For me, there’s nothing like a good planner. The planners I use help me stay organized and bring calm to my life.
When looking for a planner, it’s key to remember that the best one is not necessarily the most sophisticated. I’ve learned over the years to choose a planner that fits my lifestyle and schedule comfortably, so I’m motivated to use it regularly.
Once I found the perfect fit, planning became an invaluable part of my life.
But I know that finding the right planner can be overwhelming. In this post, I have done the work for you and have compiled a list of some of the best planners.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.
Hobonichi Techno Planner
First designed in 2001, Hobonichi planners have been helping customers organize their lives for over 20 years.
Its A6 size makes it perfectly portable to be carried in all kinds of bags, and the leather binding makes it durable to a little wear and tear (let’s be real, it’s a planner at the end of the day).
The paper is thin and light but allows ink to glide on the paper nicely without worrying about bleeding.
This is the perfect compact little planner if you’re looking for something you can always carry with you.
Pros
- Size – A6 size makes it small and compact.
- Lays flat – The planner lays flat, making it comfortable to use.
- Tomoe River paper – Very smooth and light paper; it works well with fountain pens.
Cons
- Size – A6 may be too small for some.
- Price – The price may be slightly high, given the small size.
JSTORY Large Weekly Planner
If you need somewhere to scribble down your to-do list, this planner may be the one for you.
It has a super simple layout, with just the first letter of each day printed out, with plenty of space to jot dot what needs to be done.
It’s thin, comfortable, and perfect for those who prefer a minimalist design. It is available in three sizes: medium, large, and big.
Pros
- Simple layout – Enough space on the pages to write what you need.
- Price – Affordable price.
- Size options – Three size options are available: medium, large, and big.
Cons
- Layout – The layout may appear bland for those who want more space to doodle.
- Design – The design can be basic for those who like more intricate designs.
The Self-Care Planner
We all need a little self-care sometimes, and this planner will help you.
As well as organizing your daily tasks, this planner helps you track your mood, sleep, meals, water intake, and more.
It’s been created with self-care at its forefront. Its unique approach helps you achieve more without feeling stressed or overwhelmed and encourages you to prioritize your daily happiness and well-being.
An added bonus is its gorgeous design. It features thick, bright white paper, a fabric cover, and gold foil lettering.
Pros
- Not just a daily planner – This planner focuses on happiness and well-being and your daily tasks (see also ‘2023 Season by Season Daily Planner Review‘).
- Attractive design – Its lovely design looks wonderful sat on your desk or workstation.
- Broad choice of colors – This planner is available in 7 different colors.
Cons
- Size – The planner may be too big to carry around comfortably.
Traveler’s Weekly Vertical Planner
This planner is perfect if you’re buying it anytime throughout the year, allowing you to fill in the dates as you wish.
In addition to this, some pages have vertical monthly calendars where you can fill in important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any events that are coming up.
The paper is high quality and bleed resistant, which works well with fountain pens.
It has a soft cardboard cover and is very compact in size, making it an easy planner to carry around with you.
Pros
- No dates – You can purchase this planner whenever you want, as you can fill in the dates as you wish.
- Price – This planner is a very affordable option.
- Size – It measures 4.3 by 8.3 inches.
Cons
- Not as attractive as others on this list – The planner only comes with a cardstock cover.
Productivity Planner
This productivity planner by Intelligent Change encourages you to make the most out of each day by prioritizing your most important tasks and then reflecting on your results to analyze your workflow.
You’ll also get to read an important daily quote to inspire you daily. Plus, you’ll have space to jot down any weekly tasks, events, or commitments.
This planner follows a structured format to help you organize your time accordingly.
Pros
- Structure – This planner helps you organize your tasks in order of importance.
- Daily quote – Wake up to some lovely words of inspiration each day.
- Recyclable material – FSC-certified paper.
Cons
- Price – Some may see it as a pricier option on this list.
Self Journal By BestSelf
If you struggle with consistency, this self-journal may be the one for you.
This journal will help you achieve your goals using the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) method.
It contains monthly views, weekly and daily planning, and undated pages for extra notes. It also has a section of bullet journal pages, where you can fill it with extra notes, ideas, scribbles, stickers, you name it!
An added bonus is that this company donates one meal to Feeding America for every purchase.
Pros
- Versatility – Contains elements of self-care and daily, monthly, and weekly planning.
- Choice of color – The product is available in 4 colors.
- Created based on research – This planner is backed by success psychology and science.
Cons
- A lot of self-evaluation – This journal may be too much for those who want to plan.
Daily Goal Setter Mal Paper
This planner will help you achieve more throughout your days by helping you become consistent. In addition, it guides you to complete lists that will help you reach your goals.
It also utilizes many mindfulness techniques by having you write down daily affirmations.
There’s also no lack of variety with this product, as within its 274 pages, you’ll find sections on daily, weekly, and monthly planning, goal setting, and gratitude, as well as lined, dotted, and un-dated pages.
This a great planner if you like to add doodles, stickers, and photos.
Pros
- Un-dated – You can purchase this planner at any time of the year.
- Variety – Values self-care, goal setting, and daily and monthly planning.
- Kind to the environment – A tree is planted with every order.
Cons
- Space – The weekly section does not have as much space as one may like.
