Whether you're looking for a practical tool to help organize your thoughts at work or a creative outlet for your personal musings, notebooks, and journals are an integral part of our daily lives. More than mere stationery items, a good journal should reflect our personality and style!  Below we’ll explore the world of promotional notebooks and journals and how to ensure you’re buying the perfect promotional item.  From sleek leather-bound journals for business professionals to whimsical designs for the creative types, we'll delve into the different styles, materials, and key features you can use to help make your next branded giveaway as personal as it is practical. 

Hardcover:  Hardcover notebooks use a rigid cover typically made of cardboard, leather, or sustainable materials. With its durable cover, a hardcover design is ideal for those who value longevity and want their written thoughts and ideas to stand the test of time.
Why we love it:  The most obvious benefit of a hardcover notebook is the protection and durability provided by the sturdy cover to the pages inside. Hardcover designs often are perceived as having a  more professional appearance. The thick cover also allows for higher-end customization options, such as embossing, making them a great option for the workplace.  This means your recipient will not only look great when they roll into their next business meeting with their embossed leather journal but will also have the peace of mind of knowing their important notes are secure within.
When Shopping:  There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to hardcover designs.  From sturdy plastic to sustainable bamboo, the material you choose should be heavily considered as it impacts the notebook's durability, aesthetics, and customization options.

Softcover:  Sacrificing durability for mobility, a soft cover notebook or journal that uses cardstock or heavy paper for a lightweight, flexible cover.  This is a highly portable option, making them a great pick for those who prefer to carry their notebook around with them at an event for on-the-go note-taking.
Why we love it:  While the high mobility of a softcover notebook is obviously one of the biggest strengths of this format, they’re also more affordable than hard-cover notebooks.  This makes them extremely budget friendly and a great option for those looking to market or gift to a big audience.  Giving all the attendees at your next event a tool they can use right away, but also take home and continue getting used is an awesome way to generate goodwill for your brand.
When Shopping: It goes without saying that flexibility and portability come at the cost of the durability and protection of the pages inside.  You can mitigate this issue by opting for stronger materials for the outside that can withstand the wear and tear of time (like reinforced cardboard).  If maximizing your brand exposure is the goal for this particular purchase, consider expanding your search to include budget-friendly hard-cover options as well.

Smart Notebook:  In a digital age, it's no surprise that note-taking is utilizing tech to streamline functionality.  A smart notebook is a type of notebook that allows users to digitize their handwritten notes, sketches, or drawings using an app or cloud-based service. This technology enables users to easily store, edit, and share their notes digitally. 
Why we love it:  Smart notebooks not only streamline the note-taking process, but they also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle!  Smart notebooks can help reduce paper waste and can be reused indefinitely or for as long as the tech holds up.  This longevity and the fact that your recipients will love using them, means a lot of brand exposure for your company!
When shopping:  As with any tech,  be sure to consider the compatibility of the notebook with other devices and apps.  Universal accessibility can ensure your gift gets the most use possible. Smart notebooks also typically require special pens or markers, which should also be considered when making a purchase.  Make sure your notebook comes with any necessary accessories and that they’re easy for your recipient to replace should the need arise.  

Padfolio:  For those looking to take their notebooks to the next level, a padfolio is a type of portfolio that includes a notepad or notebook and an organizational system for holding documents like resumes, business cards, or event handouts.
Why we love it: They say that good organization is the foundation of all success.  The organizational system built into the padfolio allows for easy storage and access to important documents.  Coupled with the professional appearance of a padfolio, your recipient can confidently walk into their next business meeting ready to succeed with your company to thank.
When Shopping:  While you should of course be considering the organizational features included in the padfolio, such as pockets, zippers, or pen holders to give your recipients something they’ll use for a long time, it can be easy to go overboard.  Pay close attention to the size of your options as some designs may be too large or too small to meet your attendees' needs.  


