I love stationery, almost to a fault.
Christmas is the only time of the year when I get to browse, test and pick out stationery and justify my picks by giving them to friends and family.
But the truth is, my friends and family know about my love for stationery and it has become my signature gift.
Quality stationery can make very personal gifts because they stand the test of time and is a comforting reminder of the person whom you share a special connection with.
Apart from staying true to my annual Christmas tradition of gifting stationery, I’d also like to share my Christmas picks with you.
Lamy Safari and ABCs
These are not the stodgy pens your aunts used to get you for your birthday with your names engraved. Lamy pens have become one of my favorite brand of pens because they’ve made fountain pens accessible to new users. Despite being in the pen business since 1930, they have been great with contemporary designs. The Lamy Safari has even become a menswear accessory in some circles, as a less formal replacement to a tie.
Meanwhile, the Lamy ABC fountain pen is a fun and school friendly gift for kids should you decide to get them one. I love them so much, I got one for myself.
In the course of my Christmas gift hunting, I’ve discovered lots of people on my list love Lamy Safaris. So I’ve gotten up to four this Christmas!
Lamy Safari Rollerball Pen (RM 70.00), Lamy Safari Fountain Pens (RM86.00) Lamy ABC Fountain Pen (RM75.00)
Quo Vadis Notebooks
Paper quality and functionality are really important for me in notebooks. I was very excited when Quo Vadis notebooks were being stocked. Quo Vadis notebooks are by the makers of Rhodia and Clairefontaine and use the same paper.
My love for this company and it’s papers began 15 years ago when I inherited a basic Clairefontaine spiral bound notebook circa 1970. Almost 40 years later, the paper had only suffered mild yellowing around the corners and rust marks from the spiral, everything else about it was pristine.
Quo Vadis Notebooks Graphic Design edition
Robert le héros edition
If you like the format and acid-free paper of Moleskine notebooks but want to explore other options, these are a good colourful alternative. The cover is buttery soft and it comes with a pocket in the back for loose paper. The covers featured here are by fabric designers Robert le héros and Anne Jochum.
Anne Jochum edition
Robert le héros edition (RM65.00), Anne Jochum (RM64.00).
Quo Vadis Equology
I was very excited about these when they debuted. While I am all for using recycled paper, I’ve not experienced recycled paper that didn’t bleed, feather and have low grit, until this. Not only is the paper from a 100% recycled source, the cover is also biodegradable, with 90% decomposition in 155 days. This one is going to a friend running an eco-friendly business.
Equology Carnet De Notes ligne 10×15 cm in Beige Sable (RM 62)
Fun Size Notebooks
Field Notes
Off the bat, Field Notes notebooks may look like 555s with a pay raise but looks can be deceiving. Unlike 555s, these are much larger and are far studier. The paper quality is great with no feathering, bleeding and almost comparable to Clairefontaine paper.
These were the perfect luxury choice for a family member who is otherwise an ardent 555 user.
Field Notes Mixed Three-Pack (Graph, Ruled and Plain Paper) 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ (RM 32.90)
So there are my picks for this Christmas! What are your picks?
