welcome to our pen-and-paper club Despite the prevalence of digital tools, many individuals still find solace and productivity in analog methods, leading to a resurgence in the use of notebooks, pens, and other traditional writing instruments.
welcome to our pen-and-paper club
Introduction to Analog Productivity
In a world dominated by smartphones, laptops, and a myriad of productivity apps, one might assume that the staff at The Verge would rely solely on digital solutions for their organizational needs. However, an intriguing trend has emerged among our team members: a passionate embrace of analog productivity tools. When asked about their favorite methods for staying organized and productive, the conversation quickly shifted from apps to notebooks, pens, and even dry-erase boards.
This phenomenon highlights a not-so-secret society of individuals who appreciate the tactile experience of writing by hand. They are concerned with the format of their notebooks, the quality of the paper, and the various add-ons that enhance their writing experience. Here, we explore some of the analog productivity tools favored by our staff, which may inspire you to reconsider your own productivity methods.
Hobonichi Techo Cousin Day Book
Where to Buy: $40 at Hobonichi, $64.50 at Amazon
After extensive experimentation with digital to-do apps, I found my way back to the analog world with the Hobonichi Techo, specifically the A5 Cousin and the smaller Hobonichi Weeks. There’s something uniquely satisfying about physically writing down tasks and appointments, which helps me discern what is genuinely worth my time.
The Cousin format allows for a comprehensive view of my time on a yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily basis. In contrast, the Weeks version serves as my gratitude journal and a tracker for self-care, fitness, and reading. Both notebooks include extra pages for commonplace journaling, where I jot down random thoughts, knowledge, and reference notes. For those who prefer a smaller option, a compact A6 size is also available.
All Hobonichi books feature a dot-grid format, and the Tomoe River paper is remarkably thin yet resilient, resisting ink bleed-through. After nearly two years of use, I can confidently say that these notebooks have significantly improved my productivity and writing skills, despite their higher price point, especially when purchased directly from Japan. —Victoria Song, senior reviewer
Triangle Notebook and Sidekick Notebook
Where to Buy: $33 at Tan Mavitan Studio, $33 at Amazon
These notebooks may appear more like art experiments than functional tools, but they have transformed my approach to note-taking. I typically keep Post-it notes or a spiral notebook on my desk for jotting down ideas or doodling during meetings. The L-shaped Sidekick is compact, making it easy to use in limited spaces, whether opened or closed. Meanwhile, the Triangle Notebook is sturdy enough to use on my lap or other unconventional surfaces, laying flat on its spine.
Both notebooks encourage me to embrace my handwriting more, aligning with a New Year’s resolution I set for myself. They have become essential tools for my daily productivity. —Andru Marino, senior producer
Circa Leather Discbound Notebook
Where to Buy: $149.50 at Amazon (letter-sized), $129.50 at Levenger (letter-sized)
While I have often sought out various apps for note-taking and task tracking, I’ve discovered that a simple notebook with removable pages has proven more effective than Notion, Keep, or Evernote. The Circa notebooks, sold by Levenger, feature a unique disc-bound system that allows for easy page removal and replacement.
I own a red leather notebook in the Compact size, which strikes a perfect balance between being large enough for comfortable writing and small enough to fit in my bag. The notebook includes plastic tabs that divide pages into sections, allowing for organized note-taking. My usual practice is to open to the first empty page, grab my pen from the attached loop, and write. Later, I can move the page to the appropriate section or dispose of it if it’s no longer needed.
Although this system isn’t flawless—reminding myself to declutter outdated notes can be a challenge—the speed and privacy of jotting down thoughts in my Circa notebook far outweigh the convenience of typing on my phone. —Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor
Traveler’s Notebook
Where to Buy: $62.98 at Amazon, $55 at Traveler’s Company (various sizes)
About ten years ago, my mother gifted me a fauxdori, a knockoff of the Traveler’s Notebook. Initially, I didn’t see its value, as I already owned numerous journals and notebooks. However, I soon realized that the Traveler’s Notebook is not merely a notebook but a versatile system of notebooks. It has become indispensable in my daily life.