Materials
Eco-Friendly:  As promotional items work to keep up with the evolving demands of the event industry, eco-friendly materials are a great pick. Materials such as rPET ( made from recycled plastic bottles) and recycled cotton (made from textile waste) are both sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics.  For renewable materials, cork and bamboo are two picks that require less energy and resources to produce than options like leather or plastic.
Why We Love It:  Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, eco-friendly notebooks are actually considerably more durable and long-lasting than traditional alternatives like cardboard or even plastic.  These materials are also eye-catching and unique so when your recipient rolls into their breakout session with your bamboo notebook, they’ll feel great knowing they’re turning heads and helping the planet at the same time.
When shopping:  As with all sustainable materials, beware of greenwashing. Try to find out your pick's manufacturing process and the manufacturer's social responsibility, as many of these eco-picks come with the added bonus of social initiatives you can use to bring more value to your pick.   

Leather:  Leather is a popular material for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Many notebooks also offer faux leather (made from synthetic materials) as a more sustainable alternative to traditional leather that still provides the professional look and rugged nature that makes leather so appealing.
Why we love it:  When we think of a sophisticated and professional notebook, many of us likely envision a leather option. While a bit on the heavier side, leather is still a great pick for an on-the-go option as it’s naturally water-resistant and can withstand general wear and tear. From the extended use leather enjoys due to its durability, and the high-end decoration options, leather notebooks look great in just about every professional setting.  
When Shopping: The distinguished look of a leather notebook comes at a price - literally.  It is among the most expensive material options for notebooks, so it’s better suited for higher-budget or small-run orders like executive or VIP gifts.  If your company has sustainable initiatives, consider opting for faux leather for all the benefits of leather without the ecological footprints.

Polypropylene:  Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used for everything from pens to high-end headphones. It’s lightweight and durable, making it a great option for notebooks requiring frequent handling. 
Why we love it: Polypropylene is a practical and durable material that offers several benefits for journals and notebooks. It is lightweight and resistant to water and chemicals, making it ideal for individuals who need to use their notebooks in various settings. Polypropylene is also a cost-effective material, making it a great choice for businesses and organizations that need to purchase notebooks in bulk.
When shopping: When purchasing a notebook made from polypropylene, a buyer should take into account its durability, resistance to moisture and chemicals, and overall environmental impact compared to other materials. The notebook's size, design, and intended use should also be considered to ensure it meets the recipients’ specific needs.


Features
Binding: Binding refers to how the papers of a notebook are attached and are most commonly found in either spiral or bound designs. Spiral-bound notebooks use plastic or metal rings to secure all the sheets of paper together.  This means it’s easy to flip and tear away pages and allows the notebook to lay flat. In bound notebooks, the sheets of paper are sewn at the edges to keep them together.  This style is more in line with what we think of when we think of a traditional journal and have both a more professional appearance and a sturdier feel than the alternative.
Why We Love it: Nothing feels better than being totally equipped for a task.  Spiral bound and bound notebooks offer a lot of different functionalities that can make them the perfect fit for whatever your recipient might need.  Whether they’re writing down some important specs to pass along to another team using their convenient tear-away spiral bound notebook or collecting their personal thoughts in their bound Moleskine that they know will withstand the test of time, they’ll know your brand was the one that equipped them with the style of the tool they needed.
When Shopping: A notebook’s binding type determines a lot about the finished product’s frequency of use, and the kind of content being written or drawn in addition to the size, weight, and portability.  Having a clear vision of your notebook’s intended use can help you make the best pick for the job.  

Paper Type:  Notebooks come in a variety of paper types, with lined paper being the most common and preferred by those who need structure in their writing. Unlined paper, on the other hand, provides more freedom for drawing, sketching, or brainstorming.  The paper’s material also makes a difference in feel and functionality.  From recycled paper made from post-consumer waste to the new "stone paper" from Karst, made from crushed stone, different paper materials offer different feel, durability, and sustainability.
Why We Love It:  Lined paper in a notebook provides a clear structure for writing and can help with legibility and organization making it ideal for note-taking, outlining, or jotting down thoughts in a structured way. Unlined paper, on the other hand, allows for more creative freedom, making it perfect for sketching, drawing, or doodling. It is an excellent option for brainstorming or expressing ideas in a less structured format.
When Shopping: While lined paper is built to keep things organized, be cognizant of the spacing of the lines.  Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types you might see:

• Medium ruled (or college ruled) paper has - 9⁄32 inch spacing between horizontal lines.  This is the most common lined paper in the US.
• Narrow ruled paper has 1⁄4 in and is used by those with smaller handwriting or to fit more lines per page.
• Pitman ruled paper has ruling specialized for stenography. It has 1⁄2 in spacing between ruling lines, with a single margin drawn down the center of the page.
• Wide ruled (or legal ruled) paper has 11⁄32 in spacing between horizontal lines.  This is most common in grade school.
  
