Even amid the height of the tech age, the humble notepad is still going strong. Whether using them for your studies, work, or everyday journals, the best notepads will stand up to ink bleeding and erasing pencil marks. With so much choice, we’ll help you choose the best notebooks for writing, drawing and organising your life.
Best Notebooks for Writing, Drawing and Organising
Notebooks for Writing
For those who like a clean, professional notebook, the Lamy Softcover is certainly one of the best notebooks for writing. It benefits from acid-free, bleedproof paper that’s 90gsm, meaning it’s suitable for use with fountain pens as well as rollerball and ballpoint. Get crisp ink lines and keep your pen handy with the elastic loop on the side of this classic notebook.
This Vent for Change A6 notebook is made from recycled coffee cups and is the best notebook for writing quick notes on the go. Jot down your ideas or inspiration in an ethically- and hand-made notebook produced in the UK, ideal for journalists, writers, and poets.
Notebooks for Mental Health
Sometimes, a notebook is a great way to take a step back from your phone and encourage you to be more present.
- Busy B Bullet Journal
Bullet journaling can be a freeing way to keep track of where your head is at, and the beauty of the Busy B bullet journal is that you can organise the pages however you like! The dotted design is ideal for drawing boxes or tables while remaining unobtrusive enough to allow you to design full spreads if you like.
This notepad also comes with a pocket for any bits and pieces you want to keep together and an elastic closing strap, so it stays closed.
Notebooks for Drawing
The Lamy Hardcover A5 notepad is great for technical drawings and notes. With high-quality, bleedproof paper, you can draw comfortably with a mechanical pencil or make notes in pen, and each sheet is squared for easy line drawing and scaling. Take your sketches on the go with the pen loop to ensure you always have your Lamy mechanical pencil or pen to hand.
For the artist who appreciates the finer things, the Montblanc Fine Stationery sketchbook is not to be missed. The cover is made from full-grain calfskin with saffiano print, and the pages are edged in silver for an entirely elegant notebook. The 100g/m paper makes this the best notepad for a smooth drawing surface, whatever your art style.
If calligraphy is your medium of choice, pair this with an exquisite Montblanc fountain pen for a perfectly styled look.
If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable notebook that’s still good for drawing, the Vent for Change WRITE notebook cover is made from entirely recycled materials with FSC-approved paper, and every notebook sold helps support children’s education projects. Do good while you doodle!
Notebooks for Organisation
This one’s for the list-makers – we know you’re out there! The Busy B Week Planner comes with two tear-off notebooks; one is a weekly view, and the other is lined for making lists. Take just the list out shopping or stick the weekly plan up in your bedroom by simply tearing them off the pad, and your notebook is ready for the next one.
You’ll find all sorts of organisation solutions in the Busy B stationery collection, from diaries to meal planners.
If your to-do list often ends up a bit scattered, the best notepad for you is the Busy B Busy Life. Brightly coloured and cheerful, this notepad has undated monthly planners as well as ruled pages and a ‘Reminders’ section so you can keep yourself from forgetting anything important. It comes in several colour and style variations and is equipped with colourful foil stickers!
Notebooks for Note-Taking and Students
Moleskine is a classic name in notebooks for a reason; in fact, they’re so proud of their fascinating heritage that each Moleskine notebook includes a short history of the company. The medium-sized hardcover is ideal for a busy student, with a pocket that’s great for storing any handouts and quality paper that can stand up to writing, highlighting and erasing.
Worried about it getting dropped or left behind as you rush between lectures? Add your name to the ‘in case of loss’ section in the front so it can find its way back to you!
If you prefer your laptop to a notebook for notes – although we firmly believe that handwriting is the superior writing style! – then the Campo Marzio notebook might be for you. Thin and light, it will fit easily in any laptop bag or sleeve and can be used as an additional aid to keep track of exams, deadlines or work due in one place while you type up your notes.
Choosing the Best Notepad for You
Some things to bear in mind before buying a new notepad include:
- Size – what size pages will serve you best for the purpose of the notepad?
- Pages – how many pages do you need? Should they be blank, lined, squared or dotted?
- Thickness – how thick would you like the pages to be? For thick notebook paper, look for high GSM pages, particularly if you’re looking for the best notebooks for writing with fountain pens.
- Cover – are you looking for something chic and leather or an everyday notepad?
We hope you feel confident choosing the best notepad for you this year. Explore our collection of notepads and stationery in our gifts section to help you find the best notepads for students, business, and everyday life. Alternatively, shop our full range of incredible pens by brand or pen style.
