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Want to start journaling but don’t know what you need to get started? I got you.
(Or... are you an avid journaler and just want to add more things to your collection? Don’t worry, I won’t judge).
When I first started journaling, I was overwhelmed by the numerous options for pens, journals, erasers, stickers, etc. – there were too many things I wanted to buy, but didn’t know if I’d need. In the end, I overspent and bought a lot of things that I never used or weren’t good.
It’s important to always think about how you’re going to use your journal supplies… otherwise, you’ll buy things you don’t need. For example, if you’re more of a writer, you should focus on writing supplies like pens, pencils, etc. But, if you’re more of an aesthetic person, you might want more stickers or washi tape. Start with the most basic of supplies and work your way up from there to make sure you’re not overspending – this will help your wallet and give you time to figure out what kind of journal style you like and have.
So, here’s my list of top journal supplies, whether you’re starting your first journal or you’re just looking for journal supplies to add to your collection. I’ve also broken them down to under and over $15 so you can look at ones that best fit your budget!
Notebooks
The most basic item you’ll need is a notebook, but don’t spend too much on your first one! If journaling ends up not being your thing, spending more than $15 on a notebook is a waste of money. But, don’t spend too little money on a notebook either otherwise you might not take it seriously.
When buying your notebook, you should take into account:
Size. What size journal do you want to use? There are many options to choose from and you should pick one that fits your lifestyle and how you want to use it (plus if you want to take it on the go with you).
Paper density. GSM (grams per square meter) is important – typically, the heavier the paper, the higher the number and the higher the perceived quality. GSM indicates a paper’s weight and thickness and is important when you consider how you’re going to use your journal. I prefer notebooks that are 160 GSM, but at a minimum, I recommend going with notebooks with at least GSM 100.
Paper color. What kind of paper do you want to write on? I love the look of pure white pages, but my best friend loves her notebook with black pages because she can use her metallic pens. Keep in mind that your page color will influence what kind of pens you use!
Paper type. Do you want lines on your pages? Or do you want it to be blank? There are a lot of options, including dot grids – so make sure you think about how you’ll use your notebook. Some notebooks are dated and have pre-made keys. Choose one that works best for how you think you will use your notebook. (But if you ask me, dot grids are the best!)
Notebooks Under $15:
Notebooks Over $15:
Pens
Pens are incredibly important for your journal. Ever used a pen that just sucked and didn’t write the way you want it to or felt funny in your hand? Invest in some good pens and it’ll make a difference in how you journal and how often you want to.
I love color-coding and using different colors to make certain things in my journal stand out, so I use a combination of black and colored pens. Check them out below!
Pens Under $15:
Pens Over $15:
Markers and Highlighters
Markers and highlighters are super fun to use to add pops of color with drawings and calligraphy, or for making sure you remember certain tasks/memories in your journal. It took me a long time to learn how to do brush lettering, so I didn’t buy a lot of markers until I was further along in my journaling journey, but I swear by highlighters. Nowadays, I use more colored pens than markers, but here are some of my favorites below.
Markers and Highlighters Under $15:
Markers and Highlighters Over $15:
Washi Tape
Washi tape can elevate the look of your journal, but they’re not needed if you’re just starting out or if you want a super basic journal. That being said, I’m an avid washi tape hoarder (check out my post on washi tape storage) and I collect stickers like a dragon hoarding treasure.
As a side, if you end up not loving washi tape for your journal, you can re-purpose them in your gift wrapping or for your cards!
Washi Tape Under $15:
Other Supplies and Tools
I also use other tools for journaling, whether it’s for drawing straight lines, correcting mistakes, or gluing down photos for my aesthetic spreads. You certainly don’t need all of these items, but I’ve used all of them at one point or another during my journaling journey and swear by them – these are the ones that have stuck with me. Check them out below.
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