When it comes to corporate gifting, everyone says they want to be “different.” But here’s the thing—most companies end up handing out the same pens, mugs, or USB sticks. And guess what? Half of those end up forgotten in a drawer or, worse, the office trash bin. A custom notebook is different. It’s practical, it travels with your client, and it can quietly keep your brand in front of them for months, maybe even years.
I’ve been to enough trade shows to notice this—attendees love something they can actually use right away. A decent-looking notebook? They’ll take it, flip through the pages, maybe even jot down a note during your presentation. That’s instant engagement.
Why Custom Notebooks Work So Well for Gifts & Events
A Brand Reminder Without Feeling Like an Ad
You know those products that scream, “Here’s our logo, remember us!”? Notebooks can be more subtle. Your logo’s there, sure, but it doesn’t shout. Instead, it sits quietly on the desk while people get on with their work, almost blending into their daily routine. Every time they flip it open, your brand gets a little mental nudge.
Useful Beats Fancy (Most of the Time)
A gold-plated paperweight might look expensive, but will it be used? Not really. A notebook? It’ll get pulled out in meetings, on flights, maybe even at the coffee shop. Real life is messy—people need a tool they can toss in a bag without worrying about breaking it.
Matching Your Company’s Values
If your business talks about sustainability, you can’t hand out something that feels wasteful. FSC-certified paper or stone paper makes sense here. Labon Stationery, for instance, has FSC, BSCI, and REACH certifications. That’s not just a label—it means the paper is sourced responsibly and production meets international labor standards.
Setting Your Goals (and Your Budget)
Who’s Getting These Notebooks?
A client gift is not the same as a trade show freebie. For clients, you might choose PU leather covers with embossed logos—something that feels premium. For a conference with 500 attendees, you probably need something lighter, like a sturdy softcover.
How Many Do You Actually Need?
It’s easy to underestimate. Let’s say you’re planning for 300 people at a corporate seminar. Add at least 10% extra. Someone will always bring a plus-one, or you’ll want spares for future meetings.
Quality vs. Quantity—Finding the Sweet Spot
With a $3,000 budget, you could do 300 luxury notebooks or 1,000 mid-range ones. I’ve seen companies split it—send the fancy ones to VIP clients and the rest to general event attendees. That way, you keep both reach and impact.
Picking the Right Notebook Features
Cover Material and Style
- Hardcover: Think formal boardrooms, executive desks.
- Softcover: Easier to carry, perfect for daily note-taking.
- PU Leather or Linen: Gives that premium feel without the “real leather” price tag.
- Recycled or Fabric Covers: A good talking point if you’re going for eco-friendly vibes.
- At Labon, we’ve seen companies request textured matte finishes just so the notebook “feels expensive” the moment someone picks it up.
Size Matters More Than You Think
Pocket-sized (A6) is perfect for quick notes. A5 fits neatly in a laptop bag and is probably the most versatile. A4? That’s for workshops, training, or industries where sketches and diagrams are common—architects love them.
Paper Quality & Layout
If your clients use fountain pens, thin paper won’t cut it—120gsm is safer. For everyday meeting notes, 80gsm lined pages are fine. And dotted or blank pages? Those are favorites among designers who want the freedom to sketch without lines in the way.
Binding & Durability
Spiral-bound is great for flipping pages all the way around, but sewn binding feels classier and lasts longer. Lay-flat binding is popular now—it’s like the best of both worlds.
Making It Yours—Branding Options
Logo Placement That Works
Pad printing is great for color, embossing or debossing for a subtle texture, and foil stamping for something that pops in gold or silver. Labon usually sends samples within a week so you can actually see (and feel) the difference before you order.
More Than Just a Logo
Think brand colors, a tagline, maybe even a custom pattern. I’ve seen companies put QR codes on the inside cover linking to a welcome video—it’s a small surprise that makes the gift more interactive.
Handy Extras
Pen loops, ribbon bookmarks, inside pockets—these tiny details turn a notebook into something people actually want to carry.
Sustainability Without the Greenwashing
Alternative Papers That Perform
Stone paper is waterproof and tear-resistant—great for outdoor industries or field teams. Recycled paper works well for general use and has that “we care” message built in.
Certified Production
FSC certification means the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests. BSCI means better working conditions for the people making your notebooks. Labon ticks both boxes.
Ways Companies Actually Use Custom Notebooks
- Trade Shows: Give attendees a place to jot notes during talks, with your brand subtly at the bottom of each page.
- Onboarding Kits: Pair a notebook with a good pen and a short welcome note for new hires.
- Client Milestones: A luxury notebook in a gift box for a client’s 5-year anniversary with you.
- Workshops: Replace handouts with a branded notebook—it’s tidier and longer-lasting.
Where to Order Without the Headache
Big-name suppliers like Labon handle everything in-house—design, printing, binding—which keeps production times short and quality consistent. For smaller, artsy batches, local makers or online custom shops can be a good option, but expect longer lead times.
Getting the Most Out of Your Notebook Giveaway
Bundle it with other branded items like pens or tote bags. Invest in packaging—a kraft box or even a belly band can make it feel more like a gift and less like stationery. And don’t forget the inside—add a first-page message, a calendar, or even a motivational quote that ties back to your brand.
Final Word
A custom notebook isn’t just stationery. It’s a daily companion for the user, and a quiet, consistent brand ambassador for you. If you choose the right style, materials, and finish, it’ll outlast the memory of the event itself.
Labon Stationery has been making them for over 20 years, shipping to 52 countries, producing more than two million notebooks annually. That’s a lot of pages—and a lot of brands staying in people’s hands.
FAQs
Q1. How long will my order take?
A: Labon’s samples are ready in about 5–7 days, with bulk orders taking 2–4 weeks depending on the design.
Q2. Can I mix designs in one order?
A: Yes. You can do multiple cover styles or colors in the same run—handy for themed events.
Q3. What’s the smallest batch I can order?
A: It depends on the style, but Labon can do smaller runs for special events and larger ones for mass distribution.