STATIONERY ISLAND A5 Squared Notebook (Hardback, 120gsm graph paper) – 180 pages
Product description
The essentials
The STATIONERY ISLAND A5 Squared Notebook is a hardback graph paper notebook aimed at people who like structure on the page. If your writing, journaling or planning benefits from straight lines and clean spacing, the squared layout helps you keep things tidy without needing to reach for ruled paper.
It’s pitched as an everyday companion: study notes, a travel journal, meeting planning, daily goals, doodles or even calligraphy practice. The appeal here is that it’s not just a notebook for one job—you can use the grid for planning layouts, and then switch to more creative spreads when the mood takes you.
What matters in day-to-day use
On paper, the notebook’s biggest practical advantage is its thick graph paper: 120gsm premium paper across 180 squared pages. That thickness is the sort of detail you feel when you write—especially if you use brush pens. The manufacturer claims it can withstand brush pens with minimal or no bleeding, which is exactly what you’d want if you’ve previously had paper that ghosts through.
You also get guidance for layout. Each page is separated into neat squares, so your headings, lists, and diagrams have a natural structure. It’s great for making writing look “intentional”, even if you’re just jotting down quick notes between tasks.
A small but genuinely useful add-on is the extra organisation: 2 ribbon bookmark dividers and a pocket. The pocket is expandable and designed to hold essentials such as stickers, rulers, stencils, and tabs—handy if you like mixing planning with creative bits. The elastic closure band and hardback (faux leather look) are there to keep everything secure when you’re on the move.
Key specifications
- Name: A5 Squared Notebook with graph paper
- Type: Hardback grid notebook
- Format: Squared/graph pages
- Size: A5
- Paper weight: 120gsm
- Pages: 180
- Features: 2 ribbon bookmarks and an expandable pocket
- Cover: Faux leather style hardback with elastic closure
Where it shines (and where it may not)
It’s a solid pick if you want one notebook that can handle both planning and more creative note-taking. The squared pages suit people who plan with structure—think timetable-style pages, habit trackers, simple diagrams, or tidy journaling spreads. If you like keeping your current section marked and your extra supplies stored, the bookmarks and pocket are the kind of features that make the notebook feel more “designed”, not just plain.
That said, it may not suit everyone. If you’re after a very minimalist notebook, the grid will be more noticeable than a blank or lightly lined alternative. Also, while the paper is described as brush-pen friendly with minimal or no bleeding, results can still depend on your specific ink/pen and how heavily you write—so don’t treat it as a universal guarantee.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
It makes sense if you’re currently using something like plain paper but keep wishing you had alignment, or you’ve tried lined notebooks and found the spacing too rigid for planning layouts.
It may not be a great match if you prefer blank pages for freeform art, or if you don’t need (or won’t use) features like the pocket, ribbon dividers and elastic closure. Also, if you’re only ever writing in one straight style (for example, just quick notes), you might be paying for extra organisation you won’t use.
Practical example of use
Imagine you’re preparing for a busy week. You open the A5 notebook and use the squares to map out priorities in neat columns. Then, later that evening, you flip to the page you left bookmarked (one ribbon for today, one for tomorrow) and add a small doodle or calligraphy practice in the same notebook. If you’re using stickers or tabs for indexing, you can stash them in the expandable pocket instead of scattering them across your desk.
Is it worth it?
Buy it if you like the idea of an A5 hardback graph notebook with thick 120gsm paper, 180 pages, and built-in organisation (two ribbon bookmarks, an expandable pocket and an elastic closure). It’s particularly worth considering if your main goal is tidy planning and journaling, and you want paper that’s better suited to brush pens than typical thin sheets.
Skip it if you want completely blank pages, or if you only need a basic notepad and won’t use the extra features. And if you’re sensitive to bleeding/ghosting, it’s worth being realistic: even with 120gsm graph paper, how your pens behave can vary depending on the ink and coverage.
Quick FAQ
Is this notebook good for planning and journaling?
Yes — the squared layout is designed to make writing and organised layouts easier, and the notebook also supports day-to-day journaling, study notes and planning-style use.
Does it include bookmark dividers?
Yes, there are 2 ribbon bookmark dividers to help you keep track of important pages.
Is there storage for accessories?
There is an expandable pocket intended for essentials like stickers, rulers, stencils and tabs.
How thick is the paper?
The paper is described as 120gsm premium thick paper.
Will brush pens bleed through?
The paper is claimed to withstand brush pens with minimal or no bleeding, but results can still depend on the specific pen and how heavily you write.