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6 Bullet Journals to Help You Stay Organized in the New Year
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The concept of putting pen to paper can seem alien in a largely digital world, but just because it’s not in style doesn’t mean it’s a worthless endeavor. In fact, experts say your brain is able to process and retain information more effectively when it’s written by hand. And everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Mariah Carey have credited their habit of journaling for helping them put down key thoughts and ideas for their shows and lyrics. When it’s organized in a bullet journal, these ideas may prove even more effective — and easier to achieve.
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So whether it’s your Hollywood pitch or an appointment you need to remember, you’re better off writing it down than typing out a note in your iPhone. This is where a bullet journal can be a huge asset.
What Are the Best Bullet Journals?
Below is our list of the best bullet journals you can find online right now. We chose these picks based on our own personal usage, as well as other customer reviews and feedback.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook
$11.95
Amazon’s Choice (and our choice) for best bullet journal is this one from Paperage, which is great whether you’re just getting started with bullet journaling or you’re a seasoned veteran. This journal boasts an interior that’s every bit as exquisite as the vegan leather hard cover exterior. Whether you’re writing with a pencil or a marker, your thoughts are bound to stand out on the premium 100 gsm acid-free paper, thanks to its light ivory color. There’s also a variety of beautiful colors to choose from; we’re very fond of the blush journal.
SUSTAINABLE PICK
Northbooks A5 Blue Notebooks Lined Ruled (Pack of 3)
$19.99
If you’re a no-frills kind of person, we recommend this minimalist option from Northbooks. Its slim design makes it easy to keep just about anywhere. Best of all, this journal offers you the opportunity to journal sustainably; the cover is made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled, natural jute fiber and the paper is sustainably-sourced and certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Get this three-pack for under $20 right now on Amazon.
MOST DURABLE
Yop & Tom Bullet Dotted Journal
$27.99
We love the fun moon and stars design on the vegan leather cover of this bullet journal, but the very thick paper (160 gsm) makes this the perfect place to store any thoughts, lists and especially artwork without the risk of bleeding. The lay-flat binding makes it easier to work across two pages if necessary. Also included are pen test pages, back envelope, a bookmark as well as an elastic fastener.
FREE PEN
Scribbles That Matter A5 Dotted Journal Notebook
$29.97
This bullet journal has 150 dreamy pages to write and draw on, as well as colored bookmarks and a key code page that can help you create something that’s truly one of a kind. The faux leather cover feels silky to the touch, but is study enough to keep your thoughts and masterpieces in progress safe for years to come. This set even comes with a free pen to get you started on jotting everything down. One of the top-rated bullet journals on Amazon, this one has a 4.8-star rating (out of five) from more than 10,000 verified reviewers online.
CLASSIC PICK
Moleskine Classic Notebook
$19.98
Moleskine notebooks are revered for their classic yet fetching design, but are still perfect for note taking, journaling and doodling. The thick, ivory pages make them especially preferable to fountain pens, but are just as compatible with pencils and ballpoint pens. We like the hard bound cover and the elastic strap, which keeps everything in place. We’ve been using these notebooks for years and have been gifting them to friends as well.
BEST WIRE BOUND
BookFactory Ghost Grid Dot Journal/Bullet Notebook
$9.99
If you prefer a spiral-bound bullet journal, Ghost Grid’s Dot Journal is the perfect option. Create a Table of Contents for your creations and to do’s with the built-in index; the high quality acid-free paper may is on the lighter side (70 gsm) but still promises zero bleed and is thicker than your average notebook.
How Do Bullet Journals Work?
In addition to helping keep you organized, there’s evidence that suggests bullet journaling can be effective in helping with the upkeep of our mental health. And while a simple planner might do the trick in most cases, bullet journals offer more ways to be creative and really leave a part of yourself imprinted on each page thanks to the paper’s grid format, as opposed to more traditional templated journals that utilize lines. Your bullet journal can truly be whatever you need it to be, with room to plan, organize, list, strategize, sketch and more.
What Makes a Good Bullet Journal?
If you’re thinking about investing in a good bullet journal, consider the following criteria before shopping for bullet journals online.
Hardcover vs. Softcover: Like most notebooks and journals, the best bullet journals are available with hard covers and soft covers. Though this will largely be decided by what your personal preference is, it’s better to get a journal with a harder cover if you’re planning on taking it places with you since they’re more durable.
Paper Weight: Bullet journals should have much thicker paper than a typical notebook, so that whatever pen you’re using doesn’t bleed through the paper. For this, you’ll want to refer to the grams per square meter (GSM), which will tell you how thick the paper in that journal is. Around 100 gsm is considered the gold standard for journaling.
Spiral vs. Bound: This also is a matter of preference. Spiral bullet journals are largely considered to be more user-friendly given that they can lay completely flat as you work, making it easier to write on.
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