21st birthday, fountain pen?

[Emoj]

Family member has 21st birthday coming up. She loves writing so I wondered about getting her a really nice fountain pen, but no idea where to even start, there are so many to choose from!!
Can anyone point me in the right direction, or alternatively suggest something different as a gift.
Thanks :)

Lovely idea.

Cult Pens is the first place to start!

www.cultpens.com/c/q/explore/product-type/pens/fountain-pens

When you say she likes to write.....what do you mean? Does she journal.....if so she probably uses calligraphy pens, paint pens, fine liners etc. Does she keep a diary? If so what kind of paper is it (if lower grade ink can bleed through).

Personally, I'd hate to be bought a pen. For me it's important to feel the weight and balance of the pen in my hand. To feel how it writes, whether it works better with a fine or medium nib. Whether I want the convenience of cartridges or want a converter and ink bottles.

If you're set on a pen, what is your budget? Cult pens is a good place for starter pens to mid range. They're not really luxury pens - for that you need Montblanc, Cross, Smythson, Montegrappa etc.

Nice mid range/day to day pens - look at Sheaffer, Waterman or Parker

She likes the art of putting pen to paper but doesn't journal or use calligraphy. I hear what you're saying about the feel of a pen in your hand, but currently at a loss for an other gift ideas 😂

Thank you, I shall take a look.

A lovely idea but personally I'd never use it mainly because I'd get the ink everywhere.
Could you get a nice piece of jewellery or an 'experience' or something?

Jewellery I've done for most gifts so wanted to move away from that if I could. She struggles with her MH, experiences would likely be too overwhelming for her. Thinking cap back on!

A fountain pen is such a lovely idea, and will really hold memories. Stick with your idea. No idea about recommendations but can just imagine the thoughtful gift being used for such memorable occasions.

Yes, definitely stick with the idea!

Cross botanic pans are just beautiful and they do roller balls as all as fountain pens. To be honest I've never had my cross fountain pan Leak , ever. I love the range of colours you can get for ink now as well . I would be delighted to get a fountain pan and a nice letter writing set .

A fountain pen is a lovely idea. If she hasn't used one before, it may be a good idea to get one for beginners, with the ergonomic grips that almost force you to hold it properly, such as a Lamy Safari. They have quite a big following with young people in uni etc as far as I know. I bought one each for my dc and they like them. Even dc1, who is usually quite a messy writer and struggles with the correct tripod grip, can use it and write quite legibly with it.

It's a lovely idea. It can be an addictive hobby.

Pens I use daily that might be worth considering are a Cross Bailey, a TWSBI Classic limited edition, and a Pilot Metropolitan.

I also use a vintage Sheaffer Prelude and a vintage Parker 51. I use bottled ink for all of these pens, Diamine (made in the UK), which is a good ink for most pens, and so many colours... I'm looking into other inks now

I've heard good things about Lamy pens, too.

And I'm considered a newbie with fountain pens.

You'll also get very good advice on the sub-reddit r/fountainpens. Loads of knowledgeable people there.

Oh, and for filling pens I use syringes or ink misers.

I've got a Lamy Safari with a left-handed nib. I was recommended to get a chunky pen by a physio following a serious whiplash injury.

I’ll be honest I’m a stationary lover but a fountain pen for my 21st would have been a disappointment. Jewellery is always a hit (I know you said you’ve done this before) but I always think fondly of my 21st and the gift giver when I wear a
piece. A nice handbag, doesn’t have to be too expensive so maybe dune etc that she could use every day or weekends. Or perhaps take her out shopping?

Place mark!

Parker 51 original remains an absolute classic, I like the look of the reimagined ones too.

Get some tip top ink, too - she will be delighted.

Oh wow, so many replies, thank you I shall look at all the recommendations.
She rarely goes out, so taking her shopping would be her idea of torture haha!
Thanks so much to you all for your suggestions :)