Throughout my career I have always been taught, if it isn't written down it never happened. From taking notes during client meetings, writing down ideas and musings to to do lists, I always have a note book in my bag. There are so many on the market, yet I am really fussy about the ones choose.
I have a very specific criteria for a great notebook, needs to look good/ professional, be available in my brand colours, high quality paper, light, and for me A5, so it fits in my bag.
However my network of facilitators also like a great quality A4 size so I'll include a few of those too. Here are a selection of my favourites and those recommended by others.
Here are my top ten
Personalised Black Leather Notebook, Personalised Notebook, A5 Luxury Notebook, Custom Leather Journal, Vegan Leather, Debossed Journal
Available from an independent retailer through Etsy
This A5 Custom Leather Journal is made from a hardwearing Vegan Leather PU material. Available to personalise with a black debossed, silver, rose gold or gold text colour. I particularly like the pocket on the inside It is light, has 80 pages, 5 stars from nearly 36,000 reviews
Personalised Notebook with Vinyl Name A5 Hardback Notebook with Lined Paper Perfect Gift for School, Work, Teachers
I have used these so often for conferences, they are available in 10 notebook colours and 14 vinyl print colours, they are fun, bright and personalised. They are handmade in the UK, have 80 pages of ivory lined paper, colour matching elastic pen loop, elastic closure band and page marker ribbon and
Expanding back pocket. With 5 stars on nearly 4,500 reviews they are a the perfect choice.
John Lewis ANYDAY A5 Divider Notebook, Blue
These notebooks are not only great value, they come wire bound, and have dividers. Note books with dividers are quite hard to find but I like this design
As part of the -John Lewis ANYDAY Range you know they are going to be great quality.
This is a great option if you want to order a selection of inspirational notebooks for a conference. I have used these several times and delegates appreciate the fact that they are not company branded.
The YOU GOT THIS NOTEBOOK. has a range of quotes and designs, they are soft cover yet are still premium A5, 100 lined page with date markings on each page gives you the space you need to illustrate those all important plans!
You can't argue with classic moleskin, especially with a 4.7 rating on over 40,000 reviews.
Available in any size, with a range of lined, plain, dot, and 10m colour options not to love.
The digital option, has come a long way since they were first launched.
This is an A5 Rocketbook 32 Page Notebook, with a black ink Frixion Erasable Pen and a microfiber towel wipe. The digital notepad has dotted paper and is manufactured from a unique synthetic waterproof blend which allows the pads to be endlessly reusable. Save notes on to the cloud and share them quickly and easily. The app has improved, it's simple to use and does exactly what it should.
It has a 4.4 rating on over 83,000 reviews
To Do List Notebook, Undated Weekly Planner A5 Diary Planner for College Work with Habit Tracker, Twin Wire Binding, Pink
Although I prefer blank notepads many of my fellow facilitators have recommended this A5 diary planner, with a tracker and to do list it is well laid out, clean, simple and with 4.5 rating others agree.
Recycled Geometric Design A5 Notebook - handmade Cotton Paper cover and recycled Notepad, with tree free notepad option!
Great looking recycled option, from an independent retailer. Finished with a textured look (a bit like leather) these are 100% eco and animal friendly. All of the patterns are hand-screen printed using eco-friendly dyes. These A5 notebooks, have 80 pages lined or plain, with a handy colour matching elasticated tie and a useful small storage pocket on the inside of the cover
Flipa Desk Pads ® | Plastic-free, Fully Recyclable, Tear-out Pads | A4 Pad and A5 Notepad To Do List for Life and Home Organisation
OK so not strictly a notebook, but I love these. I have them on my office desk, they have a range of Pads A5 & A4, from daily schedules, to do lists and focus sheets.
From an independent retailer ThinkZelo through Etsy they are growing in popularity and have great reviews
Smythson Soho Notebook in Panama
For absolute luxury why not treat yourself or someone else to the Smythson Soho Notebook in Panama. Available in a range of colours and sizes you can have it personalised with your name. I have been brought one of these several times, they come beautifully packaged in a box. They are leather bound with the best quality paper, available plain or lined. A classic well made notebook is going to elevate your style.