10 Best Calligraphy Sets Under $100 for Beginners and Lettering in 2026

The best calligraphy set can make lettering easier to learn, practice, and personalize without requiring a large investment. For 2026, this roundup includes traditional dip-pen kits, beginner workbooks, brush markers, and Chinese calligraphy supplies.

Whether you want structured lessons, colorful ink, portable pens, or a decorative quill set, these options cover different writing styles and experience levels while staying below $100.

Best 10 Calligraphy Sets Under 100 Picks for 2026

Best Beginner Workbook Pick – Guided Brush Lettering Kit

Calligraphy Kit for Beginners - Calligraphy Pen Set with Calligraphy Workbook

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For shoppers comparing calligraphy sets under 100, this beginner-focused kit combines a hardcover workbook with six black marker pens in multiple tip sizes. The flexible tips support both delicate details and thicker brush lettering strokes.

Best For: Beginners who want guided instruction for modern calligraphy, hand lettering, journaling, or planning.

Pros:

• Includes a hardcover, gold-spiral workbook with introductory instructions.
• Six pens cover extra-fine, fine, medium, and brush sizes.
• Water-based, pigmented black ink is non-toxic, acid-free, odorless, and non-bleeding.

Cons:

• Offers black ink only.
• Marker-style pens may not suit shoppers seeking traditional dip-pen practice.

This is a practical choice for learning modern lettering without assembling separate supplies. Its workbook and varied felt tips make it especially approachable for new artists.

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Best Traditional Variety – Mont Marte 32-Piece Calligraphy Set

Mont Marte Calligraphy Set, 32 Piece. Includes Calligraphy Pens, Calligraphy Nibs, Ink Cartridges, Introduction Booklet and Exercise Booklet, Packaging May Vary

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Among calligraphy sets under 100, the Mont Marte set stands out for its refillable fountain-style pens, multiple nibs, cartridges, and practice materials. It is designed to help users explore several established lettering styles.

Best For: Kids, teens, and adults who want a refillable pen set with structured practice booklets.

Pros:

• Includes four refillable calligraphy pens and five nibs.
• Comes with 20 black ink cartridges and an ink pen pump.
• Introduction and exercise booklets support practice in Roman, Italic, Gothic, Uncial, and other styles.

Cons:

• Ink is listed as not water resistant.
• The set focuses on black ink rather than a range of colors.

With refillable pens and a broad nib selection, this set offers more traditional fountain-pen versatility than marker kits. The included exercises make it a convenient all-in-one learning option.

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Best Dip-Pen Starter – Speedball Basic Calligraphy Set

Speedball Basic Calligraphy Set, Set of 7

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For buyers seeking calligraphy sets under 100 with a traditional dip-pen format, this seven-piece Speedball set provides a holder and six popular nibs. Its C-style nibs are intended for lettering, scripts, and ornamental work.

Best For: Beginners practicing Roman text, Italic alphabets, fine lettering, and embellishment with dip nibs.

Pros:

• Includes four C-style nibs plus No. 101 and No. 512 pen points.
• Triple-reservoir C nibs are designed for increased ink capacity and smoother flow.
• Flexible points provide control for varied lettering work.

Cons:

• Does not include ink in the supplied components.
• Requires dipping and cleaning, unlike ready-to-use marker pens.

This compact set is a focused introduction to dip-pen calligraphy. It is best suited to shoppers who already have ink or want to choose their own and prefer hands-on nib practice.

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Best Colorful Gift Set – Wooden Dip Pen and Ink Collection

Plotube Calligraphy Pen Set – Includes Wooden Dip Pen, Antique Brass Holder, 11 Nibs, 7 Colors Ink Bottles and Beginner's Manual

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This colorful option gives calligraphy sets under 100 shoppers a traditional wooden dip pen, multiple nibs, and seven bottled ink colors. The components arrive in a luxury black gift box, making the set suitable for creative work or presentation.

Best For: Beginners, experienced calligraphers, and gift shoppers who want colorful dip-pen supplies.

Pros:

• Includes seven water-soluble ink colors, from black and turquoise to red, green, purple, hot pink, and orange.
• Provides a wooden pen, antique brass holder, two golden nibs, and ten stainless-steel nibs.
• Luxury black gift box and introduction booklet enhance the presentation.

Cons:

• Ink is listed as not water resistant.
• Dip-pen use requires refilling and changing nibs during projects.

The broad color selection makes this more expressive than a basic black-ink set, while the range of nibs supports varied line thicknesses. Its presentation also makes it a strong gifting choice.

