I am a writing implement and desk supply whore. Yeah, you read that right. I’m not ashamed. The first draft of this guide had a $1,600 Japanese fountain pen on it. Not because I actually expected someone to buy it for me, or for themselves, or anyone else, but because it’s gorgeous and unique and handmade and because I wanted to share it with like-minded folks, of whom there are more than you might think, or the loved ones of like-minded folks to appreciate on behalf of my kindred spirits. Or perhaps even as a someday-ultra-special-occasion, stretch-goal gift.

Anyway…

I’m hoping this guide will help you find the perfect gift for the writing implement and desk supply whore in your life or even a little something to make this merry, hella stressful season a little more pleasant for yourself. I’ve tried to include a varied range of products and price points in each category so it isn’t all gold-nibbed, hand-forged letter openers (actually there aren’t any of those) but there are some spendier items if you’re trying to make an impression, if you screwed up royally at some point in the past twelve months, or if you’ve been extra well-behaved on that extra lengthy visit to your in-laws.

And so, without further ado:

Stationery / Paper

Yes, Karen, people still write letters. All of the cool kids, in fact, are doing it. Some folks are even doing it to get out the vote.

Marbled Mulberry Momi Paper Pack in Pastel Colors: Mulberry Paper ($18.95/12 sheets). Full disclosure: the marbled papers aren’t always ideal for writing due to texture and the fact they’re so damned pretty but I chose the pastel pack because whatever ink you’re using, provided it’s on the dark side of the color spectrum, should show up fine and whomever your writing to will be absolutely thrilled to receive not only something that isn’t a bill, but a missive executed on such exquisitely dyed dead, pulped tree. Other potential uses: wrapping paper or framing for display above someone’s (including your own) desk.

Rossi Italian Letterpress Paper Keys in Green & Blue: The Fine Art Store ($4.50 for a 20×28 inch piece). Like the Mulberry marbled, the Rossi letterpress is probably better suited to wrapping and display than it is to letter writing but I, for one, would be willing to break out the good fountain pen and send important news to someone I knew would love it as much as I do. On first glance it seems a little pricy, but if you do choose to use the Rossi as stationery, you can straight edge at least two pieces out of it with a couple of bookmarks leftover for yourself so it isn’t actually disgustingly extravagant.

Hand Engraved Botanical Swag Half Sheet: Crane & Co ($29/box of 15). Crane and Co. is an established retailer who puts out a quality product at a reasonable price. A little bit retro and always classic, you can keep your costs low by choosing one of their options with limited, but decent and lovely, customization options like the aforementioned. One of stronger selling points of these options is that they’re appropriate for both business and personal correspondence so only one set of stationery is necessary, meaning there’s more space for fun stuff on the desk in question.

Tomoe River Paper: Jet Pens ($12.50/100 sheets). Tomoe River Paper has a texture similar to that of onion skin paper but, rather than everything bleeding through, this Japanese product is designed to reduce bulk while preventing bleeding from fountain pen ink in particular. I can vouch; I’ve tried it. It’s amazing. And bonus: the pulp from which Tomoe River paper is made comes from sustainable forests.

Multimedia Stone Paper Art Sheets: Mitz ($91.23/10 sheets). It’s a little on the spendy side, yes, but I have it on good authority this art paper is everything it promises. Water and tear resistant, accepting of all media, and eco-friendly (both sides of the sheet can be used and the paper is actually made of rocks rather than wood pulp). It can even be used for paper crafts, including origami, making it well worth the purchase price.

Cards

Because sometimes, correspondence. You love getting stuff in the mail that isn’t addressed to “or current resident” right? So do your friends and family (well, the members of your family you’re currently speaking to anyway. Okay, maybe just your friends). If you’re not a writer of missives maybe your heart doesn’t make with the flutter when you see that legit, hand addressed, perhaps sealed-with-a-sticker envelope in the box but if you’re still with me, you know someone who’s cold, black chest muscle does skip a beat, which means they also love having that effect one someone else. Be their enabler.

