How to choose the best notebook for bullet journaling

How to choose a notebook for bullet journaling

How to choose the best notebook for Bullet Journaling

Ryder Carroll created the bullet journal method to enable us all to keep track of our busy lives in a way that works for us.

The first step is choosing your supplies, especially finding the perfect notebook.

Before you choose your notebook, there are lots of questions that you need to ask yourself to ensure that you are getting exactly what you need.

Start with your budget: How much can you justify spending? We stock notebooks ranging from £6.95 to £30+
Ruling: Lined, squared, dot-grid or plain. Dot grid is the most popular choice as it allows for a mixture of writing, doodling and tables with the dots acting as a guide.
Number of pages: do you want to fit a whole year in one notebook or are you happy to work your way through two or three, simply starting a new one when each one is full?
Paper size: A5 is by far the most popular size but if you want to carry your journal with you (and have small handwriting) there are many smaller options. If it is going to sit on your desk then B5 or even A4 will give you more space.

Paper weight: GSM or grams per square metre, refers to the thickness of the paper. The thicker the paper, the less likely your are to suffer from bleeding or ghosting. Bleeding is when the ink seeps through to the other side. Ghosting is when you can see your writing through the page. Thicker paper is not always better. It depends what sort of pens or other media you plan to use in your journal. If you want to use paints and alcohol markers, you need to look for a sketchbook with a high GSM but if you want to use a fountain pen, the smoothness of the paper is going to be more of a priority.
Do you need, or would you prefer not to have additonal features: pen loop, back pocket, bookmark(s), elasticated closure, Index, numbered pages, pen test page, grid helpers (darker dots to show you the midpoint), hard/soft cover, linen, paper or leather cover.
Brand Story: how important are the ethics of the manufacturer to you? Think about where it is manufactured, the source of the paper etc.

My top notebook suggestions for bullet journaling

Our best selling notebook brand is Archer & Olive. Created by Bonnie Kuhl as part of her own journey through journaling to support her mental health, in Texas.

New ranges are launched each quarter as well as an everyday collection.

Vintage Mermaid Dot Grid Notebooks from Archer & Olive

A&O notebooks are available in multiple sizes and rulings with A5 being the most popular choice for bullet journalling.

Hardcover with a choice of finishes;
192 pages (A5);
160 gsm paper;
Gift box;
Foil details;
Ribbon bookmarks;
Elasticated closure;
Pen loop;
Back pocket.

A British alternative to A&O is Yop & Tom. If you have used an Archer & Olive notebook previously, you will find the quality very similar but with some lovely extra features and a lower price!

A5 Journal –148 x 210mm
180 pages (152 with dot grid)
Gold debossed emblem
120 GSM uncoated paper - Smooth to write on and thick enough to prevent bleeding and ghosting
Lay-flat binding
Key, Index and Pen Test pages
Gusseted back cover pocket
Elastic fastener
Ribbon Bookmark

Yop & Tom is a British company but their journals are manufactured in China to keep costs down. They have already released a range of colours and designs and plan to continue to launch more. They also have a lined journal available.

I find these journals amazing quality for the price. Perfect for someone who is confident setting up their own journal, likes using a range of pens and is happy with slightly thinner paper to keep the overall weight of the notebook down.

Contrast Dot Grid Notebook Red & Pink - Yop & Tom - Under the Rowan Trees

Another alternative option is a travel journal. Made up a reusable cover and refill notebooks, these offer lots of flexibility if you like to used different papers or to keep separate notebooks for different projects.

Traveller's Notebook Turquoise Blue - Under the Rowan Trees - Under the Rowan Trees

We have launched our own range of vegan leather journals which are realistically priced and great quality. We sell the refills separately so you can mix and match.

Salmon Pink A6 Storage.It Notebook - Mark's Inc. - Under the Rowan Trees

Or you could try these funky Japanese refillable notebooks with pockets for storing your journalling essentials. The recycled PVC covers offer lots of protection if you like to carry your journal with you when out and about.