3 Gift Ideas for the Fountain Pen n00b

Yes, you n00b. For those lacking savvy in web gaming vernacular, "n00b" (or newb, newbie, etc) is synonymous with novice or newcomer. I think it is fair to say that there are more young people who own an iPod than those who own a fountain pen. But that's OK. We're going to change that this year.

We've been swamped. The Holidays have started early this year, and we would like to address some common questions that our customers have while they make their list (& checking it twice). One topic that we would like to offer our insight on is, "what is a good starter fountain pen?"

It's a great gift idea. While there are an overabundance of technological gadgets and tchotchkes that will be flying off the shelves this December, throw your loved ones a change-up this year and wrap up one of these :

• Lamy Safari - almost a no-brainer in suggesting an all-time best-selling fountain pen. What's not to like? Inexpensive at under $30, available in an assortment of brightly colored, sturdy ABS plastic and fitted with a durable stainless steel nib that will withstand the initial adjustment for the writer to adapt to a fountain pen nib. One caveat to the Safari for the holidays is its no-frills packaging cardboard tube - not very presentable unless you giftwrap it.  Also, they are only sold with one disposable ink cartridge, so buy the converter separately to give the ability to fill from an ink bottle.
• Parker Urban Fountain Pen Kit - an incredible value at $39.95, the kit offers a black Parker fountain pen with gold-plated trim, a bottle of Parker black "Quink" ink, a converter, ink cartridges, an instruction booklet on "how to write with a fountain pen" and a cleaning cloth. This is a great idea for someone who always wanted to try a fountain pen and was not sure on how to care and write with one. 
• Waterman Phileas - Largely considered to be one of the most popular entry-level luxury fountain pens, the Phileas brings classic Art Deco style with a smooth-writing stainless steel nib. The Phileas is a more high-class option that is still affordable ($42-$60) and is sold in a Waterman blue leatherette box and comes with converter and ink cartridge.

We have plenty of these options in-stock and ready-to-ship for all your gifting needs. If anyone needs any pen suggestions, feel free to drop a comment!