Vermeer Notecard Folio: The Frick Pittsburgh Museum Shop ($12 for 12 cards/envelopes). I’ve been a sucker for art notecards since… well, pretty much forever. Even when I was a kid, they were one of my favorite souvenir purchases and the ones I didn’t send out found places of pride on bulletin boards and walls in the many houses I lived in over the years. The rarity of verified Vermeers makes cards featuring his paintings a little extra special. The fact that the tiny Frick Museum in Pittsburgh owns three of thirty-five authenticated paintings makes this set more meaningful still. Whether or not you send them is up to you.

If Donald Trump Can Be President, You Can Surely Do This: Sapling Press ($5). Sapling Press, a small, local to me, Pittsburgh company has fantastic, hilarious cards. The aforementioned is my absolute favorite but there are many to choose from and Sapling frequently offers unit discounts on mix and match sets of either 6 and 12 cards.

Hogwart (sic) Ladies Quote Note Card Set: RiehllyBlessedDesign/Etsy ($6). What, you thought I was going to do a stationery + gift guide and not have some sort of Harry Potter item on it? They use parchment and quills, people. I chose this adorable little notecard set because 1) I like the art 2) it features my three favorite ladies and 3) I like the quotes the artist chose. As with the Vermeer cards, I’d have a tough time deciding whether or not to send or frame and keep though, ultimately, I have enough friends who are Potterheads I’d surely find appropriate occasions to brighten their mailboxes.Microscope Greeting Cards: TravelingScientist/Etsy ($10.99). Because science. While tea staining paper myself would probably test the limits of my inherent perfectionism, I adore the finished product and I think the monochrome watercolor effect pairs perfectly with the simple, line art microscope. These cards are begging for the fine nib on the end of my Pilot Metropolitan, Iroshisuku Take-sumi ink, and secrets confided to a BFF. Sugar Paper Personalized Stationery Cards: Sugar Paper ($465/50). Sometimes, I like to dress up fancy. I don’t actually have these, but I’m waiting for an excuse to need them.

Sticky Notes

Yes, I have a calendar on my phone. I, in fact, have two. I also have a planner and a wall calendar. I still forget stuff, especially last minute stuff and stuff that doesn’t happen on the regular so I keep a pile of sticky notes at hand. I leave them where I’m most likely to see them: on my computer (I know, right?) or on the cover of whatever book I happen to be reading that day. Occasional on the bathroom mirror, the front door, or the dashboard of my car. Very occasionally on my phone or the most current page of my planner. Don’t @ me.

Be You Not Them Sticky Note Set: Ban.do ($12). This set is a great bang for the buck: pretty designs with kick-ass messages and a variety of sizes to meet various needs. Each of the different pads is a decent size and I’ve had mine for over six months with no danger of exhausting any of them. It’s handy for reminders of varying lengths, shopping lists, marking notes in my writing research, and bookmarks when I can’t find any of my reusable ones which is most of the time. Ban.do is running a huge sale through 11-27 so now is a good time to gather stocking stuffers and prep for the less intense of the eight crazy nights.

Get Shit Done Great Big Sticky Note: Knock Knock ($6). I don’t know how big your To Do List usually is but mine is pretty much always huge and, if it isn’t, it will be again soon. Yes, I put it in my planner but, in case it wasn’t clear above, I like to have stuff in more than one place; it eases my anxiety about forgetting which, in turn, allows me to focus on what I’m doing at a particular moment. I particularly appreciate a template which allows one to prioritize easily. Also, I swear a lot and I enjoy swearing, so the “shit” at the top of the list makes me giggle and makes any given list seem a little less daunting. I’m a simple creature at heart, $400+, personalized stationery and $1600+ fountain pens aside.

