Gifting stationery to family

I have bad handwriting. I used fountain pens in school till ball-point pens and then gel pens replaced them. I wasn’t fascinated by fountain pens then, as much as I was about gel pens when they first arrived. Over the past 8 years or so, I’ve taken on a liking and appreciation for fountain pens. There is something very organic, and nice about writing with them. My handwriting has slightly improved too.

I remember walking by a small stationery shop during a visit to Istanbul, where I purchased a Lamy Safari, and some Iroshizuku ink. It has remained one of my best non-tech purchases.

I’ve owned these pens over the past 8 years, nothing too fancy but they’re all so satisfying.

  • Lamy Safari
  • TWSBI Eco
  • Jinhao X450
  • Jinhao X750
  • Muji Fountain Pen
  • Jinhao 82
  • Platinum Preppy

I have some Waterman, Pelikan, and Iroshizuku inks, a Rhodia notebook and many worn and used locally manufactured notebooks. I’d like to own a lot more, but I need to write a lot more before I do. My handwriting certainly needs more improvement.

I’ve been parting with most of my pens at work, so all I have now is my bag is the Jinhao 82. The Lamy Safari is with my father.

There has been a lot happening over the past month, and this will continue till the end of May I think. I need to write a post about it.

One of the fun things I’m looking forward to though, is going to my ancestral home, Mangalore. I was there for a funeral last week, and there are two weddings and another function to be attended. I am going to meet again, my dad’s cousins from across their wide family tree.

I suggested the idea to my father, that we gift something a little personal since he might be meeting some of them after decades. I’m going to gift packs, that include a nice bag, a fountain pen, inks and notebook. My dad is particular about section-bound notebooks and their ability to lie flat. I maintain a family tree on my PC, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get to printing a large poster in time for our trip, but the rest is underway. Deliveries are coming in over the next week and I am excited for this.