The holidays are around the corner, which means the busiest shopping season is among us! A quality pen can make a fantastic gift for the writer, professional, or enthusiast in your life. There are a large variety of pens out there, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for – so we created this helpful guide so that you can choose the perfect pen!

Ballpoint Pens – Most ballpoint pens are either a twist-style pen, meaning that the pen operates by twisting it open and close in order to write. Another variation is a click pen in which there is a clicker on top of the pen that pushes up and down in order to write.
Rollerball Pens – Rollerball pens usually have a cap that stays on the pen when not in use. When you are ready to write with the pen, the cap needs to be taken off.
Fountain Pens – Fountain pens have a calligraphy-style nib that uses a wide range of filling systems and offer a wide range of inks and colors. These pens take some time to learn how to use but once you catch on, they are addictive.
Standard Ballpoint Ink – Ballpoint pen ink contains an oil-based solvent and pigment for color. The ink flows from a thin tube or canister in the pen and through a small ball in the tip of the pen when you apply pressure to the ball. Standard colors for ballpoint ink are black, blue, red, and green but are available in many other colors. Ballpoint pen ink dries almost instantly as it touches paper, but because it is oil-based, it can smear.
Rollerball Ink (water-based) – Water-based ink for rollerball requires less pressure on the rollerball tip to write. Water-based ink is less viscous than oil-based ink and deeply saturates the paper, resulting in a dark color. Water-based ink comes in a variety of colors but Black, Blue, and Red are the most common. Water-based inks dry much quicker and will not smudge.
Gel Ink – Gel pen ink contains colorful pigment suspended in a thick, water-based gel. The high viscosity of the gel supports more pigment than standard gel ink and also accommodates different types of pigments such as copper and iron oxides. Gel pen ink is thick and opaque and available in almost every color. Gel inks are usually very smooth, require little pressure to write. They are also slower to dry and can smudge if not dried.

Something to keep in mind is that ink refills are not interchangeable, and pertain only to the specific pen it is purchased. Choose the perfect pen for your special someone this holiday season by visiting the Pen Savings website: https://pensavings.com/

As you begin to think about the gifts you are going to buy for your loved ones, exit out of those Amazon browsers & stay away from the big department stores. Give back to your local economy and purchase gifts at local businesses near you. You could make a major impact, and help determine whether our local businesses will thrive in 2022.

Rhode Island business owners have worked extra hard this year to provide quality products, services, and pleasant shopping & dining experiences in our community. Supporting them during the upcoming bustling season is a way in which we can give back and show our gratitude.

If you want to get a little personal with your gift, Ocean State Jewelers has a wide variety of jewelry to shop. Visit their location at 1395 Atwood Ave, Johnston, and get a one-on-one shopping experience and a gorgeous gift for the deserving man or woman in your life! The various lines that they hold are guaranteed to appeal to you!

Have someone in your life that has a niche for construction? Stop by Kamco and browse from the 100,000 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment that they hold, and choose the tool that is most desired! Visit their location at 37 Amflex Drive, Cranston!

Have a marine lover on your list? Beyond their extensive supply of marine diesel parts, Rhode Island Engine has a showroom filled with everything from top-of-the-line waterproof gear to stocking stuffers like hats and gloves. Visit 79 State Street, Narragansett!

Gift cards are an easy gift that everyone loves, no matter how old you are. Almost every retail location, restaurant, and service offer a gift card in any chosen amount. This is a gift that you know won’t go to waste because your loved one can pick out what they want, and you won’t have to stress about finding something perfect for everyone! Whether it be Ocean State Jewelers or Rhode Island Engine, let your recipient choose the item of their choosing!

Don’t spend all your time waiting in lines and stressing over the “perfect gifts” this holiday season. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to support one another and show we care. Ditch the online ordering, and find a unique gift for your loved ones right in the little state of Rhode Island!

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