The Short Version: What You Need to Start
You can begin journaling with a notebook and a pen you like writing with. Everything else on a journal supplies list is optional, and most of it is worth buying only after you notice a specific problem, such as ink showing through the page or wobbly lines.
If you want a simple starting point, buy three things:
- A notebook in a size you will actually carry or keep within reach.
- One pen that does not smudge or bleed badly on that notebook’s paper.
- A pencil and eraser for drafts, layouts, and mistakes.
The rest of this guide explains each item and what to add for different styles of journaling.
Core Supplies
A notebook
The notebook is the choice that affects everything else. Consider:
- Size. A5 is a common middle ground between portability and writing room, but smaller and larger sizes suit some people better. See journal notebook sizes for a comparison.
- Binding. Stitched or glued bindings feel like a book, while coil bindings open flat. Our guide to types of notebook binding covers the trade-offs, and composition vs spiral notebook looks at two inexpensive everyday options.
- Page layout. Lined pages suit writing, dotted or grid pages suit lists and layouts, and blank pages suit sketching and collage.
- Paper quality. Thicker paper generally handles ink better, but this varies by brand and pen, so test rather than assume.
A pen
Pick a pen based on how it behaves on your paper. Gel pens, ballpoints, and fineliners are all common. Fineliners give crisp lines but can show through thin paper, while ballpoints rarely bleed but can feel less smooth. If you only buy one, choose something comfortable enough that you are happy to write a page with it.
A pencil and eraser
Pencils are useful for sketching out spreads before you commit to ink and for anyone who dislikes crossing out. A soft, non-smearing eraser is enough.
Optional Extras
Add these once you know you want them:
- Correction tape or fluid for ink mistakes.
- A ruler for straight lines and boxes, particularly in planner-style layouts.
- Washi tape for decoration, section dividers, or covering small errors.
- Glue stick or tape runner for adding tickets, photos, and printed pieces.
- Stencils or templates for repeated shapes such as icons and headers.
- Colored pens, pencils, or highlighters for color coding. Test highlighters on a scrap page, since some show through.
- Bookmarks or page flags to mark today’s page.
- A pouch or bag to keep supplies together.
Supplies by Journaling Style
Everyday writing journal
A notebook, a pen, and optionally a bookmark (see journaling activities for what to write). Lined or blank pages are common, though some writers prefer dotted pages for flexibility.
Bullet journal or planner-style journal
A dotted or grid notebook, a fineliner or two, a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler are a reasonable setup; see choosing a bullet journal notebook for specifics. An index and page numbers can be drawn by hand. Our organization notebook ideas article shows how to set these up.
Creative and junk journals
Junk journaling (a close cousin of the visual journal) is a collage-style approach that reuses paper ephemera such as envelopes, tickets, packaging, and old book pages. Beyond the basics, it tends to call for glue, scissors, tape, and a sturdy notebook or handmade signatures that can handle bulk. Because glued pages thicken the book, many people remove a few pages or choose a binding that allows for expansion.
Mini journals
A small notebook, a fine pen, and a glue stick for tiny scraps are enough. Mini journals often hold a short daily line, a quote, a ticket stub, or a small sketch, so they favor quick entries over long writing.
How to Test Pens Before You Commit
Write a few words on the inside back page of your notebook, then flip the page and check the reverse. Look for bleeding (ink spreading) and ghosting (faint show-through). Let the ink sit for a few seconds, then smudge it with a finger to see how fast it dries, which matters especially for left-handed writers.
Making Supplies at Home
You do not need to buy everything. Common reuse ideas include:
- Folding printer paper into signatures and sewing or stapling them into a simple notebook.
- Using envelopes, receipts, and packaging as collage material.
- Making bookmarks from card scraps.
- Using a straight edge such as a card instead of a ruler.
Starter Kits by Budget
- Minimal: a basic notebook, one pen, one pencil.
- Comfortable: a good notebook, two or three pens you have tested, an eraser, a ruler, and washi tape.
- Creative: the comfortable kit plus glue, scissors, colored markers or pencils, and a storage pouch.
You can usually build up gradually. Spending more does not guarantee you will journal more, so consider starting inexpensively and upgrading what you actually use.
FAQ
What are the best supplies for journaling?
That depends on your style, but a notebook with paper you like and a reliable pen cover most needs. Add extras based on whether you write, plan, or create collages.
What is junk journaling?
A creative style that assembles pages from reused paper scraps and found materials, often with glue, tape, and handwriting layered together.
What should I put in a mini journal?
Short entries, a one-line daily note, small sketches, quotes, or tiny keepsakes that fit the page size.
Do I need special supplies to start?
No. A notebook and pen are enough, and you can add supplies as your habit develops.