Leuchtturm Hardcover Notebook Review: Better Meeting Notes?
A German hardcover notebook with numbered pages and a blank contents page, which turns a year of scribbled meeting notes into something you can actually find again.
Yes, for the coworker who writes everything down. Numbered pages and an index make it far more useful than a spiral pad [1]. Skip it for anyone who takes every note on a laptop.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Size | A5, about 5.75 x 8.25 inches [1] |
| Pages | 251 numbered pages [1] |
| Paper | 80 g/m² acid-free [1] |
| Ruling | Dotted [1] |
| Binding | Thread-bound, opens flat [1] |
| Extras | Two page markers, back pocket, elastic band [1] |
| Also | Perforated sheets, archive labels [1] |
Pros and cons
- Dotted pages are not for everyone
- Some fountain pen inks may show through
- Costs more than a basic notebook
Notes you can find in March
Most meeting notes die in a spiral pad. The Leuchtturm fixes that with numbered pages and a blank contents page, so a coworker can write "budget call, page 42" and find it months later [1].
It sounds small. For the person who always gets asked what was decided last time, it changes how useful the notebook is.
Paper, binding and the small extras
Inside are 251 numbered pages of 80 g/m² acid-free paper, chosen to limit bleed through [1]. The book is thread-bound to open flat on the desk, which matters when you are writing with one hand and holding coffee with the other [1].
There are two page markers, an expandable pocket in the back cover, an elastic closure and eight perforated sheets for notes you need to hand to someone else [1]. Stickers come in the box for labeling full notebooks on a shelf [1].
The medium size is roughly 5.75 by 8.25 inches, which fits a work bag without taking it over [1].
Dots, ink and price
This listing is the dotted version [1]. Dots work for lists, sketches and tables, but some people only like lined paper. If you know their habit, buy that ruling instead.
Very wet fountain pen inks can show through thinner paper, so a heavy fountain pen user may prefer a thicker stock.
It also costs more than a pad from the supply closet. That is the point of it as a gift: a notebook people would not buy for work themselves.
A notebook with a pen
Give it with a pen and it becomes a complete gift. From this guide, the Parker Jotter fits in the elastic band naturally.
For a coworker who plans more than they take notes, the Clever Fox daily planner may be the better pick.
It is also a good gift for a new hire, who has a whole year of meetings ahead of them.
FAQ
How many pages are in a medium Leuchtturm notebook?
The listing says the medium hardcover has 251 numbered pages, plus a blank table of contents and eight perforated sheets [1]. That is enough for months of daily meeting notes, and the numbering means every page can be found again through the index [1]
Is Leuchtturm paper good for pens?
The paper is 80 g/m² acid-free stock with high ink compatibility, chosen to help prevent bleed through, according to the listing [1]. Gel pens and ballpoints work well on it. Very wet fountain pen inks may show through, so heavy fountain pen users may want thicker paper [1]
Is a notebook a good Christmas gift for a coworker?
A good notebook is a safe, useful coworker gift because it lives on the desk. The Leuchtturm stands out because numbered pages and an index make notes findable, which a spiral pad never does. Add a pen and a short card to make it feel complete [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Notebook Medium (A5), Black, Dotted
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.