In this day and age, writing can actually feel luxurious.
Sending letters has therapeutic benefits and handwriting beats typing when it comes to taking class notes because it actually makes the information stick better.
It all makes sense if you think about it. Handwriting is a slower process and it forces you to consider each word. You’re thinking through the sentences you’re writing, with no tabs open and no push notifications interrupting your process.
This simple contrast makes all the difference.
On top of all those practical benefits, writing by hand can be fun, especially when you have a cute pen that you love. Here are some of our favorite pens that are as cute as they are reliable and practical.
Fine-tipped pens
If you’re journaling or writing in your planner often, then you’ll want a fine-tipped pen at your disposal. They make it easy to write lots of notes and they’re great for packing a lot onto pages. They are neat, don’t bleed too much, and they are bold. These pens check all the boxes.
Le Pen: These micro-fine tip pens are slim and sleek, and they are perfect for doodling, taking feverish notes, or brightening up your planner. Coming in a wide range of colors from classic to vibrant, and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, these pens will be a staple.
U Brands Classic Pretty Pastels Felt Pens: The ideal pen for journaling or taking notes is one that is reliable and sleek. These pens come in a 6-pack, so you’ll never have to search for your favorite pen (this one has more than 100 5-star reviews). They also come in pretty pastel colors, so your black ink pen never has to be boring!
Fountain pens
Fountain pens are the ultimate stationary indulgence. After all, these elegant tools are the modern equivalent of dipping a quill into a pot of ink! Fountain pens give you those silky smooth lines that look so good on every page, and most of them come in a glamorous, upscale look.
If you’re new to this tool, remember that they’ll take some adjustment. Here’s a guide for beginners.
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen: This bestselling pen checks all of the boxes. For a fountain pen, it’s just the right weight - not too heavy, not too light - which makes it great for everyday use. The bright color options and steel tip give it a modern twist, so you don’t have to worry about this pen looking too dated. This is a great starter pen for fountain users because the ink cartridges can easily be replaced and it has an ergonomic grip.
For an even more elegant alternative, check out the Lamy Metallic Fountain Pen.
Platinum Falling Star Fountain Pen: There are a lot of features to love about this pen, but mostly that it’s so fun and bright for a fountain pen! Pastel colors and a sleek design bring a feminine aesthetic to this writing utensil. Fountain pens don’t have to be large or clunky, and this one proves it.
Gel pens
Gelly Roll Glitter Pens: It’s just a fact that an added touch of sparkle makes everything cuter. The Gelly Roll Glitter Pens really come alive on light, matte paper, so journals, notebooks, and even coloring books are good places to use these glitter gel pens. Whatever you’re writing by hand will feel a little more magical!
KACO Soft Touch Retractable Gel Ink Pens: For a gel pen that looks as good sitting in a cup on your desk as it does in your hand, try KACO’s gel pens. They have a minimal design, lots of bright color options and a fine point, which makes the gel ink glide across the page. They’ll be sure to brighten any writing task.
Fruity-Scented Gel Pens: If you’re going for cool and maybe don’t care so much about practicality, you have to try the Yoobi scented gel pens that come in six colorful options, with scents to match. Orange for orange, purple for grape, and yellow for lemon. These are a fun reminder to keep things light!
Brush pens
There is so much variety when it comes to brush pens! Whether it’s a fat felt tip or something bushier, there is a lot you can do with brush pens and they make the best pick for lettering. Experiment and pick what’s right for you and you’ll be sure to achieve an effect you're in love with!
Writech Arts Sign Brush Pen: Not all brush pens are created equally, but you’ll get a lot of use out of these Writech pens, which have a more flexible and soft tip. That means they are a great companion for journals and art projects.
Koi Coloring Brush Pens: If you’re in search of a pen that is more brush-like with an almost feathery effect that still has great writing capability, the colorful Koi brush pens are a must. This pack is complete with 12 colors, so they’re pretty perfect for coloring books too.
Everyday pens
Some pens are for special occasions — a first day at a new job or signing an important document or writing love letters — but some are for everyday tasks. Both should be cute! Ballpoint and retractable pens are the most likely the ones we’re reaching for in our bags and at our desks. Here are a few darling go-tos.
Zebra Mini Collapsible Ballpoint Pen: If you’re a busy professional, you need a reliable pen that can go anywhere. That’s the Zebra Mini Collapsible pen! What makes this pen so cute is its size: it’s 3 1/4" when fully collapsed, but extends to 4 3/8". Pulling it out feels a little like using a telescope! Perfect if you’ve set out to change the world.
Life & Pieces Slim Ball Point Pen: A retractable pen you’ll want in every color. That’s the appeal of the Life & Pieces pen. It’s super minimal, which makes it a great go-to. They’re easy to take along in a pocket or pencil bag, and everybody will wonder where you got that cute pen.
