Ctools content type contextual links

If you don't like IPE

If you don't like allow users to use Panels UI

If you like Custom Ctools content type plugins

This module provides API to create contextual links for direct access to pane edit form form front-end.

Add this flag to content type edit form:

$form['#ctools_content_type_links'] = TRUE;

Then add contextual link to render:

'contextual_links' => ctools_content_type_links_build_page_contextual_links($subtype, $conf, $args, $context),

Then add 'contextual-links-region' class to pane wrapper:

<div class="masthead-inner">
  <div class="content contextual-links-region">
    <?php print $contextual_links; ?>
    <?php if (!empty($title)): ?>
      <h1><?php print $title ?></h1>
    <?php endif; ?>
    <?php if (!empty($content)): ?>
      <p class="cursive"><?php print $content ?></p>
    <?php endif; ?>
  </div>
</div>