Paper Voodoo Sticky Roll Notes: Knock Knock ($7). I know enough about Voodoo not to mess with it but come on, these are hilarious and, as they come on a roll and in a box, they take up less space and can be neatly stacked for easy storage on a shelf or in a drawer. And there’s nothing wrong with blowing off a little steam while on the phone with customer support or a particularly difficult client. In fact, it’s probably better for the IRL people in your life, and your ulcer, if you do.

FemiNotes: Unemployed Philosophers Guild ($6.50) Fuck the patriarchy. Tell them I said so.

Bob Ross Sticky Notes: Unemployed Philosophers Guild ($6.50). Did you know Bob Ross was a Navy Seal? I totally just learned that.

Tape

Because I’m alway looking for tape for some damn reason.

Fuck Sticky Roll Sign: Knock Knock ($7) I got the Fuck Sticky Roll Sign as a gift from a friend earlier this year. She knows me well. In an amazing moment of hilarity, I handed her this Seltzer 7 Year “Fuck It” pen on the very same occasion. We have a brand. I know some people really hate the “f” word, but I do not. I truly think it is one of the most useful, versatile words in the English language and I say it a lot. I have instructed my children in its proper usage. I have a shirt that says, “Read You Dumb Fuck,” I plan to wear later today and socks that say, “Read a Fucking Book.” It can be a noun. It can be a verb. It can be an adjective and an adverb. I love it. I will continue to love it. And I love this tape.

The Night Mermaid Washi Tape Set: PapergeekCo/Etsy ($12.50/5). What? I can be classy when I want to be. Everyone likes mermaids. And, while I don’t consider myself particularly New-Agey these days, I, like so many teenage girls, went through the phase which imprints a persistent love of anything stars and moons deep within impressionable minds to surface again at the most unexpected times; when you’re trolling Etsy for Washi tape designs to include on gift guides, for instance. All joking aside, this set really is lovely, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to gifts, scrapbooks, or one of the cards above. My kids enjoy crafting dining room spanning art installations with Washi tape as well, though this one is a little higher end than that which we typically allow to be commandeered for such purposes.

Van Gogh Washi Tape Set: Matreshka Crafts/Etsy ($3.98). I have a strange relationship with Van Gogh. I didn’t have a name for it until about five years ago when I learned about synesthesia – even looking at this tape on a screen, I can smell the colors used in the paintings, especially blue, red, and green. It is, technically, a neurological misfire, but I don’t count it as such. It’s allowed me to experience this remarkable artist, who had his own share of neurological misfires, in a very intimate way. And while the paper lover in your life may not be drawn in the same way, I couldn’t do a guide without including Vincent and I do hope they love this as much as I do. This is another tape I’d save to use for embellishment or brightening but, of course, the choice is yours or the recipients.

Stick With It Rose Parade Paper Tape Set: Ban.do ($8.99/3). Affirmation. Roses. Rainbow Shimmer. I use this one most often to wrap packages when the kids have birthday parties because odds are one of them is going to look decent with, if not match, whatever paper I happen to actually have enough of and I can stick pieces to the table so they can help without taking off whatever scant amount of finish is left. Washi tape also comes off paper easily so it doesn’t require garden shears and a flamethrower to open said gift when the time comes. And did I mention the rainbow shimmer? That one is my favorite.

Tropical Washi Tape Set: Paper Source ($12.95/8). I shopped at Paper Source too much when it was far too rich for my blood and struggled to break the habit so now, when I could actually afford something from time to time, I’m used to staying away. That said, their Tropical Washi Tape set is a pretty great deal. The colors are fantastic, the patterns are cute, and the varying widths mean you’re going to be able to use different rolls for different tasks and embellishments. I particularly like it as a winter season gift, especially in Northeastern North America where things are cold and blah and bleak.

