"Something to Write With" is the classic creative and practical Monito Monita theme. It works for every personality and every budget — from a simple quality ballpen to a full calligraphy set. Writing instruments are universally needed: students need them, office workers depend on them, artists love them, and collectors obsess over them.
The secret to making a great "something to write with" gift is going beyond the obvious cheap ballpen. A single beautiful pen — a Pilot G2, a Muji smooth gel, or a Uni-ball Signo — is a far better gift than a 20-piece pack of generic pens. Elevate the category with quality, creativity, or a themed set.
This guide gives you 100 gift ideas for the "Something to Write With" Monito Monita theme, organized by type, with tips on choosing by personality, budget guidance, and creative presentation ideas.
What is Monito Monita?
Monito Monita is the Filipino Secret Santa tradition. Participants draw names and give themed gifts weekly until a final reveal party. The "Something to Write With" theme invites givers to explore the wide world of writing instruments — from classic ballpens to fountain pens, brush markers to chalk pens, and novelty calligraphy nibs to digital styluses.
100 Something to Write With Monito Monita Gift Ideas
Premium ballpens and gel pens (1-20)
- Pilot G2 gel pen (single or set of 3)
- Muji smooth gel pen set
- Uni-ball Signo RT gel pen
- Zebra Sarasa Clip (clicker gel pen)
- Pentel EnerGel Alloy
- Ballpen with metallic sheen body
- Retractable multi-color ballpen (4-in-1)
- Novelty shape ballpen (syringe, banana, hammer)
- LED light-up ballpen
- Big fat grip ballpen (for comfort writers)
- Erasable gel pen (Pilot FriXion or local equivalent)
- Waterproof archival ink ballpen
- Spy invisible ink pen with UV light
- Luxury ballpen in gift box (Parker-style)
- Set of 5 Stabilo pens in different colors
- Colored ballpen set (10+ colors, one pen each)
- Transparent body ballpen (see-through ink chamber)
- Soft grip rubberized ballpen
- Japanese wooden body ballpen
- Silver or gold metal ballpen
Gel and liquid ink pens (21-30)
- Sailor Shikiori or comparable Japanese ink pen
- Pentel Energel with refills included
- Uniball Eye micro point
- Staedtler triplus fineliner
- Gel pen set with stand holder
- Calligraphy brush pen (Pentel Sign Brush)
- Watercolor brush pen (Koi or Tombow)
- Premium Japanese calligraphy set
- Ink brush pen refill set
- Pastel-colored gel pen set (12 colors)
Highlighters (31-40)
- Zebra Mildliner set (5 pastel colors)
- Stabilo Boss highlighter set
- Tombow Dual Brush Pen set (for highlighting + lettering)
- Pastel highlighter set
- Neon highlighter set (4-6 colors)
- Dual-tip highlighter (wide + fine tip)
- Mini travel-size highlighter set
- Highlighter set in a pencil case
- Fluorescent inkless highlighter (wet-based, no bleed)
- Brush-tip highlighter (softer stroke)
Markers and specialty pens (41-55)
- Copic sketch markers (1-3 colors — very premium)
- Posca paint marker set
- Chalk marker set (for blackboards or glass)
- Metallic marker set (gold, silver, copper)
- Sharpie set (multiple sizes and colors)
- Waterproof pigment liner set (Staedtler, Micron)
- Calligraphy marker set (thick + thin nib)
- Fabric marker set (for customizing clothes)
- Oil-based paint markers (for stone, glass, metal)
- Neon marker set
- Fine-tip permanent marker set
- Graffiti-style marker (for street art lovers)
- Brush calligraphy pens (flat + pointed)
- Window marker set (washable)
- Watercolor pen set (real pigment, brush tip)
Pencils and pencil accessories (56-65)
- Tombow Mono 100 graphite pencil set
- Faber-Castell colored pencil set (12-24 colors)
- Mechanical pencil (Pentel Graphgear or Staedtler)
- Jumbo triangle pencil (easy grip for kids)
- Mini pencil set with sharpener tin
- Travel pencil with built-in eraser cap set
- Carpenter's pencil set
- Eco-friendly recycled paper pencil set
- Novelty pencil set (shaped like food, animals)
- Premium eraser set (Staedtler, Tombow)
Fountain pens (66-75)
- Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen (beginner-friendly)
- Lamy Safari (popular starter pen)
- TWSBI Eco (transparent demonstrator pen)
- Platinum Preppy fountain pen (budget)
- Jinhao vintage fountain pen (affordable, stylish)
- Ink cartridge set for fountain pens
- Ink converter for fountain pens
- Bottled fountain pen ink (Diamine, Pilot Iroshizuku)
- Ink sample set (multiple colors to try)
- Fountain pen cleaning kit
Digital and tech writing tools (76-80)
- Apple Pencil-compatible stylus (non-Apple brand)
- Touchscreen stylus for phone or tablet
- Smart pen (records audio while writing)
- Digital notepad (LCD writing tablet)
- Bluetooth stylus for drawing tablet
Specialty and novelty writing items (81-90)
- Invisible ink set with decoder
- Wax seal set with pen and wax sticks
- Calligraphy dip pen with glass nib
- Quill and ink set (decorative, Victorian style)
- LED drawing board pen (glows when written)
- Whiteboard marker set with mini whiteboard
- Grease pencil (china marker)
- Ink dropper pen
- Woodburning pen tip (pyrography tool)
- Water writing brush (for practice without paper)
Accessories for writers (91-100)
- Pen holder or pen stand (bamboo or ceramic)
- Leather pen roll (holds 6-12 pens)
- Pen pouch or zip case
- Ink blotter for fountain pen writers
- Mini pencil sharpener (premium, metal)
- Sticky note pad + pen set
- Notebook + pen combo (Moleskine or local brand)
- Pen display stand for collectors
- Gift card to National Bookstore (for them to choose their own)
- Personalized pen with engraving (name or initials)
How to choose the right writing gift by personality
The student — A quality gel pen set (Muji, Pilot G2), colorful highlighter set, or a mechanical pencil is immediately practical and appreciated. Avoid very expensive items that feel too precious to actually use.
