Start a journal or bullet journal: a good dotted notebook, pens that won't bleed through, and a few colors for fun.
Updated October 2026 · save to pinterest
best for: Bullet journaling
The classic bullet journal notebook: numbered pages, a blank index and dotted pages for layouts.
best for: Colorful layouts
A dotted journal with thicker paper, made for colorful layouts with markers and brush pens.
best for: Trying journaling first
Not sure you'll stick with it? A $3 composition book is a no-pressure way to start writing every day.
best for: People who freeze at a blank page
A guided gratitude journal with short prompts each morning and night, for people who don't know what to write.
best for: Clean lines and lettering
Archival ink fine-liners in several tip sizes, for writing and drawing layouts without bleeding through.
best for: Everyday writing
Smooth gel pens for everyday writing.
best for: Color-coding
Soft pastel highlighters that are the go-to for color-coding bullet journals.
best for: Hand lettering
Brush tip on one end and fine tip on the other, for hand lettering headers.
best for: Making writing feel special
An affordable, well-made first fountain pen that makes writing feel like a treat.
best for: Decorating pages
Decorative paper tape for borders, tabs and taping in photos and ticket stubs.
A dotted A5 notebook and one good black pen are all you really need. Highlighters, brush pens and washi tape are fun extras once you know you'll stick with it.
Dotted is the most flexible: the dots guide your writing like lines but also let you draw boxes, charts and calendars.
Try a guided journal with daily prompts, like The Five Minute Journal, or just write three things that happened today. Consistency matters more than length.
