Bonus Options
Welcome back for the sixth and final part of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5, Bible and Narrow, Mini, and Mini 5 alternatives.
Welcome to the sixth and final installment of my Plotter alternatives series. While I researched the various binder sizes, I found several interesting binders that didn’t fit in as alternatives. These binders are too interesting not to share. I hope you find these interesting — and in some cases, unique — binders useful.
Some of these are more along the lines of categories, as there are multiple options for the type of binder. I can’t link to all of them, but I’ve added some links to various binders of that type.
PLEASE NOTE: The images included in the post have been taken from the listings I link to. They are not my images. You can click on them to view larger.
That said, let’s get into the bonus options.
For those who’d like a reference of the Plotter binders to compare to, this table is for you.
| Plotter Binder | A5 | Bible | Narrow | Mini | Mini 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size WxH in (mm) | 6.7 x 8.7 (170 x 220) | 4.5 x 7.09 (115 x 180) | 4.1 x 6.97 (104 x 177) | 3.9 x 5.5 (100 x 140) | 3.15 x 4.7 (80 x 120) |
| Paper WxH in (mm) | 5.8 x 8.3 (147 x 210) | 3.7 × 6.7 (93 x 170) | 3.1 × 6.7 (78 x 170) | 3.15 x 5 (80 x 127) | 2.4 x 4.13 (62 x 105) |
| Price Range USD | $162 – $245 | $119 – $189 | $109 – $175 | $102 – $155 | $99 – $129 |
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇣ Old Book | ⇣ Wide| ⇣ Double | ⇣ Acrylic | ⇣ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
A5 Samsill Old Book Binder
Purchase on Amazon: Zippered, non-zippered letter size, non-zippered A5 size
This 3-ring binder caught my eye because it looks like an old book. There are several variations. The A5 size is available in brown zippered and brown or black non-zippered, with 1in rings. The letter size is available in brown zippered with 1in rings and brown or black non-zippered with 0.5in, 1in, or 1.5in rings.
Samsill does not have listings for paper or accessories. Many hole punches are available from other sellers.
Specifications
Price: $18.49 – $27.29 USD
Binder Height: 9.25in – 13.63in (235mm – 346mm)
Binder Width: 7.5in – 11.25in (191mm – 286mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.5in – 1.5in (13mm – 38mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇣ Wide| ⇣ Double | ⇣ Acrylic | ⇣ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
A5 – A7 Wide Binders
Purchase on: Etsy, MochiThings, Meow Cafe
Wide binders are perfect for those who like smaller sized binders, but need additional page space. They’re square binders. They are also useful as mini scrapbooks.
I’ve found wide binders in A4 (not covered here), A5, A6, and A7 sizes. I don’t know if they come in other sizes. Wide binders are so numerous, I did not continue searching for them. I’m including links below to places I know carry them based on my previous research, but Google will provide you with many other purchasing locations.
Paper is widely available in both standard layouts and colorful scrapbooking style designs. All wide binders can also use standard papers, although that somewhat defeats the purpose.
Accessories are widely available as well, mostly pouches and card pockets.
Since there are so many different wide binders, I’m giving an approximation of the specifications — not a proper average, but a feel for about what size you’d get. I’m not going to include depth or ring size, as those vary drastically.
A5 Wide
Purchase on: Aura Estelle, Etsy, MochiThings, Meow Cafe
General Specifications
Price: $12.90+ USD
Binder Height: 9.84in (250mm)
Binder Width: 10.08in (256mm)
Paper Size: 7in x 8.6in (180mm x 220mm) I also saw some square 8.6in x 8.6in paper.
A6 Wide
Purchase on: Etsy, MochiThings
General Specifications
Price: $5.99+ USD
Binder Height: 7.99in (203mm)
Binder Width: 7.17in (182mm)
Paper Size: 5.79in x 6.77in (147mm x 172mm)
A7 Wide/Square
Purchase on: Etsy, Harumio, MochiThings
General Specifications
Price: $22.95+ USD
Binder Height: 5.63in (143mm)
Binder Width: 5.43in (138mm)
Paper Size: 4.65in x 4.69in (118mm x 119mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇣ Double | ⇣ Acrylic | ⇣ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Zack Leather Studio Double Binders
Purchase on: Etsy
I mentioned a Raymay binder with two sets of rings in the Bible/Narrow alternatives post. This is the same idea, but made in leather. For me, the main selling point of this one is the double set of rings. You can have two topics or sections in one book. Of course, if you’re interested in slim profiles, this is not for you.
