Journaling is a fantastic way to get your thoughts down on paper, track your progress, and reflect on your day-to-day life. It’s an activity that can be both relaxing and insightful, making it popular for people of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, these journaling must haves will level up your writing experience.
One thing to consider when diving into journaling is the quality of the materials you use. Not all journals and pens are created equal, and details like paper thickness, pen ink, and even the binding of your journal can make a big difference.
It’s essential to choose items that suit your personal style and needs. For example, some people prefer lined pages, while others might go for blank or dotted pages.
In this guide, I will walk you through the must-have items for journaling. I spent hours testing different products to find the ones that deliver the best writing experience.
Best Journaling Must-Haves
Here are my top picks for journaling essentials. These are the tools I can’t live without when putting pen to paper.
Amazon Basics Journals
These journals are perfect for anyone who loves to write regularly and needs good quality at an affordable price.
Pros
- Sturdy hardcover
- Well-spaced lines
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- First pages rip easily
- Thin pages
- Mixed durability
The Amazon Basics Journals have been really handy for my daily writing. The hardcover keeps the pages protected, and it just feels good holding a sturdy journal. It’s also nice that they are affordable, so I can buy more without breaking the bank.
One thing that stood out to me is the spacing of the lines. The pages feel roomy, making it easy to keep my writing neat. Using different types of pens didn’t really bleed through the pages either. It’s a smooth writing experience overall.
There were a couple of things that bugged me. The first pages of my journals ripped too easily. It was weird because the rest of the pages didn’t have this issue. Also, the pages are on the thinner side. I’m a little concerned about how durable the spine will be, but so far, it’s holding up well.
If you’re looking for a solid, everyday journal that doesn’t break the bank, these are a great choice!
Mr. Pen Transparent Sticky Notes
A must-have for any journaler looking to add style and functionality to their notes.
Pros
- Clear and see-through
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Easy to remove and reposition
Cons
- Adhesive can be weak
- Doesn’t stick well on non-paper surfaces
- Some users experienced curling edges
These sticky notes from Mr. Pen are a game-changer for my journaling. They’re transparent, so I can add notes without covering up important text. The variety of colors adds a nice touch to my pages, making them look vibrant and organized.
I appreciate how easy they are to remove and reposition. This comes in handy when I’m rearranging my thoughts or need to correct a mistake. They leave no residue, which keeps my journal clean.
One thing I noticed is that the adhesive could be stronger. They don’t always stick well to surfaces like my computer monitor or desk. Also, if you don’t follow the peeling instructions, they might curl at the edges. Despite these issues, they are still a great addition to my journaling supplies.
DIVERSEBEE Pastel Washi Tape Set
This tape kit is perfect for anyone who loves adding a touch of color and design to their journaling, crafting, or gift wrapping.
Pros
- Pretty pastel colors
- Sticks well
- Versatile usage
Cons
- Some patterns may unstick
- Limited to five designs
- Tape width might feel narrow
I recently used the DIVERSEBEE Pastel Washi Tape Set for my journaling, and the colors are absolutely adorable. They make my journal pages look vibrant and stylish without too much effort. The rolls are a perfect size for carrying around in my pencil case, which makes using them on the go super easy.
It’s not just great for journals, though. The tape added the right pop of color to my planner and did wonders for my scrapbook. I even used it for decorating some gift wraps and cards, which turned out beautifully. The adhesive is strong enough to hold but gentle enough not to ruin any paper when you reposition it.
One minor gripe is that after a while, some patterns don’t stick as well as they initially did. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on using them for a long-term project. The width of the tape might be slightly narrow for some users, but I found it perfect for the intricate designs I love to create in my journal.
Overall, the DIVERSEBEE Pastel Washi Tape Set is a must-have for anyone who loves to personalize and decorate. It’s fun, functional, and definitely adds a creative touch to any project.
EOOUT Highlighters in Cute Colors
Great highlighters for everyone who loves journaling with vibrant yet soft colors.
