Taja Hardcover Notebook Review: Is This the Best Budget Journal for Daily Notes?
If you’re looking for an affordable recycled-paper notebook that’s solid enough for daily tasks but not trying to impress the boardroom, the Taja Hardcover Notebook might be worth a look, especially if you stick to gel pens, pencils, or very fine-tipped pens.
Solid Exterior, Budget Feel
Let’s get one thing out of the way: this is not a premium-feel journal. The cover is hard and durable, but there’s a definite cardboard-like quality to it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It keeps things light, unpretentious, and functional. Rounded corners and minimalist branding give it a clean look on a desk.
Inside the back cover, there’s a clear plastic pocket folder, which feels a little flimsy but is useful enough for receipts, business cards, or sticky notes. Nothing too bulky will fit here, but it’s better than nothing, and not something every sub-$10 notebook offers.
100gsm Recycled Paper with a Caveat
The 100gsm recycled paper is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s thick enough to resist most bleed-through from standard pens and pencils. On the other, it’s more absorbent than premium paper since it’s recycled, and that becomes obvious the moment you bring a fountain pen into the picture.
I tested it with an extra-fine nib fountain pen, and the results were decent. No feathering, no bleed-through, just some mild ghosting on the reverse side of the page. But I wouldn’t push this paper much further; medium or broad nibs with wet ink will likely oversaturate quickly. Highlighters might also soak in more than you’d like, so moderation is key.
That said, if you’re not a fountain pen user, or if you’re using ballpoints, gel pens, or highlighters sparingly, this journal should perform just fine for everyday writing, to-do lists, or classroom notes.
Bold Lines, Thoughtful Touches
The printed lines are thick which is a deal-breaker for some, a feature for others. If you prefer a subtle grid or faint ruling, this might not be your style. But if bolder lines help you keep track of your place, it’s actually a nice touch.
Other thoughtful features include a date field and page number space at the top of each page which is perfect for task tracking, bullet journaling, or chronological notes. The line spacing feels generous without being too sparse, making this suitable for larger handwriting or fast scribbles during meetings.
Final Verdict: Practical, Not Precious
The Taja Notebook isn’t trying to be your next heirloom-quality journal. But for under $10, it’s a solid utility notebook. Think classroom, office, bedside table, or car glove box—places where you need function over form.
Pros:
✅ Recycled 100gsm paper
✅ No bleed-through with fine-tip pens
✅ Page/date fields add structure
✅ Clear pocket in back cover
Cons:
❌ Slight ghosting with fountain pens
❌ Not great for heavy ink or highlighters
❌ Bold lines may not appeal to minimalists
TL;DR: A good little daily notebook for most pen users. Fountain pen lovers may want to tread carefully, but for basic writing and casual notes, it gets the job done.
Disclosure: I received this product for free from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I was not paid to write this post, and all opinions are my own.
