Thursday Drops: Journals, Planners, and Journaling Supplies

It’s no secret that I’m going to lean hard into my journals and planners this year, as 2023 is shaping up to be a busy (yet exciting!) one and I need whatever help I can get to keep myself on track. To read more about what specific notebooks and planners I’m using for this coming year, check out last week’s posts about my personal setup, and also yesterday’s post about journaling goals.

My 5-year Journal is going to look a little funky for the next few days. 2023-ish.

Today, I’m revisiting some of my favorite tools and accessories specifically for writing and journaling - a product category that, at least in my mind, forms the core of the T.G.S. Curated Shop. Enjoy!

UPDATE: I moved several unsold items from the Patreon Sale Page into the main TGS “Gently Used” Page.

1. Midori MD Codex 1 Day 1 Page Notebook. Journalers, planners, and those devoted to a poem-a-day writing regimen love the Midori MD Codex, which is a large Midori MD Paper notebook that contains 360+ pages to use however you wish. Available in blank or dot-grid formats.

2. Midori Multi-Year Journals. One of my personal favorite products by Midori, the multi-year journals come in three, five, and a whopping ten-year format. A fresh restock just arrived so these are ready to ship.

3. Traveler’s Notebooks. The Traveler’s Notebook is one of the single-greatest journals out there, due mainly to its versatility and the ability to customize it to be whatever you want. Choose from a wide range of papers, including Tomoe River (“Lightweight”), Sketch Paper, Watercolor Paper, Kraft Paper for scrapbooking, and more.

4. Write Notepads Classic Hardcover Notebook. Those seeking a traditional clothbound hardcover book to save for posterity will want to consider this offering from Write Notepads.

5. WMS & Co. Sterling Modern Page Markers. While I was counting inventory this past weekend, I discovered that I had an extra set of these handmade sterling page markers, perfect for use as a bookmark or page marker in your notebook or journal.

6. Field Notes “Ignition” Edition. This special release from Field Notes features a three-pack containing two 26-week datebooks plus one “Checklist Journal,” for those who may appreciate a pocket journaling or planning alternative.

7. Hightide Sandglasses. One of the key ways I use my sandglass is to time working sessions to ensure that I take regular breaks, and it’s also a great way to break out 30 or 15-minute journaling sessions. Hourglasses are “gentle” timing devices, so there’s no jarring electronic buzzer or phone alert when it’s finished.

8. Penwell Pen Stand. I keep a Penwell with one fountain pen parked in it at my “journaling station” where I do most of my writing by hand. The Penwell we offer is an exclusive “Aged Red” finish that Good Made Better creates for us here at The Gentleman Stationer, recently reordered to ensure that this is a standing offer for the foreseeable future.

9. Caran d’Ache Bicolor Pencils in Yellow/Graphite or Red/Graphite. One of my personal core journaling tools that I use when I read, allowing me to highlight and annotate passages and make marginalia, then copy the passages into my commonplace book.

10. Washi Tape! Are you into creative journaling, or do you like to tape mementos such as photographs, ticket stubs, and other memorabilia into the pages of your journal? Washi tape (Japanese masking tape) is not only functional, but it’s a fun way to personalize the look of your journal or notebook.

The Gentleman Stationer is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

Thursday Drops: Stocking Stuffers and Last-Minute Gift Ideas

While we aren’t technically at the point of true “last minute” shopping - at least not for the Christmas holiday - we are approaching the shipping cutoffs. For the best possible chance of having a package arrive by December 25, we would strongly recommend placing your order by tomorrow, and by Monday at the absolute latest. Today’s post should be especially interesting for those in the market for “Secret Santa” ideas, stocking stuffers, and other smaller gift items that tend to be the focus of last-minute shopping excursions. We have lots of fun stuff to explore, and we made sure to buy plenty of it so we’re fully stocked through the end of the year!

Perhaps my favorite Caran d’Ache jumbo pencil set ever?

Everything featured here is in-stock and available to ship out by Monday. The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands sold.

1. Book Darts Page Markers. I think I first discovered Book Darts when I received a tin as a holiday gift long ago, maybe at a work gift-share party from someone who knew that I enjoyed reading. Book Darts are archivally safe page markers that come in three finishes: bronze, brass, and stainless steel. While intended to mark passages in books, they can also be used to divide notebooks into multi-subject sections, etc.