Pens

Believe it or not, some of us still write with sticks. Those of us who do are often picky about which ones we use and under what circumstances we choose a certain stick. A fair few of the decent ones are actual investments so if you plan to buy a pen for a loved one this holiday season, rather than surprising them I’d recommend, at the very least, inquiring as to their preference for type (fountain, gel, ballpoint), nib (fine, medium, etc), whether or not they want a pen that’s convertible, preferred weight, barrel material, and color. Because let me tell you how you’ll feel if you spend $250 on a pen they don’t like and how they’ll feel using a pen they don’t like out of obligation. Bad and also bad. Trust me: ask.

Pilot Vanishing Point: Goldspot ($148). The Pilot Vanishing Point is pretty unique among fountain pens in that, rather than having a cap, the nib is retraceable, like a ballpoint or gel pen. Like most fountain pens, it’s built to be used with with ink cartridges or a converter (a little plastic tube that can be filled manually with an ink of the user’s choice). Pilot pens are generally reliable and the cartridges are readily available due to brand’s popularity, as are replacement nibs. This particular model is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. One caveat: the Vanishing Point’s description states it’s “leak resistant;” that may be true at sea level but if you’re buying a fountain pen for a traveller, a friend told me her Vanishing Point has leaked more than once while in flight so she no longer takes it with her.

Visconti Van Gogh Starry Night Fountain Pen: Goulet Pen Company ($299). What’s this? More Van Gogh? Yes. Yes, more Van Gogh. I have been lusting after this pen for years and I’ve already decided that when, well, okay, realistically if, I sign my first book contract, it is going to be my celebratory gift to myself. I know, I know, you’re staring at the price tag thinking, “But it’s just a pen?” On one level that’s true. To someone with a deep and abiding love of the art of writing, however, and writing instruments, this baby is a work of art from an Italian company dedicated to craftsmanship. And look at it this way: if there was someone in your life who loved paintings or sculpture, would you think twice about buying them a work that cost $300 if you had the disposable income to do so? You would not. A Visconti is no different. Especially not this Visconti.

Kaweco Liliput Fountain Pen: Jetpens ($158.75) This is the pen you want if you’re buying a fountain pen for a traveller. It’s light, compact, and it does not leak. Ever. I mean, it might eventually but I’ve had mine for about a year and flown cross-country with it several times without pen or cartridge issues. I have several friends who also carry the Liliput with them regularly and can verify lack of ink all over their stuff upon any type of arrival at destination. Also available in several colors and finishes, as with the Pilot, there is a Liliput to suit any taste though, due to it’s size, it’s too small for a converter and can be filled only with Kaweco cartridges. A minor inconveniences/bummer, especially if the recipient has a favorite but, in my humble opinion, a small a small price to pay for a fountain pen you could probably take anywhere between the peak of Everest and the bottom of the Mariana trench. And lets face it, who among fountain pen users only has one? Liliput for travel, converter compatible for that perfect shade for forest or mauve at home.

Lamy Screen Multi System Ballpoint: Levenger ($29.00). Not everyone likes fountain pens and not everyone likes one trick ponies. Ballpoints have the advantage of being less smudgeable and more-water resistant as a general rule plus, in fairness, less likely to ruin your shirt. The Lamy ballpoints are a little pricier but for good reason; they’re refillable and so, intended to last much longer than your standard, disposable Bic. The Multi System is also available in several colors and has a stylus tip on the back end (which means you don’t have to keep track of two stick thingies in the course of your day which, if you’re anything like me, is awesome). Just don’t poke your screen with the pointy side.

Pilot G2 Fine Point Gel Pen: Target ($4.39/3) Like “drugstore” makeup, quick grab pens have improved markedly in the last five to ten years. My favorite, which I’ve found at CVS and Rite Aid, but seem to be cheapest at Target, are the Pilot G2 Fine Point Gel Pens. They write smoothly, dry relatively quickly, though I have had a few smudging incidents – there is a quick dry version I now know to look for – and are available in blue, red, and black inks. Some models even have foil decorations on the barrel which are pretty and don’t cost any more (yes, reader, I bought them). I love my fountain pens and higher end ballpoints and gels but it’s also important to stock some workhorses you won’t kick yourself if you lose or leave on a plane or end up handing to one of the kids who will, inevitable lose, break, or otherwise render said workhorse unusable somehow. No shame in giving a workhorse gift, y’all. I can promise it will be much appreciated.

