Stationery Gift Guide 2025
Finding the perfect gift for the stationery lover in your life can be a joy. Whether they’re into fountain pens, journaling, or organizing their workspace, this guide highlights some top picks for 2025. Each item comes with a brief description of why it’s a great gift (and a nod to the companies behind them). Let’s dive in!
Pens
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – A beloved beginner-friendly fountain pen from Germany, known for its robust ABS plastic build and ergonomic design. The Lamy Safari is celebrated for its reliability and comes in a rainbow of colors and nib sizes, making it an ideal gift for students or anyone curious about fountain pens. Its springy iconic clip and interchangeable nib system offer both style and customization for the user goldspot.com.
Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen – A compact, pocket-sized pen with vintage charm. The Kaweco Sport, originally a 1930s design from Germany, has a loyal following due to its portable yet comfortable form factor. Made of high-quality materials (classic models in lightweight resin and others in solid metal), it’s a great gift for on-the-go writers. The screw-on cap and octagonal shape give it a distinctive look, and it often comes in retro-inspired colors. This pen proves that good things do come in small packages – perfect for travelers and notebook-toters alike.
Asvine V126 Vacuum-Fill Fountain Pen – A modern fountain pen that offers high-end features at a budget price. The Asvine V126 is a vacuum-filling demonstrator pen, meaning it has a clear or frosted body that shows off the inner mechanics and ink inside . Its eye-catching design is reminiscent of much more expensive pens – in fact, enthusiasts compare it to the famed Pilot Custom 823 vacuum filler. This pen’s appeal lies in its large ink capacity and the fun, efficient filling mechanism, making it a delightful gift for fountain pen aficionados who love tinkering with pen technology. (It doesn’t hurt that Asvine’s pens are praised for being high quality and affordable, offering advanced filling mechanisms normally reserved for pricier pens)
Conklin All American (Est. 1898) – A fountain pen that blends modern functionality with vintage soul. Conklin is a historic American brand (founded in 1898) once endorsed by Mark Twain goldspot.com, and their All American model honors that heritage with a bold, classic aesthetic. This pen has a chunky, substantial resin body often in marbled or wood-toned finishes (the “Brownstone” is a popular choice. The All American’s design embodies elegance that appeals to professionals and collectors alike – truly a standout in any writing collection. Gifting this pen offers not just a quality writing instrument with a smooth nib, but also a little piece of pen history that aficionados will appreciate.
Esterbrook Estie Fountain Pen – A revival of a storied American brand, the Esterbrook Estie combines vintage-inspired style with modern engineering goldspot.com. This cigar-shaped pen is crafted from high-quality acrylic in stunning colors (from classic tortoise to bold seasonal designs) and features a top-notch German nib for dependable writing performance. One clever feature is its spring-loaded cushion capclosure that creates an airtight seal, preventing the ink from drying out – perfect for those who journal sporadically. The Estie makes a great gift because it offers timeless style and versatility; it even has an adapter option to use vintage Esterbrook nibs from the 1940s-50s for those who want a touch of nostalgia. In short, the Estie is a beautiful bridge between past and present, sure to please collectors and everyday writers alike.
Specialty Pens & Pencils
Zebra Sarasa & Mildliner Set – For the journaler or student who loves color-coding, this 14-pack combois a dream. It includes 7 Zebra Sarasa Clip gel pens in smooth-flowing vintage ink colors and 7 Zebra Mildliner highlighters in coordinating neutral tones . The gel pens have quick-drying ink that resists smudges (great for lefties!) and the Mildliner markers offer a soft, no-bleed highlight for notes and planners. Together, they make it easy to write and highlight in style – the neutral palette adds a sophisticated touch to study notes, bullet journals, or Bible margins without overwhelming the page. This set is a thoughtful gift to brighten someone’s pencil case with functional yet fun tools.