2. Hightide Co. Folding Metal Book Stand. Easily the most popular gift item in our store, these folding metal book stands can be used for reading, transcribing passages into your commonplace book, holding a planner or calendar, holding a tablet, and many other uses. Best of all, they fold completely flat for travel and slide easily into your briefcase. Currently available in ten colors.

3. Hightide Co. Sandglasses. We’ve sold more Sandglasses this month than ever! If you’ve never used an analog timer like an hourglass for work, meditation, or simply for the simple pleasure of watching time pass for a brief moment, check out these products from Hightide. Available in 30, 15, 5, and 3-minute intervals. If you’d like to read more on how I personally use mine, check out this post.

4. Caran d’Ache “Colour Treasure” Maxi Pencil Sets. These colorful tins of jumbo pencils are pure fun, and I can’t imagine any stationery enthusiasts NOT loving these. I’m trying to get my hands on as many sets as I can because I want to keep them past the holidays.

5. WMS & Co. Corner Page Marker. Looking for something a bit more hefty, with gravitas? Consider these metal bookmarks that slip over the corner of your page. Available in bronze and copper.

6. Midori Clip Bookmarks. The perfect stocking stuffer, these ultra-thin metal bookmarks come in four different patterns and won’t bulk up your novel or your notebook.

7. T.G.S. x Penwell Exclusive Edition in Aged Red. I’ve always been a proponent of gifting pen accessories - not pens - to pen enthusiasts, since it’s simply too hard to guess preferences. This Penwell pen stand features a dark red finish exclusive to our store, and attaches to your desk with a microsuction pad that ensures a secure place to park your pen!

8. Anderillium Inks. After accessories, ink tops my list of recommended gifts for fountain pen lovers. Anderillium Inks, with two lines organized around themes of birds, squids, and octopuses, are both quirky and quality - the hallmarks of an interesting ink brand!

9. Washi Tape and Snail Mail Accessories Like Stickers. Washi tape (Japanese decorative masking tape) has become insanely popular among journaling and letter enthusiasts over the past several years, and we recently brought in nearly a dozen new patterns. Who doesn’t want “Taco Tuesday” washi tape in their stocking?

10. Enamel Lapel Pins. With themes ranging from stationery to science to reading, there’s always an enamel pin made for you to adorn your jacket, bag, or pen case. These high-quality pins from iLootPaperie are colorful and sturdy.

Thursday Drops: Caran d'Ache Colour Treasure Restock, More Desk Calendars, Mnemosyne and More!

Just in time for the holiday rush, one more Caran d’Ache shipment of the “Colour Treasure” collection, including the Jumbo-size Maxi Pencil Sets. Caran d’Ache jumbo pencils are among my favorite products in their lineup, and though they’re no longer regularly available, you typically can find them as part of at least one annual limited edition series. This year’s version is sold as a set of five colors in a special tin/case.

In addition to the Colour Treasure releases, we’ve restocked shop favorites such as the WMS & Co. Undated Calendars in both keyboard and full sizes, as well as Maruman Mnemosyne notebooks in some of the more popular formats, including A4. Happy shopping!

The T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of all brands shown here. If you’re looking for gift ideas, don’t forget to check out our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. We also periodically have pens available for sale on our “Gently Used” page, especially if you’re looking for good deals on more expensive pens.

1. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure Maxi Pencil Sets. As I noted above, at long last we’ve received a shipment of the Caran d’Ache Jumbo Pencils, a product which I’d love to have as a permanent addition to the store, but I’ll take whatever limited editions I can get! This year’s release is sold as a set of five jumbo “Maxi” pencils.

2. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure 849 Ballpoints. This year’s limited edition 849 ballpoint holiday release is designed to evoke the look of Caran d’Ache’s iconic colored pencils, and comes in two different variations: a warm tone (yellows, oranges) and a cool tone (blues and greens). Why not get both? :)

3. Caran d’Ache Colour Treasure Coloring Postcard Sets. These postcards make for perfect stocking stuffers, especially if paired with a gift of colored pencils, or if you’re buying for someone who already has a bunch!

4. Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball Restock. I’ve received a lot of interest lately about the availability of a pen with the 849’s look and shape but slightly larger. Even if you’re not a rollerball fan, the Caran d’Ache 849 Rollerball accepts Parker-style cartridges, so you can use your favorite compatible ballpoint refill. (I use a Jetstream.)

5. Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pens. The 849 Fountain Pen is a relatively inexpensive favorite, and many people love the slightly springy stainless steel nib. Create your own matching set of 849 pens!

6. WMS & Co. Desk and Keyboard Calendars (Undated). We now have more of the full-size and keyboard-size calendars in stock with different color borders, including yellow, gold, and blush.

7. Maruman Mnemosyne Spiral Notebooks. We have restocked our supply of fountain-pen friendly Mnemosyne notebooks in most sizes, including larger A4s, and now have dot-grid versions as well as the landscape grid and blank notebooks.

8. Maruman Mnemosyne A5 Steno Pads. These top wirebound Steno Pads were huge sellers, and we now have them back in stock in both Gregg (traditional lined steno ruling) and grid layouts.

9. Kokuyo Dual-Tone Mark+ Highlighters. You may have seen my post on Instagram from earlier in the week, but these dual-tip liquid ink highlighters might be one of the most interesting stationery products I’ve discovered lately.

10. TWSBI Precision Ballpoints and Mechanical Pencils. TWSBI’s lineup of technical pens and pencils are often overlooked in light of their more traditional fountain pens, but are equally excellent.

Thursday Drops: Building Your "Perfect" Office Workspace

I say “perfect” because it’s almost always a work in progress, right? The main item I wanted to highlight this week is the Kickstarter release from our friends at Good Made Better, who launched the “Writewell” portable writing desk, which I just backed before posting this. I have a prototype Writewell here in my home office for review, and will definitely be posting a thorough review before the Kickstarter closes.

Given that the Writewell launch will likely prompt many to revisit their home office setups, I thought it might be fun to highlight some of my own favorites that we’ve recently restocked in advance of the Holiday shopping season.

1. Writewell Portable Writing Desk by Good Made Better (via Kickstarter). I’m frankly stunned by what Dan has put together here, and that’s based only on the prototype. I have a sizable collection of standing desks, writing boxes, and lap desks, and this one is both beautiful and practical.

2. T.G.S. Exclusive Penwell. While we’re on the subject of Good Made Better’s products, have you checked out our own collaboration with them on their original product, the Penwell pen holder? The first run sold out fairly quickly, so this year we did a second batch for the holiday season.

3. Hightide Sandglasses. I’ve always loved hourglasses, but only since smartphones took over our lives have I realized how useful they can really be. Available in 30, 15, 5, and 3-minute increments. To read more on how I use these beautiful analog timers in my own life, check out this post here.

4. Hightide Folding Metal Book Stands. One of my favorite aspects of the Writewell desk is the ability to add on a book holder. These inexpensive folding metal book stands from Hightide allow you to take the same functionality on the go, as they fold up flat and easily fit into most bags.

5. Hightide Marbled Melamine Pen Trays. I have various desk valets, pen trays, and catch-alls in pretty much every room of my house. We recently added new shapes and colors, which complement the other Hightide products.

6. Reading Accessories. We carry a multitude of reading accessories - namely bookmarks and page points - and they’ve been some of the most popular items in our three years running the shop.

7. WMS+Co Planner Desk Pads. These undated planner desk pads come in both keyboard and full-size, allowing you to flexibly plan your week without committing to a dated calendar. Use them as you need them, for whatever tasks you may need to manage.

8. Platinum Desk Fountain Pen. Would you like a true dedicated desk pen with an excellent inexpensive extra-fine nib? Platinum brought back a version of their popular desk pen in the U.S. market this year. Base is sold separately.

9. Caran d’Ache Swiss Wood Gift Set. Personally, I think everyone should have a set of high-quality, long-lasting pencils in their stationery kit. This gift set from Caran d’Ache includes three Swiss Wood pencils, a sharpener + eraser. While Swiss Wood pencils are pricey, I’ve found that they last for years due to superior point retention.

10. Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 22 Pencil Set. Or perhaps you’d like a full set of extremely high-end Japanese pencils, in all of the various hardnesses available, for both writing and drawing?

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The T.G.S. “Aged Red” exclusive Penwell.

