The best journaling supplies for you

Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Kate Darktea

Starting a journal shouldn’t feel daunting, however it doesn’t always feel easy when you walk into a stationery shop or see pictures of beautiful bullet journals and planners online. The good news is you need very few products to start a journal and you get more as you decide to experiment. This guide shows you the essential journaling supplies and those things you may want to consider getting later. 

 The key is to start small, make it enjoyable, and choose tools that remove barriers rather than create them.

Essential Journal Supplies

Notebooks

This is the one thing you need to start journaling. You can use any notebook, but there are things you may want to consider when choosing a notebook:

• size – do you want a pocket size for portability or a large one so you’ve got lots of space?
• paper type – do you want plain lined or dot grid
• plain or pre-printed – do you want complete flexibility with a plain notebook*, a guided journal* which includes prompts or a dated diary*.

When looking for a notebook, don’t limit yourself to the journal section; look at school supplies and office supplies, as you may find books that work for you there.

Pen or pencil

I recommend using a pen with dark ink so it is easier to read in future. Pencil is okay to use, particularly if you like to draw and doodle as well, but be aware it may not be as easy to read when you look back later.

The best pen is one you enjoy writing with, so it should have a nice weight in your hand and feel smooth to write on the page. You could consider:

• fountain pen*
• gel pen* (I like these ones) you can also get gel pens in an abundance of colours
• ballpoint pen*
• fineliners*

Take into account the thickness of the paper in your notebook so the pen won’t bleed through the page.

Journal supplies storage case

While this is not essential to write a journal, having everything you need stored in one place makes it easier so you are more likely to write. I’ve created my own journal set by storing my journal, pens and some fun accessories such as sticker sheets and washi tape in one place. My storage case is similar to this one*, although mine has an extra pocket where I store my photo printer.

Fun journaling supplies

Practical accessories

• Stencils* – if you are creating a bullet journal or regularly want to create the same shape stencils can make it easier and quicker
• Folding ruler* – a small ruler to help you draw lines and grids and is small enough to keep near your journal
• Travel scissors* – handy to have in your journal set when you need to cut tape or other decoration
• Glue tape roller* – double-sided tape which is easier to store and less messy than glue
• Prompt cards* – keeping a deck of cards to hand can be useful when you need to some inspiration on what to write about

Decorative accessories

• washi tape* – decorative adhesive tape that is easy to use 
• stickers – sticker sets are a great way to decorate your journal cover as well as pages. I love Pipstick*.
• decorative paper* – you can use diy paper craft products to create collages or decorated borders
• stamps and ink pads – these can add interest to a page without adding bulk like stickers (just be careful of the ink bleeding through the page)
• mini photo printer* – you can print directly from your phone and stick directly in your journal
• brush pens* – can be used to create interesting titles or doodles
• transfers* – embellishments similar to stickers but are thinner so have less bulk
• ink* – if you use a fountain pen there are lots of choices of ink, choose and switch between your favourite colours.

Organizational Accessories

• Sticky notes* – use these to jot down quick ideas, reflections or to add removable notes which can be useful when you’re reviewing your previous entries.
• Tabs* and paper clips* – mark pages you want to refer to later
• Colourful markers* – you can use these to mark significant passages so you can easily find them in future. Consider whether the ink will go through the page and make it hard to read what is on the other side.
• Pen holder* – these are a good way of keeping your favourite pen to hand; they can be elasticated and keep your journal closed or stick / clip on.

Books about journaling

While not exactly accessories, you may find there are a few you like to keep with your journaling things so you can easily refer to them. There are many books about journaling so look at a few and find one that is correct for where you are with your writing.

Starting a journal doesn’t require many supplies, a notebook and pen is everything you need. As you grow more comfortable, adding extra supplies can be a great way to add fun and personality to your journaling.  Remember, the key is to write, so keep the journaling supplies simple, enjoyable, and adaptable to your needs. 

*This post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something after following a link I may earn a proportion of the sale. However, it will not cost you anything extra