General’s Cedar Pointe Pencil Set (with Sharpener) – Sometimes the simplest tools bring the most joy. The General Pencil Company’s Cedar Pointe pencils are a testament to quality and tradition. These #2 HB graphite pencils are made from genuine incense-cedar wood, giving them a lovely natural finish and that nostalgic cedar aroma when sharpened. They come pre-sharpened and bundled with a sharpener, ready to use. Users love them for writing and sketching alike – the semi-hex shape and smooth graphite core make for a comfortable, reliable writing experience. This set is an excellent stocking stuffer or add-on gift for anyone who appreciates the charm of writing the old-fashioned way (and it’s made in the USA, which many find appealing).
Uni-Ball Signo Metallic Gel Pens (3-Pack) – A little sparkle can make writing extra special. This Uni-Ball Signo Impact set features three bold 1.0 mm gel pens in metallic gold, silver, and white. They provide a smooth writing action with opaque, shimmery ink that pops on dark paper, ideal for card making or art journaling. The vivid metallic colors lay down thick, vibrant lines that are perfect for embellishing gift tags, black scrapbook pages, or even addressing fancy envelopes for the holidays. If your giftee enjoys adding creative flourishes to their writing or crafts, these pens will quickly become their go-to.
Tombow Mono Graph TUNE Mechanical Pencil (0.5 mm) – A cutting-edge mechanical pencil from Japan that marries style and function. The Mono Graph “Tune” is an upgraded edition of Tombow’s popular Mono Graph pencil, featuring a sleek matte design and several innovative perks yosekastationery.com. It has Tombow’s signature shake mechanism – simply jiggle the pencil to extend the lead – and a locking feature to prevent lead from advancing accidentally in your bag. The built-in twist eraser is substantial (26 mm long) and refillable, so mistakes are no worry. Tombow, founded in 1913, is known for quality, and this pencil is no exception. It’s a fantastic gift for students, architects, or doodlers who will appreciate a premium pencil that’s both fun and precise.
Journals & Notebooks
Leuchtturm1917 “120G” A5 Notebook – For the avid writer or bullet journaler, a high-quality notebook is a treasure. Leuchtturm1917’s 120 gsm Special Edition A5 notebook is crafted for a superb writing experience. Its thick 120 g/m² paper was specially developed in Germany to be friendly to a variety of inks (fountain pen users rejoice – little to no bleed-through). This hardcover journal includes all the thoughtful details Leuchtturm is known for: 203 numbered pages, a table of contents, dual ribbon bookmarks, an elastic closure, and a back pocket for loose notes. Gifting this notebook means giving someone a durable, elegant canvas for their thoughts and plans. It’s available in classic colors (like Black) as well as limited edition hues, so you can pick one that matches your recipient’s style.
Atlas Stationers Notebook Selection – If you’re unsure exactly which journal they’d love, consider exploring Atlas Stationers’ collection of notebooks (online or in their Chicago store). Atlas is a family-run shop that curates a range of quality brands – from Midori MD cream paper journals for the minimalist, to Rhodia goalbooks and Stalogy planners for the ultra-organized. They even stock limited-edition collaboration notebooks. Pairing a notebook from Atlas’s selection with a nice pen could be a personalized gift set. (Atlas Stationers has been around since 1939, so they know a thing or two about great stationery!) In short, a nice notebook is always a welcome gift – and there’s one out there to suit every taste.
Ink
For fountain pen enthusiasts, ink is where the real fun begins. Gifting a bottle of interesting ink (or a set of sample vials) can add a splash of color to their writing life. Retailers like Goulet Pens and Yoseka Stationery offer hundreds of ink choices from various brands – literally every color imaginable, often with special properties like shimmer or sheening effects. In fact, one shop boasts over 50 brands and 1800+ ink colors in stock vanness1938.com! You might choose a safe classic blue-black, or get adventurous with a shimmering emerald or a warm autumnal orange. Ink sample sets (curated by color or theme) are also available for those who love to experiment gouletpens.com. This is a thoughtful add-on gift with a personal touch: every time they fill their pen, they’ll think of you. (Tip: If you’re not sure whether they prefer cartridges or bottled ink, a sampler set is a safe bet.)
