The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 740 - I Checked Out 5 Times

Very cool to see the Pen Care Room adjacent to one of the many checkouts at Itoya.

Myke and I kicked off what is at least a two-part recap of my trip to Japan this week. I laid out some basics and groundwork of what I got up to, rambled a little bit, gave my Itoya Hot Take™, rambled some more, and generally just rolled with it, similar to how this trip went. There’s a ton more to cover on next week’s episode, but it was nice to be back behind the mic with Myke this week.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PENADDICT.

Enigma Stationery: Unique items, top brands and hard-to-find imports. Get $10 off.

Traveler's Notebook Card Size 20th Anniversary Set

(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Bluesky. And her latest book, The Atropine Tree, is now available!)

I have a known reputation as a Traveler's Notebook evangelist, so I want to make it clear from the start that this is not an unbiased review. I love TN, and I knew I would love this itty-bitty TN as soon as I learned of its existence. The only question here is, do I love it as much as I thought I would? The answer is yes--even more than I thought.

These card-sized versions of the traditional Traveler's Notebook first appeared this spring to mark the 20th anniversary of the original notebook. I tried to get one then, but they sold so fast that I never even saw them. There was a brief restock this fall that stuck around a little longer. Maybe even a full minute. I don't know of any future plans for release, but I hope there will be more, as they're all on secondary markets right now, where prices vary wildly. The original listed price for the set is $98.

The set comes in either a black or brown leather cover, and it contains the notebook cover, 3 notebook refills with white MD paper, 2 refills with cream MD paper, two connector bands, a spare elastic, a kraft paper folder, and a cotton zipper card case. It's a well-stocked set. The only accessory that feels missing is a pen loop or holder of some kind. And it would have been cool to include an anniversary elastic charm, as some special editions have had in the past.

I think we can agree that this is really cool, but is it useful? Or is it just a TN for ants? Happily, I've found it useful. It is the perfect size for a minimal-carry wallet and planner set. It easily fits two notebooks with the folder and zipper case. Cards fit in the cloth envelope, cash in the zipper pocket. The folder holds pictures, notes, receipts, stamps, or such sundries. One notebook works as a calendar, the other for lists. In researching how others use this notebook, I also learned that there is a mini e-reader that fits perfectly inside, even with all the accessories, and now I know what to ask Santa for. The only thing better than tiny books, is infinite tiny books inside tiny books.

Another question is, will this mini TN take the place of the Plotter Mini 5 that I have been carrying every day for years? They are very close to the same size and have arguably similar functions. One could argue identical functions. One could say that I don't need to carry both. One could also shush. I think there's a clear argument for a good old "Porque no los dos?"

I already have my Plotter Mini 5 set up as an on-the-go writing kit. It's entirely focused on writerly matters. If the TN becomes more of a wallet and life management tool, of course I'll have to carry both. So there. Joking aside, I honestly don't think I could choose between them. I feel the same way about my Bible-sized Plotter and my Passport-sized Traveler's Notebook. There are times when I have to choose, such as when I'm traveling extremely minimally and cannot justify any duplication of purpose, and in those cases I do always pick the Traveler's Notebook. This is entirely because of the bound pages in the inserts, which are more durable than the loose pages in the ring binding of the Plotter.

There is one concern I have about this small wonder, and that is: Where will I get more refills? Y'all know how I go through paper. With this being a limited release, will they offer permanent refill sizes for the longevity of this notebook? Or is it just a novelty collector's item? There are no refills available now, that I can find. There are non-MD options, of course, but I do love the MD paper best. I might have to get crafty and make my own.

In any case, and despite any concerns I have, I really love this wee notebook. There is something about the feel of the Traveler's Notebooks that makes me want to go on an adventure and write. The effect is not diminished with this tiny-sized version. Happily, my next writing adventure is only two weeks away, and this small companion will definitely be coming along.

(This item was purchased directly from Travelers at the 2026 Stationery Fest.)

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LAMY Safari Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil Giveaway

The LAMY Safari Mechanical Pencil, featuring the uniball Kuru Toga mechanism inside, is a product of Mitsubishi’s acquisition of LAMY a couple of years ago. This was a much needed update, especially given LAMY’s insistence on sticking with the Safari molded grip design on a product that didn’t need it.

I finally picked up my own last week in Japan, and I grabbed one for giveaway, too. This classic Safari Yellow version will head off to one winner, so read the rules below and enter away!

LAMY Safari Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil Giveaway