Promotional Pens, Pencils and Highlighters
General Information
Promotional pens, pencils and highlighters are essential everyday tools that are sure to be used and passed around. These are some of the most inexpensive ways to promote your business or show employee appreciation. Libraries, dentists and doctor’s offices, small businesses, and restaurants are just a few examples of companies that can use pens, pencils or highlighters to promote their business.
Styles
Promotional pens are available in many different colors, shapes and sizes. From the classic ballpoint to the sleek executive styles, pens are a great way to promote your business or show employee appreciation.
Promotional pencils come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. Available styles include: golf and survey pencils, wooden pencils, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, and carpenter pencils.
Promotional highlighters come in many colors and sizes. Highlighters can be purchased individually or in multi-pack combinations. They also vary in size to fit inside a pocket or in a desk.
A Brief History of Pens and Pencils
- In 1888, the first roller-tip ball pen was patented by John Loud, an American leather tanner, but the pen was never produced.
- In 1945, the first pens were introduced to the United States at a department store in New York. Over 5,000 people waited for the new novelty. On the first day of sales they sold completely out.
- American pilots liked the ballpoint pens because at high altitudes they worked quite well and didn’t have to be refilled like their fountain pen predecessors.
- In 1949, chemist Fran Seech invented a new ink formula that was smoother and less likely to smear.
- In 1952, Marcel Bich perfected the ballpoint pen under a microscope and created the “Ballpoint Bic,” which was non-leaky, inexpensive and clear-barreled. These pens are still in use today. (www.ideafinder.com)
- The word pencil originated from the word “pencillus” (little tail), which was used by the ancient Romans. The Latin word for pencil lead was “plumbum.” Eventually, the two words were combined to mean “lead pencil.”
- It is unknown who invented the pencil, but its origins date back to the 14th century.
- Early pencils were primarily used by artists to draw fine lines and gray sketches.
