Fountain Pens?

[misscherrypie]

I know that almost no one uses them anymore, I wanted to give a friend's daughter one for her Bat Mitzvah along with a box of personalized Crane notes, because her Mother mentioned that "it would be nice".

Any recommendations? I am out of my element on this one.....

Thanks.

[sigmadiva]

I would go to a nice stationary store, or if all else fails, I'm sure they sell some nice fountain pens at Office Depot.

I got a nice silver pen and pencil set for hs graduation that cost maybe ~90.00 (back in the late 80's).

I think it really depends on how much money you want to spend.

[Xidelt]

Mori Luggage and Gifts might have a decent selection.

[aephi alum]

I used to have a fountain pen. There is something special about having to load a fountain pen with ink and hand-write notes, especially in this day and age, when people type everything (emails, forum posts, etc.) and if they MUST hand-write something they use a ball-point pen.

That said, unfortunately, I can't point you to a store or website where you could buy a fountain pen and ink these days.

If you do find one, she'd damn well better write you a thank-you note using the pen!

[Xidelt]

Moriluggage.com/gifts
Also try Things Remembered

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

. . . because her Mother mentioned that "it would be nice".

I've got no advice on where to buy good fountain pens, but I have to wonder if the daughter really thinks it would be as nice as her mom does. I got my share of them as graduation gifts, and my parents thought nice pens were a nice gift, as does my wife. I thought they were completely pointless (not to mention a major pain in the case of fountain pens -- I hate writing with them), and they got stuck in a drawer where they never saw the light of day again.

Perhaps the daughter really would appreciate a nice fountain pen, but I would hate to spend that kind of money on something that would quickly be forgotten.

[sigmagirl10]

The Lamy fountain pens from Germany (which you can order on Amazon from US dealers) are all amazing--though they require specialized ink cartridges (also ordered from Amazon, or THAT SITE). I have had two now, and they are just the best pen ever.

I got a lovely journal and a MontBlanc fountain pen (also nice ones) from close family friends when I graduated high school, and it was a gift I massively appreciated--though I am a regular journaler and was off to college to study creative writing, so it was a relevant gift.

If you go through with fountain pen buying, buy a box of cartridges to give her too, or she may never use the pen.

[DubaiSis]

I think a nice pen is a good, grown up thing, but I'm not big on fountain pens. When I was a teenager I thought they were cool, but they're such a pain. When I've had really nice regular pens I've taken great pains to make sure I didn't lose them. I carried one for years, until it no longer looked any kind of nice Too much time in and out of purse I guess.

[AZTheta]

Levenger has a good selection of pens. I'm with sigmagirl, I love my Lamy more than my Mont Blanc.

That said, you can get beautiful "vintage" fountain pens on etsy and the other four-letter site that starts with an "e".

MCP, for future reference: in case you didn't know, you can do a lot of research on your own using search engines like duckduckgo or google or whatever and you'd be amazed at how much information you can uncover/discover that will help you make a decision when you're considering buying something. Fountain pens are a tricky gift for a lot of reasons. You get an inexpensive one and it doesn't "go" with quality stationery. Plus the nib is crap, so the ink doesn't flow, and it's a throw in the drawer (or trash) kind of gift.

Crane is nice, but there are other options. It's not my personal favorite but it was my grandmother's first choice. Again, research your options. What's your budget? You can get lovely personalized embossed note cards for under $50 and those are an impressive gift.

[adpiucf]

A thirteen year old does not want a fountain pen and Crane's stationary set. Her mom can buy them for her if she thinks that is "nice."

Traditional Bat Mitzvah gifts = savings bonds and jewelry. If you don't know the girl well, I suggest a gift card to the mall.

[misscherrypie]

For the record, when I became Bat Mitzvah (Yes, I am Jewish) I remember wanting books. Lots and lots of books, which I got, in spades.....but I was weird, and will admit that with pride.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I know the girl fairly well and she's the bookish and quiet type, very studious. If it wasn't for her Mom suggesting the gift, I'd have considered something similar to what you suggested, adpiucf.

My budget for the notes + pen was $250. My Mom and I are splitting the cost and the family in question is extremely close to my own family.

Thank you everyone for your input! The Bat Mitzvah is still about a month away, so I think we'll have a little time to mull over our options.

Thanks again!

[Gusteau]

Maybe some Kate Spade stationary would be a little bit more fun and age appropriate? It's still fairly "high end."

[33girl]

Originally Posted by Gusteau

Maybe some Kate Spade stationary would be a little bit more fun and age appropriate? It's still fairly "high end."

You need to go watch hockey for a couple hours and stop hanging out with all us chicks. LOL

[dekeguy]

Originally Posted by misscherrypie

I know that almost no one uses them anymore, I wanted to give a friend's daughter one for her Bat Mitzvah along with a box of personalized Crane notes, because her Mother mentioned that "it would be nice".
Any recommendations? I am out of my element on this one.....
Thanks.

Actually, almost everyone in the firm uses a fountain pen. For any important signature, for notes and comments on working briefs, for both official and personal correspondence, etc. That being said, age 13 might be a bit young to appreciate such a pen and Crane's stationery. That might be better for high school graduation or something a bit later than her Bat Mitzvah. All depends on her personality. A friend of my father's daughter asked for a Sheaffer legacy with an 18k nib and some engraved calling cards for hers! Like I said, it all depends on her personality.
I started using a fountain pen when I was in eighth grade and I really prefer it to ball points or roller balls. By the way, my business cards are Crane's stock and the firm's stationery is all Crane's.
Why don't you ask her if she would like the pen and notes or if she has something else in mind that she would like.
I use a Sheaffer PFM with a 14k broad nib for signatures and personal notes and a Sheaffer Imperial with a medium 14k nib for general writing, note taking in court, etc. The 18k nibs are a little too soft and flexible for my taste but many at the firm swear by them. Mont Blancs are hard to beat, but the traditional meisterstuck seems too formal for a 13 year old..
Try google and you will be spoilt for choice if that is what you determine she would like.
Hope my musings are at least a little useful.

Peter

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by dekeguy

Actually, almost everyone in the firm uses a fountain pen. For any important signature, for notes and comments on working briefs, for both official and personal correspondence, etc.

The lawyers you practice with don't sound at all like the lawyers I practice with.

Seriously, I can't think of anyone I practice with who uses a fountain pen. Personally, I hate writing with them. Give me a liquid gel rollerball pen any day. But then again, I think any pen that costs more than a couple of dollars is an obscene waste of money. Ditto any watch that costs more than $30 or so. Must be the Scot in me.

That said, MCP, if you're comfortable that the friend in question will appreciate and enjoy a fountain pen and Crane stationary, that's all that matters.