Notebook enthusiasts are often the most specific people to buy gifts for — they have opinions, they've already tried the obvious options, and they know exactly what they want. But they also leave gaps, and a well-chosen gift in the right category will be genuinely appreciated. This guide covers the safe bets and the more adventurous options.
Safe: things notebook lovers almost always want more of
A Midori MD Notebook in a size they don't regularly use — If they use A5, give them A6 for pocket notes. If they use blank, give them dot grid. The MD range covers enough size and ruling options that most enthusiasts have a size they haven't tried. Under £15 for most sizes.
A Leuchtturm1917 in a colour they don't own — Leuchtturm releases new cover colours regularly. An unusual colour they haven't tried — deep indigo, forest green, terracotta — in their preferred ruling (usually dot grid A5) is reliably appreciated. Under £20.
A Hobonichi Notebook — The undated Hobonichi in blank or grid. If they use a Hobonichi Techo (planner), the undated notebook in the same paper is a complement rather than a duplicate. If they don't have a Hobonichi, the notebook is a wonderful introduction to Tomoe River paper without the commitment to a planner format.
Adventurous: less obvious but well-considered
A Traveler's Notebook Starter Kit — If they don't have one, the leather cover with a blank refill is one of the finest gift stationery objects at any price. The Regular size (8.3 × 4.3 inches) is the classic; the Passport size is more portable. The leather develops individual character with use — the gift improves over time.
A Traveler's Notebook refill selection — If they already have a TN, a selection of three or four refills they don't currently use expands their system. A Kraft Paper Refill, a Watercolour Paper Refill, and a Free Monthly Planner Refill give them new capabilities without duplicating what they have.
A set of Midori MD Notebook Light booklets — The Light version of the MD Notebook uses the same paper in a staple-bound, slim booklet format available in sets of three. Less serious than the main notebooks — good for note-taking, carrying in pockets, using without ceremony. A different relationship with the same excellent paper.
For the Life Noble devotee
Life Noble in an unusual size — The Noble range from A7 through A4. An A7 (tiny, beautiful, credit-card sized) alongside a note saying it's for the ideas that don't have a home yet. Or an A4 for the projects that need space. Most Noble users use A5 or B6; the smaller and larger sizes are delightfully unexpected.
Accessories that always get used
Midori Book Band Pen Case — A pen case that attaches via elastic band to a notebook cover. Keeps a pen and a notebook together, always. Practical, thoughtful, and immediately useful for anyone who carries a notebook daily.
A quality bookmark set — Brass or leather bookmarks. The kind that get used across every notebook and stay in rotation for years. Not the most glamorous gift, but reliably appreciated.
Browse notebook gifts at The Journal Shop, including all formats of Midori MD, Leuchtturm1917, Life Noble, Hobonichi, and Traveler's Notebook.
Where to start: browse our notebooks and fountain-pen-friendly notebooks at The Journal Shop.
