Stuck on what to gift your favorite graduate?

Have we got an idea for you - and you can support two downtown Montpelier businesses in one go!

We recently got in some new leather journals by Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs. Each is made of soft leather and has a suede lace wraparound tie. A journal is the perfect gift for someone starting the next chapter in their life. It demonstrates that their experiences matter and that they're worth documenting.

And you know what makes journals even better? The perfect pen!

We consulted with Elena Gustavson, the owner of Magpie & Tiger, and she gave us her recommendations for what pen would pair well with each journal color. Plus, she tested each one directly on the journal paper to make sure that it worked well.

First up, we’ve got the blue journal paired with the Uni-ball One P Gel Pen. This pen’s ink contains pigment particles that remain on the paper’s surface instead of being absorbed. The pen showed no ghosting.

Next is the brown journal partnered with a Pilot FriXion Waai Clicker Erasable Gel Pen. This pen’s ink is quick-drying and smear-free, and showed no ghosting or bleeding on the paper.

The purple journal has been paired with a Kakuno Fountain Pen. Interestingly, Kakuno translates to "to write" in Japanese. This pen had no bleed and minimal ghosting.

Elena selected an Anterique Ballpoint Pen to accompany the green journal. This vintage-inspired pen from Japan has oil-based ink and showed no ghosting on the paper.

Lastly, the red journal was paired with a Soft Touch Gel pen. This pen has a soft-sided barrel and writes smoothly. Its ink showed no bleed and slight ghosting.

We look forward to seeing you in the gallery soon (and then go to Magpie & Tiger)!