Just the Facts

Chris Orcutt, national sales manager, Sweda Company

Available in a wide variety of bold colors, the Translucent Curvaceous Ballpoint from Sweda Company comes with shiny silver accents and a rubberized grip for comfort. (800) 848-8417

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Fountain Pens

Fact: In 1883, Lewis Waterman, an insurance broker in New York City, was getting ready to sign one of his hottest contracts. In honor of the occasion, Waterman bought a new fountain pen that he considered far more stylish than a cumbersome dip pen and ink well. With the contract on the table and the pen in the client's hand, the pen refused to write, and actually leaked onto the precious document. Horrified, Waterman raced back to his office for another contract, but a competing broker had closed the deal.

Determined to never again suffer such humiliation, Waterman began to make fountain pens in his brother's workshop. Waterman used the capillary principle which allowed air to induce a steady and even flow of ink. He christened his pen, "The Regular," decorated it with wood accents, and obtained a patent for it in 1884.

—Mary Bellis, www.inventors.about.com

"Fountain pens are classic and timeless in their design and make an ideal gift for the most special occasions. For the discriminating buyer who wants to present a unique item that is [guaranteed] to be prominently displayed, the fountain pen is a sure bet."

Katrina McNair, marketing, Senator Promotional Group USA

Hand-crafted, the 1950s replica President's Fountain Pen from Senator Promotional Group USA comes presented in a stunning gift box. It features a diamond-etched gold finish on the trim and medium-point nib. The deep black gloss acrylic body gives it an elegant look. (800) 553-6101

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Crayons

Fact: 100 billion crayons have been made since before World War I. That means your great, great, great, great grandparents colored with crayons.