Best Leather Journals / Notebooks
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Benefits of a Leather Journal
A leather journal has a few advantages over a cloth or paper bound one. A leather bound journal is more durable and long lasting. Tanned leather can easily last for decades, longer if properly cared for.
Leather is a luxury material. A leather journal is a luxury item, more affordable than most, but still a luxury item. It’s a nice indulgence for yourself, and together with a beautiful pen makes a beautiful gift for someone or yourself. A luxury leather notebook is suitable for just about everyone.
A leather journal lends a polished, professional appearance. I like to use a leather journal when meeting with new clients. It gives an instant boost to your sophistication and organization.
A leather journal also gets more beautiful with age and use. Leather will take on wear and memories and not lose any of the qualities that make them more durable than other journals or notebooks. As a natural material it will take on the wear of daily use and develop a lovely patina.
I like to use a leather journal to preserve special memories and writings. They are perfect for long term storage. And they look terrific in the bookcase.
Our Recommendations for Leather Journals:
Moleskine Classic Leather Journal
For years I wished that my favorite Moleskine notebooks were made in leather. Now they are! The classic hardcover is now available in a handsome leather. It has the same sewn binding that lays flat, and comes in an attractive presentation box. This journal is built to last, and is the quality that you know from trusted name Moleskine. This is my top pick for a luxury leather journal, the classic leather journal from a renowned name.
Graphic Image Bennett Leather Journal
Graphic Image is a local NY based luxury leather goods company. I have used their daily planners for years. They put all of their expertise and quality into these leather journals. 240 pages of acid free, lined paper to fill with your memories. These are available in classic subdued leathers as well as fun colors. The Graphic Image is a favorite among luxury leather notebooks.
Levenger Circa Pro Folio Junior
For those that want a refillable leather journal, this Levenger is our pick. This leather folio uses Levenger’s classic Circa refills. The refills are easily archivable after use.
Vintage Leather Journal
I love the rustic look of this leather journal. The raw leather edges aren’t as polished as the other recommendations, but that’s what gives this journal its charm. This would make a perfect gift for a free spirited poetic soul. The heavy, sewn pages are suitable for any writing instrument.
Refillable Leather Journal
A simple, elegant leather notebook that is refillable. This one comes with antique looking pages, but you can use any standard A5 journal to refill this with. It’s essentially a leather journal cover, but I really like the quality of this piece.
Uses for a Leather Journal
Use your leather journal as a daily diary to record events in your life. Use it as a bullet journal to help keep you on track.
A leather journal makes for a special sketch book, perfect for traveling. Use a journal as a travel log to record your journeys.
I like to keep recipes in a leather journal. If I’ve made a recipe a few times I’ll take the time to hand write it out in a journal.
A leather journal makes an elegant guest book. Keep a written address book in a journal and never worry about losing your information in a computer crash.
Use a leather journal to record milestones in your life, like special moments of your children growing up.
Use a journal as a food diary to record meals. You can use it as a travel and dining memoir.
Diary
Bullet journal
Sketch book
Recipes
Life milestones
Guestbook
Address book
Travel log
Food diary
You can use a regular sized journal for any of the uses of a pocket notebook, but desk sized. See our Get Organized with a Pocket Notebook for even more ideas on how to use a journal.
Are Leather Journals worth it?
A leather bound journal generally costs more than a cloth or paper bound notebook. For writings that you want to preserve for a long time I feel the cost is worth it. The Moleskine and the Graphic Image journals are specifically designed to be long lasting and archival. Both have acid free papers and are bound using traditional sewn spines for longevity. I have never had any pages fall out of either the Moleskine or Graphic Image notebooks.
A leather journal isn’t just a stylish alternative, it’s also a practical and long wearing one too.
Luxury Leather Journals: The Perfect Gift
A luxury leather journal or notebook makes for an elegant and usable gift. Perfect for grads, business associates, and anyone. Together with a beautiful pen, a leather notebook makes for a timeless and thoughtful gift.
If you are looking for a smaller journal, please check out our rundown of the Best Leather Pocket Notebooks.