Storage & Organization
Wooden Art Supply Storage Box – Help your loved one keep their desk tidy in old-school style. This U.S. Art Supply wooden artist’s case is like a classic tackle box for stationery. It features multiple compartments and eight removable dividers to customize the storage layoutreviews.mooserve.org. Despite being solid wood, it’s lightweight yet sturdy, with a handle on top and two locking clasps to secure the lidreviews.mooserve.org. In practical terms, it can hold fountain pen ink bottles, washi tapes, scissors, and pens – or one could use it for art supplies like brushes and pencils. It looks handsome on a shelf and keeps everything organized in one place. A versatile organizer like this is a great gift for anyone whose collection of stationery goodies is starting to sprawl across the desk!
Canvas Pen & Pencil Carrying Case – For the artist or student on the go, a canvas roll-up case or zip pouch is indispensable. One excellent option is the Speedball Travel Case which holds up to 24 pencils or pens securely in elastic loops. Made of durable canvas (often available in a classy chocolate brown color), it protects writing instruments from damage and makes it easy to throw them in a bag without a second thought. The compact design zips up neatly; it’s both functional and stylish for carrying a pen collection, brush pens, or even small tools. If your giftee is always digging in their backpack for a pen, this will be a game-changer.
Wooden Desktop Organizer (Letter Sorter) – Elevate their workspace with a bit of vintage charm. The Kirigen Natural Wood desktop cabinet is a small set of wooden drawers designed to sort mail, stationery, or notebooks. With its shallow drawers and cubbies, it’s perfect for storing notepads, envelopes, stickers, and other desk ephemera. The natural wood finish and petite size (roughly 15″×12″×10″) make it an attractive addition to any home office or crafting area. This organizer keeps clutter out of sight but within reach, which can really boost productivity and peace of mind. It’s an ideal gift for the person who has lots of stationery and could use an elegant way to arrange it.
Postage Stamps for Snail Mail
In an age of instant messages, a handwritten letter or card feels extra special. If your stationery lover enjoys sending mail, consider gifting them a set of beautiful postage stamps. The U.S. Postal Service releases many artistic Forever stamps each year – from floral designs and seasonal motifs to stamps honoring literature, art, and history. For example, recent collections feature everything from winter woodland animals to famous American gardens. These stamps not only cover the postage but also act as tiny pieces of art on each envelope. Gifting a few sheets of decorative stamps along with some nice letter-writing paper or envelopes makes a charming, thoughtful gift bundle. It’s a little nudge for them to send you a letter with their new stationery! ✉️
Gifts for the Journaler (Stationery Gifts “For Her”)
If you’re looking for something with a feminine or whimsical touch, Rifle Paper Co. has you covered. Their Gifts for the Journaler collection is full of gorgeous illustrated notebooks, pens, and desk accessories designed to delight writers and creatives riflepaperco.com. Rifle Paper Co. is known for hand-painted floral patterns and elegant gold accents, so items from this line feel like functional art. For example, you might pick out a floral hardcover journal with an accompanying gold-foil pen, or a set of notepads and list-makers adorned with blooms. These pieces are not only pretty but also high-quality. Gifting from Rifle Paper Co. is a great choice for her – especially if she’s the type to display her notebook like an accessory. (And don’t worry, guys can love Rifle Paper designs too, but they’re certainly popular as gifts for women who journal.)
Recommended Online Stationery Stores
Sometimes the best gift is letting someone choose their own stationery (using a gift card or a curated shopping experience). Here are a few top-notch online retailers that any stationery enthusiast should know:
Atlas Stationers – A historic stationery store (family-owned since 1939) offering everything from luxury pens to notebooks and inks. Atlas often stocks limited editions and has a knowledgeable staff – a great place to find something unique.
