I Barely Use This Fancy Pen. Yet It's the Most Meaningful Gift I've Ever Received.

New York Times

09-05-2025

In this edition of The Gift, we talk about a very (very) nice pen that makes a lovely graduation gift. Plus: a cute commemorative ring, an excellent chef's knife, and what we'd give a first-time grandmother.
Picture this: I'm 17, have just been unceremoniously rejected from several colleges, and am sniffling miserably in my childhood bedroom. At this moment, my dad raps on the door with great fanfare to give me my big graduation gift. And it's… a pen.
When it comes to graduation gifts (or, really, any gifts for not-quite-kids, not-quite-adults), there are the kinds that feel instantly big and exciting, that delight and thrill your recipient because they're so special and shiny. Then, there are the ones (my pen included) that feel markedly less so — in the moment, at least. Of course, in the long term, I'd argue those can be the gifts with the truest value: heirloom-quality mementos that mark the milestone of matriculating… and come to mean more as the years go on.
I'm eight years out from my pen-present moment, and I'd venture to say it's the most meaningful gift I've ever received. The pen my Dad brought into my room that day was his when he immigrated to New York City from Hong Kong in the '80s — a stunning, vintage Montblanc Meisterstück 925 ballpoint. It's weighty with a glossy black barrel, bedecked with silver and gold tarnished from years of use. (Montblanc no longer makes this particular beauty — for that, you'll have to scour secondhand — but the Meisterstück line is still active.)
These pens are known for their investment-worthy quality. 'I think of them as being like the Rolex of pens,' senior staff writer and avid pen aficionado Sarah Witman told me. 'A really old institutional brand that is emblematic of extreme luxury, style, and quality.'
Mine has been in use for decades now and will be for many more, as my father wisely predicted when he bestowed it to me: 'Whatever school you go to, you'll sign your acceptance with this pen. One day, you'll sign all your most important papers with this pen. And everything will be okay.' Over the years, I've felt pride — for myself, for my dad — every time I've picked it up.
If pens aren't your (or the recent grad in your life's) thing, consider other buy-it-for-life pieces they might appreciate in their next phase of life: actually good luggage, a solid set of tools, fantastic noise-cancelling headphones — the grown-up versions of the things they'll come to rely on in time.
And of course, if you'd prefer a more instant crowd-pleaser, by all means, go for it. Our experts suggest something commemorative: Grads might relish a dainty ring personalized with their name and graduation year, or this very cute collegiate pouch.)
Regardless of whether you're going the sentimental or practical route, a good celebratory gift makes your recipient feel excited about keeping it around during whatever comes next — even if they're still figuring out what that looks like.