Pros
- Soft and smooth writing
- Easy to hold without rolling around
- No ink bleeding
Cons
- Some colors may be darker than expected
- Occasional low ink levels
- Might run out faster than other highlighters
I really enjoyed using the EOOUT Highlighters in Cute Colors on my journal. The variety of Morandi colors is so pleasant, making my notes look aesthetically pleasing. The way the ink smoothly glides over the paper is satisfying, and I didn’t experience any ink bleeding through the pages, which is a huge win for my Bible study notes.
What’s also great is the design of the highlighters. They are easy to hold, and I didn’t get a sore hand after long writing sessions. Plus, they don’t roll off the table, which is convenient!
On the flip side, a few markers had low ink when I got them, which was a bit disappointing. Also, some colors turned out darker than I had hoped. While they do last a decent time, they seemed to run out quicker than I anticipated. Still, these are small trade-offs for such delightful highlighters.
Pterosauria Inspirational Stickers
These stickers are a great addition to any journaling enthusiast’s collection.
Pros
- Waterproof and durable
- Wide variety of designs
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Some stickers have a strong factory smell
- A few duplicates
- Certain quotes may not be suitable for all audiences
These inspirational stickers from Pterosauria are perfect for adding a personal touch to my journal. The variety in designs keeps it interesting, and I always find a sticker that matches my mood or theme. They’re easy to apply and stick well to various surfaces, which is a big plus for me.
One thing that stands out is how durable these stickers are. They can withstand spills and are waterproof, making them ideal for my travel journal. I’ve even decorated my laptop and water bottle with them, and they’ve held up great.
On the downside, a few of the stickers had a strong factory smell when I first opened the pack. Additionally, while most stickers were unique, I did notice a couple of duplicates. Some quotes were somewhat inappropriate for younger audiences, so I had to be selective when sharing them with friends or students.
Overall, I love the Pterosauria Inspirational Stickers for their quality and variety, making them a fantastic choice for journaling and personalizing items.
Mr. Pen Gel Highlighters
These highlighters are perfect for anyone looking to highlight without worrying about bleeding through pages.
Pros
- No bleed through
- Vibrant colors
- Smooth application
Cons
- Can occasionally clump
- Red appears pinkish
- Might feel different from traditional highlighters
I just got my hands on the Mr. Pen Gel Highlighters, and I must say, they work wonders. The colors are vibrant and true to their promise, they do not bleed through the paper. I even tried them on my Bible, and they performed incredibly well.
One thing I love about these highlighters is the smooth application. The gel stick design makes it easy to highlight without any smearing. Plus, they don’t dry out even if left uncapped for a while, which is a big bonus for forgetful people like me.
The only downsides I noticed were occasional clumping when you start a line, and the red appears more pink than red. Despite these minor issues, the highlighters have become a staple in my journaling and Bible study routine.
Inspired Christian Stickers by UDTAATO
If you love adding a personal touch to your journals or gifts, you’ll want to grab these stickers.
Pros
- Beautiful variety of phrases
- High-quality material
- Perfect for many surfaces
Cons
- Some stickers have a limited color range
- May feel repetitive if you use them frequently
- Could be too specific for general journaling
I recently used these stickers to jazz up my prayer journal, and they instantly made my pages pop. The quotes are uplifting and add an extra layer of inspiration to my daily entries. The variety ensures I always have the right sticker for the right mood.
Sticking them on my water bottle was a breeze. Not only do they look good, but they also hold up well against water and sun. They’ve been through several washes without peeling off, which is impressive.
I also enjoy gifting them. They make wonderful additions to birthday cards or random notes to friends. The quality really shows, and the designs are both charming and thoughtful. While the color scheme isn’t as varied as I’d like, it doesn’t take away from their overall appeal.
WRITECH Gel Pens Journaling Highlighters
This journaling set is perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color to their notes and sketches.