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Traditional Starter – I-MART Chinese Calligraphy Set

For shoppers comparing calligraphy sets under 100, this I-MART kit offers a traditional Chinese calligraphy experience with core tools for brush writing and sumi painting. It includes four brushes, an ink stone, ink stick, red ink paste, porcelain water bowl, brush holder, and seal in a compact patterned case.

Best For: Beginners, students, gift-givers, and artists interested in Chinese calligraphy, kanji writing, or sumi painting.

Pros:

• Includes a broad selection of traditional calligraphy tools.
• Bamboo-handled brushes are designed for controlled ink flow.
• Compact case helps organize and transport the set.
• Includes distinctive accessories such as red ink paste and a stone seal.

Cons:

• The traditional brush-and-ink format may require more setup than marker-based kits.
• The included four brushes may offer less nib-style variety than a pen set.

This is a strong choice when authenticity and a complete traditional setup matter more than quick, maintenance-free lettering. Its organized case also makes it practical for classes, home practice, or travel.

Versatile Pen Kit – U.S. Art Supply 35-Piece Calligraphy Set

Among calligraphy sets under 100, the U.S. Art Supply 35-piece set stands out for its fountain-pen format and broad assortment of nibs and ink colors. Four pens, five nib grades, 22 cartridges, and an instructional handbook provide a flexible starting point for practicing different lettering styles.

Best For: Beginners and hobbyists who want multiple nib widths, colorful inks, and a reusable pen-based setup.

Pros:

• Five nib grades range from extra-fine to extra-broad.
• Includes four pens and 22 ink cartridges.
• Offers multiple ink colors for varied lettering projects.
• Refillable cartridges support continued use.

Cons:

• Its fountain-pen format is less suited to users seeking traditional dip-pen tools.
• Water-based ink may not meet every project’s durability needs.

This set is a practical pick for experimenting with line widths and colorful lettering without assembling separate supplies. The included handbook adds useful structure for new calligraphers.

Colorful Marker Pick – Kuretake ZIG Dual-Tip Calligraphy Pens

For an easy-to-use option among calligraphy sets under 100, the Kuretake ZIG set replaces dip pens and bottled ink with 12 dual-tip markers. Each marker has 2mm and 3.5mm square tips, making it convenient to practice lettering, add decorative details, and explore color blending.

Best For: Beginners, professionals, and hand-lettering enthusiasts who want portable, colorful markers with minimal setup.

Pros:

• Dual tips provide 2mm and 3.5mm lettering options.
• Includes 12 vivid colors for varied designs.
• Water-based ink can be blended with water or a mixer.
• Useful for both lettering and decorative elements such as flowers and leaves.

Cons:

• Water-based ink is not water-resistant.
• Markers do not provide the traditional brush-and-ink experience.

This set is especially convenient for quick practice, cards, journals, and decorative hand lettering. Choose it when portability, color variety, and straightforward use are more important than traditional calligraphy tools.

Vintage Feather Starter – Hethrone Feather Pen and Ink Set

If you want a traditional writing experience, this Hethrone kit is a strong option among calligraphy sets under 100. It includes 22 pieces, including feather quills, a wooden pen, replaceable nibs, black ink, a seal, a letter opener, and a vintage-style storage box.

Best For: Beginners and gift shoppers who want a complete, decorative dip-pen set for letters, cards, documents, and calligraphy practice.

Pros:

• Comprehensive 22-piece kit with several useful accessories.
• Includes replaceable nibs for trying different calligraphy styles.
• Natural feathers give each set a distinctive appearance.
• Vintage-style box makes storage and gifting convenient.

Cons:

• Dip-pen writing requires separate ink loading during use.
• Water-based black ink may not suit projects requiring water resistance.
• The decorative feather design may appeal less to users seeking a minimalist pen.

This is a practical pick when presentation matters as much as writing practice. Its broad accessory selection makes it more gift-ready than a basic pen-only set, while the replaceable nibs provide room to experiment.

Everyday Lettering Pick – Dyvicl 8-Size Calligraphy Brush Pens

For convenient practice without dipping a nib, the Dyvicl set is a versatile choice among calligraphy sets under 100. Its eight pens cover multiple nib styles and sizes, from extra-small and fine points to chisel tips and a soft brush.

Best For: Beginners, journalers, illustrators, and crafters who want ready-to-use black pens for lettering, sketching, cards, and scrapbooking.