Pen Cases

YOU CANNOT POSSIBLY EXPECT US TO JUST LET THEM ROLL AROUND OUR BAGS.

Bomber Jacket Pen Wrap: Levenger ($99). This leather roll up holds five pens in individual slots, important for keeping pens/styluses from whacking into each other and causing chips, cracks, or other damage to one another. The cotton twill lining provides extra cushion for more delicate or high end implements. Both material and collapsibility make the Bomber Jacket wrap ideal for a work or travel bag. And, if you have a leak, while there will likely to be damage to the lining, the leather will go a long way to protect the rest of your stuff.

It’s Not a Walk of Shame if You Run Pouch: Sapling Press ($15). I’d be more likely to use this canvas bag for the G2s, other gels, ballpoints, or to buy it for someone so inclined. Mostly I included it because I thought it was funny.

Forever Busy Pencil Pouch: ban.do ($14). This is the disco queen of pen pouches. It is gold and it has giant pink letters and I adore it. I know, it’s a far cry from the Bomber Roll but, friends, I have layers and so too, I imagine does the person for whom you’re searching for a gift. It’s also handy to have an everyday pouch and a more pared down model for travel or smaller bag days. And did I mention the gold with pink letters?

Rickshaw Bagworks Simple 6-Pen Hand Roll – Inky Rainbow: Goulet Pen Company ($40). A design similar to that of the Bomber Roll, the Inky Rainbow has pockets for six pens rather than five. Made of a more casual, polyester canvas rather than leather, lined with peacock blue, polyester fleece, Rickshaw’s offering is more whimsical and bigger, though no less functional. Choose wisely.

Loungefly x Hello Kitty Pac-Man Maze Print Coin/Cosmetic Bag: Loungefly ($9). Presented without comment.

Notebooks

Stationery people, like pen people (there’s a fair bit of overlap, which I imagine you’ve surmised) have a lot of feelings vis a vis their obsessions… er… selections. This is another category wherein it may be better to ask for the basics before purchasing for someone else even if it “ruins” the surprise. I, for example, am not afraid you’ll make a WTF face when I tell you I’ll use spiral bound notebooks for research but not for working on manuscripts because I don’t like the way my handwriting looks when I have to hold my wrist at the angle necessary to use both sides of a spiral bound sheet.

Circa Simply Irresistible Sampling Kit: Levenger ($40, comes w/ $40 gift certificate). The Circa system in a brilliant innovation from Levenger and their sampling kit is a fantastic way to let someone see which parts of the system they like and want to use before making a massive investment. Various types of paper, dividers, covers, sizes of binder rings, and accessories are available. The starter kit also comes with a small, light version of the punch that can be used with any type of paper, be it from Levenger or otherwise, be it “junior” or letter sized, so that said paper can be fitted on the notebook rings.The system also works with various professional folios and planners.

I Am Very Busy Large Rough Draft Notebook: Ban.do ($16). The Ban.do notebooks are my exception to the “I don’t write fiction in spiral-bound notebooks” rule because these particular spirals are small and tight. The pages are a bit wider, which lets me rest my wrist in a position the better to keep my handwriting legible enough to read when it’s time to transcribe to digital. I also adore the random encouragement pages scattered throughout. And the pocket folders. And that the paper is sturdy enough to tolerate fountain pen ink. Additionally, we are all very busy.

Five Star Advanced Spiral Notebook: Amazon ($15.52). Old school, I know. Like the Pilot G2 pens, this notebook is the workhorse of the category. The paper is a little thin for fountain pen ink but, in exchange, the colored dividers, each of which also has pocket folders, are moveable. Also available in one and three subject, anyone who needs a place to organize notes or thoughts, will adore the Five Star Advanced even if it isn’t quite as fancy or shiny as the Rough Draft or the Circa. Again, there’s always something to be said for the workhorse.

