The 17 best writing journal brands
Moleskine, Paperblanks and Eccolo lead our ranking of 17 writing journal brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Writing Journal brands, ranked
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1
Moleskine
Classic hardcover notebooks with an elastic closure and ribbon bookmark, popular for sketching, note-taking and daily journaling.
Website: moleskine.com |Brands like Moleskine
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Paperblanks
Ornate embossed hardcover journals with decorative endpapers, sold in sizes from pocket to large with lined or blank pages.
Top products: Journal Midiยท Writing Diary
Website: paperblanks.com |Brands like Paperblanks
Popularity 9.9/10
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3
Eccolo
Colorful, patterned journals and desk stationery, usually priced for everyday gifting rather than premium leather bindings.
Website: eccololtd.com |Brands like Eccolo
Popularity 9.2/10
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4
C.R. Gibson
Keepsake journals and record books with sentimental covers, often themed around milestones, family memories or self-reflection.
Website: crgibson.com |Brands like C.R. Gibson
Popularity 7.5/10
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5
LEUCHTTURM1917
Numbered-page notebooks with dotted grids, including the official bullet journal, favoured by planners and sketchers.
Website: leuchtturm1917.us |Brands like LEUCHTTURM1917
Popularity 6.6/10
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6
Punch Studio
Watercolor and vintage-ephemera designs on journals, cards and gift goods, designed in-house in California.
Website: punchstudio.com |Brands like Punch Studio
Popularity 5.9/10
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7
7321 Design
Character-themed stationery such as Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz diaries, with embossed stickers and pencil cases for children.
Website: 7321design.net |Brands like 7321 Design
Popularity 4.5/10
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8
Hallmark
Greeting-card company whose journals usually carry sentimental covers and keepsake prompts, often sold with its card lines.
Top products: Travel Memories Journal
Website: hallmarkornaments.com |Brands like Hallmark
Popularity 3.8/10
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9
Greenbrier International
Greenbrier International
Website: greenbrierintl.com |Brands like Greenbrier International
Popularity 3.8/10
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10
Mary Engelbreit
Whimsical illustrated journals, planners and gift stationery built around the artist's cheerful, nostalgic illustration style.
Website: maryengelbreit.com |Brands like Mary Engelbreit
Popularity 3.4/10
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11
Rhodia
Orange-cover notepads and webnotebooks with smooth paper that suits fountain pens and fine-liners.
Website: rhodiapads.com |Brands like Rhodia
Popularity 3.4/10
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12
Scholastic
Scholastic publishes hardcover and paperback picture books, board games and activity books for children. The publisher is especially recognized for series such as Magic Tree House, The 39 Clues and Captain Underpants, and it also supplies teacher resources for classrooms.
Website: shop.scholastic.com |Brands like Scholastic
Popularity 3.0/10
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13
Papyrus
Papyrus specializes in importing one-of-a-kind fine paper items and focuses on design, voice, and aesthetics. The greeting cards and stationery department contains handcrafted cards for occasions and created to spark joy. They have distinctively themed tableware, candles with distinctive patterns,...
Website: papyrusonline.com |Brands like Papyrus
Popularity 3.0/10
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14
Innovative Designs
Established in 2003, Innovative Designs is now one of the leading manufacturers of crafts and stationery in America. They are mainly known for making their product compatible with advanced technology and incredible designs. Founded by Doug Haber, its primary mission...
Website: innovativenyc.com |Brands like Innovative Designs
Popularity 2.4/10
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15
Tri-Coastal Design
Tri-Coastal Design builds lifestyle and stationery products under pastel-themed brand names, with an Italian base. Its range spans paper goods, bath treats, skincare, cosmetic pouches and kid-friendly items. The designs are bright and playful, aimed at everyday gifting and personal...
Website: tricoastaleu.com |Brands like Tri-Coastal Design
Popularity 2.4/10
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16
Fringe Studio
For Art enthusiasts requiring stationery, Fringe Studio is the best option. Located in southern California, this brand features calendars, coasters, stationery of all sorts, wall hangings, pottery, and more products. These products have a diverse and contemplative design, each more...
Website: fringestudio.com |Brands like Fringe Studio
Popularity 1.7/10
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17
Bosca
Bosca brings you the most amazing leather-bound bags, wallets, and gifts. Browse through various bags that define your style and comfort wherever you go, wherever you are with Bosco. Established in 1911, Bosco has been catering to your storage, superior...
Website: bosca.com |Brands like Bosca
Popularity 1.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moleskine | moleskine.com | /moleskine | accounts | @moleskine | moleskineart |
| Paperblanks | paperblanks.com | /paperblanks | paperblanks | @paperblanks | Paperblanks |
| Eccolo | eccololtd.com | /eccololtd | eccololtd | – | – |
| C.R. Gibson | crgibson.com | /CRGibsonGifts | c.r.gibsonbaby | – | C.R.Gibson Baby |
| LEUCHTTURM1917 | leuchtturm1917.us | /leuchtturm1917usa | leuchtturm1917usa | – | – |
| Punch Studio | punchstudio.com | /PunchStudioHQ | punchstudiohq | – | – |
| 7321 Design | 7321design.net | – | – | – | – |
| Hallmark | hallmarkornaments.com | /Hallmark-Ornaments | hallmark_ornaments | @ornamentfactory | HallmarkOrnaments.com |
| Greenbrier International | greenbrierintl.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mary Engelbreit | maryengelbreit.com | /maryengelbreit | maryengelbreit | @maryengelbreit | MaryEngelbreitStudio |
Writing Journal Buying Guide
If you're a writer, you know the importance of keeping a journal or notebook to jot down ideas, write drafts, or simply record your thoughts. However, finding the right writing journal can be a daunting task with so many options available in the market. This guide aims to help you understand the different types of writing journals and their features so you can make an informed decision.
