Joybuy Insights

Planner and notebook: how to choose the companion that will truly fit into your daily life

A planner that is too small for your appointments, a notebook whose pages ripple or a layout that does not match your habits can quickly turn an appealing purchase into an accessory abandoned at the back of a drawer. To choose a planner and notebook suited to work, study, travel or journalling, it is best to look beyond the cover and colour.

Pitfalls to avoid before buying

1. Confusing a compact format with sufficient capacity

An A6 notebook slips easily into a bag or coat pocket, but writing space is limited. It is ideal for lists, quick ideas and notes taken while travelling. However, detailed professional planning or keeping track of several projects will often call for an A5 planner, which is more comfortable to consult and annotate.

2. Relying on appearance alone

A faux-leather cover, a colourful finish or a style inspired by a Moleskine planner say little about how the notebook will perform day to day. Instead, check the rigidity of the cover, and whether it has an elastic fastening, bookmark, pocket or pen loop. These details make all the difference when your notebook comes with you every day.

3. Underestimating the paper and layout

Paper weight affects writing comfort and how visible the ink is on the reverse side. 70 g/m² paper may be perfectly suitable for a standard ballpoint pen, while 100 g/m² paper will generally offer better durability for everyday note-taking. Also take the time to distinguish between a lined notebook, a weekly planner and a daily planner: each one suits a different way of organising your life.

Criteria to check before choosing

Format and portability

  • A6: approximately 10.5 × 14.8 cm, practical for travelling, lists and journalling.
  • A5: approximately 14.8 × 21 cm, better suited to tracking goals, lessons and professional planning.
  • Large format: useful when each day or week requires plenty of detail, but less convenient to carry around.

Think about how much space you have in your bag and how often you write away from home. A notebook that is easy to take with you will naturally be used more often, while a larger model will offer more comfortable reading and clearer organisation.

Dated planner, undated planner or 18-month planner

A dated planner encourages a regular routine and suits those who like to visualise a specific period. An undated planner can be started at any time, without leaving blank pages if your habits change or your routine takes a break. An 18-month planner, meanwhile, provides an extended monthly and weekly structure, making it practical for following a course, a long-term project or a career transition.

Before ordering, look carefully at how the pages are arranged: monthly view, weekly view, daily space, notes pages and any sections dedicated to goals or travel.

Cover, fastening and accessories

A hardcover offers better protection for the pages when a notebook is carried in a fully packed bag. An elastic fastening also helps prevent it from opening unexpectedly. A bookmark lets you find a page in an instant, while a pen loop means you will not have to search for a compatible writing instrument.

For regular use, also check the care instructions. Faux leather and paper should be kept away from moisture, excessive heat and prolonged contact with water. Small accessories such as ribbons and elastic fastenings should be kept out of reach of children under three years of age.

Which selection suits your profile ?

Recommended for : Budget-conscious beginners
Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook Jet Black

Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook – Jet Black

Why this choice suits this profile : Its A6 format is easy to handle and carry every day. It can be used as a lined notebook, an ideas notebook or an undated planner that you can start straight away, without waiting for a particular time of year.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions and page count are clearly stated: 10.5 × 14.8 cm and 160 pages, or 80 sheets. You can therefore assess its actual capacity before buying.

Main benefit and key features

100 g/m² lined paper, rigid PU cover, ribbon bookmark, elastic fastening and pen loop.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month Sage Green

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover Planner – 18 months, Sage Green

Why this choice suits this profile : Its A5 format and undated monthly and weekly views are ideal for tracking projects, studying, structured journalling and goals spread over several months.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The undated format means you will not waste pages if your routine is interrupted or you start part-way through the year.

Main benefit and key features

224 pages, 100 g/m² lined paper, hardcover, monthly and weekly sections, elastic fastening and bookmark.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
MOLESKINE Large 12-Month Weekly Planner Horizontal

Moleskine Large Weekly Planner – 12 months, horizontal layout

Why this choice suits this profile : Its horizontal weekly layout is ideal for professionals, travellers and creatives who want to keep appointments, notes, ideas and projects together in one place.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the horizontal format, 70 g/m² paper weight and approximate dimensions of 13 × 21 cm, making it easier to compare with your writing needs.

Main benefit and key features

Calendar, pages for travel, goals, ideas and lined notes, inner pocket, elastic fastening and bookmark.

Recommended for : Detailed daily planning
MOLESKINE 12-Month Daily Planner Large Softcover Blue

Moleskine Large Daily Planner – 12 months, blue softcover

Why this choice suits this profile : One page per day gives you room to detail appointments, tasks, notes and reflections. This format is suitable for busy professional schedules as well as for people who write extensively.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The daily layout is clearly stated, so you will not mistake a weekly planner for a format designed for highly detailed days.

Main benefit and key features

Daily page, calendar, travel, goals and ideas sections, softcover, inner pocket and binding that allows the planner to lie flat.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting criteria, while complying with European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about planners and notebooks

Which format should I choose for work and note-taking ?

The A5 format offers more space for meetings, lessons and professional planning. A6 is better suited to short lists, spontaneous ideas and travelling. If you switch between the office and public transport, keeping an A5 at home and an A6 in your bag can be a useful combination.

Does an undated planner really last longer ?

It all depends on how often you write. An undated planner does not become obsolete when you skip several weeks, unlike a dated annual planner. A model designed to cover 18 months can therefore support different projects, provided you take its page count into account and keep it away from moisture.

How can I protect a notebook every day ?

Store it in a dry place, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, and clean the cover with a soft, slightly damp cloth when permitted by the manufacturer. Do not overfill the inner pocket, and regularly check the condition of the elastic fastening, bookmark and pen loop.