Presenting our 2012 Fine Pen Gift Guide

As shoppers around the globe scramble to the stores and click their way though cyber deals, they are in search of the answer to the age old question, "What should I get for so-and-so?" While the big corporations may want to answer that question for you by pushing the next greatest thing, most people are looking for helpful advice. And, lets face it, you're not going to find anyone helpful at a big box retail chain. Our answer is the Goldspot 2012 Holiday Fine Pen Gift Guide which offers sets of gifts in a variety of price ranges (from $15 to $395) that are geared toward everyone, from fountain pen novice to techie to co-workers.

The 2012 Gift Guide is home to hand-picked suggestions from our staff, combined with research and feedback from our customers. We've combed our website and the 1,000's of fine writing products that we sell to give you the top picks based upon value, quality and popularity. Think we missed one? Feel free to comment below to add your suggestion.

A few highlights from our list include the Namiki Falcon for a fountain pen connoisseur. This unique writing instrument from Japan is one of the few modern fountain pens that has a solid gold nib with a degree of flexibility. See the Falcon in Flight!

We also did not forget about those who need pen & paper to stay organized and manage their busy schedules. We suggest three Filofax lines that are of exceptional value and available in new colors to match the latest in fashion trends.

Whether it be a smartphone, iPad, tablet, Kindle or android device, most people are going to be receiving (or already own) a touchscreen device that takes us a step away from good ol' pen and paper. However, touchscreen devices do not completely replace the tactile preference our brains have for writing things down on paper or using a pen. Think of how difficult it is to use your finger as a paintbrush in the "Draw Something" App. A touchscreen-compatible pen that can write on paper and be used for your mobile devices is a perfect complement gift to any gadget lover. You can go with a stocking stuffer of a Monteverde One Touch Stylus or upgrade to the ultra-modern Invincia Stylus Fountain Pen.

In our research, we've noticed a significant overlap in those who like fine pens and those who like fine automobiles. If you have a person on your list that drools every time a Ferrari passes by, then a Sheaffer Ferrari pen would be a great gift. For a more high-tech, high-octane aesthetic, we offer our exclusive Monteverde Grand Prix collection of limited edition pens in four sporty colors.

If you peruse our Gift Guide and are still stumped, please feel free to contact us through our Help Desk so a customer service representative can assist you with your specific gift needs.

Conid Fountainbel and The Edison Beaumont Co-Winners of 2012 Pen of the Year

We are revising our previous election declaration due to some information that has come to light in regards to the vote for Pen of the Year. It was discovered that users of a fountain pen forum had encouraged other members to vote for the Conid Fountainbel Bulkfiller multiple times by clearing a web browser's cookies. It was evident that this information affected the results of the poll, as the advantage had swung from Edison's favor being up 6% to the Conid pen being up 4% within the same hours that the forum posts were written. Members on the board replied to the thread, stating that they had added a significant number of votes artificially, which was not in-line with the intentions of this poll.

Considering the immense popularity of both the Edison Beaumont and the Conid Fountainbel Bulkfiller, we have decided to announce both pens as the Co-Winners of the 2012 Pen of the Year. We believe that this is the fairest solution since both pens were so overwhelmingly voted above the other selections and the margin of victory was so narrow.

Of course, we cannot prevent every occurrence of people voting from multiple computers or vote-hacking, but we are making it known for future polls that this type of behavior is strictly discouraged. Next year, we are going to be using a different method of polling that logs IP addresses and enables cookies on your browser to prevent multiple votes per computer. Also, if sufficient evidence is found that vote hacking had occurred, the pen itself will be disqualified from the ballot entirely. This would hopefully deter those who are ardent fans of a certain pen from trying to fix the vote by artificial means.

Pen of the Year Winners for 2012

---This post has been edited 11/14/2012---

A huge thanks goes out to everyone who participated in the poll! We crushed our record for most votes cast by a whopping 600% over years past. Over 1,000 votes were cast between the top two pens.

 For anyone following the election, it was a neck-and-neck race between the Edison Beaumont and Conid's Fountainbel Bulkfiller Demonstrator. Fans of the "Edison Party" came out in droves to vote for their candidate. Others found the Bulkfiller to have more innovation in design, which the pen world seldom sees. Opinions from the exit polls :

Powerbroker wrote in favor of the Bulkfiller :

the Conid Fountainbel Bulk Filler is a true breakthrough pen. Novel filling system, safe for travel, huge ink capacity, fully serviced in all seals by users, easily changed nibs, steel gold and titanium nib options, sweet ergonomics, perfect balance due to the machined Titanium, beauty grace and style. There are many wonderful pens listed here but none have the combination of features, functionality of the Conid.

 While Charlene defended her candidate :

Hands down, the Edison Beaumont. This is by no means, a small pen, even though it is smaller than traditional Edison pens. It is easy to fill and the continuity of ink flow allows a pretty lengthy span between refills.
And you cannot beat the price or the stylish finish. 

After the smoke cleared on Monday night and polls closed at 12AM on the East Cost (US), the Conid's Fountainbel Bulkfiller Demonstrator was declared the winner. However, due to irrefutable evidence of vote-hacking that had swung the election in the Bulkfiller's favor, we have decided to share the yearly honor and declare the Edison Beaumont & Conid Bulkfiller as the Co-Winners of the 2012 Pen of the Year. For more details on the final results of the election, please read our statement regarding the election results.

Fountainbel-Conid Bulk Filler by Darren McDonald

Vote for Goldspot Pens 2012 Pen of the Year

It's that time of year again! As we exercise our right to vote for the national election today, here is a poll for pen lovers that is more lighthearted in spirit. We asked the fine folks at Fountain Pen Network to nominate candidate pens that debuted in 2012. After receiving over 40 responses, we have picked the top nominees for 2012 Pen of the Year.

The Nominees Are :

Delta Momo

 Lamy 2000 Stainless Steel

Conid's Fountainbel Bulkfiller Demonstrator

Fountainbel-Conid Bulk Filler by Darren McDonald

Visconti Opera Mosquito Filler Demonstrator and Blue Typhoon

OMAS 360 LE Red

Edison Beaumont

 Pelikan m205 Taupe

 Bexley Hometown Ohio (Cities Collection)

Please note that you can click on any of the nominees to find a larger pic or more information to help you decide. There is also a write-in option if your choice is not present on the list (Please keep it clean, folks.) Voting will be open until Monday, November 12th at 11:59pm Eastern US Standard time. The winner will be announced next Tuesday, the 13th. Have fun and cheer on your favorite pen from this year! Vote below and share with your friends: