Looking for something really special? Choose this Medieval Leather Journal from K. Schweizer. Its just beautiful, handmade rag paper, brown or black leather. A gift that will put you in the good books for years.

Pick a major french artist of the last century, and chances are they used a Sennelier sketchbook. If you can't make it to Paris, they are available from major distributers elsewhere, as well as the manufacturer.

Marie-Papier is a French company producing quality products. This fashionable range includes crisp white, black, and interesting fabrics. Style as only the French can do it. (No disgruntled email from Italy, please!)

You can't go wrong with a sketchbook like these. Canson's reliable products are available with sketch paper for dry media, or watercolor paper for painting and wet media (ink and wash).

For a more crafty hand-made feel , try one of these lovely paper-covered books from Cave Paper. Not the most rugged option, but beautiful and unusual.