Choosing notebook gifts by page size
Fold a sheet of scrap paper to the approximate dimensions of the model you like. Try it in a jacket pocket or alongside a laptop.
What to look for inside notebook gifts
Open the sample halfway and pretend to write close to the spine. See how much room your hand needs. If the pages tend to spring shut, consider where the recipient will use the book. Jotting things down while standing requires a different kind of support from writing at a broad desk.
Choose ruling that suits their handwriting
Lines can give long diary entries a steady rhythm. Blank pages leave space for drawings and words to share the page. A faint grid suits lists, maps and quick calculations. Compare the spacing with a line of ordinary handwriting before choosing.
Try the pen they actually use
If there is a tester, write a few words with the kind of pen the recipient prefers. Let the ink dry and turn the page. A visible shadow on the reverse is different from ink soaking through to leave a mark on the next sheet. Make sure the result suits the way they take notes.
Add something they will use
An inside pocket gives ticket keepers somewhere to tuck concert stubs. A ribbon marker helps a student find the page they were working on before class. Write your dedication on a separate card and let the recipient decide how to use the first page.
A band of coloured wrapping paper can echo the shade of the cover. Leave a little give in the ribbon so that the corners stay square, especially if you are carrying the wrapped gift in a bag.