I’ve been journaling for more than 20 years. Here are 33 of my favorite journaling supplies

Our featured picks

Designphil Traveler’s Company A5 Slim Blank Spiral Notebook, 2-Pack

These spiral-ring notebooks from personal-favorite notebook maker Traveler’s Company, a brand also beloved by every expert featured in this guide, became my go-to everyday carry, aka EDC, the day I bought it. Its minimalist aesthetic, top-notch Japanese craftsmanship and versatile (not to mention delectable) MD Paper — pencils and ballpoints work just as well on it as fountain pens — make it a stellar option for on-the-go scribbles, sketches and secrets alike. Though I haven’t regularly used a spiral anything since high school (will always and forever LYLAS, though, FranklinCovey), its tear-away pages serve it well as an EDC for easily cleansing your journal of completed to-do and grocery lists while maintaining those pages you want to keep. Snag two notebooks for less than $10 each at Amazon, its best price in a year.

Moleskine Squared/Grid Classic Hardcover Notebook

After filling a Moleskine per year in college, I’d be remiss not to include the ubiquitous brand here. Despite having moved on to other notebook brands — there are just so many out there, each in need of a good home: mine — I’d still tout it as a great-value beginner notebook, with a plethora of colors, sizes and styles from which to choose.

Designphil Midori Dot Square A5 Notebook

Designed with fountain pen-friendly, silky-soft paper, Midori notebooks offer a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag (but that said, it’s a better value for fountain pen users and long-form writers than it is for junk journalers or the decor obsessed, who can save money on a notebook with lesser paper.) The notebook’s minimalist design speaks to me, and I love how it lies completely flat so I can avoid the hassle of using binder clips to keep pages from moving.

Mishmash Naked A5 Blank Notebook in Orange

This eye-catcher came highly recommended by both Tyler McCall and Eric Campbell, co-owners of Chicago, Illinois, stationery store Paper & Pencil. The former praised its bright color options and “really nice paper” that doesn’t bleed or feather regardless of writing instrument used, while the latter pointed out how its paper cover makes it “easier to throw in a bag and go with you.” After using the Naked from Mishmash — a woman-owned company based in Porto, Portugal, that emphasizes locally sourced materials, sustainability and handmade design — myself, I can attest to its paper surviving everything from the darkest of fountain pen inks to the brightest of gel pens to wettest of rubber stamps. Because it’s difficult to find the brand in the US, you’ll likely pay a hefty shipping fee to order online, but snagging a few — for yourself and for a few friends and family members — is ultimately well worth it.

Paperage Dotted Journal Notebook

Paperage notebooks are both affordable and colorful, making them a great option to springboard your journaling obsession. Sure, you can opt for a standard black notebook, or you could set a cheerier tone for the year with a sage green, lavender or, my personal favorite, turquoise cover. You really can’t go wrong with any of the 15-plus shades available on Amazon, though.

Leuchtturm1917 The Official Bullet Journal Edition 2

If you want to give Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method a shot, start with this 204-page Leuchtturm1917 Built for Bujo notebook. It includes a helpful pocket guide, built-in index and future log pages, an intentions page and several additional “best for beginner” features to help kick-start your journal.

Chasing Red Flags ‘Let’s Get Real’ Wellness Journal

I changed my tune about wellness journals after discovering this “Let’s Get Real” one from mother-daughter duo Teri and Ella Macduff, who also host a podcast of the same name. Void of the hokeyness that has so often deterred me from buying, let alone using, lesser journals of the same ilk, this one challenges you to confront yourself in a healthy way, and with actually compelling prompts alongside meaningful quotes and short activities, all packaged in a beautiful design. An ideal gift for friends or loved ones, especially those who have been struggling or experiencing feelings of aimlessness, the “Let’s Get Real” journal is more than deserving of a spot on your own desk or nightstand too. I, for one, am so glad to have found it, as I’ve become a better version of me as a result.

Plum Paper Custom Planner

The combination of Plum Paper’s extensive customizability options, beautiful aesthetic and simple-to-use layouts make it a top recommendation of mine for people just getting into planners or as a gift for recipients whose needs and style you know well.

Hobonichi Techo 2025 Planner

Is the idea of starting with a completely blank notebook too intimidating? Enter the Hobonichi Techo, a beautifully designed planner/journal hybrid that offers more structure than a blank notebook but still gives you plenty of space to make it your own. At $47, this journal/planner is a splurge, but it’s more than worth it for its 180-degree lay-flat design, page-per-day format and handy “useful pages” spanning important contacts to international size charts to blank memo pages perfect for all your brain dumps.

Rocketbook Dotted Core Reusable Spiral Notebook

Digital-minded journalers will love the Rocketbook, which marries physical handwriting with nearly effortless digitization. Using the included Pilot Frixion pen, you simply write in the 32-page notebook as you would in a regular one, “send” your pages to your cloud service of choice via the Rocketbook app, erase your writing with the included damp cloth, then repeat. This infinitely reusable notebook is a huge sustainability win and my personal favorite eco-conscious notebook, as it’s a much cheaper alternative to paper tablets such as the Kindle Scribe or ReMarkable Paper Pro.

