Joybuy Insights

How to choose an undated A5 18-month planner without getting it wrong

A planner might seem easy to pick… until it ends up sitting closed on a desk. Dated pages left blank, a binding that wears out in your bag, paper that’s too thin, or organisation limited to just a monthly view – a few small details can quickly turn an appealing purchase into a bad decision.

An undated A5 18-month planner meets a very specific need: start whenever you like, manage irregular periods, and keep your personal life, studies, work and projects all in one place. To find the right model, it’s better to look at the actual structure of the notebook rather than just its appearance.

Common pitfalls before you buy

1. Confusing an undated planner with a blank notebook

An undated planner isn’t necessarily just a simple pad filled with blank pages. Some models only offer lined pages, with no monthly calendar or weekly layout. They’re handy for taking notes, but far less useful for keeping track of appointments, tasks or goals.

Make sure it actually includes proper monthly and weekly double-page spreads, with enough room to write in the dates by hand.

2. Relying only on paper thickness

Thicker paper isn’t automatically right for every use. The weight, texture and layout also affect readability and writing comfort. For daily use, 100 gsm paper feels more premium than very thin paper, while still keeping the format reasonably compact.

If you use liquid ink pens, felt-tips or highlighters, do a test on one page before filling the whole notebook – the result also depends on the type of ink.

3. Overlooking the cover and accessories

A planner that regularly travels between home, university and the office will inevitably get scuffed. A hardcover planner will generally hold its shape better than a softcover model, but it will also be a little bulkier. The elastic closure and bookmark are also very practical for quickly finding the current week and stopping the notebook from opening in your bag.

The details to check for a lasting choice

A5 format: the right balance between readability and portability

With its dimensions of 14.8 × 21 cm, the A5 format lets you write comfortably without taking up as much space as a large notebook. It suits the student who carries their things all day, the employee who moves between the office and travel, or the entrepreneur juggling several projects at once.

An A5 organiser can hold a monthly view, a task list and meeting notes, while still being easy to slip into a bag or store on a desk.

Genuinely versatile organisation

To move from an overview to concrete actions, choose a weekly and monthly planner structure that includes:

  • a customisable first page for your contact details or priorities;
  • undated monthly pages to visualise deadlines;
  • weekly pages with a notes section;
  • enough space to write in dates, appointments and tasks.

This combination works just as well for a goal-setting planner as it does for a daily organisation notebook. You can start in September, January or right in the middle of a project, without leaving several pre-printed months unused.

Capacity and page care

The model shown here has 112 sheets, i.e. 224 pages, and can support up to 18 months of use, depending on how often you fill it. The hard cover, 100 gsm off-white offset paper, bookmark and elastic closure are all listed in the product description.

Keep the notebook away from moisture and clean its cover with a soft, dry cloth. Neither the paper nor the cover components are designed to be water-resistant.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month Mint Blue

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month – Mint Blue

Why this choice suits this profile: Its undated structure lets you start gradually, without paying for planner pages that would go unused. The A5 format is pleasant for daily use, whether for studies or for building your first organisational habits.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The monthly and weekly pages are undated: no pre-printed period will be left blank if your schedule changes.

Key feature and highlights

224 pages, 100 gsm offset paper, hard cover, bookmark and elastic closure.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month Classic Black

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month – Classic Black

Why this choice suits this profile: The black cover fits easily into a professional or creative environment. It’s aimed at those looking for a understated planning notebook that can keep up with regular use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The hard cover and elastic closure are designed for a planner that’s handled often, not just for looks.

Key feature and highlights

100 gsm off-white paper, 112 sheets, undated monthly and weekly layout.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month Scarlet Red

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month – Scarlet Red

Why this choice suits this profile: Its bright colour lets you spot the notebook at a glance in a bag or on a desk. The different note sections make it easy to track projects, recurring tasks and personal reflections.

How this product avoids the pitfall

With its stated 224 pages, it avoids the need to change notebooks regularly. The undated format adapts to both busy periods and quieter times.

Key feature and highlights

Weekly sections with notes, monthly view, hard cover and elastic closure.

Recommended for: Creatives and journal lovers
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month Sage Green

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month – Sage Green

Why this choice suits this profile: Its subtle shade works equally well for writing, ideas, lists and personal notes. The lined pages can help structure daily organisation or nurture a creative project.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The note sections stop you from needing multiple notebooks to separate planning, ideas and reminders, while still letting you write in the dates by hand.

Key feature and highlights

A5 format, 100 gsm paper, 224 pages, customisable first page and integrated bookmark.

Looking for other options?

We’ve selected a complete list, updated in real time, of products that meet these exacting criteria as well as European safety regulations.

FAQ about the undated A5 18-month planner

How do I start an undated planner?

Write today’s date on the first monthly or weekly page you use. You can reserve the first page for your priorities, projects or contact details. If your organisation changes often, it’s best not to fill in several months in advance.

What’s the actual lifespan of an undated 18-month planner?

It all depends on how often you use it. A model designed for 18 months can cover that period if you fill its pages regularly. With more occasional use, it can last longer; conversely, very detailed notes will use up some pages more quickly.

Is 100 gsm paper suitable for daily writing?

100 gsm offset paper is fine for everyday writing with a ballpoint pen, pencil and many felt-tips. With very liquid inks or markers, test a page first to check they don’t bleed through or transfer onto the next page. Also keep the planner away from moisture to stop the paper from warping.