How to Find Unusual Pencil Holders

Whether you're looking for a gift or a conversation piece for your office, find an unusual pencil holder that's as fun as it is functional. Here are some places to discover the desk accessories in cool and meaningful designs, fascinating styles and an array of colors.

Instructions

1. Check specialty shops and online gift shops for pencil holders in themed shapes like golf bags and school buses. You can also find them with built-in calendars, clocks and frames to display your favorite images (see Resources).

2. Find pencil holders created with a variety of materials like marble, bamboo and fabric at specialty stores and import shops. Most will also feature unusual craftsmanship and eye-catching styles.

3. Browse at kitchen or bed and bath shops to find containers for other objects that you can turn into unusual pencil holders. Consider vases, coffee mugs, pasta canisters or even horizontal wine bottle holders with glass cups that your pens and pencils can rest in.

4. Discover shops that will allow you to choose the shape and color of your pencil holder to coordinate it with your office or home décor. You can also order one to suit your friend or loved one's personality or favorite color if you'll be giving it as a gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your own personalized pencil holders by covering a plastic cup, small paint can (available at hardware stores) or a jam jar with patterned paper, small photos, stickers or snippets from your child's school artwork. Just coat the items with spray adhesive to prevent slipping, bubbling and warping.

Resources

• Themed pencil holders make great gifts.
• Customize cups with favorite colors.
• Import shops offer unusual shapes and materials.