The office professional — A premium metallic ballpen in a gift box, a personalized pen with engraving, or a fountain pen starter set elevates everyday work. Choose something that looks good on a desk.
The artist or creative — Brush markers, watercolor pens, metallic markers, or a Copic sketch marker set are exciting and professional-quality. Even one or two Copic markers are a serious gift for an artist.
The journaler or planner — A set of Zebra Mildliners, a calligraphy brush pen, or a wax seal set pairs perfectly with their bullet journal or planner.
The fountain pen enthusiast — If you know they collect fountain pens, a bottle of specialty ink (Pilot Iroshizuku, Diamine) is an excellent gift even at a modest budget.
The tech user — A good stylus for their tablet or phone is a practical and appreciated writing tool in the digital age.
Filipino context: writing instruments and school culture
In the Philippines, pens are serious business. Filipino students are famously particular about their writing instruments — a quality gel pen can become a prized possession that classmates borrow carefully (or not at all). The "Muji pen" craze, the love for Zebra Mildliner pastel highlighters, and the enthusiasm for Japanese stationery in general are deeply embedded in Philippine school and office culture.
Giving a thoughtfully chosen pen — not just a cheap ballpen — is a genuinely impactful gift. A Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen at under ₱1,000 feels luxurious to someone who has never tried fountain pens. A set of Zebra Mildliners brings joy to any student or planner enthusiast. The right pen, chosen with attention, signals that you noticed something important about the recipient.
Budget guide for "Something to Write With" Monito Monita
| Budget | Best options |
|---|---|
| ₱50-₱100 | Quality gel pen, single premium ballpen, highlighter, chalk pen |
| ₱100-₱200 | Gel pen set, Mildliner set, mechanical pencil, colored pencils |
| ₱200-₱300 | Brush pen set, metallic marker set, calligraphy set, Posca markers |
| ₱300-₱500 | Fountain pen starter, Copic marker, leather pen roll, smart stylus |
Where to buy writing gifts in the Philippines
- National Bookstore — widest selection of pens, markers, and accessories at accessible prices
- Fully Booked — premium and imported stationery, fountain pens, Muji pens
- Shopee — Japanese pens, rare markers, imported stationery at lower prices
- Miniso — affordable aesthetic pens and pen sets
- SM Stationery — everyday writing instruments and sets
- Art supplies stores (e.g., Art Bar) — art markers, brush pens, calligraphy tools
Frequently asked questions
What's the best single pen to give as a Monito Monita gift?
The Pilot G2 or Muji smooth gel pen are crowd-tested favorites in the Philippines. They write beautifully, are universally loved, and cost ₱50-₱150 each — perfect for the single-pen premium gift approach.
Are fountain pens too advanced for a typical Monito Monita recipient?
Entry-level fountain pens (Pilot Metropolitan, Lamy Safari, Platinum Preppy) are designed to be easy to use. They come with ink cartridges and only require capping after use. Most people who try a good fountain pen for the first time are immediately converted.
Can I give a pencil as a "something to write with" gift?
Yes — but elevate it. A single cheap pencil feels dismissive; a premium Faber-Castell colored pencil set, a Tombow Mono 100 graphite set, or a personalized monogram pencil set is a real gift.
What's a creative way to present a pen gift?
Write a note with the pen before gifting it — use it to sign the gift card, handwrite the recipient's name in calligraphy (if it's a brush pen), or write a personal message on the box. The act of writing with the gift before the recipient does is a subtle gesture that makes it feel more personal.
Is a notebook a good pairing for a "something to write with" gift?
Yes — a notebook + pen combination is one of the most popular Monito Monita gift pairings in the Philippines. A Moleskine-style journal with a quality gel pen or a small stationery set in a pouch is always appreciated. Just make sure the notebook theme aligns with the "something to write with" theme, not a separate "something to write on" gift.
Creative presentation ideas for writing instrument gifts
Use the pen to write the card. Before wrapping, use the gifted pen to handwrite the gift card in your best handwriting. If it's a calligraphy pen, practice a few strokes and sign the card in calligraphy. The card itself becomes a demonstration of the gift's potential.
Pen display. For premium pens, skip the gift bag and present the pen on a small wooden or acrylic display stand. This gives it the weight of a serious gift — like unboxing a luxury item — even for relatively affordable pens.
Stationery flatlay box. Arrange pens, highlighters, or markers in a flat-lay pattern in a shallow box with tissue paper. When the recipient opens the lid, the visual of beautifully arranged writing instruments is immediately satisfying.
Pencil case reveal. Put all the pens inside a nice pencil case or pen pouch — the case itself is an added gift. Fill it with tissue paper around the pens for presentation.
Writing gifts by recipient type
| Recipient type | Best "write with" options |
|---|---|
| Student | Gel pen set, Mildliner highlighters, mechanical pencil |
| Office professional | Metallic ballpen, premium gel pen, personalized pen |
| Artist | Brush pens, watercolor pens, Copic markers, Posca markers |
| Journaler / planner | Mildliner set, calligraphy brush pen, wax seal set |
| Fountain pen fan | Specialty ink bottle, ink sample set, converter |
| Child | Colored pencil set, novelty pens, large-grip pencil |
| Tech user | Stylus for tablet, digital notepad |