Goldspot Pens – An online pen emporium that carries major brands and up-and-comers. Goldspot is famous for their detailed product reviews and even exclusive pen collaborations. If your giftee is into fountain pens or pen trivia, they probably already frequent Goldspot’s site!
Goulet Pen Company – A beloved retailer in the fountain pen community, Goulet Pens is known for its comprehensive inventory of pens, inks, and paper, plus a wealth of educational content. They have tools like the Swab Shop for comparing ink colors and a very customer-friendly approach. A Goulet gift certificate or one of their curated ink sample sets would be a big hit.
Yoseka Stationery – A Brooklyn-based (now Queens) stationery store that specializes in Asian stationery brands. Yoseka offers an array of Japanese and Taiwanese stationery – think stylish planners, unique pen cases, washi tapes, and limited-run inks. They also have a lovely in-store experience if you’re in NYC. Supporting Yoseka means supporting a small business with a big passion for stationery.
Exploring any of these stores (online or in-person) can be a gift in itself for a stationery lover. You might even find bundled gift sets or limited edition items around the holidays.
Fun Extras and Accessories
Finally, here’s a grab-bag of extras – those clever accessories and goodies that pair perfectly with a stationery hobby. These make great stocking stuffers or add-ons to a larger gift:
“100 Ways to Improve Your Writing” (Book by Gary Provost) – A classic little guide full of tips for writers. This updated edition (2019) is pocket-sized (perfect to tuck in a pen case) and offers professional advice on everything from grammar and punctuation to overcoming writer’s block amazon.com. If your giftee loves journaling or creative writing, this book can inspire them to pick up the pen more often (and sharpen their skills).
Leather Pencil Caps (Set of 6) – A quirky yet practical accessory for pencil users. These are small leather caps that slip onto the tip of a pencil to protect the point (and your pencil case lining!). A set by Hide & Drink, for example, comes with six handmade rustic leather caps that look oh-so-classy on your pencils. They keep pencil leads from breaking and also prevent graphite marks on other items. Perfect for artists, architects, or anyone who carries pencils in their bag – plus, they just look cool.
Poooliprint Pocket Printer (Thermal, Inkless) – Tech meets stationery in this fun gadget. The Poooliprint L2 is a mini Bluetooth printer that uses thermal paper (no ink required) to print images, notes, labels, and more straight from your phone. It’s basically a modern “Polaroid” for notes – you can print photos for your journal, to-do lists, stickers, or small artworks. It’s portable and rechargeable, often coming in cute colors (mint green, etc.). Pair it with a roll of sticky-back paper, and journalers can print and paste anything on the fly. Gifting this pocket printer is like giving a DIY sticker maker – hours of creative fun!
Transparent Sticky Printer Paper (for Pocket Printer) – If you’re gifting a Poooliprint or similar thermal printer, throw in some fancy paper refills. One standout is the semi-transparent sticky paper rolls us.amazon.com – these let you print images that look like vellum stickers. The recipient can create ethereal overlays in their journal or planner. Since the paper is adhesive, it’s easy to use: print, peel, and stick. It’s a neat way to add printed aesthetic touches to any project.
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer – Another gadget for the scrapbooker or journal keeper who loves tangible photos. The Ivy 2 is a pocket-sized photo printer that connects to a phone and prints 2″×3″ images on Zink paper (which has peel-off sticky backs) amazon.com. No ink needed – the color crystals are in the paper, so it’s mess-free. This is perfect for someone who enjoys instant photos but wants them in a journal-friendly size. They can print snapshots of their travels, friends, or pets and stick them directly into a journal or onto a wall. The Ivy prints are smudge-resistant and even water-resistant, making them great little keepsakes.
Zink 2″×3″ Sticky-Back Photo Paper (30-pack) – If you go with the Ivy or any Zink-based printer (like HP Sprocket or Polaroid Zip), extra paper is a must. A 30-pack of Zink photo paper lets them print plenty of memories amazon.com. These are the papers that have the dye crystals embedded (remember: Zero-Ink), and they feature a peel-and-stick adhesive back. It’s an inexpensive but super useful add-on that will ensure your friend can start printing photos right away and not worry about running out.
