It has come to my attention that some people (cough, cough, you know who you are) are using crappy Staples spirals for your work notebooks. Let me help you out- it is time to upgrade your work and your life with the best work notebooks Whether you are working from home or trudging back into the office, it’s time to upgrade with a better notebook experience.
Why you need a paper notebook for work
You guys know by now that I’m a stationery nerd. I love great paper! (…and pens) And I’m a big believer in having nice tools for work. We spend a lot of time working, we might as well be using something that gives us pleasure when we use it. And that includes great notebooks for work.
Why use a paper notebook? Well, even if you aren’t on board with the lovely tactile nature of using a paper and pen, science is on my side on this topic. Recent research has demonstrated that using paper and the act of writing helps connect content to our memories. We simply remember more, absorb more, when we write by hand, on paper. And given the amount of information you need to process each day- how can you afford to not use paper??
And once you find the right notebook for you- each day, it will be a pleasure to open up your notebook and start your day.
Start with the right size notebook for you
If you are in the US, you are accustomed to the US paper sizes- 8.5×11 inches is probably your go-to. Don’t get me started on the nuttiness of the US having its own standards. For our purposes, in the quest for the best work notebook, we are going to use international paper sizes- the A format. I’m talking A4, A5, A6. These sizes have some US equivalents but they aren’t a perfect match. But once you embrace the A sizes, you will find a much bigger selection of high quality notebooks and beautiful covers. Many Hobonichi covers are A5 or A6; same thing with this lovely Smythson option.
So if you like 8.5×11″, I’d probably go with an A4 size notebook. Or A5 if you’ve always though 8.5×11″ is a bit too big.
Better paper+better construction=Better notebook
I’m going to stick to Japanese and European notebooks for the purposes of this post- and focus on ones you can purchase through Amazon. Not to say that there aren’t lots of great online resources out there, especially if you are willing to order from Europe or Asia. But Amazon is so easy for most of the readers of this blog. And I want ordering (and reordering) your new best work notebook to be easy and hassle-free.
And while the Japanese get all the love for producing the most fountain pen-friendly paper, there are some great European brands, like Rhodia, Clairfontaine, and even some decent US sellers, like Levenger. Just please don’t opt for Moleskine. I know, I know, it seems fancy. But the paper is lousy, and you are too good for that.
Japanese-check. Amazon-check. Size (A4 or A5)-check. Now you need to decide whether you want soft cover or hard cover. And your choice of blank, ruled, dot grid or full grid pages. All the cool kids disdain lined pages, preferring dot grid- but I do like using ruled pages on certain occasions. I guess I don’t feel limited by the lines, as some people do- but you do you!
OK, so let’s get to it- I’ve curated a few best picks across all these dimensions. Now all you have to do is order one, and start enjoying the best work notebooks you’ve probably ever used!
Soft cover, A5, ruled pages: Life notebook
I’m using a version of this notebook right now for work and the paper is divine.
Hardcover, A5, dotted pages: Leuchtturm1917 notebook
Another solid choice- it’s my current pick for my podcast log. I like the pocket in the back, making it a solid choice for a travel notebook as well (I slip ticket stubs and other memorabilia in there)
And you can get Leuchtturm1917 notebooks in lots of colors, dotted/ruled/grid.
Soft cover, A4, ruled pages: Clairfontaine clothbound notebook
I just picked up some of these notebooks as I finish up with my current work A4. I like the bigger size- I take a lot of notes at work! But not sure how this larger size is going to fare once I head back to the office. Will it even fit into my tote?
Hard cover, A4, grid pages: Maruman Mnemosyne notebook
I wanted to share this one due to its different, landscape layout that you don’t see too often. I’m using this one to track our quarterly family financial discussions (more on those in a future post.) It’s fun to try a different layout. And the paper is wonderfully smooth.
Soft cover, A5, grid pages: Seven Seas Tomoe River notebook
I would be remiss if I didn’t include at least one Tomoe River pick. Tomoe River is very thin, Japanese paper, renowned for its compatibility with fountain pen ink. It’s the paper used in Hobonichi Techos. And there are rumors swirling that it may no longer be produced starting this fall. So if you are at all interested, pick up and try one of these notebooks. You may fall in love and need to stock up asap!
So no excuses for crappy paper at work! There are so many wonderful choices out there, even at Amazon! I hope I’ve helped you consider finding the best work notebook for you- it will make your work days just a little bit nicer.
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