Checklist · 11 picks · 4 categories
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Stationery people have favorites, but they almost never say no to more pens. A pack of Microns or Mildliners is the easy gift, and a first fountain pen is a fun step up. For notebooks, dotted pages are the safe choice for bullet journals and planners. Every pick comes from my journaling starter list, plus two from my book lover list, where I explain why it made the cut and name the outlet when one recommends it.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want a single product and already know which one.
budget pick · Compact
Best for Fine lines and doodles
YPen best bullet journal supplies.
Archival ink fine-liners in several tip sizes, for writing and drawing layouts without bleeding through.
Heads up. Fine tips can fray if pressed hard
under $25
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budget pick · Compact
Soft pastel highlighters that are the go-to for color-coding bullet journals. Not very bright
YPen best bullet journal supplies.
under $25
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mid pick · Compact
Brush tip on one end and fine tip on the other, for hand lettering headers. Can bleed on thin paper
YPen best bullet journal supplies.
under $25
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mid pick · Compact
An affordable, well-made first fountain pen that makes writing feel like a treat. Can bleed on thin paper
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
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budget pick · Compact
Best for Everyday writing
No outlet named this one yet.
Smooth gel pens for everyday writing.
Heads up. Can smudge for lefties
under $25
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mid pick · Compact
Best for Bullet journals
WIRED best notebook.
The classic bullet journal notebook: numbered pages, a blank index and dotted pages for layouts.
Heads up. Thin paper can ghost with markers
$25-50
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mid pick · Compact
A dotted journal with thicker paper, made for colorful layouts with markers and brush pens. Fewer pages
YPen best bullet journal supplies.
$25-50
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mid pick · Compact
A guided gratitude journal with short prompts each morning and night, for people who don't know what to write. Less freedom than a blank notebook
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
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budget pick · Compact
A reading log with tabbed sections for books read, wish lists, quotes and loans. Pricey for a notebook
No outlet named this one yet.
$25-50
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budget pick · Compact
Best for Decorating journal pages
No outlet named this one yet.
Decorative paper tape for borders, tabs and taping in photos and ticket stubs.
Heads up. Some patterns are hit or miss
under $25
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budget pick · Stocking-size
Thin metal clips that mark the exact line you loved, without folding pages or bulking up the book. Easy to lose a few
No outlet named this one yet.
under $25
See it on AmazonAffiliate link.
dots show how many outlets agree. the words name them.
More of what they use: pens, highlighters or a good dotted notebook. A first fountain pen is a fun upgrade if they have never tried one.
It is less useful if you want a single product and already know which one.
No. I have not reviewed them. I read published reviews and name the outlet on the pick.
Budget is the cheaper one that still does the job. Mid is what most people should buy. Splurge is only if you will use it often.