Getting nice notebooks and not using them — we’re all too familiar with that habit or, at least, know of one person who does it.
There’s just something about those blank pages waiting to be filled, calling out to the book-hoarder in us. Need I mention the euphoric smell of new books that are like endorphins to the soul?
Even if we end up never using them, I find pleasure in buying them. Here’s a list of 10 places where you can find minimalist notebooks that are worthy of adding into your collection.
1. MONOYONO
MONOYONO is self-proclaimed to be “the inspiring store”, it supplies many notebooks that will bring out the bookaholic in anyone.
The Kate Spade line includes the Dipped Initial Notebooks (S$36.90), each with a unique colour matching every letter of the alphabet.
If you feel like splurging, the Brogues Lined Notebook (S$32.90) from the Ted Baker line of products is the one to go to.
Available in brown and black, it is covered with faux leather featuring dapper broguing patterns.
MONOYONO: Store Locations | Opening hours: Sun-Wed: 11.00am – 10.00pm, Thurs-Sat: 11.00am – 10.30pm | Website
2. MINISO
MINISO was founded with the belief that good products can be found at low prices. Amidst their wide range of products is a collection of beautiful, minimalist notebooks.
Notebook prices range from S$3 to S$5.90, depending on the design and thickness.
You can also find string-bound notebooks for those that need more pages to scribble on.
When it comes to styles, there are loads more that MINISO has to offer, so visit their outlets personally to find one that suits you.
MINISO: Store locations | Opening hours: varies, see specific outlet under store locations | Website | Facebook
3. The Paper Bunny
Lights Will Guide You Home (Price: S$14.90 | Size: 11cm × 16cm)
Fans of Coldplay will recognise this from their song, Fix You. Nothing like a good music reference to perk you up each time you make a note.
While The Paper Bunny is an Online store, its merchandise is also stocked by brick-and-mortar stores such as Naiise.
Notebooks are priced from S$14.90 to S$18, and their gorgeous collection can be viewed Online. It’s time to rope in your friends to stock up on these notebooks as shipping is free if your order exceeds S$60.
The Paper Bunny: Stocked at various locations | Online store | Facebook
4. Typo
Typo stocks a wide range of notebooks and planners such as their A5 Buffalo Journals, which come in many classy colours and textures, at S$17.99 each.
Typo takes the lead in its fun, light-hearted notebooks.
The spinout notebook designs include slogans, quirky patterns, funny cartoons, just to name a few. Each of them comes with an elastic band, a standard pocket page and is filled with ruled paper.
Notebook prices start from S$2.99, which can be bought Online as well.
Typo: Store locations | Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily, may vary with outlet | Website
5. kikki.K
This Swedish brand carries books made of quality materials, such as genuine leather.
To make things easy for buyers, the different products are sorted into a colour theme so you can distinguish which items are from the same series.
The black, minimalist collection is especially cool. If I could have my whole desk themed after this, I’d never complain about having to do work again.
The A5 Bonded Leather notebooks (S$34.90), are filled with ruled pages and the occasional inspiring quote to keep you going — but my personal favourite is their Bucket List Journal (u.p. $29.90).
Beware, this book shows no mercy: It’ll flash you a sharp reminder to make a move on your goals when you turn its pages. But that’s what makes it fun.
kikki.K’s items are rather pricey so here’s something to help you out: students get 10% off regular purchases when they flash their student IDs. Shoppers should also consider signing up for a free membership a couple of days prior to purchasing goods as they can get a free voucher, alongside other benefits on their birthday.
Kikki.K: Store locations | Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily | Website | Facebook
6. The Farm Store
The Farm Store is an Online shop with uniquely Singaporean designs on their wares that are hard to miss. You may have seen some of their products stocked in places like Naiise or souvenir shops.
From catchy Singaporean slangs to signature dishes, the notebooks are precious finds in your quest to get gifts for overseas friends – especially if they get the Singlish jokes.
Notebook prices start from S$5.50 each, and shipping fee starts from S$8 when buying from on their webpage.
The Farm Store | Website | Facebook
7. Prints
Prints offers a myriad of stationeries in irresistible Swedish designs, which means that you can get pencil holders, files and other stuff in matching patterns to complement your notebook.
Their notebooks come in so many forms: ring-bound; lined with plastic or cloth; covered with abstract shapes, patterns and textures…(and the list goes on). With 124 designs available Online, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Prices start from S$9.90 and they can be bought at various Prints outlets or Online, where local shipping is charged at a flat fee of S$10 per location. Orders of S$100 and above will be shipped for free.
Prints: Store locations | Opening hours: 10am to 10pm, except for Raffles Place outlet | Website | Facebook
8. Moleskine
Moleskine’s usual notebooks come in plain colours, with blank, squared, dotted or ruled papers, and most of their notebooks have a back pocket and an elastic band – a pretty standard design.
For minimalist notebook lovers, Moleskine notebooks are as simple and classic as it gets but as much as plain colours are appealing, I would be hard-pressed to turn down some of their themed notebooks, especially the Marauder’s Map, for being up to no good.
Moleskine is all about enhancing a user’s experience. Only notable design is that all their pens can be attached to the hard cover books without leaving scratch marks on the surface.
Prices start above $13 for cahier notebooks – Moleskine’s simplest notebooks with thin covers with no back pocket or elastic closure.
Moleskine: Store locations | Website | Facebook
9. MUJI
MUJI’s name comes from Mujirushi Ryohin, which means “no-brand, quality products.” In line with that, none of MUJI’s products bear their name or logo when the packaging is removed.
Their large array of notebooks come in many sizes and types. From small notebooks at S$1.30 to thicker ones at S$13.90, you can be assured that there’s at least one to suit your needs.
MUJI provides an inking station where goods can be decorated. After buying your books, you can head over and personalise them to your heart’s content.
A good deal for stamp-lovers is this set of five B5 notebooks for S$3.90. More books means more stamping! Each book’s spine has a different colour, perfect for colour-coding different topics.
As an added bonus, the outlets at Raffles City and Paragon host a cafe right next to their wares. You can try dishes like Teriyaki Sakura Chicken with Braised Leek while mulling over which books to buy. Hey, tough decisions like that need to be made over food!
MUJI: Store locations | Opening hours: vary with outlet | Website| Facebook
10. Cityluxe
Cityluxe stocks products for the avid traveller in mind… Just looking at their products can incite wanderlust.
One thing that stands out at Cityluxe is the extraordinary range of notebook companion products. They provide covers, refills and even strings for repair.
It would seem that notebooks are taken to be long-term investments here, earning a seal of approval from this notebook-lover.
Their Ciak Appuntino Dotted Slim Notebook is handmade in Italy with eco-leather, a “green” material which is sustainable and friendly to nature. It costs S$6.90 to S$9.90, depending on size.
Any book shopaholic would know that having these 10 brilliant colours mean that you could get one for each day of the week, and still have three to spare for other random things you may want to pen down. Just a thought.
Before you buy anything, sign up for their loyalty point system to collect rebate points. And.. All local orders are shipped for free! Hooray!
Cityluxe: Store locations | Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily (ION Orchard); 11am to 8pm on weekdays (Marina Bay Link Mall) | Website | Facebook
If you know of any good stationery shops to share, do let us know in the comments! We’ll risk the chance of buying even more.
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