Best Notebooks for Bullet Journaling Under $20 in 2024: Top 8 Picks
If you’re diving into the world of bullet journaling, having the right notebook can make all the difference. With countless options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a minimalist or love vibrant designs, the perfect notebook can inspire creativity and help you stay organized.
Best Notebooks for Bullet Journaling: Top Picks
- RETTACY A5 Leather Hardcover Bullet Dotted Journal
RETTACY A5 Bullet Dotted Journal stands out with its 100 GSM premium paper. This thicker paper ensures durability, allowing most pens and markers to glide smoothly without bleed-through. Its smooth leather hardcover provides robust protection, making this journal a treasured keepsake. The elastic closure band keeps everything secure, whether you’re on the move or tucked away at your desk. Numbered pages enhance organization, so you can easily locate your entries, whether for a project or daily to-dos.
- Item Weight: 1.37 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 8.38 x 5.75 x 1.1 inches
- Cover Material: Leather
- Size: A5
- Ruling: Dotted
- RETTACY A5/B5/A4 Bullet Dotted Spiral Journal
RETTACY Spiral Journal offers a flexible design with its spiral binding, making it perfect for bullet journaling enthusiasts. Its high-quality paper maintains your notes without any bleeding, preserving your creativity. The dotted layout provides freedom for layouts while ensuring neatness in your designs. Its sturdy cover allows for easy handling on the go, providing the perfect blend of style and functionality.
- Color: Light Green
- Material Type: Faux Leather Hardcover
- Number of Items: 1
- Sheet Size: A5
- Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook
Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook features a soft cover that feels great in hand. Its acid-free paper holds ink beautifully, so you won’t have to worry about smudges. The notebook lays flat when open, which enhances the writing experience. The closure band keeps your entries secure, and the handy pocket inside is perfect for storage.
- Best Sellers Rank: #6,403 in Office Products
- Date First Available: September 15, 2023
- Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Notebook
Leuchtturm1917 Notebook is designed specifically for bullet journaling. Its 80 GSM paper ensures a luxurious writing experience without bleed-through, ideal for all types of ink. The notebook includes numbered pages and a table of contents for easy navigation, making it an excellent choice for organized record keepers. Its array of vibrant colors adds personality to your journaling fun.
- Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Keep these options in mind as you explore the vibrant world of bullet journaling. Each notebook offers unique features tailored to enhance your planning and creative expressions.
High Page Count and Quality: RETTACY A5 Dotted Leather Journal (Light Green)
RETTACY’s A5 Dotted Leather Journal impresses with a remarkable 300 pages, making it ideal for extensive bullet journaling. It’s designed with 100 GSM premium paper, which means it’s thick and durable, preventing ink bleed-through and ensuring your notes remain pristine. You can use various writing instruments without worrying about ghosting.
RETTACY enhances usability with a twin-wire binding. This innovative design offers superior stability, allowing pages to turn smoothly through frequent use. You’ll appreciate its robust construction that holds up well under the demands of daily journaling.
RETTACY also adds functionality with dual ribbon bookmarks. These bookmarks help you track multiple sections effortlessly, so you won’t lose your place while flipping through your notes. Finding important information is quick and easy with these handy ribbons.
RETTACY provides convenience with an inner pocket that’s perfect for storing small essentials. Whether it’s a business card or a quick note, you’ll find this pocket keeps everything organized and close at hand. Bullet journaling stencils are included as well, enhancing your creative potential.
- Item Weight: 1.14 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 8.22 x 5.7 x 0.98 inches
- Color: Dark Green
- Cover Material: Plastic
- Material Type: PVC Hardcover
- Size: A5
- Ruling: Dotted
- Sheet Size: A5
Twin-Wire Durability: RETTACY A5 Spiral Dotted Notebook (Dark Green)
RETTACY A5 Spiral Dotted Notebook excels in providing durability and versatility for bullet journaling. It’s designed with sturdy wirebinding that makes flipping through pages effortless. The larger wire rings give you ample space to hold a pen so you won’t struggle to write or draw.
