In 2017, Bon Appétit wrote that custom pens had become “restaurant postcards,” replacing the matchbook. The food magazine declared that “the best way to remember a meal is to steal a pen.” 

It’s not just happening in restaurants, either. In 2012, Paper Mate surveyed office workers, and 100% admitted to stealing a pen – and 1 out of 5 did it on purpose. Most (50%) will steal a pen because it writes smoothly or effortlessly. For others, it’s because they like the way it looks (36%) or simply because they like the color (34%). 

But there’s another reason why someone would swipe a pen – because it’s meaningful. It’s the pen they used to buy their first home, the pen from a first date, the pen they used to sign a marriage license or to open a new business.

Promotional pens make great giveaways, and not just at trade shows. Nearly 70% of promo pen recipients who had received a custom pen in the past year remembered the name of the advertiser.

Writing instruments are perfect for brand awareness, the No. 1 reason why people buy promotional items. High-end promotional pens are great for HR gifts, employee recognition (both in-office and remote) and conferences/executive meetings, and ballpoint pens, highlighters and gel pens make great giveaways for trade shows and everyday customer interactions.

One of the best things about writing instruments is that they’re a portable way to promote your brand. These giveaways land directly in the user’s hand and keep your company name on the go. 

Whether they’re in a pocket, a purse or on a desk, customized writing instruments push out your message on a daily basis. They can promote your updated branding, your current messaging or even a specific value that you’re offering. And a high-quality pen never goes out of style.

What’s more, the introduction of innovative multi-function writing instruments, means more promotional pens to choose from – think stylus pens or whimsical moptoppers for touchscreens – and more ways to wow customers. 

For businesses interested in more eco-friendly promo, there are plenty of plastic pens made from recycled materials. Manufacturers are also combining customized pen body styles, clips and ink types, as well as developing new decoration methods to make your custom logo pop in full color. 

In this increasingly digital world, consumers haven’t written off writing instruments. They are still relying on these tools for creativity and productivity. Put a custom pen in your next promo campaign – a pen so great someone will want to steal it.