We live in a disposable culture. Most of what we own - from clothes to coffee cups - lasts weeks or years, not generations.

When it comes to writing, if you want to leave a mark that lasts a lifetime and beyond, it might be time to think about putting aside those cheap plastic biros and investing in a family heirloom. Anyone who is lucky enough to have received one knows that a stylish pen is a treasured gift. It sits at a lower price point than a watch or silverware, but serves a similar function: inviting the recipient to associate positive memories with its use, and serving as a special, tangible connection with the person who chose it for them. If you’re going to purchase a pen for someone else, or invest in one that you hope to pass down to your own children, there are a few key things to consider:

• Durability: choose a simple, well-crafted pen made out of sturdy material, with either few or easily replaceable parts.
• Usability: identify a price point that will allow you to make constant use out of the pen, rather than feeling like it’s too precious to be touched.
• Size: fashions come and go, and can add a historical dimension to a treasured memento, but as a rule of thumb big, bulky items don’t age as well.

Although pens are made to be used, they can also be good investment pieces. There is a global community of collectors, and as such, a well cared-for pen tends to hold its monetary value. However, they can also be worth many times their weight in sentimental value. From a silver patina to wood worn smooth by the oil in your hand, each scratch and dent directly connects you with a pen’s previous owners. Did you know that over time a gold nib of a fountain pen alters to reflect the writer’s penmanship, creating a physical record of its use? Pens are not simply used to write poetry, they are themselves poetic. When you’re choosing a special pen, consider keeping an eye out for special or limited editions, and luxury materials, from sterling silver, to platinum, gold and even rare hardwoods. Subtle detailing will also make an item extra special for those who pay close attention, and can add a dash of personality.