Review: Pentel Libretto Pen & Pencil Gift Set

This intriguing new pen & pencil gift set is the Pentel Libretto gift set. Pentel contacted me to see if I'd be interested in reviewing this newest holiday set. Silly Pentel, of course I want to touch your utensils.

Pentel says:

The Libretto matching pen and pencil set features a sleek metal barrel accented in elegant silver trim. These classic writing instruments are designed with quality and style in mind. A perfect gift for the sophisticated professional and the conscientious student alike, these writing utensils will perform well for years to come.

Features (from Pentel)

• Chic and elegant design
• Available with Black, Cream or Silver barrels
• Stunning silver accents
• The set includes a 0.7mm roller gel pen (black ink) and a 0.5 mm pencil.
• Pencil is preloaded with five (5) Super Hi-Polymer leads
• Refillable with any color EnerGel LR7 or KFR7 refill
• Enclosed in a felt lined case; ideal for gift giving

Honestly, I am usually a little skeptical about pen & pencil gift sets. I always felt they were just prettied up but not necessarily good quality pens. I am truly pleased to say I am impressed by the Libretto set here.

The packaging is simple but clean. The pen and pencil arrive nestled in little "holders" in a felt-lined case with a clear, easy open top. Have you ever tried to gift wrap an individual pen? Well, it's pretty tough without making it look like a pen The little box here is handy, or you can just wrap a cute ribbon around it and present it as is (saves on wrapping paper too!).

The pencil is a 0.5 mm retractable mechanical pencil with an eraser under the cap of the clicker. Like all Pentel Super Hi-Polymer lead, the pencil writes smoothly and without a problem. Nice, dark lines that are not too soft and smudgy, nor too hard and crisp. It's a comfortable pencil to hold, and it's easy to advance the lead. It does the job and looks good while doing it!

The rollerball pen is filled with a black gel ink cartridge. I'm pretty taken with this pen, I will admit. It writes like the famous Pentel EnerGel-X pens do, of which I am a huge fan. This means it is 0.7 mm and smooth, consistent, and vivid. Of course, it is refillable, with two options - the regular EnerGel refills, or with a permanent black ink refill. Permanent ink refills as an option is pretty convenient, especially if you intend to use this pen as your everyday carry - good for signing checks and such.

The grip section is tapered and is a smooth black plastic. The cap has some weight to it so when the pen is capped, it feels front heavy and when posted - oh yeah, it posts! - it feels slightly top heavy. However, it is not uncomfortable to write with and the weight is not something negative. I rather like the weight because it makes the pen feel more substantial and makes me think quality. It feels nice in hand and the overall design is very appealing.

At least one of the three colors available is bound to appeal to everyone and it's hard to go wrong with these classics. The silver trim is a nice touch that gives the pen and pencil a bit more of an expensive look. Pentel will be giving away a few sets of the Libretto Pen & Pencil gift set on their blog!

I really like how the pen posts.

Stay tuned - I'll be giving away a set of these soon!

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Price
Pentel - $39.95 

Overall 
This lovely pen and pencil gift set has quite impressed me. This really is a good-looking gift set that performs to the standard I expect from Pentel. And you can also think of the good you'll be doing for the environment by using refillable rather than disposable pens. I do feel they're a little pricy at $39.95, but the set makes a good gift that your recipients (or you) are bound to enjoy and it will last for years to come.