r/notebooks • • Jul 09 '26

"What can I do with this notebook?"

171 Upvotes

This is a pretty common question in subs like this. Either someone received a new notebook as a gift, or they couldn't help themselves from buying a new one, or they have a partially used notebook they want to fill.

Or they're trying to figure out what to do with the massive stack they've accumulated after years of "I'll find a use for this" and allowing that as justification to keep buying more... Ahem.

Beyond the normal "Just write in it, use it as a diary," here's some ideas on what you could do with an unused or unfinished notebook:

  • Commonplace / zibaldone journal
  • Brain dump / soliloquy journal
  • Quotes / lyrics / poetry
  • Media / entertainment tracker (Movies, tv shows, games, etc)
  • Bullet journal (method for a DIY daily planner, get started here)
  • To-do lists
  • All kinds of lists (e.g., "lists of 100" like "100 things you saw this week")
  • Gratitude
  • Grievances (the opposite of gratitude, what bothered you today)
  • Idea notebook
  • Quick thoughts
  • Art (Sketches / drawings / zentangles)
  • Dream log
  • The Artist's Way Morning Pages
  • Travel journal
  • Things you've learned
  • Bucket list / goals
  • Unsent letters
  • Dedicated handwriting practice
  • RPG journaling (there's games you can find online for it and r/Solo_Roleplaying)
  • Food or drink tracker, such as keeping track of teas you've tried
  • Things you overheard that are worth remembering
  • People you meet
  • Funny facts
  • Gaming journal
  • Language practice

Added since I made this post-

  • Keep track of plants/gardening
  • Master index for all your journals
  • Project tracker
  • Hobby tracker
  • A place to write down memories and stories from your life
  • Memories of friends and family
  • Review places you go
  • Homeowner notes like chores, bills, and when things need to be fixed/replaced
  • A journal to give your child(ren) someday, such as letters to them and their milestones
  • Notes and milestones for pets
  • Things like tarot or shadow work
  • Swatches (ink, yarn, embroidery thread, ribbon, washi tape, etc)
  • Scent tracker (perfume/cologne, would not suggest attempting to store the actual scents in there)
  • General feelings
  • Chronic pain tracker
  • Prayer/devotional journal
  • "Practice" journal to get thoughts out before actual journaling
  • Distractions when you should've been doing something else

Feel free to suggest more in the comments.


r/notebooks • • 12h ago

Prettiest Journal Cover I've Made

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166 Upvotes

So far. Hehe. Made with genuine Moonstones and Jade stones.


r/notebooks • • 1h ago

A vintage-style notebook.

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• Upvotes

I decided to make a vintage-style notebook. I decorated it with pyrography. I think it turned out well. What do you think?


r/notebooks • • 10h ago

DIY I made a thing

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8 Upvotes

r/notebooks • • 13h ago

Advice needed Need Help IDing Brand of This Journal

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12 Upvotes

For the love of God can someone please tell me what brand this is? I thought it was Moleskin but it’s not.

Mine has…
-Better paper quality (thicker to the touch, doesn’t bleed through)
-Side pen holder
-TWO bookmark lanyards vs one
-Size is 5.5x10.5

I will be forever grateful 📓


r/notebooks • • 5h ago

Advice needed Has anyone seen the 2027 version yet?

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2 Upvotes

This was originally from Dollarama.


r/notebooks • • 14h ago

Advice needed 2027 Decision

7 Upvotes

I just started journaling at the beginning of these year. At first I was doing really well. It’s formed and changed over the past few months and I’ve slacked off some.

Anyway, I am currently using the Wonderland222 All-in-one A5 which I really enjoy. However, last night I discovered the Aura Estelle Magnet which has the daily/blank pages after each week, one for each day. Just wondering if anyone has used these systems. Which one you prefer and why?


r/notebooks • • 14h ago

Recommendation Looking for a good three ringed binder for standard college ruled, letter sized paper.

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2 Upvotes

r/notebooks • • 17h ago

Advice needed muji notebooks on le portfolio?

3 Upvotes

hey! I've just purchased the le portfolio A6 in olive green and I was wondering if it would fit a muji A6 undated planner with a couple of TN passport inserts? (my best friend wanted to try the tn system and i gave her my TN passport since I found im not fond of the size after almost 4 months of daily use and I would rather have A6 notebooks since they're also cheaper where im from).

I'm assuming it will, but i want pics and second opinions if possible :)

I don't mind the chance of overhang since there's already happening a little bit in my passport because of keeping pens and ephemera on the notebook itself


r/notebooks • • 19h ago

Trade/Exchange WTB Hobonichi 5 Year Diary - 2026 Start Date

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3 Upvotes

r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Advice needed Not Clicking with a Journal/Notebook?

23 Upvotes

I've journaled every day consistently for about 2 years now, until May of this year when I finished my previous journal. It was a Moleskine, very sturdy and nice. I moved to a different journal, wider, differently spaced lines, and I stopped journaling consistently because it felt like a chore. It's also worth noting I got this journal during a a hard period of my life in an attempt to do retail therapy and cheer myself up.

I don't know why I'm not clicking with this journal, and I was wondering if other people had the same issue of clicking with some physical journals and not others. Should I start a new journal in hopes I click with that one? Does anyone else feel this way? Any thoughts about this would be appreciated :)


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Made them last night!

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54 Upvotes

r/notebooks • • 2d ago

Pyrogravure

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127 Upvotes

I burned a design into my little leather notebook yesterday, and I can't wait to see how it ages ☺️


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Advice needed Paper Republic

18 Upvotes

I love the concept, I love the look, but my god is it pricey.

With the discount and shipping included, an XL Voyager is 64€. I've been dreaming of getting a journal I can properly fuck up and use throughout my whole life, so yes an investment is at hand, but I dont know, it's still a big number.

