This is a funny gift. It's a novelty item. I bought this because my son is always taking my pens and losing them. Even when I bought super pink girly ones he sees its one I'm using and thinks its the gold standard for pens and takes them. So I saw this and figured it would be a good laugh. First, it's an actual pen. It writes just like a pen. It's a little weighty but nothing, unlike a good solid $$$ pen. The pen does give a nice shock. If you're not expecting it (even if you are) the shock definitely catches you off guard. Doesn't hurt. It's painless.