Fountain Pen Day Weekend 2022: The T.G.S. Promotions and Giveaway Featuring TWSBI and Penwell

Tomorrow is Fountain Pen Day 2022, representing the 11th anniversary of our community’s “holiday” to celebrate the writing instruments we love! To follow along with the festivities, including gatherings, promotions, and giveaways, please check out the Fountain Pen Day site for a full list of participating sponsors, as well as some exclusive FPDay-branded products being sold by select partners.

The Gentleman Stationer has been a proud supporter of Fountain Pen Day for many years, and I look forward each year to crafting my own promotions, sales, and special content. This year, we have a three-part promotion that includes freebies with any orders from the store, a discount code good on select brands from the shop through the weekend, and a huge giveaway! All promotions start today, Thursday (11/3), and run through Sunday (11/6).

T.G.S. Curated Shop Promotional Offers (i.e., Free Stuff!)

In celebration of Fountain Pen Day, the following promotional offers are now live. No coupon code is needed to take advantage of these freebies, as they will be automatically included with qualifying orders.

1. Fountain Pen Day Swag with All Orders. Every order placed during this promotion will receive a free piece of Fountain Pen Day Swag, whether that’s a sticker or a bookmark (or for really big orders, both!). Cary was also kind enough to throw in some Esterbrook-branded swag, so you may find that in your package as well.

2. T.G.S. Swag Pack with All Orders over $50. All orders in excess of $50 will also receive, in addition to the Fountain Pen Day swag, a free pack of Gentleman Stationer buttons and stickers!

3. All Fountain Pen Orders Ship with a Complimentary Ink Sample. Some of you have taken advantage of this promotion already, as I’ve done a “quiet preview” this week, but through Sunday all fountain pen purchases will ship with a complimentary sample of ink from Anderillium or other brands I have on hand.

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T.G.S. Swag Packs are Back!

Shop Discount and Clearance Pricing on Select Brands Through Sunday!

Take 10% off most brands through Sunday, using the coupon code “FOUNTAINPEN” at checkout! Note that due to agreements with brands like TWSBI and others, I cannot discount certain products beyond my advertised pricing. I’ve also placed certain items on sale throughout the shop, including some big clearance discounts on stuff that also qualifies for the 10% off coupon on top of the promotional pricing! Items you’ll want to take a look at, including the remaining stock of the now-discontinued Soumkine planners. All sale items are marked so that they should appear in the “SALE” section of each page. Remember that all domestic U.S. orders over $75 ship free, so you can really stack the discounts here!

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Fountain Pen Day Weekend Giveaway with Three Great Prizes!

Last but not least, we are giving away three exceptional (hey, at least IMHO) prizes. To enter, comment on this post and let us know how you are celebrating Fountain Pen Day, or alternatively tell us about your best fountain pen-related memory! No Instagram or other social media entries for this contest, and the only way to enter and win is to comment here. Just be sure to leave an e-mail address when prompted so that I have a way to contact you if you win. After the giveaway closes on Sunday, November 6 at 11:59 pm US Central Time, I will number the comments in order received, and using a random number generator to pick three winners. This giveaway is open to everyone, but if shipping is exorbitant I may ask that you chip in on international packages. The prizes are as follows:

1. Limited Edition T.G.S. “Aged Red” Penwell. We recently restocked on our signature Penwell, designed in collaboration with Good Made Better, and what better way to celebrate Fountain Pen Day than to give away what I consider to be one of the best fountain pen-specific accessories on the market!

2. TWSBI “Glow Purple” ECO Fountain Pen. We can’t have a Fountain Pen Day Giveaway without a fountain pen! Win one of TWSBI’s latest releases, and if you don’t want to wait for the giveaway to conclude, we have additional pens in stock and available for purchase!

3. Soumkine “Agenda” with Mustard Cover. The Soumkine Planners are being discontinued, but I set a few of the coveted “mustard” cover planners aside for my own use and for a future giveaway! These hardcover “agendas” are undated, with fountain pen friendly paper and a flexible format.

Know that I appreciate you all and I always enjoy rewarding my loyal readers and customers every Fountain Pen Day! Please be sure to visit all of the FPDay sponsors and take advantage of their offers and special promotions, as Fountain Pen Day really kicks off the last two months of the year that are so important for small businesses.

The Gentleman Stationer is supported entirely by purchases from the T.G.S. Curated Shop and the T.G.S. Patreon Program. This post does not contain paid advertising or third-party affiliate links. Discount code promotion excludes TWSBI and Lochby.