  

For unlined paper, the weight of the paper is important to consider as it can affect the quality of drawings and the potential for bleeding through the page.  Look for unique or functional add-ons too.  For example, Karst paper is waterproof and many recycled papers allow your recipient to return their used sheets back in for further recycling!

Page Count:  The paper count in a notebook refers to the number of pages it contains, which can vary widely depending on the size and intended use of the notebook. A higher paper count allows for more extensive note-taking, while a lower count may be more suitable for quick notes or on-the-go use. 
Why We Love It: The takeaway here is flexibility. A notebook with fewer pages can be more portable and easier to carry around, while a notebook with a higher page count can provide ample space for long-term use. Notebooks with detachable pages or modular designs can offer added versatility by allowing users to customize the page count to their needs.
When Shopping:  Unlike lined vs unlined paper, page count does play a significant role in the price point of a notebook.  While opting for the maximum page count possible might seem like you’re providing your recipient with the best deal, consider reducing your page expectations and allocating budget dollars elsewhere like cover materials or even a name-brand product.

Name brand:  Well-known brands such as Moleskine, JournalBooks, and Bellroy have established themselves as leaders in the notebook industry. You can leverage this industry tenure and the quality that goes along with it by partnering with one of these amazing companies for your branded gift.
Why We Love It:  What’s in a name?  Well, when it comes to notebooks - a lot actually.  Using a name-brand notebook can offer several benefits, including higher-quality materials, durability, and functionality. These brands all have a reputation for excellence in their product design and by branding one of their notebooks with your company's logo, the value associated with their brand is shared with yours.  When your recipient reaches for their bound Moleskine journal at night it’s likely because of the quality of the notebook.  As they write down their thoughts, tomorrow’s itinerary, or some creative writing, the value of the Moleskine name is synonymous with your brand in their head.
When Shopping:   As with other materials and styles that increase a notebook's overall quality, opting for a name-brand option isn’t always budget-friendly and may be better suited for smaller runs.  Not all name-brand models are available for branding either, so if you have a particular model in mind, don’t hesitate to ask your vendor for support to streamline the process.  Finally, while name brands have proven quality, there are plenty of lesser-known brands that also offer high-quality notebooks at a more affordable price point, so make use of any reviews on these types of items before you make your decision! 

Integrated Tech:  While Smart books offer a solution to digitize your notes, some notebooks offer more general tech innovations. Cool integrations like wireless chargers or power banks can be convenient for those who use their notebooks extensively and need to stay connected and charged throughout the day.
Why We Love It:  Integrated tech provides some practical functionality for those of us who are always on the go. Imagine your recipient charging up their phone in between sessions using the same notebook they used to take notes on.  Bonus points if your notepad has some integrated solar panels to keep power flowing to all devices without any cumbersome cables.  This tech can also provide some much-appreciated but seldom thought-of security by way of fingerprint scanners to lock important records.
When Shopping: While undeniably convenient, these features can add extra weight and bulk to the notebook. Try to strike a balance between functionality and portability when selecting a notebook with integrated technology and remember that sometimes less is more. Be sure to check out our How to Shop: Tech blog for a quick primer on the ins and outs of all tech specs you might come across when shopping for these modern-style notebooks.

Let's Shop!
Overall, when shopping for branded notebooks, it’s important to give your recipients something they’ll not only use but also a gift they’ll remember to set your brand apart from the competition. By choosing high-quality materials, incorporating unique features like integrated tech and treeless paper, or simply including useful functionality like organizational pockets, you can create a memorable and functional gift for your guests that will leave a lasting impression of your brand.  And while they are a great gift in their own right, every great notebook needs an equally great writing instrument for a classic combination that will allow your attendee to quite literally start putting pen to paper right away. Be sure to check out our How to Shop: Pens to start “writing” the success story of your next giveaway!