Uniball 0.7mm Zento Gel Pens, 4-Pack

I’ve recommended the Uni Zento to anyone who’s come to me seeking a stylish everyday pen that writes well and also won’t break the bank, and those who have taken the bait have gone out of their way to report back to me to say how much they love it. The Zento are also a current favorite of McCall’s, who loves their “really pigmented … but really incredibly smooth” ink.

Uniball 0.7mm Jetstream Ballpoint Pens, 4-Pack

Campbell recommends Uniball’s Jetstream pens, pointing to their refillability and quick-drying features as standouts.

Pilot 0.4mm Juice Up Gel Pens, Set of 10

My stationery experts and I agree these easy-writing Juice Up gel pens are worth the splurge for as many fun colors as possible, but an all-black-ink pack write just as well as the colors if you prefer a more traditional look (and less fun) in your journal.

Pilot Kakuno Beginner Fountain Pen With Medium Nib

McCall recommends the Pilot Kakuno because it’s “super approachable,” as far as fountain pens go, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. We both love it for its fun, bright color options and ease of use straight out of the box. “When you buy the pen, it’ll be set up as a cartridge pen,” McCall said, referencing the pen’s included black ink cartridge, “and cartridges are nice because they’re kind of like the easiest, cleanest, neatest way to use a fountain pen. You just pop a cartridge in and get to writing.” And there’s different cartridges available, different colors. Some folks just like keep it a cartridge pen because that feels best to them. But we do sell what’s called a converter. So then you can actually turn your pen into a pen that takes bottled ink.

Sakura Pigma Micron 05 Black Pens

The water-based Micron 05s have been my pen of choice for journaling over the years due to their archival ink and quick drying time. If you think the 0.45-millimeter tips on these 05 pens may be too thick or bold for your handwriting, I’d suggest snagging this variety pack to see which size you like best first.

Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen

Trusted German pen brand Kaweco has been selling high-quality writing instruments since the 1880s, and it continues to flourish today with frequent product drops, various brand collabs and availability in 40-plus countries. Its Classic Sport series is a fantastic foray into fountain pens, boasting an extremely portable design (just over 4 inches long when closed), steel nibs and nib sizes ranging from extra fine to broad.

Colorverse Fountain Pen Ink Mini Collection, Set of 3

INCORPORATE INTO FOUNTAIN PEN BLURB ABOVE INSTEAD? Admittedly, I haven’t experimented much with fountain pen inks, so I consulted my similarly journaling-obsessed cousin Emma, whom I credit for introducing me to several of the products on this list, for her tips and recommendations. “I generally prefer fountain pen ink samples because I like lots of colors, and very few inks compel me to have entire bottles,” she says, citing Sailor and Colorverse as two of her affordable faves. This Colorverse Mini Collection of three 5-milliliter bottles starts at just over $20 on Amazon, with 21 unique sets of three available.

Kaweco Classic Sport Ballpoint Pen With Refill

Not quite ready to delve into the fancy world of fountain pens? Not to worry. Kaweco also makes high-quality, refillable ballpoint pens with the same portable form factor.

Tombow Mono Graph Zero Mechanical Pencil in Lime

REPLACE BECAUSE OOS If you’re someone who enjoys plotting out and designing layouts or doodling in pencil before committing any designs to pen, I highly recommend this Tombow mechanical pencil. It’s the only pencil I use, thanks to its pleasing balance of weight, grip and — yes, because I’m admittedly a sucker for aesthetic writing implements — design.

Zebra Mildliner Fluorescent Set, Set of 5

Since I started designing my own planner and journal layouts, Mildliners have been a staple supply of mine for adding vibrancy to my layouts. Each of these double-ended highlighters features both a chisel and bullet tip for precision, and they all boast an impressive, no-bleed design that has yet to fail me. Did I mention they’re available in 35 unique colors? For the best value, I love this set of 15 highlighters in all the standard colors — and then some — you might need to get started journaling.

Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Set of 12

If you’re looking for a better bang for your buck and don’t mind chisel tip-only highlighters, the Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers — a whopping 55% off at Amazon at the time of this publication — are a suitable alternative to the above Mildliners given their similar no-bleed ink and higher marker-to-pack ratio.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens Tropical Palette, Set of 10

Whether using them to experiment with calligraphy, add colorful embellishments or even highlight, Tombow Dual Brush Pens are a colorful, multiuse addition to any journaler’s desk. Each pen features both a brush and fine tip for nearly unlimited artistic possibilities.