Rhodia N*18 Staplebound Pad: Rhodia ($13.75). I’ve been flirting with the Rhodia Staplebound Pads for years but always ended up with something bound on the side instead. Recently, however, I took the plunge and, so far, I’m pretty satisfied with the results, though I’m only getting use out of about 2/3 of the back side of the page. The paper is very smooth and I like the ink flow across it. Available in a variety of sizes, with orange or black covers, and with a spiral bound option rather than staples if the recipient prefers, the paper is available in lined, graph, dot, and plain layouts.

Eye of Sauron Journal: Gene’s Leather Stuff ($85) This one was a custom gift but Gene takes commissions. I’ve seen some of his other work at the Squirrel Hill Night Market and it is all gorgeous. There is nothing I can say that will express how stunning it is so I recommend having a look for yourself.

Bags

We need somewhere to put all the stuff. That is fact.

Loungefly x Aggretsuko Print Backpack: Loungefly ($45). Your stuff loving people would adore any of the Loungefly backpacks: laptop pocket in the back, square bottom that helps the whole thing stay upright, and the bag fits a laptop, notebook, and an 800 page bio of the notorious RBG. There’s a small, but roomy, front pocket. The Loungefly backpacks are great for everyday and fit under the seat in front of you with a shoulder bag for travel. And, quite frankly, there’s nothing that can clear a dark mood faster than an aggravated red panda.

Witch Please Big Artificial Leather Bag: Spirit Nest ($49.95). I bought this bag because I love the pattern and because, after months of lusting, it finally went on sale. Your lover of all things pen and paper and book will love it as well. A of all, it is a shoulder bag that zips; many of them don’t and stuff falls out and gets lost and it’s upsetting. There’s no laptop pocket but there’s room for a neoprene sleeve that fits a MacBook Pro, the wall plug for said, two notebooks, a book, a pen case, a cord case, a decently sized wallet, an iPhone 8+, and a small knitting project bag. The straps look thin but they can support the weight of a full, 32 oz. Nalgene bottle hanging from a metal carabiner.

Sonora: Sherpani ($129). So much. Glorious. Organization. So much. All of the pockets either zip shut or secure with magnetic snaps and the large interior pocket has a zippered security pocket for a passport or that extra special Visconti Van Gogh pen. Reviews say the canvas is extremely durable and hand painted, though if the gifted is vegan, be aware some of the accents on the Sonora are actual leather. Big enough for a notebook and a paperback, the Sonora would make an excellent commuting bag that won’t let the person carrying it put too much weight on their shoulder or neck (as so many of us are wont to do).

Closer Laptop Briefcase: Timbuk2 ($104). Timbuk2 crafts great crossover bags that are durable, water-resistant, streamlined, and professional, making them fantastic for folks who walk, bike, or ride public transit to work. All of Timbuk2’s bags are manufactured at their facility in San Francisco and come with a lifetime warranty: no matter what damage is done to them and no matter how it happens, they’ll fix it, no questions asked. The Closer comes in a variety of gray and black shades and has a bunch of interior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve that will fit either a 13″ or 15″ computer depending on whether you choose the large or small model, and rear access to the laptop allowing for both more space in the main pocket and easier access to the computer in situations like TSA security lines or sudden flashes of inspiration.

Natty Nubuck Designer Messenger Bag: Ivy and Fig ($49.95). Another vegan option for you! The Natty Nubuck can make the transition from work to other with zero effort. It can be carried as either a handbag or a shoulder/messenger bag and it’s large enough some reviewers said they planned to use it as an overnight bag. To me, that just means room for a notebook, book, pens, and the everyday detritus of my paper and ink loving life. I, and I imagine others, will also be pleased to note the shorter straps look sturdy enough to handle that full water bottle on the carabiner.