It’s available in A5, A6, and A7 sizes.
Zack Leather Studio offers A6 and A7 refill paper, and their binders fit standard 6-ring refills. They also have a few accessories, depending on the binder size.
Specifications
Price: $37.00 – $62.00 USD
Binder Height: A5: 9.05in (230mm) | A6: 7.48in (190mm) | A7: 5.79in (147mm)
Binder Width: A5: 7.09in (180mm) | A6: 5.12in (130mm) | A7: 4.33in (110mm)
Binder Depth: 1.57in (40mm)
Note: binder size measurements are provided for a closed binder.
Ring Size: 0.59in (15mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇣ Acrylic | ⇣ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
A7 Eeumnote Acrylic Binder
Purchase on: Etsy
This acrylic binder is interesting to me in that the rings are mounted on an acrylic base that serves as the back cover, while an acrylic board in the rings is the front cover. I didn’t include it with the other A7 wide binders because it’s like a 6-ring clipboard.
I only found this binder on Etsy through a reseller who doesn’t list item brands, so I don’t know if Eeumnote makes paper or accessories. However, this binder will take standard A7 and A7 wide paper and accessories.
Specifications
Price: $38.70 USD
Binder Height: 6.89in (175mm)
Binder Width: 5.71in (145mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: Not Available
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇣ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Oxford 2-Ring Binder
Purchase on Amazon: Oxford, Henoyso 6 Pack, Henoyso 3 Pack
This is the first 2-ring binder I came across. It’s intended for 3 x 5 in index cards. My thought is that if you don’t mind the extra set of holes, you could use Maruman mini binder paper in these.
Because this binder is meant for index cards, paper is not available — but you can purchase pre-punched index cards. However, you could punch paper with a single-hole punch. I think a standard 2-hole punch would work as well, but I’m not 100% certain.
I found several listings for dividers of various colors and types both from Oxford and other sellers.
Specifications
Price: $4.79 – $20.99 USD
Binder Height: Not Available
Binder Width: Not Available
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: Not Available
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇡ 2-Ring | ⇣ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Memo Binders
These fun binders are meant to be used as actual memo pads. You can flip the pages completely over.
Unfortunately, as with their larger counterparts, these two binders are not compatible with each other’s paper. However, refill paper for each notebook is compatible with the same brand’s larger binders. So, you can use hole punches compatible with the larger binders and use any paper you want in these.
Kokuyo Campus Smart Ring
Purchase on: Paper Moon Island, Etsy, AliExpress, DH Gate (large quantities only)
There are several refill options from Kokuyo for these little binders. The only accessories I found are what’s listed as a “small item storage bag” — I don’t know if it’s a sheet protector, or if it’s just meant to be an open-top pouch — and a “card storage bag.”
Specifications
Price: $4.79+ USD
Binder Height: 4.45in (113mm)
Binder Width: 2.91in (74mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: Not Available
Lihit Lab Twist Ring Memo Notepad
Unlike the Kokuyo version, it appears that the Lihit Lab Memo Notepads only have one type of refill — 5mm graph — although you can get it in light blue on JetPens. They do, however, have an interesting display holder available through Amazon.
Specifications
Price: $3.25+ USD
Binder Height: 4.69in – 4.92in (119mm – 125mm)
Binder Width: 2.83in (72mm)
Binder Depth: 0.47in (12mm)
Ring Size: 0.47in (12mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇡ 2-Ring | ⇡ Memo | ⇣ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Mini 3-Ring Binders
And last, but certainly not least, in this massive binder series we have the mini 3-ring binders. If you have ever looked up binders, you have likely come across one of these. They are tiny, and they are CUTE!
There are FAR TOO MANY for me to provide even a fraction of the ones out there. And, because there are so many, I’m not going to do any additional research on them. But, below are the most interesting ones I came across while researching the previous posts of this series
BestyHandCraft
BetsyHandCraft has a few mini 3-ring binders, all sized A8. The listing that really caught my eye was for the cloth binders; there are several different cloth options. The link below for “Leather 2” includes three refill paper options.
