I have been seeing longer lines at office supplies counters, and I realized I haven't posted my notebook recommendations for the upcoming semester. So as quickly as I could, I whip up this list just in case some of you are like me in school: always at the last minute. 😅

Here are my notebook recommendations for school. These can be used for discussion notes, brain dumps, and for general usage. 

Budget: Below PHP 100

1. MUJI-INSPIRED NOTEBOOKS

These are one of the prettiest notebooks-on-a-budget out there, if not the actual prettiest. While the pages are relatively thin (70GSM), they're smooth so they still offer a very decent writing experience. 

What to love: 

• very aesthetically pleasing
• budget-friendly
• sleek plastic frosted cover
• smooth paper
• elastic band (always a plus for me!)
• available in grid, lined, dotted, and blank pages
• sturdy spiral binding
• easily found on Shopee and Lazada

Price: PHP 30 - 75 (depending on size)

2. PC&CO NOTEBOOK (SPIRAL & STENO)

These I actually added last minute, after a quick visit at my local National Bookstore. Also perfect timing because I realized I haven't had anything steno, which I also loved bringing with me when I was in school. This brand caught my eye because the covers are super pretty! 

What to love:

• excellent paper quality 
• thin gray lines
• available online and at National Bookstore
• budget friendly
• super aesthetic (both colorful and minimalist)
• sturdy double loop wires

Price: PHP 25 - PHP 70

3. CATTLEYA NOTEBOOK

This is my favorite notebook while in university. I find that each page is really smooth that any pen just slides against it. I was always repurchasing this one, so obviously, I'm recommending it here. 

What to love: 

• smooth white paper
• available in small and big sizes
• available in mathematics 
• plastic cover ♡
• locally manufactured [vernal incorporated]
• they can be found in most department stores and online 

Price: PHP 35 - PHP 75 (depending on size/type) 

4. BLUE FEATHER

Oh gosh, I remember this one teacher I had in high school who struck me as someone very anal about things, so much so he required us this notebook for his class. Thankful that he did though since these are really decent notebooks. I'd say a step up from the usual artista (celebrity) notebooks I had back then. 😅

What to love: 

• available in many sizes
• available in spiral or bounded
• smooth white pages
• personally I like the line spacing a lot
• locally manufactured (sister brands of Corona) 
• available in most stationery places and online shops
• my high school teacher requires it, jk 😂

Price: PHP 20 - PHP 90 (depending on size/type)

photo credits: byseame on shopee • shop online here

Budget: PHP 100 – PHP 250

5. VECO IDEA NOTES

These are really good notebooks. Personally I am not a fan of the soft card stock cover because my hands sweat all the time, but besides that, these notebooks are such a steal! 

What to love:

• 100 gsm paper 
• available in a lot of colors
• really good, smooth paper
• ribbon bookmark
• garter closure
• available in A5 and A6
• available in dotted, lined
• gusseted back pocket 

Price: PHP 185 - PHP 220 (depending on size)

Photo credits: @vecopaper | Shop here

cover art by @carlacochua | Follow them here

6. ARTHERAPY 

These are the chunky journals you'll see in SM Department store stationery racks. You may think they're expensive because of how they look, but they're actually one of the cheaper ones for their category of chunky journals. 

What to love:

• bang for your buck
• thick and smooth paper
• synthetic leather cover
• garter closure
• available in many colors
• available in dotted and lined

Price: PHP 169  

Photo credits: thesmstore • Shop online here

Budget: Above PHP 250

7. PAPERNOTES 

You already know Papernotes is one of my ultimate favorite brands, so of course, I will be recommending them. You can read a more in-depth review from me here. 

What to love:

• soft leatherette cover, slightly textured
• 100 GSM ivory pages
• gusseted back pocket
• ribbon bookmark
• garterized pen holder
• elastic enclosure band
• available in dotted, grid, blank, and ruled
• available in 16 different colors 

Price: PHP 225 - PHP 399

8. OWL PHILIPPINES

Specifically for this article, I recommend their dotted A5 units since I think they'll match well you your needs when your classes require you to draw. For a thorough review, you can check this post. 

What to love: 

• PU leather hard cover
• 100 sheets of GSM paper 
• elastic rubber band
• gusseted back pocket
• ribbon bookmark
• can be customized!
• budget friendly

Price: PHP 259 (A5 Dotted) 

I hope my recommendations help you jump start the new school year. Hopefully, the blog in general would also be a friend when choosing the perfect stationary for your general use. Come back anytime, okay? 😊

jls ✰