How to Choose the Perfect Notebook for Your Needs

Finding the perfect notebook can be a daunting task. With so many formats, paper types, and finishes, the selection is vast. This guide is here to shed some light and help you find the perfect writing companion, whether for classes, the office, or your personal projects.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Notebook

Before diving into our selection, let's review the essential points that will guide your choice.

1. Size and Binding: A Matter of Portability and Comfort

The size of your notebook depends primarily on how you plan to use it.

• The A5 format (148 × 210?mm): This is the ideal balance between writing comfort and portability. It slips easily into a backpack or a large handbag, making it an excellent choice for meetings, classes, or daily note-taking. An A5 spiral-bound notebook offers the advantage of opening completely flat, which makes it easy to write across the entire surface of the page.
• The A6 format (105 × 148?mm): Smaller in size, the A6 pocket notebook is designed to go everywhere with you. It's perfect for jotting down ideas on the fly, keeping a logbook, or managing your to-do lists.

2. Paper Quality: It's All in the Weight

Paper quality is crucial for your writing experience. The paper weight, expressed in grams per square metre (gsm), is the main indicator. Standard paper is around 70-80?gsm.

For a superior writing experience, especially if you use fountain pens or felt-tip pens, 100?gsm paper is highly recommended. This heavier weight significantly limits ink bleed-through (or ghosting), ensuring clean, legible pages on both sides.

3. The Little Extras That Make a Difference

Certain details can transform a simple notebook into a true organisational tool.

• The cover: A hardcover provides better durability and a stable writing surface for use anywhere, even without a desk.
• Integrated accessories: An elastic closure protects your pages and secures any documents you slip inside. A ribbon bookmark and a pen loop are also very practical day-to-day features.
• Page structure: For those who like to organise for the long term, an undated planner or a personal planner offers complete flexibility. It allows you to start at any time of the year without wasting a single page.

Our Recommended Notebook Picks

Here are three models that caught our eye, each catering to specific needs.

1. The All-Rounder: Jubiluu A5 Spiral Notebook, Lined and Coloured

Key feature: This notebook combines function with style. Its sturdy double-wire binding allows for a 360-degree opening, ideal for heavy use. Its textured and colourful hardcover adds a splash of personality to your office stationery.

What we love:

• The A5 format, practical for transport and note-taking.
• The metal double-wire binding for a perfect lay-flat opening.
• The cream-coloured 100?gsm paper, which limits ink bleed-through.
• The durable hardcover with its elastic closure.
• Its 96 sheets (192 pages).

Who is it for? Students, professionals, and creatives looking for a robust and practical notebook for daily use, whether in class, in meetings, or for planning their projects.

2. The Nomad: Jubiluu A6 Pocket Notebook, PU Cover

Key feature: Its compact size and refined finishes make it the ultimate travel companion. Its PU leather cover gives it an elegant look and a pleasant feel, while ensuring its durability.

What we love:

• The ultra-portable A6 format, which slips into any pocket or small bag.
• The quality PU hardcover, available in several colours.
• The off-white, lined 100?gsm paper (80 sheets / 160 pages).
• The thoughtful accessories: ribbon bookmark, pen loop, and elastic closure.

Who is it for? Nomads, creatives, and anyone who loves to capture their ideas, lists, or thoughts in the moment. It also makes an excellent personal diary, both discreet and stylish.

3. The Organiser: Jubiluu A5 Undated Planner (18-Month)

Key feature: More than just a notebook, this is a true personal planner designed for maximum flexibility. Its 18-month undated structure gives you the freedom to start planning your goals and days whenever you like, with no calendar constraints.

What we love:

• The freedom of 18-month organisation thanks to the undated format.
• The functional layouts with monthly and weekly views.
• The high-quality 100?gsm paper for optimal writing comfort.
• The sturdy hardcover with a ribbon bookmark and elastic closure.
• Its 112 sheets (224 pages) for long-term planning.

Who is it for? Those who love to structure their goals, track their projects, and organise their daily lives over the long term, while retaining the freedom to start their planning at any time.

Complete Your Stationery Kit

To customise your organisational system or simply add a touch of colour to your supplies, discover our selection of accessories to complement your notebook.

? Explore our selection of Coloured Elastic Bands to pair your pens with your notebook or secure your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What paper weight should I choose for a notebook? It all depends on your writing tools. An 80?gsm paper is sufficient for a ballpoint pen. However, if you write with a fountain pen, a felt-tip pen, or use highlighters, a 100?gsm paper (or higher) is essential to prevent ink from bleeding through the page.

What's the difference between an A5 and A6 notebook? It's primarily a matter of size. The A5 format (14.8 x 21?cm) offers a comfortable writing surface, perfect for stationary use. The A6 format (10.5 x 14.8?cm), which is half the size, is designed for portability: it slips into any pocket or small bag.

Why choose an undated planner? An undated planner offers complete freedom. You can start it whenever you want, without ever wasting pages. If you skip a week or a month, you can simply pick up where you left off. It's the ideal solution for those whose organisational needs don't align with the standard academic or calendar year.