RETTACY also offers a practical design that supports your creative flow. The dotted grid layout becomes a perfect canvas for note-taking, sketching, or keeping your handwriting neat. You can easily customize it to serve as a planner tailored to your needs.
RETTACY doesn’t compromise on quality either. The thick paper ensures minimal bleed-through, so your ink stays vibrant on the page without ruining the ones below. This notebook is ideal for professional technical drawings and keeps everything aligned with precision thanks to its dot grid.
- Item Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 1.2 inches
- Cover Material: Plastic
- Material Type: Paper
- Sheet Size: 7.3″X 10″
- Paper Finish: Smooth
Clear Cover Dual Pack: AHGXG B5 Spiral Dotted Notebooks
Amanple offers the Clear Cover Dual Pack: AHGXG B5 Spiral Dotted Notebooks, perfect for bullet journaling enthusiasts. These notebooks feature durable plastic covers that resist dents and creases, ensuring they withstand daily wear and tear in your backpack. Each pack contains two notebooks, providing a solid writing surface whether you’re at home or on the go.
Flexible spirals allow these notebooks to lay completely flat, making it easy to write comfortably on any page. You can also flip the cover back 360°, enhancing your writing experience. The large size rings assist in smoothly turning pages, while the robust metal twin-wire binding ensures durability over time.
Spacious writing space of 8″ x 10″ enables ample room for note-taking, with a total of 560 pages (280 sheets) across both notebooks. You’ll appreciate the organized tabs included in the pack; with 24 tabs in six various colors, you can easily mark, index, and highlight different projects or subjects.
Thick, acid-free cream paper showcases ink beautifully and provides a refined feel to your writing. This 100 GSM paper is designed to resist feathering, bleed-through, and ghosting, so you can draw or write on both sides with confidence. Plus, the removable elastic band keeps your notebook securely closed, doubled as a bookmark.
- Item Weight: 3.37 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.48 x 8.59 x 1.73 inches
- Color: multicolored
- Cover Material: Durable Plastic
- Size: 8″ x 10″
- Ruling: Dotted
- Number of Items: 4
Bulk Buy for Journaling: 4-Pack Large B5 Dotted Notebooks
Enhance your bullet journaling experience with the 4-Pack Large B5 Dotted Notebooks. These notebooks feature a classic dotted design, perfect for both writing and intricate layouts. Each notebook comes with 160 pages, offering plenty of space to let your creativity flow.
Enjoy the flexibility of a dotted layout, which allows for varied uses—from simple lists to detailed sketches. The larger B5 size provides ample room for your designs and notes, making it ideal for journaling enthusiasts. Each pack contains four notebooks, so you’ll have more than enough to keep your ideas organized and accessible.
Choose the recycled variant for a more eco-friendly option, or stick with the classic dotted style for timeless appeal. Either choice delivers the same high-quality materials and sturdy construction expected from reliable journaling tools.
- Item Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.95 x 5.67 x 0.7 inches
- Color: Burgundy
- Cover Material: Faux Leather
- Size: Dotted 160 Pages
- Ruling: Dotted
- Sheet Size: Medium
Classic Choice: PAPERAGE Medium Dotted Journal (Burgundy)
PAPERAGE Medium Dotted Journal in burgundy makes an excellent choice for bullet journaling enthusiasts. It features 120 GSM premium paper which is thick and sturdy, perfect for various types of pens and markers. You won’t have to worry about bleed-through, allowing your creativity to flow without limitations.
PAPERAGE journal includes a smooth leather hardcover that not only looks stylish but also provides sturdy protection. The hardcover ensures your entries are kept safe and secure, making it a reliable companion for daily journaling.
PAPERAGE also comes equipped with an elastic closure band to keep everything closed neatly. This feature ensures that your pages won’t flip around in your bag, keeping your notes private and organized.
