As a writer, I’m of the mind that you can never have too many journals or blank books on hand. I stockpile them like a zombie apocalypse conspiracy theorist, hoarding canned goods and ammo. But unlike gunshot, they also happen to make great impromptu gifts. So I love the made-to-order, illustrated, handmade Moleskine journals from Elena Mazzali of Etsy shop La Douceur du Miel (“The sweetness of honey”).

This plain, unlined journal is just made for recipes, honey-based or otherwise. But the other journals–which the artist cleverly calls “Mieleskins”–are pretty great too. Like a bear rocking out to a Beatles cassette. Or the ridiculously cute polar bears with the line, hooray for cuddles which is perfect for a new parent who needs a not-quite-a-baby-book to scribble down those quick notes and memories.

I just love Elena’s charming style; her love for illustration and her characters comes through on each one.

Each journal is lovingly hand-painted to order and ships from Italy so if you need it tomorrow, it’s not going to happen. Then again, once you have a Moleskine on hand for jotting notes, you can remind yourself things like “Need a new Moleskine” and you can plan ahead next time.

Find the handpainted Mielskin Moleskine journals and more cute paper crafts and illustration at Etsy’s La Douceur du Miel.