It has been said that you can tell a lot about the person from his or her penmanship. Perhaps that's true, but when the tool that is used and the paper on which the words are written are of the highest quality, it can only be expected that good things are said of the writer. The choice of pen and paper can make a difference when the writer wished to impress. And yet, both are considered quirky gifts in the general run of things.

Unusual presents do impress, particularly when the present in question is one that addresses the receiver's own closely-held interests. With a plethora of choices to select from, there is no individual that can't find his or her perfect less-than-ordinary gift, one that will prompt the kind of surprised, joyful reaction that we all believe a special gift should. Perhaps, a fuchsia suede journal to the budding writer, or a desk globe to a lover of travel, or even an antique letter opener to the businessman whose correspondences tends to catch up with him.

Among the most intriguing gifts to give are calligraphy pens, items that not only appeal to the artist but to those of us who appreciate the art that is good penmanship. Although these are specialist pens, they are quite inexpensive, making it possible for practically anyone to purchase them. And, for anyone interested in taking up calligraphy as a hobby, they are not difficult to use.

The attraction to using such pens is the ability they give to draw more elegant figures, lines and images on paper, though the quality of paper can affect the smoothness of a calligrapher's stroke. This is where writing sets of good quality can be of benefit, absorbing the ink efficiently and causing the least amount of abrasion to the nib of the pen running over it. Both complement each other, often resulting in both being given together in what is essentially a doubling-up of gifts be they for Christmas, birthday or the anniversary of some other special occasion.

Of course, calligraphy is more than just an art form. With so many different scripts in the world, from the western alphabet to Islamic writing, it is equally an aspect of culture. This means a calligraphy pen has added worth as a gift, with many amateur users able to progress from one script to another. Indeed, calligraphy sets are available in different style sets including Medieval, Egyptian, Chinese and Venetian.

Sets can also comprise a quill rather than a pen, providing an extra sense of history. These are available in elegant wooden gift boxes, complete with ink well, feather quill with a selection of nibs (usually 6 or more) and a wooden stylus. More substantial gift boxes include pens, coloured calligraphy ink, wax with which to seal envelopes and a selection of paper to write on. The pens themselves can boast superb design, with some made from hand-blown glass.

A perfect accompaniment to a stylish pen, writing sets are very affordable with 10 sheets of good quality paper, with envelopes, usually fetching for a minimal sum. However, cost rises dramatically as the quality of the set increases, with luxury sets almost doubling in price. Sets are generally available in 10, 25, 50 and 100 sheets of paper, with a matching number of envelopes. These envelopes are usually tissue lined, providing a more luxurious finish and adding an extra sense of style and taste.

Writing sets come in different sizes, most commonly A4 and A5, with paper tinted with colours ranging from olive green and silver, to pink and cream amongst others. Paper can also be purchased with faint designs and images, while sets usually come in either matt laminate folders or gift boxes. Some are more imaginatively packaged, with one hinting playfully at the gravity of official correspondence by imitating a government briefcase in crocodile-skin textured paper. These may cost a little extra, but you may also find a selection of cards included.

Quirky gifts are often a tool for humour, promoting joking, banter and laughter. But sets of writing paper and specifically designed calligraphy pens are for more than just fun. They provide an artistic outlet where paper is the canvas, the pen is the brush and penmanship is the masterpiece. Creating something of beauty is a greater gift than the gifts themselves.