The Rise of Bullet Journaling: Best Pens, Notebooks, and Accessories to Get Started
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📝 The Rise of Bullet Journaling: Best Pens, Notebooks, and Accessories to Get Started
If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram and found yourself admiring those beautifully organized journals filled with doodles, trackers, and lists — you’ve probably seen the magic of bullet journaling. 🌿
In recent years, bullet journaling (or “BuJo”) has become more than just a productivity system.
It’s a creative outlet, a mindfulness habit, and a way to organize life while expressing yourself.
Let’s explore why bullet journaling is so popular — and the best tools to help you start your own beautiful journal today. ✨
🌸 Why Everyone Loves Bullet Journaling
Unlike a pre-printed planner, a bullet journal gives you total freedom.
You can design your own layouts, combine to-do lists with goals, meal trackers, gratitude pages, or even sketches and affirmations.
People love it because it’s:
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Customizable: every page reflects your style and priorities
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Mindful: helps reduce stress and focus your thoughts
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Creative: combines art, planning, and self-expression in one space
It’s both a planner and a creative therapy. That’s why it’s trending among students, professionals, and even busy moms. 💛
✏️ Best Pens for Bullet Journaling
The right pen makes all the difference. You want ink that’s smooth, doesn’t bleed through pages, and feels satisfying to write with.
Here are a few favorites among journal lovers:
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Fineliner Pens: Great for precise lines, doodles, and headers (like the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner).
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Gel Pens: Smooth flow and vibrant colors — perfect for notes and accents.
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Brush Pens: Ideal for hand-lettering and creative headings (Tombow Dual Brush Pens are a must-have!).
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Highlighters & Mildliners: Soft pastel tones that add color without overwhelming your layout.
💡 Tip: Keep a small pen case with your favorite pens so you can journal anywhere, anytime.
📖 Best Notebooks for Bullet Journaling
Choosing the right notebook is the foundation of your journaling experience.
Look for these features:
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Dot grid pages (instead of lines) — perfect for flexible layouts.
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Thick paper (≥120gsm) — prevents ink bleed.
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Lay-flat binding — easy to write across two pages.
Top picks include:
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Leuchtturm1917 Dot Grid Notebook – classic BuJo favorite.
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Archer & Olive – premium quality with thick, smooth paper.
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Moleskine Classic Notebook – minimalist and travel-friendly.
📔 Whether you prefer a sleek black cover or something pastel and cute, choose one that inspires you to open it every day.
🎨 Accessories That Make Journaling More Fun
While you don’t need fancy tools, little accessories can make your bullet journaling experience even more enjoyable:
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Washi Tape: decorate borders or section off days and lists
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Stickers & Stamps: add color and personality without drawing
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Rulers & Stencils: create neat boxes, trackers, and habit charts
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Sticky Notes: perfect for temporary ideas or reminders
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Desk Organizer: keeps your pens and stationery tidy — a must for any journaling setup!
🌼 Getting Started — Even If You’re a Beginner
You don’t need to be an artist or calligrapher to start.
Start simple — just a few pages to plan your week or jot down your thoughts.
Try these easy page ideas:
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Monthly overview
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Weekly goals
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Habit tracker
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Gratitude log
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Budget or savings tracker
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Reading or movie list
Remember: there’s no “right” way to bullet journal — only your way. 💫
✨ Final Thoughts
Bullet journaling is more than just pretty pages — it’s a reflection of you.
Whether you want to stay organized, express creativity, or simply slow down, your bullet journal can become a safe space to dream, plan, and grow.
So grab your favorite pen, open that new notebook, and let your ideas flow — one page at a time. 🖋