Most businesses in Calgary treat custom pens like a commodity, a race to the bottom for the cheapest plastic stick they can find. Here’s the reality: if you give someone a pen that skips, leaks, or feels like it’s going to snap in their hand, you’re not "building brand awareness." You’re telling your customer that your brand is cheap. In a city like Calgary, where business is built on handshakes at the Petroleum Club and deals closed during the Stampede, your "giveaway" needs to carry weight, literally. People don’t throw away quality. They keep the pens that feel good, write smooth, and survive the dry Alberta winters without the ink seizing up. If your pen is currently sitting in a junk drawer or, worse, the trash, you haven’t saved money; you’ve wasted it.
At GiftAFeeling, we don’t just "slap a logo" on a barrel and call it a day. We look at the ROI of every impression. Do you want a subtle laser engraving on a matte-black executive pen for your downtown partners? Or a high-energy, full-color wrap for a trade show at BMO Centre? We’ve mastered over 106 unique imprinting techniques, ranging from high-precision pad printing to deep-etch engraving and 360-degree digital wraps. We ensure your branding doesn't just sit on the surface, it becomes part of the product. When you provide a tool that someone reaches for every single day, you aren't just a vendor; you're a permanent fixture on their desk. That’s how you win the long game in the 403.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to produce custom branded pens in Calgary?
Efficiency is our game. For standard orders, production typically takes 10 to 15 business days. If you’re in a real crunch, we offer 24-hour rush production on select styles to ensure you never walk into an event empty-handed. For massive, fully bespoke orders, we generally look at a longer timeline, but we’ll always give you a hard deadline we actually hit.
How to order branded pens for an event in Calgary?
We’ve made it stupidly simple:
- Browse & Select: Pick your style on our website.
- Upload Art: Drop your logo into our customization tool for an instant virtual proof.
- Consult: If you're unsure, our dedicated account managers (real humans, not bots) can guide you on what fits your event best.
- Confirm & Relax: Once you approve the proof, we handle the rest, with free delivery options across Calgary.
What styles of custom pens are popular in Calgary?
The pen style you choose should match who's getting it and what you're using it for. Here's what Calgary businesses order most:
For corporate gifts and executive use:
- Metal twist pens (ballpoint): Professional look, smooth writing, laser engraved. Popular with energy companies and law firms.
- Rollerball pens: Premium writing experience, sophisticated look. For VIP clients and executive gifts.
- Pen and pencil sets: Classic corporate gifts in presentation boxes.
For trade shows and conferences:
- Click-top plastic pens: Affordable, functional, easy to customize. Most common trade show giveaway.
- Soft-touch rubber grip pens: More comfortable than basic plastic, still budget-friendly.
- Stylus combo pens: Pen + touchscreen stylus. Popular at tech conferences.
For everyday business use:
- Retractable gel pens: Smooth writing, comfortable grip. Good for office supply orders.
- Multi-function pens: Pen + highlighter or pen + stylus. Practical for meetings.
For outdoor events (Stampede, festivals):
- Carabiner pens: Clip to bags or keychains. Good for active outdoor events.
- Bright colored pens: Stand out, easy to spot. Work well for community events.
Budget ranges:
- Economy ($0.30-$0.75): Basic plastic pens. Functional but forgettable.
- Mid-range ($0.75-$2.50): Better quality plastic, soft-touch grips, writes well. Sweet spot for most events.
- Premium ($3-$10): Metal pens, quality construction, impressive look. For clients and VIPs.
- Luxury ($10+): Brand-name pens (think Parker, Cross). Executive gifts only.
What customization options are available for pens in Calgary?
We offer 106+ unique imprinting methods, but for pens, these are the gold standards:
- Laser Engraving: Best for metal pens; creates a crisp, permanent mark that screams "premium."
- Screen Printing: Perfect for vibrant, single-color logos on bulk plastic pens.
- Full-Color UV Printing: When your logo has gradients or multiple colors that need to look photo-realistic.
- Wrap-Around Printing: Utilizing the entire barrel for maximum brand real estate.


