How to Choose & Design Your Own Custom Notebooks, Journals & Notepads
If you’re interested in choosing the perfect personalized notebooks, you’re in the right place. Our buying guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Promotional Notebooks, Journals or Notepads?
Useful for notes, reminders and recording upcoming events, notebooks are an ultra-portable tool that everyone can appreciate. Even in an age of endless calendar and note apps, nothing beats the reliability and permanence of handwritten notes in a compact, beautiful notebook. If that notebook is imprinted with your custom logo, all the better.
You can tell notebooks, notepads and journals apart by looking at their binding and cover.
- Be securely bound along the sides of the paper, typically with a metal spiral.
- Include a cover.
- Are Bound at the top.
- Allow pages to be easily removed.
- Bound with stitching along the side.
- Equipped with a durable cover.
So, why should your organization invest in promotional notebooks, notepads or journals? It all comes down to versatility. All three have a broad range of uses and can be distributed at an array of occasions.
For example, notebooks are perfect for:- Trade shows, conferences and other industry events.
- Dentists’ and doctors’ offices.
- Teacher, school and student giveaways.
- Company onboarding
- Financial firms.
- Bookstore and office supply store complimentary gifts.
Let’s take a look at the options you can select when shopping for your promotional notebooks, notepads and journals.
Promotional Notebook and Journal Materials
As with promotional notebooks and journals are available in an abundance of materials. Here are some of the many materials you’ll be able to choose from.
Eco-Friendly Materials
If your recipients are environmentally conscious, they’ll love receiving a promotional notebook or journal crafted from eco-friendly materials that support the planet while looking great. In fact, 42 percent of consumers have a more favorable opinion of advertisers if the promo product they receive are environmentally friendly, according to ASI’s 2019 Global Ad Impressions Study.
Such materials include recycled cardboard, cork and cotton canvas, all of which are biodegradable and renewable. The Recycled Doodle Freely Notebook pictured here features a hard cover made from recycled materials, as well as 80 pages of both lined and unlined paper for notes and drawings.
Denim and Linen
If you’re after a look that’s cozy and relaxed, you may want to check out promotional notebooks and journals crafted from denim and linen. Denim is made from cotton, while linen is woven from flax.
The Denim Journal featured here has a denim cover in a classic shade of dark blue, as well as an elastic fabric closure, and elastic pen holder. Inside are 80 pages of lined paper.
Simulated Leather
As we mentioned earlier, simulated leather custom notebooks and journals can be made from a few different materials, including polyurethane and UltraHyde. All types of simulated leather can create a convincing leather-like look that will add a hefty dose of elegance to your custom logo.
pictured here is the Large Venezia Journal, which features soft faux leather covers, as well as a color-coordinated pen loop, elastic loop closure, bookmark and page edges. Inside are 96 lined pages, as well as a handy document pocket.
Leather
Whether you’re seeking an aesthetic that’s ultra-polished or more on the rustic side, genuine high-quality leather can help you achieve it. Plus, no one can resist feeling special after being given a real leather promotional notebook or journal. Take a look at the Alternative® Leather Refillable Journal showcased below.
Made from authentic brown leather, it looks both refined and familiar. It features a pen loop, snap closure, cotton page marker and business card slot. Plus, since its pages can be replaced, it’s designed to last a lifetime.
Moleskine
These Italian-crafted Moleskine promotional notebooks and journals are just as sought-after as their padfolio counterparts.
Take for example the Moleskine Hard Cover Grand Notebook pictured here. Streamlined and refined, it features a bound hard cover with rounded corners, elastic loop closure, expandable inner pocket, bookmark and 240 pages of lined acid-free paper.
Neoskin®
Promotional notebooks and journals made from Neoskin have soft, suede-like covers you’ll want to touch again and again.
Available in a selection of bold colors, the Neoskin Cover and Journal Duo pictured here includes a 72-page recycled notebook along with a silky, reusable Neoskin cover. Inside, you’ll find a color-coordinated pen loop and page marker.
PVC
As discussed earlier, PVC promotional notebooks and journals are made from a durable synthetic plastic polymer that can easily withstand wear.
