Notebooks for Writing, Organising, and Creative Projects

Whether for jotting down a brilliant idea on the fly, organising your week, or keeping a personal diary, choosing the right notebook is more crucial than it seems. With a jungle of options for formats, paper types, and bindings, finding the ideal writing companion can sometimes be a real challenge.

This guide is here to help you navigate the choices and to present our top picks, whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a creative soul.

The Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Notebook

Before you decide, let's review a few key points that will make all the difference in your daily use.

The Format: A5, A6, or Pocket-Sized?

The ideal format depends primarily on how you plan to use it.

• A5 Format (14.8?x?21?cm): The ultimate all-rounder. Large enough for comfortable note-taking at the office or in class (school notebook or office notebook), it remains compact enough to slip into any bag.
• A6 Format (10.5?x?14.8?cm): Smaller, it fits into a large pocket or a small handbag. It's the format of choice for a pocket notebook, perfect for capturing ideas on the go or for on-the-go journaling.
• Other Formats: Of course, there are intermediate sizes, like the popular 9?x?14?cm, which offers an excellent balance between portability and writing space.

The Binding: Spiral, Sewn, or Case-Bound?

The way the pages are held together directly impacts your notebook's durability and ease of use.

• Spiral Binding: Ultra-practical, it allows for a 360° opening and guarantees a perfectly flat writing surface every time. A must-have for students and anyone who fills pages all day long.
• Sewn Binding: Often a feature of softcover notebooks, it combines lightness with flexibility. Most models open nice and flat.
• Case Binding: Typical of hardcover notebooks, this is the choice for sturdiness and durability. Good models ensure a 180° lay-flat opening for maximum writing comfort.

The Paper and Cover

Paper quality is a non-negotiable criterion for the pleasure of writing. A high paper weight (in gsm) prevents ink from bleeding through the page. A 80?gsm paper is a decent baseline, but a 90?gsm or 100?gsm will offer far superior comfort, especially if you use a fountain pen. While most notebooks are lined notebooks, dotted, blank, or grid versions are also very common.

As for the cover, its mission is simple: to protect your precious notes. A hardcover focuses on durability, while a softcover prioritises lightness and flexibility.

Recommended Notebooks for Every Need

Here are our current favourites, chosen for their quality and excellent value for money.

Jubiluu A5 Softcover Notebooks - 3-Pack

The key feature: A pack of three A5 notebooks that gets straight to the point: efficiency at an unbeatable price. The sewn binding ensures they lay flat, and their soft covers make them lightweight and easy to take anywhere.

What we love:

• The 3-pack, perfect for dedicating a notebook to each project.
• The sewn binding that allows for comfortable writing.
• The 80?gsm lined paper, ideal for everyday note-taking.
• The A5 format, a versatile classic.

Who is it for? Perfect for students, professionals juggling multiple projects, and anyone looking for a simple, functional, and budget-friendly solution.

Clairefontaine Nomaddict (Age Bag) Notebook 9 x 14 cm

The key feature: French craftsmanship at its finest. Clairefontaine needs no introduction, and this notebook is its perfect ambassador. Its textured, leather-effect hardcover and famous 90 gsm Velvety Vellum paper make it an object that is as elegant as it is high-performing. The case binding guarantees a perfect 180° lay-flat opening.

What we love:

• The 90?gsm Clairefontaine Velvety Vellum paper, a benchmark for its smoothness and opacity.
• The pocket notebook format (9?x?14?cm), ideal for travel.
• The case binding, a guarantee of sturdiness and a lay-flat design.
• The PEFC certification (paper from sustainably managed forests).

Who is it for? Lovers of fine stationery, travellers, and anyone who wants a personal diary or a professional notebook that is chic, durable, and made in France.

Jubiluu A6 PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook

The key feature: A true Swiss Army knife for organisation. This A6 notebook combines a minimalist design with details that make a daily difference: its hardcover protects your writing, while the bookmark, elastic closure, and pen loop transform it into an all-in-one tool.

What we love:

• The compact A6 format, perfect for taking everywhere.
• The thick 100?gsm paper that holds up well to most inks.
• The integrated accessories (bookmark, elastic closure, pen loop).
• The choice of colours to match your style.

Who is it for? Organised people who like to have everything at their fingertips. An excellent choice as a journaling notebook, for taking notes in meetings, or for managing to-do lists.

Jubiluu A5 Hardcover Spiral Notebook

The key feature: The best of both worlds. This A5 model combines the sturdiness of a hardcover with the unmatched flexibility of a spiral notebook. Designed for heavy use, its 100 gsm paper and metal binding make it a reliable ally for school or the office.

What we love:

• The twin-wire spiral-bound binding, for a 360° opening and total comfort.
• The cream-coloured 100?gsm paper, a true pleasure to write on.
• The hardcover that withstands the bumps of daily life.
• The elastic closure that keeps everything in place.

Who is it for? Students in the midst of note-taking, professionals in search of an ultra-functional desk notebook, and anyone who swears by the flexibility of a spiral.

Looking for a Different Style?

Did none of these models catch your eye? Or perhaps you're looking for accessories to customise it? Feel free to browse our collection of Journal Covers, which offers a much wider selection of formats and designs. You're sure to find inspiration for your next writing companion.

Notebooks: Your Questions, Our Answers

What paper weight should I choose for a notebook?

The paper weight (gsm) is the paper's key characteristic. It determines its thickness, opacity, and ability to absorb ink without letting it show through.

• 80?gsm: The standard for note-taking with a ballpoint pen or pencil. Effective, but may show its limits with liquid inks.
• 90-100?gsm: The sweet spot for a superior writing experience. The paper is more opaque, the glide is smoother, and it handles most pens well, including fountain pens.
• 120?gsm and up: This is the category for artistic use (drawing, markers, watercolour).

Spiral or Sewn Binding: Which to Choose?

It all depends on your priorities. The spiral notebook is the champion of practicality: it opens 360° and lies perfectly flat, ideal when space is limited. A sewn or case binding, on the other hand, is often seen as more elegant and durable. It's a classic choice for personal diaries or notebooks you want to keep for a long time.

How to Choose the Right Notebook for Journaling?

For journaling or keeping a personal diary, finding one you love is essential. The most important thing is to choose a notebook whose format (A5 or A6 are the most common), design, and feel appeal to you and make you want to write. Opt for quality paper (90?gsm or higher) to enjoy a variety of writing instruments without the ink bleeding through. The little extras, like a bookmark or a storage pocket, are always appreciated.