Better Version

 Some people collect shoes. Some people collect candles. I, apparently, collect notebooks. And not just any notebooks, luxury, take my breath away stationery that feels too pretty to be tossed into a bag, but somehow still sturdy enough to survive it.

So when I was kindly gifted a stunning notebook from Better Version Notebooks & Journals, I knew I was in for something special. What I didn’t know was just how much this brand would reignite my love for putting pen to paper.

First Impressions: Love at First Page

Better Version doesn’t just make stationery... they craft an experience. The moment I unwrapped mine, I had that strange, delicious mix of excitement and intimidation, It’s so gorgeous… what could I possibly write that’s worthy of it?

The covers are refined without feeling stiff, think minimalist elegance with just enough personality to make you smile every time you see it on your desk. And then there’s the paper. Oh, the paper. Smooth, thick, and luxuriously soft to the touch, it gives you that irresistible “shffft” sound when you turn a page. If ASMR made stationery, this would be it.

Photo taken by Sophie's Blogging World

Beauty Meets Brains

These notebooks aren’t just pretty faces. They’re cleverly designed for people who actually use their stationery, not just admire it from afar (though that’s perfectly acceptable too). The layouts are thoughtfully considered, the paper takes ink like a dream, and the binding feels as though it could survive years of love and wear.

Better Version also wins major points for their eco-conscious materials. They’ve managed to create luxury stationery without compromising the planet, a balance that’s surprisingly rare in the world of high end paper goods. So you get all the indulgence with none of the guilt.

The Spa Day for Your Brain

Here’s the thing about a really well made notebook, it invites you in. It doesn’t just sit there waiting to be used, it pulls you into a conversation. Better Version understands this, which is why many of their products come with gentle prompts and guided pages that help you slow down and sort through the mental clutter.

Writing in one of these feels less like “I guess I’ll journal because I should” and more like treating yourself to a little mindfulness retreat in the middle of your day. Whether you’re capturing big ideas, tiny victories, or just the jumble of thoughts you woke up with, the process feels grounding and even luxurious.

Making You the Main Character

There’s a subtle magic to holding something beautiful that’s also deeply personal. With each entry, your notebook becomes more you. The pages fill with your handwriting, your sketches, your plans, your heart. And because Better Version notebooks look as if they were plucked straight from a boutique in Paris or Milan, you can’t help but feel like the main character in your own story, whether it’s an epic romance, a hilarious sitcom, or something in between.

Plus, let’s be honest, leaving one casually “forgotten” on your coffee table when guests come over is a harmless little flex.

The Versatility Factor

Better Version’s collection covers the whole spectrum of needs and moods. You want a classic lined journal for your morning pages? They’ve got it. A compact notebook for travel sketches? Check. Something big, bold, and perfect for ambitious planning sessions? Absolutely.

And the colours, oh, the colours. From soft, calming neutrals to rich, statement making jewel tones, there’s something to suit every taste and every desk aesthetic. It’s stationery you actually want to match to your outfit (and yes, I have done this).

Photo taken by Sophie's Blogging World

Why the Right Notebook Matters

We live in a digital world, but there’s still something magical about handwriting. Science even backs it up... writing by hand helps with memory retention, sparks creativity, and provides a break from constant screen time. The act of physically writing can slow your thoughts just enough to let the good ideas surface.

A beautiful notebook makes that process even more inviting. It becomes a space you look forward to visiting, the same way you might crave your favourite coffee shop or a sunny reading nook.

My Writing Ritual Now

Since getting my Better Version notebook, I’ve carved out a little ritual for myself. Morning coffee, a comfortable chair, and at least ten minutes of free writing before I even touch my phone. Sometimes I plan my day. Sometimes I write down dreams. Sometimes I doodle like I’m twelve years old. The point is, I show up for it, and it shows up for me.

And when I flip back through the pages, I see a little timeline of my thoughts, my progress, my fleeting obsessions. It’s not perfect. It’s not always profound. But it’s mine.

A Gift Worth Giving (Even to Yourself)

If you have a friend who loves journaling or one who needs to love journaling, Better Version notebooks make a thoughtful, elevated gift. They’re the sort of present that says, “I see you, I value your thoughts, and I want you to have a beautiful place to keep them.”

And honestly? Even if you don’t have anyone in mind, get one for yourself. Because self-gifting is self care, and your ideas deserve a home worthy of them.