Links: Cloth, Leather 1, Leather 2
Specifications
Price: $25.00 – $29.00 USD
Binder Height: 5.63in (85mm – 90mm)
Binder Width: 5.43in (95mm – 100mm)
Paper Size: 4.65in x 4.69in (60mm x 80mm)
Ring Size: (20mm)
Plepic Mini Gentle Binder
This is a mini version of the A5 binder that I mentioned looked like a clutch purse. I both love and hate the refills for this binder. Love, because they’re adorable; hate, because they are all on colored paper. For Plotter enthusiasts, the refills are bound on the left side like the Plotter memo pads.
Purchase from MochiThings: binder, refill paper options
Specifications
Price: $7.95+ USD
Binder Height: 4.33in (110mm)
Binder Width: 3.66in (93mm)
Paper Size: 2.48in x 3.23in (63mm x 82mm) height includes tab
Ring Size: 0.79in (20mm)
Indigo Mini Zipper Binder
While the binder is not quite as small as the other mini binders, this is still tiny for a zippered binder. Much smaller and you’d need tweezers to get the zipper open and closed. It does, however, use the same size paper as other mini binders listed.
Purchase from MochiThings: binder, refill paper pack
Specifications
Price: $6.95+ USD
Binder Height: 5.04in (128mm)
Binder Width: 4.13in (105mm)
Paper Size: 2.76in x 3.54in (70mm x 90mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
2NUL Mini Glitter Binder
As best as I can tell, the glitter on these binders is embedded int he PVC, so you don’t have to worry about it getting all over the place. You can choose from a variety of colors that look a bit fancier than basic PVC binders.
Purchase from MochiThings: binder, blank paper, note paper, photo pockets
Specifications
Price: $6.95+ USD
Binder Height: 4.13in (105mm)
Binder Width: 3.74in (95mm)
Paper Size: 2.76in x 3.54in (70mm x 90mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
Basic PVC Binder
These basic PVC binders are available everywhere. Depending on where you purchase them, you have more or less choice of ring color and refill type — 9 rulings/layouts and sheet protectors. I’ve only included the locations that I came across during research, and no more. Google can point you to other locations. NOTE: Amazon and Moterm have A9 leather binders that will fit these refill papers.
Purchase from: Journal Say, Kawaii Pen Shop
Specifications
Price: $3.64+ USD
Binder Height: 3.94in (100mm)
Binder Width: 3.15in (80mm)
Paper Size: 2.40in x 3.11in (61mm x 79mm)
Ring Size: Not Available
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇡ 2-Ring | ⇡ Memo | ⇡ Mini | ⇣ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Make Your Own
Purchase on: Amazon, or anywhere Google points you.
I came across MANY of these during my research as well. I suppose, technically it’s not a binder. However, there are openable rings, and you can use loose-leaf paper. I also happened to stumble on a “pre-made” version on Ali Express.
The rings are small, at only 16mm, and you can have a binder any size you want. You can use these with standard 20/26 hole paper, which means you should be able to use these with the Maruman mini paper.
The link above and specs below are for the first listing I came across. All specs may vary widely.
Specifications
Price: $18.99 USD
Binder Height: Any size you want
Binder Width: Any size you want
Binder Depth: 0.63in (16mm)
Ring Size: 0.63in (16mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇡ 2-Ring | ⇡ Memo | ⇡ Mini | ⇡ DIY | ⇣ Bonus
Bonus! Micro Traveler’s Notebook
Purchase on: Stationery Pal
Specifications
Price: $4.34 USD
Binder Height: 1.88in (48mm)
Binder Width: 1.26in (32mm)
Jump to Section: ⇡ Plotter Measurements | ⇡ Old Book | ⇡ Wide| ⇡ Double | ⇡ Acrylic | ⇡ 2-Ring | ⇡ Memo | ⇡ Mini | ⇡ DIY | ⇡ Bonus
I’m relieved to have finished this series. I lost track of how many hours I spent researching the various binders, so I hope you’ve enjoyed the series, and I sincerely hope it proved useful to some of you.
What do you think of these bonus options? Are there any you’d consider getting? Do you like any of them better than the Plotter alternatives? How did you enjoy this series? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed my post. Make sure to subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss any posts. I generally post at least once a week.
