Abstract: A pencil holder includes a body having a socket, the body including a substantially horizontal base portion. A pencil is selectively received in the body socket and engages a compression spring located longitudinally within the body socket. A hook having a hooked end portion within the base portion and a longitudinal portion extending the length of the spring within the body socket and engaging the spring to retain the spring compressed upon insertion of the pencil in the body socket. A catch block within the base portion selectively engages the hooked end portion of the hook when the spring is in a compressed state. A guide vane is located adjacent to the catch block. The guide vane has a curved end underlying the catch block. The guide vane engages the hooked end portion, and the curved end aligns the hooked end portion with the catch block when the spring is being compressed.