All of us keep a variety of pens around the home and office, and for that reason, they make a great promotional item. Even in today's increasingly digital world, it's hard to imagine that the day will ever come when the humble pen will become obsolete.

Promotional pens are among the most common items used for promotional purposes. From the basic ballpoint pen that's been a staple of the industry for many years all the way through the wide array of gel, felt, fountain tips and more, the usefulness of the pen makes it a perfect item when you're looking to have your message in the right hands.

The most basic kind of modern pen is the stick ballpoint, which usually has a cap and is disposable. From the sales representatives who hand out pens at each call or the meeting managers who put out the pens and notepads at customer service programs and seminars, these pens provide an inexpensive way to get the message out. Slogans can be imprinted on thousands of pens for very little individual cost, working for your needs in a very cost effective manner.

Of course, there are literally thousands of different kinds of promotional pens out there. Think of ?click? pens, gel pens, or instruments that might include a variety of points -- multicolor pens, pencils, highlighters, and/or PDA styluses. For only marginally more cost than the stick pen, these can be used as incentives by salespeople, gifts at presentations and public events, or to identify members of project teams and special efforts. The sky is the limit when looking at these options. They come in many styles and vibrant colors, can be made of space-age plastics and colored metals, and really make a statement.

For the person who wants to make a really special statement with a pen, there are writing instruments made of exotic woods and precious metals; gold, silver and even platinum are common materials for pens in this category. Use them for special presentations and awards, or to recognize a special client. Since these aren't being bought in large quantities, such pens can be individually engraved and include the name of the recipient or other pertinent information. In the case of pens made with exotic woods, the relatively new technique of laser engraving offers a sharp and exciting alternative, giving you the opportunity to have logos and slogans replicated on the promotional pens with almost photographic precision.

But don't think that that option is reserved only for the most expensive pens. Pens at any price point can be personalized with names and dates of events. Sometimes they're handed out specifically as commemorative souvenirs for events; this is common with organizations and causes looking to promote a specific occasion, and of course many companies use personalized fine writing instruments as time in service awards, retirement gifts, or as rewards for extraordinary performance.

With the explosion of different types of writing instruments, there are more options than ever out there for the savvy promoter. If you're looking to get your name and mission out into the hands of your target audience, there are few options that offer you more versatility than the always-necessary pen.