The system allows for a variety of inserts, from standard dot-grid notebooks to dated planners and even thick, accordion-fold paper for watercolor projects. After some experimentation, I developed a setup that works for me: a Weekly + Memo insert for appointments and a habit tracker, a dot-grid journal for personal reflections, and a lined insert for notes on readings and ideas for articles or songs. Occasionally, I add a sketchbook for creative expression, although this can make the notebook a bit bulky.
The beauty of the Traveler’s Notebook lies in its adaptability. Whether you prefer a single journal entry per day or a comprehensive planner, this system can be tailored to fit your needs. —Terrence O’Brien, weekend editor
Writing Instruments: LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
Where to Buy: $37 at LAMY, $20 at Walmart, $22.02 at Amazon
In my quest to rekindle my journaling habit, I sought to elevate the experience by investing in a quality fountain pen. I wanted to move beyond the disposable pens that cluttered my desk. After some research, I settled on the Lamy Safari, drawn in part by its limited-edition terracotta orange color.
This pen has proven to be reliable and affordable, allowing me to build a small collection in various colors without breaking the bank. I keep one pen with my Traveler’s Notebook, another in my sling bag for on-the-go writing, and a third on my desk. The joy of writing with a quality pen transforms note-taking and journaling from a chore into a pleasurable experience. —Terrence O’Brien, weekend editor
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen
Where to Buy: $6.74 at Amazon, $6.05 at Blick, $7 at Blick
Every time I pop the cap of my Platinum Preppy fountain pen and draw ink across the page, I experience a small burst of joy. As someone who dabbles in fine art, writing with a fountain pen allows me to create something beautiful while fulfilling my professional obligations.
Though I’ve experimented with various pens, including gel pens and fine-tipped felt pens, my heart remains with fountain pens. The Platinum Preppy, priced under $10, is my go-to choice. I refill it with Waterman ink using a needle provided by a friend who works in healthcare. While I may eventually explore different inks and nibs, for now, I appreciate the straightforward elegance of my basic fountain pen. —Elissa Welle, AI fellow
Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Retractable Pen
Where to Buy: $15.20 at Zebra (8-pack), $14.32 at Amazon (8-pack), $8.90 at Amazon (8-pack)
Despite my attempts to rely on digital productivity tools for notes and reminders, I find that writing by hand enhances my memory retention. I have a particular fondness for Japanese-made stationery and am quite selective about my pens. For everyday use, my favorite gel-ink ballpoint pen is the Zebra Sarasa Clip, available in various tip sizes.
I prefer the 0.5mm tip for standard note-taking and the finer 0.4mm or 0.3mm tips for intricate details, such as writing kanji. The Sarasa pens offer a smooth and vivid writing experience, far surpassing similar ballpoint pens. They never require a warm-up scribble to get started, which is a common annoyance with other pens. The ink dries quickly, and for left-handed users, the Sarasa Mark On variant is smudge- and water-resistant. For daily writing tasks, I simply won’t use any other pen. —Kallie Plagge, senior copy editor
Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener
Where to Buy: $25 at Blackwing, $25 at Amazon
The Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener is a beautifully designed tool that excels at sharpening pencils. It’s reassuringly weighty yet compact enough for daily carry. The sharpener features a German steel blade that produces beautifully pointed pencil tips. While it requires some pressure to achieve the perfect point, I find this trade-off acceptable for the quality of sharpening it provides.
As I navigate the luxury pencil game, I appreciate the durability of this sharpener and the ability to order replacement blades when needed. —Allison Johnson, senior reviewer
Letterfolk Block Compact Monthly Calendar
Where to Buy: $116 at Letterfolk
Despite trying various tools and methods for accountability, I often find myself overwhelmed by overly complex online solutions. My current favorite is a weekly calendar dry-erase board from Letterfolk, which features sections for each day of the week and a customizable sidebar.
This board has become a tactile experience for my wife and me, allowing us to update it with our needs, whether organizing meals or scheduling appointments. While it doesn’t solve all our challenges, it offers a simple way to bring order to our lives. —Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor
Conclusion
The resurgence of analog productivity tools among our staff at The Verge underscores a broader trend: the enduring appeal of handwriting and physical note-taking in an increasingly digital world. From notebooks and pens to specialized tools, these analog methods offer a unique satisfaction that many find enhances their productivity and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned analog enthusiast or just beginning to explore these options, there’s a wealth of tools available to help you find your own path to productivity.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: September 16, 2025 at 5:37 pm
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