I think all the pens in my purse are custom promotional pens from the bank or a hotel. I love picking up those pens, mostly because they're free, but also because I always have the information for the bank as close as the nearest pen.
I thought about ordering some personalized pencils or pens of my own one time, but I wasn't sure what to put on them, and I didn't really know who I'd give them to. So I didn't. If you have a business, I think they're a good way to get your name and information out there, where people will see it on a regular basis. For an individual like me, I'm not exactly sure what I'd use them for. It might be a good way to advertise my blog if I ever go to one of those blogging conferences I'm always reading about. They say you definitely need business cards printed for something like that, and some of these custom pens might be nice to go along with that.
There are lots of other interesting promotional items to choose from too at sites like GOPromos.com. I guess the key is finding something people will hold onto and use - that also has your information on it.
