by Shalom Onyx

Whether you’re a college student starting a fresh new year, or someone in need of a fresh new journal to jot down all your creative ideas, a journal notebook is a key stationery item used in one way or another in every household. But how do you decide what type of journal you’d want to get for yourself?

The best notebooks look and feel premium, they’re made of high-quality materials that you feel good writing in. Of course, everyone has their own aesthetic –  some of us like spiral binded notebooks while some of us like a classic sewn journal. There is a huge variety for everyone out there but we’ve narrowed down some of the best ones for you.

Travel Journal Notebook

“This is a great little journal to carry around. It’s a good size and fits nearly anywhere. It’s refillable so this can last a while if it’s well taken care of. It also has handy plastic inserts in the last few pages of the notebook. Three pages inside are for business card size inserts and one page is zips open to put in slightly larger items. I was debating whether to get this or an expensive moleskine. It’s much worth its price.” — Alecks

Zequenz Classic Journal

“I have a few of these notebooks in different sizes, and the quality has been excellent on all of them. I really like the binding on these, it keeps everything where it’s supposed to be, no matter how many times I take it out and put it in different covers. Great notebook, at a good price!” — Customer

Gibson Brown Bonded Leather Journal

“I have filled about four or five of these now and continue to love it. Exceptionally high-quality–inside and out. The cover is made of nice leather with stitching, the quality of the paper used for the pages is great. Even the smallest details exceptionally well: the decorative pattern on the inside covers is simple and elegant (not overly-embellished); the first page has its own distinct patter, with a space to put a title or “if lost” note; the obvious care that was taken to line up the lines of mutually-facing pages; the existence of a pocket in the inside cover to keep loose pages; and the fact that you can mark your spot with a built-in “bookmark” ribbon AND a separate (and equally elegant) color-matched elastic to keep the book closed.” — Customer

Amazon Basics Shagreen Journal

‘I love writing!! And I’m always looking for a good notebook or pad. Don’t underestimate the paper quality as the paper is important to communicate your thoughts into your hand. It makes a difference, makes writing easier, less tiring and less smeary… I love these pads.” — Clees

Graphique Designer Journal

“I use a notebook every day. I write to-do’s, recipes, party planning – everything goes in my notebook. I have a cabinet full of used ones that I use like a library. I’ve used so many brands, they all work for their intended use, but none had me saying “this is the one I will always buy.” Until this notebook. The paper is amazing, slightly rough, making for a great writing experience. Its the perfect size to carry with me, and my pen actually fits down the spiral binding. I know this sounds silly, no one should be this excited about a notebook – but I’ll never use another brand.” — T Kuhn

Thick Hardcover Journal

“This is an awesome notebook comparable to any expensive notebooks out there. It has everything I need. Pen holder, elastic closure, hard bound and back pocket. I would have wanted a thicker elastic closure but for the price I can’t complain. This is 120gsm so the pages are thick. I write with a fountain pen and it doesn’t bleed through. And did I mention the leather cover? It’s soft and feels like a real leather. I’ll be buying more of this in case I can’t find them anymore later. Forget the name brands. Get this one.” — A S De Vera

Amazon Basics Bonded Leather Journal

“I like that these are the perfect size for a small purse or a large pocket. I use these to track my notes throughout the day while I’m on a rotation and they fit my lab coat pocket perfectly. I also really like the sleeve at the back of the notebook for cards and such. It saves my from having to hunt down a place to put my ID and credit card.” — Anna

Hallmark Oana Befort Hardcover Journal

“Very pretty journal, perfect for purse or tote, since it’s slim and soft cover (lightweight). It’s a soft watercolor rose design, with gold edges. It has a place for the date on every page. It would make an excellent journal, or desk diary, and would be perfect for traveling.” — Kiki

Paperage Lined Journal

“Such a great journal! I’ve gone through the trial and errors of trying to find great journals that I could turn back to, and this is definitely one. One of my biggest pet peeves is if you could see the indent of the writing from the previous page, but this has yet to happen with this journal! The pages are perfectly thick and the overall sturdiness is great as well. Will definitely be purchasing another one soon!” — Emily

Leather Journal Refillable

“What a very pleasant surprise! I gave this journal to my wife as a stocking stuffer. The craftsmanship and design are wonderful. One of the things I appreciate is that when you fill-up the pages of this journal with musings or thoughts, you can slide the tablet out and replace it with a new one. On top of the fine workmanship, the tablet has its own cover as well so that you can store it. YOU SHOULD CHARGE MORE FOR THIS PRODUCT. We are very satisfied. Simply a wonderful gift idea, a wonderful journal. Everything as promised or better! I was hesitant to purchase online, glad I did. Thank you.” — Keith