We make the inserts. We don't make the planner. So naturally, one of the first questions we get asked is: which A5 planner should I put them in?
The honest answer is any A5 6-ring binder will work. NOTAIRÉ inserts are pre-punched to fit the standard A5 6-ring setup, which means they're compatible with Filofax, Moterm, Gillio, Van der Spek, and most other A5 ring planners on the market.
But if you're looking for specific recommendations, here are the ones we actually use and like.
Filofax Malden A5 The one most people start with, and for good reason. Full grain buffalo leather that softens beautifully over time, contrast stitching, and a relaxed look that doesn't scream "corporate meeting at 9." Available in a range of colours and widely stocked in the UK. A solid choice if you want quality leather without spending three figures twice over.
Approximate price: £90-£120
Filofax Original A5 If the Malden is the weekend version, the Original is the weekday one. Structured, patent leather, and slightly more polished. It's been around for decades and there's a reason it's still in the range. The 25mm rings hold a good amount of inserts without getting bulky.
Approximate price: £80-£110
Moterm Luxe 2.0 A5 This is the one the planner community tends to recommend when someone asks for "Filofax quality at a better price." Genuine leather, available in pebbled and croc-grain finishes, and the rings are replaceable which is a genuinely useful detail. Ships from China, so allow a couple of weeks for delivery to the UK. Worth the wait.
Approximate price: £40-£70 depending on leather
Van der Spek A5 Dutch-made, custom options, and the kind of leather that makes you understand why people get emotional about planners. You can choose your leather, your ring size, your closure, and your layout. It's an investment, but if you're the type who wants one planner for the next ten years, this is probably it.
Approximate price: £200-£320 depending on customisation
Gillio A5 The other end of the spectrum. Italian leather, handmade in Belgium, and genuinely beautiful. Gillio planners have a following for a reason, but they come with a price tag to match. If you've been in the planner world for a while and want something that feels truly special, this is the one.
Approximate price: £300-£400+
The budget option If you're just getting started and want to try A5 ring planning before committing to leather, there are perfectly good faux leather and fabric A5 binders on Amazon and Etsy from £10-£25. They won't last forever, but they'll tell you whether the system works for you before you invest.
What to look for
Whatever you choose, the main things to check are: A5 size (not personal, not A4), 6-ring mechanism, and enough ring diameter to hold the inserts you need. 20mm rings will hold a few months comfortably. 25mm–30mm rings will hold a full year plus notes.
NOTAIRÉ inserts are designed to sit beautifully in any of these. The paper weight means they don't flop around, and the clean layouts look good whether your planner cost £15 or £350.
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