a superb choice when considering quality pens as gifts for several compelling reasons. Firstly, they offer unmatched reliability and convenience, making them versatile tools for everyday writing needs. Whether it's taking notes in a meeting, drafting a letter, or jotting down ideas, a high-quality ballpoint pen ensures a consistently smooth and effortless writing experience. Secondly, their robust design and long-lasting ink cartridges mean they are practical and low-maintenance, providing enduring value to the recipient. Additionally, ballpoint pens often come in sleek, elegant designs crafted from premium materials, offering a touch of sophistication to any writing task. This blend of functionality, longevity, and aesthetics makes ballpoint pens an ideal gift choice for those who appreciate the balance between utility and style in a quality writing instrument.

  • Color: Black with 23k Gold Trim
  • Ink Color: Black (Also available in Blue and Gold)
  • Point Type: Fine
  1. Fine Point Nib: The rollerball pen comes with a fine tip, which allows for precise and smooth writing. It combines the tradition of liquid ink with ultimate comfort and convenience.

  2. Premium Design: The Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen features an elegant design with a glossy black lacquered body, gleaming 23-karat golden trim and clip, and a broad ring embellished with the brand name, making it a symbol of sophistication and style.

  3. Gift Box: It comes in a premium dark blue Waterman gift box, making it an excellent choice for gifting on special occasions like graduations, promotions, or new jobs. 

  • Color: 24 Karat Gold Finish & Black Gloss Lacquer
  • Ink Color: Black
  • Included Ink Cartridges: 2 Schmidt Ink Cartridges (Medium black ink cartridge and spare cartridge refill)
  1. Luxury and Elegance: This pen is designed to bring a touch of luxury to your life, making a statement about your success and hard work.

  2. Convenient Ink Supply: It comes with 2 Schmidt ink cartridges, including a pre-inserted Medium black ink cartridge, a spare cartridge refill, and a spare spring, ensuring you have a continuous supply of ink.
     

  • Material: Brass with silver chrome and 24K gold appointments
  • Point Type: Medium
  • Line Size: 0.7 Millimeters
  1. Superior Writing Experience: It uses the German Schmidt liquid ink system, which provides a smooth and superior writing action. This pen is perfect for those who enjoy writing daily.

  2. Replacement Refill: It comes with a spare Schmidt black refill, ensuring that you can continue using the pen for a long time. 


  • Point Type: Medium
  • Line Size: 0.7 Millimeters
  • Ink Color: Black
  1. Balanced and Comfortable: The pen is perfectly weighted and balanced for comfortable writing, making it ideal for daily use. It's designed for those who enjoy writing regularly.

  2. Elegance and Sophistication: Designed in London, England, Scriveiner pens embody classic British design, exuding elegance, sophistication, and understated luxury. 

  • Ink Color: Black
  • Point Type: Medium
  • Ink Type: Liquid Ink Roller Ball Refill
  • Closure: Click-Off Cap
  1. High-Quality Construction: The Lamy 2000 Rollerball pen is known for its exceptional build quality and durability. It is made in Germany, ensuring precision craftsmanship.

  2. Convenient Click-Off Cap: The pen comes with a click-off cap, making it easy to open and close securely. This feature helps prevent ink from drying out when the pen is not in use. 

Not Sure Which Type to Choose?

Show a Little Extra Love by Gifting the Pen Lover in Your Life Beautiful Paper to Write On

Are high quality pens worth it?

High-quality pens can be worth the investment, depending on your needs and preferences. They often offer several advantages: Durability: High-quality pens are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Smooth Writing: They typically provide a smoother, more consistent writing experience. Comfort: Premium pens are often designed with ergonomic features, making them comfortable to use for extended periods. Aesthetics: They often come in elegant designs and materials, which can be pleasing to the eye. However, whether a high-quality pen is worth it depends on your budget and how often you use pens. If you write frequently or value a premium writing experience, investing in a good pen can be worthwhile. For occasional use, a more affordable pen may suffice.

Is an expensive pen a good gift?

An expensive pen can be an excellent gift for certain occasions and recipients. Here are some considerations: Appropriateness: Consider the occasion and the recipient's preferences. An expensive pen can be a thoughtful gift for a milestone event like a graduation, promotion, or retirement. Personalization: Some luxury pens can be engraved or personalized, adding a special touch to the gift. Recipient's Interests: If the recipient appreciates fine writing instruments or has a collection, a high-quality pen can be a meaningful and cherished gift. Budget: Ensure that the cost of the pen aligns with your budget and the importance of the occasion.

How do I choose a luxury pen?

When selecting a luxury pen, consider the following factors: Nib Type: Choose between fountain pens, rollerball pens, or ballpoint pens based on the writing experience you prefer. Materials: Consider the pen's construction materials, such as metal, resin, or precious metals, and choose one that appeals to your aesthetic taste. Brand Reputation: Research reputable pen brands known for their craftsmanship and quality. Nib Size: Select a nib size (e.g., fine, medium, broad) that suits your writing style. Ergonomics: Test the pen's comfort and balance in your hand, as this can affect your writing experience.

What type of pen writes the smoothest?

The smoothness of a pen largely depends on personal preference, but here's a general overview: Fountain Pens: Fountain pens are often considered the smoothest because they use liquid ink and have a nib that glides effortlessly across the paper. They require less pressure to write, reducing hand fatigue. Rollerball Pens: Rollerball pens use liquid or gel ink, providing a smoother writing experience compared to ballpoint pens. They offer a good balance between smoothness and convenience. Ballpoint Pens: Ballpoint pens use a thicker, oil-based ink, which may not be as smooth as liquid ink but is reliable and more resistant to smudging. The smoothness of a ballpoint pen can vary based on its quality.

Modern Pink Paper Author - Dalia Abdalla

Dalia Abdalla

Owner & Head Designer, Modern Pink Paper

Dalia is the creative force behind Modern Pink Paper. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things stationery, she embarked on this journey to provide personalized stationery solutions. When she's not crafting beautiful paper creations, Dalia is sharing her insights and inspirations on this blog, ensuring that her readers always have a touch of beauty and creativity in their lives.