Read more The fight for Michigan: How a marquee Senate primary became the Democrats’ latest proxy war

Sharpie Creative Markers, Set of 12

Using the Sharpie Creative Markers — just added to the brand’s product lineup in February of last year — for the first time felt close to a religious experience for this stylophile. These markers feel like you’re writing or drawing in paint, and they even dry relatively quickly given how liquidy they are. Unfortunately, unlike the Tombow Dual Brush Pens, these markers aren’t double-ended and you’ll have to purchase bullet tip and brush tip varieties separately.

Soolla Studio Bag in ’80s Windbreaker

Though a Delfonics dude at heart, I’ve always been envious of the Soolla for its genius tiered pen-holder front that’s simultaneously practical, plentiful and pretty. After eyeing the Studio bags online for a year, then in stores for another, then my own cousins’ in person, I finally bit the bullet upon the release of the Studio bundle in Marina. I’m so glad I held out until I found the one for me, and while you should too, I’m particularly obsessed with the three-color palette of the ’80s Windbreaker here.

Soultopxin Adjustable Desktop Bookshelf

I previously recommended (and I still own and use) a different desktop bookshelf, now permanently out of stock. This alternative, however, is not only similar to my previous pick but the better value, with the same useful adjustability features I love about mine but a higher star rating as well as more color options — black, brown and white, in addition to the burlywood pictured here that’s most similar to mine — that will suit a wider range of desk setups.

Toyo Steel T-320-SL Toolbox

Toyo’s durable, well-constructed toolboxes — while “great for camping and fishing gear” as well as tools, and one of the best gifts for men, according to CNN Underscored associate writer Maxwell Shukuya — are also, believe it or not, popular with journalers for how sleek they look and their ability to store fountain pens, washi tape, bookbinding tools and any other stationery items that’ll fit. I prefer the T-320-SL model here for creatives over Shukuya’s Y-350 toolbox pick because its flat-top design, compared with the Y-350, is more suitable for a desk than the more toolboxy Y-350.

U Brands Bright and Happy Binder Clips, 25-Count

I’m holding space for happy, healthy thoughts and positivity this year, and I can’t think of an easier (or more affordable) way to encourage this practice than with these splashy, smiling binder clips. The retailer has even marked them as a “rarely returned” item, because who wants to return pure joy? U Brands also offers pretty vintage sunflower clips that would perfectly complement a cottagecore journal aesthetic.

Daler-Rowney Simply Metal Clip

Every person who journals needs a chunky, oversize metal clip. Listen, I don’t make the rules; it’s simply facts.

Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass Portable Photo Printer Bundle

My Midori Traveler’s Notebook (the best travel journal, in my opinion) got a serious upgrade when I started adding high-quality photo prints to my entries and spreads. I’d consider it relatively simple to use, even for the less tech-savvy out there; pairing your phone to the printer via Bluetooth, making optional photo edits and adjustments using the Kodak Photo Printer app, then sending the photo(s) directly to the portable printer is all there is to it. This bundle includes 38 sheets, which will afford you a little time before having to think about grabbing additional cartridges. But when you do, it’s a good value ($22 for 60 sheets, or $2.70 compared with competing portable printer refills,

Lochby Field Journal and Quattro Bundle

I’m a lover of all things Lochby, and the Field Journal and Quattro not only protect your precious notebooks and pens, respectively, with water-resistant waxed canvas but save you money ($14, to be exact) when you purchase them together. The Field Journal offers plenty of pockets for supplies — I keep sticky notes, tape runners and ephemera in mine — while the Quattro pen pouch provides a durable outside cover and soft, anti-scratch interior lining to protect your most valuable pens.

Delfonics Inner Carrying Case

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more aesthetically pleasing, spacious, pocket-conscious carrying case than the Delfonics. I think of mine as a Dopp kit for stationery — and to be honest, it’s often holding more than my actual Dopp kit.

Mr. Pen Pastel Harmony Washi Tape, Set of 10

Whether made by a small business or a household name like Scotch, washi tape comes in countless colors, patterns and thicknesses and can be used for just as many adhesive-related projects, from decorating envelopes and empty jars to creating section dividers and adhering photos/ephemera in journals. The decorative tape is made with rice paper, so removing and reapplying it to paper, glass or wood is not only simple but also unobtrusive. This set of 10 pastel rolls pairs great with the Zebra Mildliner highlighters above.

Punluxu Wooden Washi Tape Organizer

I previously recommended a washi tape organizer whose “simple construction,” as I wrote, turned out to be downright shoddy, with dowel rods that consistently came loose from the base. For a better value, consider this organizer instead. Its securer rods and horizontal design allow you to use every spool while still hung up, and additional nice-to-haves such as its base’s built-in ruler hook for hanging scissors only sweeten the deal.

Daniel Toy is CNN Underscored’s copy chief based in Washington, D.C. He maintains the site’s style guide, copy edits sitewide articles and ensures stylistic consistency across every vertical. He has also contributed several best-of tech articles and video game reviews.

Read more ‘We are knifing each other’: Trump and Thune showdown splinters GOP unity ahead of midterms