Pros
- Smooth writing experience
- Variety of colors and pen types
- Quick-drying ink to prevent smudges
Cons
- Some pens lack a cushioned grip
- Few colors may not be as vibrant
- Ink can bleed slightly on thin paper
When I tried the WRITECH Gel Pens and Highlighters set, the smooth writing experience stood out immediately. The 0.5mm fine point pen glides effortlessly, making journaling a joy. Plus, the ink dries fast, so there’s no need to worry about smudging.
The variety of colors and pen types in this set is impressive. Whether I’m jotting down notes, sketching, or planning my week, there’s a perfect pen for every task. The pastel and neutral options are a nice touch, offering a pleasant change from standard black ink.
However, not all pens come with a cushioned grip, making them slightly uncomfortable for long writing sessions. Additionally, while the pens write smoothly, some shades aren’t as vibrant as I hoped. Finally, the ink can bleed a bit on thinner paper, so it’s best to use a thicker journal to prevent this.
If you’re looking to elevate your journaling game with a versatile and aesthetic pen set, this WRITECH set is a great choice.
Shuttle Art Vintage Gel Pens
These pens should be on your desk if you want smooth writing and awesome colors for your journaling.
Pros
- Smooth ink flow
- Unique vintage colors
- Quick-drying ink
Cons
- Not very grippy
- Some colors might be too pale
- May leak if stored upright
When I first tried these Shuttle Art Vintage Gel Pens, I was instantly impressed by how smoothly they write. The ink flows perfectly, without any skips, and dries quickly, so I don’t have to worry about smudges messing up my journal pages.
The 11 vintage shades give a unique look to my notes and drawings. Each color stands out in its way, and it’s fun to use different ones for different moods or ideas. The retractable design and durable clip also make these pens super handy to carry around wherever I go.
On the downside, the pens don’t have the best grip, which might be a bit uncomfortable if you’re writing for a long time. Also, some of the colors are a bit lighter than expected, which might not show up as well on certain papers. Still, these small issues don’t take away from how great they are for everyday journaling.
EOOUT Transparent Sticky Notes
These sticky notes are a great pick for anyone who needs versatile and reliable notes for journals, books, or any smooth surface.
Pros
- Transparent design allows easy reading underneath
- Adhesive is strong yet leaves no residue
- High-quality, durable material
Cons
- Not suitable for use with water-based pens
- May feel plastic-like to some users
- Can smear if not used with the right pen
Using these EOOUT transparent sticky notes made my journaling so much better. The see-through feature is super useful, especially when I need to make notes on top of text without obscuring it. I found that they stick well to all surfaces I’ve tried and don’t leave any residue when removed, which is a huge plus.
One thing to keep in mind is the material. They’re made from PET, so they have a bit of a plastic feel. Personally, I didn’t mind it, but it’s worth noting. Plus, you’ll need to use a ballpoint pen, marker, or pencil, as water-based pens will just smear.
In my Bible journaling, these sticky notes have been a game changer. I can annotate without marking the actual pages. They’re also great for making longer notes in my book journal without crowding the margins.
Buying Guide
When it comes to picking out the right journaling supplies, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s talk about what to look for.
Notebooks
A good notebook is essential. I usually go for hardcover ones because they last longer and protect the pages better. Softcover notebooks are lighter and more flexible, which might be better if you carry your journal everywhere.
Paper Quality
Paper quality matters a lot. Look for acid-free paper to avoid yellowing over time. If you like using ink pens or markers, consider thicker paper (around 120gsm) to prevent bleed-through.
| Paper Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Lined | Helps keep your writing neat. |
| Dot Grid | Great for drawing and organizing. |
| Blank | Perfect for sketches and free writing. |
Pens and Pencils
Using good-quality pens or pencils makes journaling more enjoyable. Gel pens are smooth, while ballpoint pens are reliable. Fountain pens can add a touch of elegance. If you like to sketch, mechanical pencils are a good choice.
Accessories
You might also want some extras like stickers, washi tape, and highlighters. These can make your journal more colorful and personalized.
Sticky notes are handy for jotting down quick notes or marking important pages. Rulers can help you draw straight lines if you’re into bullet journaling.
Keep these points in mind, and you’ll have all you need for a great journaling experience.