The 6-Minute Success Journal
This journal encourages you to plan your day and prioritize your tasks by prioritizing self-care.
It encourages you to be productive and emphasizes mindfulness and gratitude.
You also enjoy a spirit-lifting quote on each page – the perfect way to start each day.
There’s also a ‘Thoughts, Ideas, & Wins of the Day’ section for your end-of-the-day routine.
This planner has been created based on scientific research and practice-based evidence.
Pros
- Versatile – Includes self-care elements as well as planning.
- Scientifically proven – Utilizes the proven 6 – minute method.
- Several colors available – You can choose five colors with this product.
Cons
- Not ideal for just planning – There are several self-care elements, so if you are looking for a good planner, this may not be your best option.
Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal
If you prefer an undated planner, why not try a bullet journal?
The creator of this framework, Ryder Carroll, worked closely with the company Leuchtturm1917 to create this notebook.
This journal contains tips on following the bullet journal method to help you stay organized.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur who enjoys doodling, scrapbooking, and creating nice little artifacts, then this option may be the one for you.
Pros
- Customizable – Completely un-dated for you to customize as you wish.
- No time restriction – No dates means you can purchase this whenever you wish.
- Comfortable – This journal fits comfortably in all kinds of bags
Cons
- Bullet journal method – This planner is solely for the bullet journal method, which may seem confusing.
Buyer’s Guide
There are many things to consider when looking for the right planner for you, as various choices are available.
This buyer’s guide will outline some things you need to consider before putting your money down on a planner.
Size And Comfort
One of the most important things you need to consider when selecting a planner is size and comfort. Would you like a tiny planner that can be whipped out of any bag in a second? Or would you prefer something bigger that you keep on your desk?
You’ll also need to look at your binding preference. Would you like a three-ring binder that allows you to add your own pages, or would you prefer a spiral-bound binder?
If you’re unsure, it may be worth heading to a store that sells planners to get a feel of what works best for you.
Layouts
Determining what layout suits you best is also very important. You’re likely to have a choice between vertical and horizontal layouts.
Horizontal layouts allow more room for writing detailed notes, whereas horizontal layouts tend to have three sections. These are useful if you want to split your day between morning, afternoon, and evening.
Knowing how you prefer to structure your planner is crucial regarding layouts. Would you like to see your different tasks hour by hour, or do you prefer a quick weekly or monthly view?
Dated, Undated, Lined, Or Bulleted
Some people prefer planners that include dates and months printed on each page. However, if you choose an undated planner, you can pick it up any time of the year.
Whether you would like lined or bulleted paper is also a consideration. Lined paper is best for those who enjoy writing lists and like writing notes.
With bullet journals, the dotted pages allow you to draw and doodle. You may also be well-versed in the bullet journal method, a method coined by Ryder Carroll that allows you to structure your tasks as you see fit.
Identify Your Needs
Do you need a book to structure your to-do lists? Or, would you rather have a journal that allows you to reflect on your goals, guiding you on how to reach them?
As you can tell from this post, many planners value self-care and include elements of goal-setting and affirmations.
Several of these options also include areas to track daily habits such as water intake, exercise, mood, etc.
Knowing what you’d like to experience from your planner will help you choose the right one.
If you’d like guidance on consistency and tracking habits, then a planner with some self-care elements would benefit you.
However, if you want a planner that allows you to structure your days, weeks, and months, something simpler that doesn’t contain any extra elements would suit you best.
Digital vs Physical
While some enjoy physically writing down lists and crossing them out, others prefer the digital side. There are pros and cons to both.
Physical planners involve more money than digital ones, but some prefer writing things down as they find it soothing.
However, digital planners are convenient and easy to access, no matter your device or location. They are also great for giving you reminders of tasks and events you would otherwise fail to remember.
They can also be shared with others if you would like to engage in some team planning on a vacation, for example.
Using a digital planner is also much cheaper as it mostly involves downloading an app or a PDF file.
Whatever kind of planner is best for you is one that suits your individual needs. I created some printable 90-day goal-setting worksheets to help you get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Everyone Need A Planner?
Not everyone needs a planner, as some people are perfectly okay with keeping track of their tasks without having them in a physical or digital form.
However, it is normal for important dates and tasks to slip your mind if you have a busy schedule.
Therefore, having a planner, be it digital or physical, is a good idea as it is something you can refer to when making plans.
They are also great for keeping track of to-do lists throughout the day. These can be used for work or personal tasks.
Are Planners Good For Mental Health?
Planners are very useful in helping with mental health. They allow people to plan their day.
Physically writing also makes some people feel more engaged with what they are writing, which helps people with their mental health.
Aside from all this, the planners that contain wellness trackers, such as exercise, mood, water intake, and food, are useful for reducing any feelings of stress and anxiety. These trackers work as a form of self-observation which reduces stress levels.
Final Thoughts
Setting goals is essential, whether in your personal or professional life.
Investing in a good planner can help you organize your life in ways that may surprise you. Check out the review of the Self Planner in the video link below.
There are planners to suit the needs of everyone, whether it’s a physical book to write down all of your to-do lists or a journal that will help you keep track of your mood, help you set goals, and guide you through self-care.
So, pick from one of the wonderful planners on this list and get organized.