Pros:

• Eight nib sizes and types support varied line weights and lettering styles.
• Pens work immediately without activation or ink dipping.
• Water-based pigmented ink is described as waterproof, fade-proof, and non-bleeding.
• Coded caps and ergonomic bodies make the pens easy to identify and hold.

Cons:

• The set is limited to black ink.
• It is intended for paper and other listed surfaces rather than traditional ink-and-nib work.
• Users seeking a decorative quill presentation may prefer a dip-pen kit.

Dyvicl is the most straightforward option here for repeated practice and everyday projects. The range of tips offers flexibility while the quick-drying, waterproof ink helps keep finished lettering neat and durable.

Classic Quill Gift Set – hhhouu Beginner Calligraphy Pen Kit

The hhhouu set combines a classic quill presentation with practical nib variety, making it a noteworthy option among calligraphy sets under 100. It includes black ink and 11 replaceable stainless-steel nibs in different sizes for lettering and drawing.

Best For: Adults who want a vintage-style dip pen for calligraphy, journaling, invitations, signatures, or a distinctive writing gift.

Pros:

• Eleven interchangeable nibs support different word sizes and drawing needs.
• Long, balanced pen body is designed for control and comfortable writing.
• Quill styling gives the set a strong gift and presentation appeal.
• Seller notes offer replacement or a full refund if the buyer is not satisfied.

Cons:

• The included ink is not water resistant.
• As a dip pen, it requires reloading ink during writing.
• The vintage design may be less practical for users wanting a compact everyday pen.

This kit suits buyers who want both creative flexibility and a memorable presentation. Its 11 nibs make it more adaptable than a single-nib quill, though the dip-pen format is best for deliberate, slower writing rather than quick notes.

How We Picked the Best Calligraphy Sets Under 100

We focused on the supplies that matter most when learning or practicing calligraphy: usable nibs or pen tips, suitable ink or markers, comfortable handling, instructional support, and overall versatility. The selection includes both traditional tools and modern marker-based options so shoppers can match a set to their preferred lettering style.

We also considered the intended user. A workbook or exercise guide can be valuable for a complete beginner, while experienced writers may prefer more nibs, broader color choices, or specialized Chinese calligraphy tools. Price, included accessories, portability, and likely replacement needs also help distinguish one kit from another.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Look For	Typical Set Style
First-time learners	Instructions, practice materials, and multiple nibs	Beginner dip-pen kit
Colorful lettering	Several ink colors or dual-tip markers	Marker or multicolor set
Traditional calligraphy	Dip holder, interchangeable nibs, and bottled ink	Pen-and-ink set
Chinese calligraphy	Brushes, ink stone, ink stick, and seal tools	Brush calligraphy kit
Gifts and display	Decorative holder, quill, or presentation case	Decorative fountain dip-pen set

Key Buying Factors for Calligraphy Sets Under 100

Writing Style and Tip Type

Decide whether you want pointed-pen scripts, broad-edge lettering, brush lettering, or Chinese brush calligraphy. Dip pens offer more control over line variation but require dipping and cleaning. Brush markers are easier to carry and generally more convenient for cards, journaling, and casual practice.

Nibs, Tips, and Ink

More nibs do not automatically mean a better kit. Check whether the set includes different widths or styles that support your goals. Bottled ink can provide richer traditional results, while cartridges are cleaner and simpler for beginners. Marker sets should offer consistent tips that do not fray quickly with normal use.

Learning Support and Comfort

A workbook, manual, or exercise sheet can shorten the learning curve. Also consider the grip, pen balance, and how easily nibs can be changed. Beginners may benefit more from a comfortable, well-explained set than from a large accessory count.

Maintenance and Portability

Traditional pens need rinsing and drying after use, and some inks may stain surfaces or clothing. A compact marker set is better for travel, while a larger dip-pen kit suits a dedicated desk. Confirm that replacement nibs, cartridges, or compatible ink are reasonably easy to find.

Who Should Buy Which Calligraphy Sets Under 100?

Choose a beginner dip-pen kit if you want to learn classic calligraphy with guided exercises and interchangeable nibs. Choose a colorful marker set for quick, low-maintenance lettering, greeting cards, bullet journals, and craft projects. Choose a traditional bottled-ink set if tactile control and expressive line variation matter most.

Choose a Chinese calligraphy set when you specifically want brushes, ink stones, and related East Asian writing tools rather than Western pointed-pen supplies. Choose a decorative quill set for presentation or gifting, but verify that its practical nib and ink quality match your intended use. With these differences in mind, the best Calligraphy Sets Under 100 are the ones that fit your technique, cleanup preferences, and practice goals—not simply the kit with the most pieces.