What do you write on the cover of a personalised notebook?

Personalised gifts are one of the most thoughtful presents that you can give.  Giving a custom-made notebook or journal to someone, gives you the chance to really show that you care, that you  know the recipient and  that you are truly giving a one-of-a-kind gift.  No one will have one the same.

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How do you personalise a notebook?

Let’s get the easier decisions out of the way first.  

Which size should you get?

 Think about what the user will use the notebook for.  If they like to always keep a notebook handy to jot down reminders, small notes or inspiration, maybe a pocket sized (A6) book will be good

If they are more likely to use it to journal, or plan and take odd notes or doodle, then a planner size (A5) could work better, it’s still very portable but has more space to work in.   If they like to plan big projects or are working through a course and need lots of notes then the epic size (A4) has big pages, and plenty of room to get everything down. 

Which colour should you get?

If you know what their favourite colour is, then this is easy, but if not, think about what colours they gravitate towards with the other things that they own, that should give you a pretty good idea of which colour they will like best. 

Once you’ve chosen the size and colour of your notebook, you can then turn to the question of ;

What do you write on a personalised notebook?

Think about what you hope that they will use the notebook or journal for.  Do they have a big project coming up and will need a place to keep all their thoughts together? Are they about to go travelling and this would be a great way for them to record their adventures? Maybe you’re trying to give them a nudge to start that business or begin writing that novel.  You know they’re going to smash it , but a dedicated book might just spur them in to action and show your unwavering support for their dreams. 

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Your personalisation depends greatly on who will be receiving the gift and your relationship with them.  How well do you know them?  The custom text for a notebook or journal intended for your best friend will have a completely different vibe to personalised text for a teacher or leaving gift for a colleague. 

Here are my tips for thinking about what text you should write on the cover of your personalised notebook. 

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What Personalisation should I get for my friend?

The best personalisation for custom text for friends, is something that only your friend will understand.  Maybe a joke that you share, or some motivating words that really show that you know what’s going on with them right now.

Here’s a couple of ideas and from text that I’ve been asked to type for friends.

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Let’s start with the PVC pipe

 This obviously doesn’t make any sense to me or you, but the recipient will know EXACTLY what is meant by it – that is the beauty of personalisation

·        Soph – Believe you can and you’re halfway there  K x

Motivational and uplifting words, saying what she needs to hear right now shows you really understand what’s going on right now.

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What’s the best personalisation for my significant other?

For a boy/girlfriend, partner wife or husband, use a special phrase between the two of you, it could be deeply meaningful or just something cute that you say to each other. Bonus points If you write a short poem for them for them to personalise your gift.

Some ideas for text for personalisation for a significant other

 The world is our tofu! I can’t wait to live it with you

Reasons why I keep falling in love with you

Love letters to my husband/wife

Our life together is good

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What personalisation should I put for a child?

For close family members, shared jokes or experiences still make a great starting point for personalisation.  Maybe you want them to use it to fire their imagination, or maybe to pass on wisdom, thoughts and observations for them to read when they are older. 

Here’s a few ideas for how to personalise a book for a child.

·        Short Stories Written and Illustrated by Amber Smith

·        Sid’s Amazing Inventions.

·        Letters to my Grandchild

·        Words of wisdom for baby……………

·        Olivia’s smiles and hugs

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 What’s the best personalisation for a teacher gift?

Here’s where your child can really help, make this gift personal and meaningful.  Ask them to tell you about special things the teacher says or does in class, or about the things that they know the teacher really likes or jokes that they like to tell.  Use what they tell you to form the custom text for the book

If you’re stuck, here are a couple of education based phrases that might work for you.

·       Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher

·        The Energy of the Mind is the essence of life

·        It is not what is poured in to a student that counts, but what is planted

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What’s the best personalisation for a colleague leaving gift?

A personalised gift for a colleague is a brilliant way to show appreciation for their work. Think about their personality when choosing your text. If they were always involved with the team banter, then an ‘in joke’ could be great. If they are leaving for a promotion, them some motivational and supportive words would likely be appreciated. For example;

To Rach – Farewell Messages from the Counselling Team x

You’ll be the best Creative Director there ever was

Your Friday cake will be sadly missed ;)

What a wonderful way to show real appreciation from colleagues to give the recipient a boost in their next post. You can be sure that in those moments when they’re feeling uncertain, they will re read the messages written inside.

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The idea of gifting a personalised notebook is that you can have something pertinent to the giftee on the cover.  If you’re still struggling for inspiration, try putting a few phrases related to the recipient in to google and see if anything sparks your creativity.  Here are a few more popular things that I’m often asked to type on to the covers of my personalised books. 

Friends from Church

Bible Verses

Alice and David’s Prayer Journey

Eliza – God is within her, She will not fall

For mindfulness

Reflect

Morning Pages

Today I am Grateful For

 Students

Because genius is 1% inspiration and 99% taking good notes

Because you can make anything by writing

Inside the head of …………….. Genius!

Other

The Contents of ………………’s Head

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

A book of Love for you

Overwhelmed………….but still going

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A personalised notebook or journal is a truly personal and thoughtful gift.  Take a few minutes to consider the recipient and how you think they will use your gift.  Be creative, be funny, be meaningful.  It truly will be appreciated. 

If you love this and want to come back to it to help you choose a personalisation, Pin this article for later on your Pinterest board by hovering on this image :)