Six of the best

Features a reusable calf leather jacket. Dinky, with an address section at the back

Striped diary by Paul Smith, £55
paulsmith.co.uk Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian

Weighty despite its small size, this has a front section packed with useful references

Embossed zebra-print diary, £15
By Paperchase
paperchase.co.uk Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian

Diary version of Hemingway and Picasso’s favourite notebook

Moleskin diary, £16
From Aria,
020 7704 1999 Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian

Gold leather with a vintage feel. It’s large — a good thing at this price — so is better suited to a briefcase or desktop

Gold leather diary, £80
From Liberty
020-7734 1234, liberty.co.uk Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian

A taste of Smythson luxury at a fraction of the usual cost. Perfect for pockets or bags

Panama diary, £38
Smythson
0207-318 1515, smythson.com Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian

A quarterly diary: just carry a single slim booklet. Not for those who like to plan far ahead, mind

Quarterly diary, £10
By Muji, mujionline.co.uk Photograph: Linda Nylind / Felix Clay/Guardian