The Journal, Power Bank and Pen Gift Set shown here comes complete with a PVC journal, 2,200 mAh portable power bank and premium pen in either silver or translucent plastic, all wrapped up in a sleek gift box. The journal itself features an expandable back pocket, 80 pages and a matching bookmark and strap closure.
Plastic
Waterproof and durable, plastic promotional notebooks and journals are perfect for students, people who work outdoors or simply those who live in cities with unpredictable weather (San Francisco, we’re looking at you).
Take a look at the Janus Notebook pictured here. It sports a translucent plastic cover in either blue or white, and 50 lined pages of spiral-bound paper.
Polycanvas
Made from either pure polyester or a blend of both polyester and cotton, polycanvas promotional notebooks and journals are made from a rugged material with a soft look.
The 5” by 7” Polycanvas Refillable Notebook pictured here is available in five beautiful jewel-tone colors. It sports front and back pockets to store business cards, paperwork or a smartphone for maximum convenience. It also features 50 sheets of lined paper, a ribbon page marker, a pen loop and an elastic strap closure.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a versatile type of polymer that’s both rigid and chemical-resistant. Promotional notebooks and journals made from polypropylene stay protected in a variety of weather conditions and can withstand plenty of use.
The Pocket Plus Notebook pictured here features a polypropylene slip cover for document storage, twin-looped metal binding and 70 sheets of lined paper.
Polyester
Although you may be used to hearing about polyester in terms of clothing, it can also be used to create stylish promotional notebooks and journals.
Check out the Two-Tone Gray Journal highlighted below. Its polyester cover features a modern two-town design that’s reminiscent of a high-end executive suit, making it perfect for boardroom meetings and industry events. It’s also equipped with a pen loop, elastic band closure and 80 sheets of lined paper.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a heat-resistant polymer that’s exceptionally durable. Promotional notebooks and journals made from polyurethane are strong and long-lasting, and are also available in a range of attention-grabbing colors.
The Double Cover Travel Journal pictured here is perfect for taking notes on the go, thanks to its compact size and handy strap closure. It sports decorative stitched edging, two front covers, five card pockets, a pen loop, two ribbon bookmarks and 80 pages of lined paper.
Paper
Good old-fashioned paper promotional notebooks and journals have the advantage of being lightweight, super-portable and biodegradable.
shown here is the Mini Glitter Notebook, which features a stunning sparkling color in gold, silver or pink. Perfect for distribution at large events to students, employees or attendees, this notebook also allows you to choose between graph, lined or dotted paper.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a highly adaptable plastic material with countless applications, from housing siding to medical supplies to children’s toys. Promotional notebooks and journals made from vinyl are waterproof, durable and sleek.
The Woodgrain-Look Soft Cover Journal Set shown here features a trendy woodgrain pattern on its cover, making it perfect for nature lovers and city dwellers alike. It features an included bamboo pen, as well as an elastic closure, pen loop and 80 pages of lined and perforated paper.
Promotional Notebook and Journal Materials
As with custom padfolios, promotional notebooks and journals are available in an abundance of materials. Here are some of the many materials you’ll be able to choose from.
Paper
As you might expect, the most common notepad material is paper. All paper notepads are recyclable and lightweight, making them ideal for any location or event.
shown here is the Bic® 4" x 3" Adhesive Colored Notepad, which is available in three bright colors and features 50 sheets of adhesive paper. Best of all, your full color logo can be imprinted on every single page.
Cardboard
Sometimes, notepads can include protective cardboard covers much like promotional notebooks and journals. Just like paper, cardboard is biodegradable, lightweight and recyclable, with the added benefit of being extra-sturdy.
The Pocket Notes notepad shown here is made from cardboard and eco-friendly recycled paper, and features a micro-writer pad with an elastic loop. Inside are 60 ruled pages, all held together by metal ring binding.
Magnetic
If you’re looking for notepads that won’t get lost or slide around, magnetic notepads are the perfect solution. These notepads can easily be attached to a desk, file cabinet, fridge or any other metal item.
The Business Card Magnet With Notepad showcased below features flexible magnets made from recycled materials, as well as a 50-sheet non-adhesive notepad. With a full color imprint area, this magnetic notepad can show off every hue of your logo.
