Is A5 a good size for a promotional notebook?
Are you trying to pick the right notebook for your next promotional giveaway? It feels like a small decision, but the size can make a big difference in how your gift is used.
Yes, A5 is a very good size for a promotional notebook. It is a popular choice because it's big enough to write in comfortably, but small enough to be easily carried in a bag or backpack. This makes it a practical and versatile gift that people are likely to use for daily notes and meetings.

When I first started in this industry, I thought the notebook was just a blank slate. I quickly learned that the small details make it a great tool. A notebook is not just paper and a cover. It is a way to get your brand into the daily life of your clients. It is a chance to show them you understand what they need.
What can you do with an A5 promotional notebook?
Have you ever given a gift and wondered if it was actually used? You want your promotional notebook to be more than just a drawer filler.
You can do many things with an A5 promotional notebook1, from daily note-taking to planning and creative projects. Its portable size makes it perfect for business meetings, personal journaling, or capturing ideas on the go. You can also use it for event checklists, project outlines, or even sketching.

A promotional A5 notebook is more than just a writing pad. It is a tool that can be used for many different things. Its small size makes it a great companion for a day at work or for travel. For example, a client can use it to take notes during a meeting. This keeps your brand front and center. They can also use it to plan their week or to keep track of tasks. This makes your brand a part of their daily routine. Another good use is for creative projects. Artists can use it for sketching. Writers can use it for jotting down ideas. You can also use the notebook for a specific event or campaign. You can include a QR code on the inside cover. The QR code can link to a special offer or a video. This turns a simple notebook into a smart marketing tool. When the notebook is used, your brand is seen. It gets repeated exposure without more cost. My experience has shown me that the small things make a big difference. Adding a pen loop, a ribbon marker, or a back pocket makes the notebook more useful. A notebook with these features is more likely to be kept. It is a way to turn a simple giveaway into a valuable desk item. The quality of the paper also matters. Paper with a good weight (GSM) will not let ink bleed through. This makes it a better writing experience. Here is a simple table to show the different uses.
| Use Case | Why A5 is a Good Fit |
|---|---|
| Meeting Notes | Easy to carry into a meeting room, fits on small tables |
| Daily Journal | Not too big, not too small; a comfortable size for personal thoughts |
| Travel Journal | Fits in a carry-on bag, perfect for notes and sketches on the go |
| Event Planning | Great for making checklists and to-do lists for events or projects |
| Creative Brainstorming | Portable size is easy to have on hand whenever ideas strike |
How can you restore an old promotional notebook?
Do you have an old notebook that has seen better days? You might think it is time to throw it away, but you can give it a new life.
You can restore an old notebook by cleaning the cover, repairing the binding, or adding new creative elements. For a PU cover2, you can gently clean it with a damp cloth. For damaged pages, you can tape them or cut them out. You can also use stickers or markers to give the notebook a new look, making it personal and useful again.

Giving a new life to an old notebook is a great way to be sustainable3. It is also a way to show your brand is built to last. A well-made notebook can be used for a long time. The first step is to clean the cover. A PU notebook cover can be wiped down with a soft, damp cloth. This can remove dirt and dust. If there are scratches, you can sometimes use a small amount of a matching PU leather repair cream. This can make the cover look new again. For a notebook with a soft-touch finish, you might need a special cleaner. It is a good idea to test a small spot first. If the binding is loose, you can sometimes fix it. You can use a strong glue to reattach the spine. For wire-bound notebooks, you can use pliers to reshape the wire. This can make the notebook hold together again. My own experience has shown me that clients keep high-quality notebooks. They will not throw them away. Instead, they find ways to keep using them. This means your brand stays with them for a longer time. You can also turn an old notebook into a new project. You can turn it into a scrapbook. You can add new sections for a new project. This shows the notebook is not just a gift. It is a part of their life. The way a notebook is made from the start matters a lot. A good notebook will have a strong binding. The edges of the cover should be sealed well. These small details mean the notebook will not fall apart after a few months. This is what you want for your brand. Here is a table that shows some simple steps.
| Restoration Step | Benefit for Notebook |
|---|---|
| Clean the Cover | Removes dirt, makes it look fresh and new |
| Repair the Binding | Ensures the notebook stays together and is usable |
| Add New Content | Gives the notebook a new purpose, such as a scrapbook or planner |
| Customize the Look | Makes it personal with stickers, drawings, or new labels |
| Protect the Pages | Tape or trim damaged pages to prevent further wear |
What makes a promotional notebook look and feel premium?
Are you worried your promotional notebook will look cheap and be quickly forgotten? It is a common problem to feel like you are just giving away junk.
A promotional notebook looks and feels premium when you focus on a few key details. High-quality paper, a thoughtful finish on the cover, and useful features like a pen loop or ribbon marker make a huge difference. These small additions elevate the notebook from a simple giveaway to a high-value gift.

Making a notebook feel premium is not about spending a lot of money. It is about making smart choices. The first thing is the paper. The paper needs to be thick enough so that ink does not bleed through to the other side. A good paper weight, or GSM, is around 80 GSM or higher. This makes the writing experience much better. It shows quality. The second thing is the cover finish. A PU cover can be finished in many ways. Debossing is a great option. This is when your logo is pressed into the material. It gives a clean and elegant look. Foil stamping is another option. This uses a metallic foil to create a shiny logo. A soft-touch finish on the cover also feels great. It makes the notebook feel expensive. A cheap pad print on the other hand can look bad. It can also scratch or peel off. This will not make your brand look good. My personal experience has shown me that these details are what people notice. I have seen clients who were very happy with a notebook that had a good finish. They did not just throw it in a drawer. They used it. Another detail is the binding. A lay-flat binding is very useful. It lets the notebook open completely flat. This makes it easy to write in. A ribbon marker or a pen loop also adds value. These small features make the notebook more useful. They show that you thought about how the client will use the gift. These small decisions are what make a notebook a keeper. You can choose a great notebook by looking at a few key features. Here is a simple table to help you.
| Feature | Benefit for Premium Feel |
|---|---|
| Paper Quality (GSM) | Thicker paper, no ink bleed, better writing experience |
| Cover Finish | Debossing or foil stamping looks clean and professional |
| Soft-Touch Cover | Feels good to the touch, gives a high-end feel |
| Lay-Flat Binding | Makes the notebook easy to use and write in |
| Added Features | Pen loop, ribbon marker, inner pocket add value and function |
Conclusion
A promotional A5 PU notebook is a great tool for brand exposure. Invest in quality materials, like good paper and a durable finish, to create a gift that your clients will keep and use.



