A branded notebook sits on a desk for months, which makes it one of the longest-lasting things you can put your logo on. It is also easy to get wrong: a flimsy cover, paper that lets ink bleed through, or a logo squeezed into the wrong corner can turn a good gift into something nobody keeps. This guide covers what to look at before you order branded notebooks for your business, team or event.
Quick answer: For most UK businesses, an A5 notebook with a soft-touch or recycled card cover, roughly 60 to 100 pages and a single-colour or debossed logo is the safest choice for clients and staff. Choose A6 for conference bags and giveaways, hardback or PU covers for premium gifts, and recycled covers if sustainability is part of your brand. Always check the paper weight and where the logo will sit before approving artwork.
Which size: A4, A5 or A6?
Size drives both how useful the notebook is and how it feels as a gift.
- A5 is the standard for office notebooks. It fits in a bag, is large enough for meeting notes and gives your logo room to breathe. If you are unsure, order A5.
- A6 is pocket-sized. It suits delegate bags, trade stands and anything handed out in volume, but it leaves less space for a logo and is less useful for meeting notes.
- A4 suits desk-based roles, training courses and project work, but it is less likely to travel.
Cover types and what they say about your brand
| Cover | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled card or kraft | Giveaways, eco-minded brands, events | Less hardwearing in a bag; best with simple one-colour logos |
| Soft-touch or PU cover | Client and staff gifts | Cheaper PU can mark; debossing or tonal printing looks best |
| Hardback | Premium gifts, welcome packs, awards | Heavier to post and carry; usually costs more |
| Wire-bound or spiral | Training, field teams, desks | Looks more functional than premium |
Extras such as an elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, pen loop or pocket inside the back cover make a notebook feel considered. They also add to the cost, so decide which ones are worth it for your audience.
Paper weight, page count and ruling
This is the part most buyers skip, and the part recipients notice. Everyday notebooks commonly use paper of around 70 to 90gsm. Heavier paper copes better with gel and fountain pens, while thin paper can show writing through the page. A page count of roughly 60 to 100 pages suits most gifts: enough to be useful, not so thick that the book becomes bulky.
Lined paper is the safe default. Dotted or plain pages appeal to design-led teams and creatives. If your audience will use the book for meetings, lined or dotted pages usually go down best.
Print and finish options for your logo
- Screen or pad printing: good for solid colours and simple logos on card and many covers.
- Debossing: presses your logo into a PU or card cover for a tonal, premium look with no ink to wear off.
- Foil blocking: a metallic finish that lifts a logo on a darker cover.
- Full-colour digital print: best when you need photographic or multicolour artwork, usually on card covers.
Not every finish is available on every notebook, so confirm the option you want against the specific product when you ask for a quote. Simple, bold logos reproduce best across all of them. Fine lines and small strapline text tend to disappear, especially when debossed.
Where to put the logo
Front cover, centred or in the lower third, is the most common and works for nearly any logo. A small mark on the front with a longer message on the back keeps the design uncluttered. Leave a safe margin around the edge so trimming and binding do not clip the artwork. If you want the notebook to be kept rather than binned, avoid covering the whole cover in marketing copy.
Common mistakes when ordering branded notebooks
- Choosing on the cover photo alone. Ask about paper weight, binding and page count, because these decide whether the book is still being used in six months.
- Overcomplicated artwork. A logo with a gradient, fine outline and strapline rarely survives debossing or small-format printing. Simplify first.
- Forgetting the audience. A chunky hardback is lovely for a director and awkward in a conference bag. A slim A6 does the opposite job.
- Leaving it late. Gifts and event packs have fixed dates, so allow time for artwork approval before the deadline.
Pairing notebooks with pens and other items
A notebook and pen is the classic desk gift, and it works at any budget. You can see the pen options in our guide to personalised pens. For bigger packs, add a branded bottle or a tote bag to build a welcome kit. If you are choosing gifts for clients specifically, our guide to corporate gifts for clients covers what gets kept.
How many should you order?
Order sizes affect which notebooks and finishes are practical. If you are only buying a small run, read our explainer on promotional products with no minimum order before you set a budget. For events, add a small buffer for late registrations and spares. Our guide to choosing promotional products explains how to match the item to the audience.
Branded notebooks: frequently asked questions
What is the best size for a branded notebook?
A5 for most gifts and office use, A6 for conference bags and giveaways. A4 suits training courses and desk roles.
Can I print on both covers?
Often yes, though it depends on the notebook and the finish. Ask when you request a quote and we will confirm the options.
What paper weight is best?
Around 70 to 90gsm is typical for everyday notebooks. If recipients are likely to use gel or fountain pens, ask about heavier paper.
What file format do I need for my logo?
A vector file (.ai, .eps, .svg or a vector PDF) is ideal. A high-resolution image can also work, and we will check it before production.
Ready to order branded notebooks?
Tell us your quantity, deadline and audience and we will suggest options. Request a quote, or see our corporate gifts for ideas that pair well with notebooks.