Types of Writing Journals
There are various types of writing journals available, each with its unique features and purposes. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Blank Journals: These are the most basic and versatile type of writing journals that come with blank pages for you to write, draw or paste images as you wish. They can be used as writing journals, sketchbooks, scrapbooks or a combination of these. Blank journals are suitable for writers who want full control over the content and layout of their journals.
- Lined Journals: These journals have lined pages that provide a structure for your writing and help maintain the alignment and spacing of your words. They're ideal for writers who prefer a neat and organized layout for their journals. Lined journals are also useful for beginners who need guidance on where to start writing on a page.
- Dotted Journals: Similar to lined journals, dotted journals have pages with a dot grid that provides a guide for writing, drawing or bullet journaling. They offer more flexibility than lined journals and allow you to create your own layouts and designs while maintaining visual consistency. Dotted journals are popular among bullet journalers, planners and artists.
- Grid Journals: Grid journals have pages with a grid pattern that provides a structure for drawing or designing. They're ideal for artists, architects, designers, or anyone who needs precision in their work. Grid journals are available in different sizes, with small grids for detailed work and large grids for bigger designs.
- Name Journals: These journals have a personalized cover with your name or initials printed on them. They're great for gift-giving, or for writers who want to add a touch of personalization to their journal. Name journals can be blank or lined, depending on your preference.
- Travel Journals: As the name suggests, travel journals are designed for writers who enjoy documenting their journeys and adventures. They're compact, durable and often come with features like pockets, maps or prompts to help you record your travel experiences.
Features to Consider
When choosing a writing journal, there are several features you should consider based on your writing style, preferences and needs. Here are some of the key features to look for:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Writing journals come in different sizes, from pocket-sized to large ones. Consider the portability, ease of use and storage when choosing the size. |
| Binding | Writing journals can have different types of bindings, such as spiral, stitched or glued. Choose a binding that suits your writing style and durability. |
| Cover Material | Writing journals can have covers made of leather, cloth, paper or other materials. Consider the durability, texture and design of the cover when choosing. |
| Page Quality | The quality of the paper can affect the readability, durability and overall experience of writing in a journal. Look for acid-free, archival paper that won't yellow or deteriorate over time. |
| Page Count | The number of pages varies in different writing journals, from as few as 50 to as many as 500 or more. Consider how often you'll use the journal and how long it will last when choosing the page count. |
| Closure | Some writing journals come with a closure mechanism, such as a strap, ribbon or elastic band, that keeps the journal securely closed when not in use. Choose a closure that suits your style and adds to the functionality of the journal. |
| Extras | Some writing journals come with extras, such as a pen loop, bookmark, index pages or stickers. Consider these features if they'll enhance your writing experience or help you stay organized. |
Best Writing Journals
Now that you have an idea of the different types and features of writing journals, here are some of the best ones available in the market:
1. Moleskine Classic Notebook
The Moleskine Classic Notebook is an iconic writing journal that has been used by famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin. It has a simple and elegant design with a hardcover and rounded corners. The pages are acid-free, archival quality and come in blank, lined, dotted or grid patterns. The notebook has a bookmark, an expandable inner pocket and an elastic closure. It comes in different sizes and colors to suit your style and needs.
2. Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Journal
The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Journal is a popular choice among writers and bullet journalers. It has a sturdy hardcover with a pocket and an elastic closure. The pages are acid-free, bleed-proof and come in lined, dotted or grid patterns. The journal has a table of contents, numbered pages and a set of stickers for labeling and indexing. It comes in different sizes and colors to suit your preferences.
3. Paperblanks Embellished Manuscripts Collection
The Paperblanks Embellished Manuscripts Collection is a series of writing journals that feature reproductions of historical manuscripts, artwork and designs. They have a unique and artistic look with a variety of covers and themes to choose from. The pages are made of acid-free, sustainable paper and come in lined, blank or ultra-thin patterns. The journal has a ribbon bookmark, a pocket and an elastic closure. It comes in different sizes and designs to suit your interests.
4. Rhodia Webnotebook
The Rhodia Webnotebook is a high-quality writing journal that offers a smooth and fountain pen-friendly writing experience. It has a soft leatherette cover with a ribbon bookmark and an elastic closure. The pages are acid-free, ink-resistant and come in lined, dotted or blank patterns. The journal has a table of contents, an index, and numbered pages for easy reference. It comes in different sizes and colors to suit your taste.
Conclusion
A writing journal is an essential tool for writers to record their thoughts, ideas or stories. It's important to choose the right type of journal and features that suit your writing style, preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a simple blank journal or an artistically designed one, there's a writing journal for everyone. Use this guide to help you find the best writing journal that inspires you to write and create.
