All writers use pens, some obsessively collect them, obsessed with different types and colors. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a writer or aspiring author you know, these fun–sometimes a little wild–pens are a great gift to pair with a notebook or journal gift, or make a great stocking stuffer. Pens are affordable gifts and the ones on this list will certainly make for a memorable present.
1. Syringe Pens
Give a writer a shot of creativity with these multi-colored syringe pens. These ballpoint pens are made to look like a syringe with multi-colored liquid in each one.
This makes a great gift for authors of medical thrillers, medical romances, or even horror writers.
Note: while the pens are multi-colored, they all write in blue ink.
2. Bone Pens
The perfect pen for writers and authors who write on the creepy side of genre or enjoy the macabre. These novelty pens are shaped like bones including spines, arm, and leg bones.
These make a great gift for horror writers or writers of non-fiction related to medicine or anatomy.
Writes in black ink. 0.7mm ballpoint pens.
3. Tool Pens
There are multiple sets of these realistic and clever tool shaped pens:
Hand Tool Pens – wrench, screwdriver, nail, hammer
Not Very Dangerous Tool Pens – nail puller, saw, box cutter, needle nose pliers
Garden Tool Pens – hoe, pitchfork, shovel, and rake
Combine the above pen sets with this desktop miniature toolbox to create a completely unforgettable gift.
These are perfect for non-fiction writers of how-tos, or authors who are handy in their free time.
4. Electric Guitar Pens
These bold pens make a rockin’ gift! These ballpoint pens are in the shape of electric guitars. Writes in black ink.
Try these pens as a gift for music critics, or writers of musician biographies.
Check out more gift ideas for songwriters. If your writer is more of a dummer type, try these drumstick pens.
5. Octopus Tentacle Pen
This tentacle pen may conjure memories of HP Lovecraft and Cthulhu, or pirate and sea stories that involve battling giant squids. This pen is realistically crafted to look like an octopus tentacle. Ball point pen.
Makes a great gift for writers of sea-based stories and non-fiction writers of ocean-related books and articles.
6. Food Pens
These food-shaped pens make great gifts that may inspire a little hunger in the receiver.
These are great gifts for food bloggers, writers of recipe books, and authors of cozy food mysteries.
7. The Procrastination Pen
Perfect for the writer who puts things off until the last minute. The Procrastination Pen has “Do It Later” written on the side. Writes in black ink. 0.6mm refillable gel pen.
For a productive writer (or to give your procrastinating writer a little kick in the pants), get them the Get Crap Done Pen.
8. Paintbrush Pen
This pen is perfect for a writer who is also an artist (or thinks of themselves an artist). This ballpoint pen looks like a paintbrush dripping with ink, ready to create the author’s next masterpiece. Medium point pen. Writes in black ink.
This is a great gift for children’s book authors who also do illustrations.
9. Flower and Plant Pens
Combining a couple of these different types of pens, you can create a bouquet or desk plant for them to display on their desk that doubles as attractive writing utensils:
This is a great gift for non-fiction writers of gardening books or authors who happen to love gardening.
Add this pen holder to create a beautiful gift.
10. Novelty Prediction Pen
This pen combines the utility of a normal ballpoint pen with the fun of a Magic 8 ball. Click the top and the Predict a Pen will give you an answer to guide your choices.
Perfect to help a writer during moments of writer’s block or indecision over whether or not to kill a character. Includes 6 predictive sayings.
11. Feather Quill Pen
This is for the writer who loves the old school feel of a feather quill pen, but wants the convenience of modern pen technology. This ballpoint pen features a beautiful feather. Writes with back ink. Available in seven colors: black, natural, white, green. blue, lime green, and orange.
Perfect for writers of historical fiction and fans of Jane Austen.
Pair it with this antique paper or this antique, handmade leather journal for an unforgettable gift.
12. Maraca Pens
Put the party back in writing! These pens are in the shape of maracas, so every moment of writing is fun! “Fiesta!” is printed on the handle. Comes in a variety of colors.
13. Cactus Pen
Another fun gift for writers who like to garden or could use a little green on their writing desk. This cactus pen comes with a little pot that doubles as a pen cap and a stand. The spikes are soft, so it makes for a comfortable writing experience.
Perfect for non-fiction writers of gardening books or writers who love houseplants and gardening.
14. Dachshund Dog Pen
Add a little sparkle to the life of a dog loving writer. This dachshund hound pen is metallic purple and stands proudly on any author’s desk. The dog is wearing a collar with a bell. Black ball point pen. Refillable.
This is a cute gift for any writer of dog related stories or just dog lovers in general.
15. Ninja Knife Pen
This pen is a little edgier than the others on this list. This knife shaped pen makes a “Shining” noise when you click the pen tip. Writes in black. Ballpoint pen.
This is the perfect pen for horror writers and authors of detective mysteries and other mystery novels.
Add these nunchuck pens to create a fun gift for any ninja fan.
Need more gift ideas? Check out our megalist of amazing gifts for writers.