Promotional Notebook, Journal and Notepad Imprint Methods
Promotional notebooks, journals and notepads offer the same imprint methods as custom padfolios. Here, we’ll give you a quick refresher on the imprint methods available when selecting your custom notebooks.
Screen Printing
Available in both full color and single color options, screen printed promotional notebooks, journals and notepads can display your design in a beautiful rainbow of colors.
The Rocketbook Everlast Executive notebook shown here looks like a normal notebook, but is secretly a high-tech powerhouse that can connect to all your recipients’ cloud services. It comes with a Pilot Frixion pen, and features reusable Everlast pages and a sturdy hard cover.
Debossing
Promotional notebooks, journals and notepads with debossed imprints present a fantastic way to showcase your custom design in an elegant way.
The Moleskine Large Solid Cover Notebook pictured here features a beautiful leather-like cover with rounded edges, elastic band closure and a convenient built-in bookmark. Inside, you’ll find 120 pages of acid-free paper.
Promotional Notebook Features
From scented paper to built-in charging cables, promotional notebooks, journals and notepads can come with a dizzying array of appealing features.
- Here are some of the features you can look for when shopping for your promotional notebooks:
- Binding: There’s a binding style for every person, whether they prefer to lay their notebooks flat or flip them completely open. For example, you can decide between spiral, ring and stitched bindings.
- Specialized paper: No matter what your purpose, there’s sure to be a paper for it. Scented, lined, unlined, erasable, reusable, dotted and graph paper are all available.
- Eco-friendly: As we mentioned earlier, there are a variety of options for organizations who want promotional notebooks that are environmentally friendly. Choices include recycled paper, cardboard and magnets, as well as an array of biodegradable materials like cotton and cork.
- Organizational features: Notebooks, journals and notepads with extra organizational features are perfect for students, business people, teachers, medical staff and more. These can include tabs, folders, bookmarks, included sticky notes and more.
- Closures: From elastic loops to buckles to snaps, there are a variety of closures to choose from.
- Pockets: Promotional notebooks with built-in pockets are helpful in terms of both organization and storage. They’re ideal for stowing extra cash, tech devices, pens and more.
- Charging cables: Your recipients will absolutely love being able to take notes and charge their tech devices at the same time.
Popular Picks
Additional Options to Consider
Before you decide which custom notebooks and journals you’re going to purchase, you might want to take these additional options into consideration.
Rush Service
Need your custom promotional notebooks fast? Don’t sweat it, Crestline Promotional Products offers hundreds of popular products with optional rush service. Just place your order before the time specified on the product page, approve a proof of your order and your customized products will ship the next business day.
Made in the USA
If you provide USA made promotional notebooks, your recipients will appreciate it.
According to ASI’s 2019 Global Ad Impressions Study, an impressive 53 percent of consumers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promo products they receive are made in the USA.
These are two of our favorite U.S.-made products.
Mini Camouflage Notebook
The Mini Camouflage Notebook is sure to be appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts and style-minded recipients alike. It features a classic camouflage design in a variety of colors, and comes with your choice of graph, lined or dotted paper.
Sets
Custom padfolio and promotional notebook sets are the ultimate all-in-one gift.
Perfect for onboarding new staff, showing staff appreciation or giving away at a special school event, these sets can include:
- Pens.
- Sticky notes (click here to learn more about custom sticky notes).
- Lanyards.
- Bookmarks.
- Organizational features.
- Charging cables.
- MopTopper™ screen cleaner pens.
- Phone and storage pockets.
Here are a few fantastic sets your recipients will love.
MopTopper Pen and Notebook Set
Available in a spectrum of vibrant colors, the MopTopper Pen and Notebook Set comes complete with a spiral-bound promotional notebook and MopTopper pen that doubles as a touch screen stylus. Whether your recipients need a pen, a stylus, a notebook or a screen cleaner, this compact set will have them covered.
Perfect Three Gift Set
Have an upcoming employee retreat, business trip or school picnic? The Perfect Three Gift Set will provide attendees with everything they need.
It features a 16-ounce insulated tumbler, foil-lined lunch bag and promotional notebook and pen set, all in bright, matching colors.