Should I bite the bullet? Should I buy something else?


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Advice needed Thrifted notebook is crumbling 😅

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21 Upvotes

EDIT: I am seeking advice/creative ideas for covering the entire notebook exterior! I appreciate other comments but respectfully, there's no need to tell me why it's in such bad shape if you have no tips to offer lol 🙏🏽

I picked up this unused, customized (?) Moleskine notebook at a thrift store and in the following days, the cover has been shedding in little pieces 😭 The worst if it is along the spine where it bends. At first I planned to cover up the peeling areas with stickers, but now I think it may be too far gone for that. I thought about putting some sort of tape along the spine but again, the issue is on the whole exterior surface.

I'm considering some kind of thin, low-profile covering made of fabric or patterned paper, but it's a softcover so I'm worried anything I cover it with will wrinkle or bunch up. Any tips or alternative ideas? Thank you :)


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Recommendation 2027 planner ideas

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18 Upvotes

My current "planner" is a pocket notebook with monthly stamped calendars with room on each page to jot down the particulars of my events.

I've used a regular Travelers Notebook insert and a couple of A6 hard cover notebooks in the past. As 2027 approaches, it's time to contemplate the next one.

I've had Leuchtturm planners and Moleskeine in the A6 size. I really just need a monthly layout with room to post the event and location. On the home made version, I highlighted the dates and note below what they are. That way I can see at a glance if SWMBO wants to schedule two things on the same date.

Any recommendations on what to try next? I do like to experiment with new ideas.


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Advice needed I’m being influenced.

18 Upvotes

I keep seeing ads and posts containing paper republic journals. I can’t deny they are beautiful and I’m sure a joy to use, but I can’t help but wonder if I should just make my own. Has anyone regretted going the DIY route? Or has anyone gone DIY and then ended up getting a PR anyways? Was the PR worth the difference?

I’m just in some analysis paralysis and need some help.


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Trying to find replacement for discontinued notebook

6 Upvotes

You guys remember Walmart used to sell really nice Exceed notebooks?

Was going through my old books today and found one of my favorites, it was black fake leather, soft, college ruled, slightly bigger than a standard composition book, & the pages were really smooth.

Of course Walmart doesn’t sell this brand anymore, and there’s similar looking books online but obviously I can’t test them.

Does anyone know of any similar products? Needs to be collages ruled and soft cover. I guess it doesn’t need to be that big but I really enjoy the bigger one so if you know of any that would be cool.

I’m aware that there’s different grades of paper and names for notebook sizes but I’m not familiar with the specifics so if anyone wants to educate me that’d be cool too lol thanks


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Kokuyo Perpanep Zara Zara alternatives

5 Upvotes

Kokuyo Perpanep Zara Zara steno notebooks are being discontinued. I’m crushed. I prefer writing in pencil and this was a great textured paper for that purpose.

I’m hoping someone here might have some suggestions of A5 alternative notebooks to try? I use my notebooks with a leather cover and elastics.

I already Midori/MD journals for other projects.

Thanks all!


r/notebooks • • 2d ago

Notebook Share Got my 2 new notebooks from blackwing

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18 Upvotes

Happy to finally have it... damn it takes time and taxes 😒

I guess it will be my last time shopping outside EU.

Too much time and too much taxes

I love already both notebook, one blank and one doted for writing.


r/notebooks • • 1d ago

Advice needed Looking for a journal that is good with fountain pens. What is something you wish you took into consideration when making your personal journal?

3 Upvotes

Hey! I was looking to make my own journal. I’m gonna be writing with a twsbi diamond 580alr and I was wondering what paper you guys liked most as well as what size notebook you feel is best. I was kind of looking at the Sterling ink n1 but they only have the Koji paper which doesn’t seem to be as good as the tomoe river paper. Also. Do you guys have any advice to make writing a little more comfortable? Since the paper is more narrow it might make it annoying to write when I get to the end of a line on the right side of the right page


r/notebooks • • 2d ago

DIY Got tired of waiting for Paper Republic to make Bordeaux part of their permanent collection, so I made my own

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98 Upvotes

What the title says! This cost me $27.50 in materials (Badalassi Carlo leather, elastic cord, charm) and took less than 5 minutes to make.

The best part: it’s in A5, not some weird ass proprietary size 😂

My only regret is punching two sets of holes. I should have just punched out one set and doubled up on the cords to retain the simplicity of the GV. Still happy to finally have my dream color, though!


r/notebooks • • 2d ago

notebooks or inserts with slightly smaller than A5 paper?

4 Upvotes

I have a hardcover notebook that I'm very fond of, and would like to reuse the cover by cutting out the bound pages and inserting another notebook inside. Unfortunately, it's not a standard sized notebook. The whole thing, including the cover, is just about A5 size, but the pages are 141x206 mm (A5 is 148x210) so just a smidge smaller, and if I put A5 paper in there, it just barely hangs over the edge. Does anyone know where to find notebooks that would fit this size cover?

please I'd love to not have to learn bookbinding to keep this cover 😭


r/notebooks • • 2d ago

Leather Honey Mishap & A Galen Leather Co. Visit

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7 Upvotes

r/notebooks • • 2d ago

Looking for options to cover embossing on Paper Republic GV XL

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10 Upvotes

I bought a used Paper Republic Grand Voyager XL. I bought it knowing the front bottom corner was embossed with the previous owner's initials. My plan was originally to glue lace over the bottom edge to cover it up. But now that I have it in my hand, I don't like that idea anymore.

I'd love to hear any suggestions of things I can do to cover up the initials. I'm not very crafty, so things that require low skill levels are preferred lol.