A5 Zippered Notebook Cover (Waxed Canvas) – Elevate that new journal with a protective cover. The Krozur A5 cover is a popular choice: made of durable waxed canvas in a handsome olive color, with a smooth YKK zipper around the edge. Inside, it has pockets for pens, cards, and ephemera, and it fits most standard A5 notebooks (like that Leuchtturm1917 or a Hobonichi planner). A zippered folio like this keeps a journal safe from wear and tear, and also turns it into a little mobile office – everything zipped together. It’s a fantastic gift on its own or combined with a notebook inside.
Washi Tape Set (Assorted 20 Rolls) – Washi tape is the stationery lover’s duct tape – infinitely useful and decorative! Gifting a set of 10 or 20 rolls in various colors and patterns will make any crafter or journaler grin. For instance, an Esweny 20-roll washi tape set typically includes tapes about 10 mm wide and 5 m long in different designs. These low-tack paper tapes can be used to adorn journal pages, seal envelopes, label cables, or create wall decor. They add a pop of color with zero mess. If your friend hasn’t discovered washi yet, prepare to blow their mind; and if they have, they’ll tell you one can never have too much washi tape!
Tombow Power Mini Glue Tape (3-pack) – Here’s a stocking stuffer that every scrapbooker or snail-mail penpal will appreciate. These are tiny tape runner adhesive dispensers that apply a clean, strong line of glue – perfect for pasting photos, ticket stubs, or paper ephemera into journals. The Tombow Power Mini is praised as easy to use (just press and swipe) and for its compact size fitting in pen pouche. The adhesive is permanent and acid-free, so it’s safe for memory-keeping. Great for those who love to collage in their notebooks or make handmade cards. It beats messy glue sticks any day!
Zebra Sarasa Vintage Color Gel Pen Set (10-pack) – We mentioned one Zebra pen set earlier, but here’s another twist: Sarasa Clip Vintage colors in a full set. This 10-pack includes unique muted tones like Blue Gray, Sepia Black, Burgundy, and Camel Yellow that give writing a retro feel. The Sarasa Clip pens are renowned for their silky gel ink and precise 0.5 mm tip, and the vintage series colors are both professional and fun (imagine a letter written in dark green-black ink – so classy). This set makes a wonderful gift for note-takers, diary writers, or students who want an upgrade from basic blue and black. It also pairs well with neutral-toned stationery.
Self-Inking Date Stamp (DD/MM/YYYY format) – For the journal keeper who loves a bit of vintage office flair, a date stamper is a delightful tool. The MaxMark 4000 is an example of a self-inking stamp that prints the date in European format (day/month/year) with a simple push. Think of those old library due date stamps or passport stamps – it’s that vibe. Your friend can use it to mark the date on journal entries, outgoing mail, or paperwork. It’s practical, yet also fun to flip the wheels and change the date each day. Combine it with a colorful ink pad (if not self-inking) for added personality. Definitely a niche gift, but when it finds the right person, it’s a home run!
Pair With Something Extra
To make your gift even more special, consider pairing a stationery item with a little indulgence or cozy extra. For example, you could bundle a nice journal with a scented candle (to create a relaxing writing ambiance), or include a bag of gourmet coffee or herbal tea so they can sip something warm while writing. A box of good chocolates never goes amiss either – creative work needs sweet fuel! These small additions add a personal touch and turn a simple present into an experience: imagine your friend curling up at their desk with their new notebook, a lit candle, a steaming mug of tea, and a piece of chocolate, ready to pen their thoughts. Now that’s a perfect stationery-inspired moment.
I hope this guide helps you pick out the just-right stationery gifts for your loved ones (or yourself – no judgment!). Whether it’s a luxurious fountain pen or a cute washi tape, the best gifts are those that inspire creativity and joy. Happy gifting, and may your holidays be filled with handwritten notes and plenty of fresh pages!