PAPERAGE boasts 8 perforated sheets, allowing for easy removal when needed. Whether you want to share a page or keep notes separate, these perforated pages tear cleanly for a seamless finish.
- Item Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.98 inches
- Cover Material: Leather
- Ruling: Dotted
- Sheet Size: A5
Luxurious Black Leather Edition: RETTACY A5 Dotted Journal (Black)
RETTACY A5 Dotted Journal in Black provides a luxurious feel for your journaling experience. It boasts a premium faux leather cover that not only looks sleek but also offers durability for everyday use. This notebook’s design caters perfectly to bullet journal enthusiasts looking for a stylish yet functional option.
RETTACY ensures ample space for creativity with 320 pages, including 312 numbered dotted pages, 4 index pages, and 1 key page. It’s got a generous dot spacing of 5mm, providing structured yet flexible guidance for your layouts. The classic black color further enhances its sophisticated appearance, making it suitable for any setting, be it personal or professional.
RETTACY A5 Dotted Journal is designed with the future in mind. With each page measuring A5 size, it’s portable enough for on-the-go journaling while providing enough space for big ideas. The thick, sturdy pages also withstand various inks, reducing bleed-through so you can express yourself without worry.
For those new to bullet journaling or seasoned pros, this notebook delivers everything you need to get started. Its thoughtful layout, quality materials, and stylish design make it an exceptional choice for anyone wanting to create organized, beautiful entries.
- Item Weight: 1.32 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 8.39 x 5.83 x 0.94 inches
- Color: Black
- Cover Material: Faux Leather
- Size: A5-Dotted
- Ruling: Dotted
- Sheet Size: A5
- Date First Available: May 9, 2023
Advanced Features: A5 Hardcover Leather Journal with Index Pages
It’s designed for those who want to dive into bullet journaling without the hassle of creating their own layouts. This A5 hardcover leather journal features a charming dotted grid layout with pre-made pages that help streamline your organization, health tracking, and goal setting.
It includes blank pages for users who prefer to customize their spreads. This flexibility makes it perfect for beginners or seasoned journaling enthusiasts looking for a straightforward journaling solution.
It boasts a faux leather cover in an elegant wine red, combining durability with style. This journal provides a substantial 1.15 pounds of weight, emphasizing its quality construction. The compact A5 size ensures portability, letting you easily carry it wherever life takes you.
With dimensions of 8.54 x 5.98 x 1.14 inches, it fits nicely in most bags without becoming cumbersome. Whether you’re planning your week or jotting down thoughts, this journal is ready to assist you every step of the way.
- Item Weight: 1.15 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 8.54 x 5.98 x 1.14 inches
- Color: Wine Red
- Cover Material: Faux Leather
- Size: A5 (5.8 x 8.4 inches)
- Ruling: Dotted
- Sheet Size: A5
All-in-One Planner: Premade Bullet Dotted Journal with Trackers
- Minimalist Bullet Journal by Nocode
This journal combines simplicity and functionality. It features pre-printed bullet dots, ensuring consistent spacing for todos and notes. The built-in monthly and weekly trackers help you stay organized easily. Users appreciate its elegant design and sturdy hardcover, making it a stylish companion for daily planning. - Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal
It’s a favorite among bullet journal enthusiasts for good reason. This journal includes numbered pages and a comprehensive index for easy navigation. The thick, acid-free paper prevents ink bleed, so you can enjoy a variety of pens without worry. Users love the built-in trackers for habits and goals, helping them streamline their journaling experience. - Panda Planner
This versatile planner maximizes productivity. It features pre-made sections for daily, weekly, and monthly goals, allowing you to visualize your time effectively. The habit tracker and gratitude logs promote mindfulness and reflection, making it more than just a notebook. It’s ideal for anyone looking to integrate bullet journaling into personal development. - Goals Journal by The Happy Planner
It’s a vibrant, colorful option designed to inspire creativity. The journal includes accomplished trackers, motivational quotes, and instructional pages to guide your journaling journey. Users love the flexibility to customize their layouts with stickers and accessories, enhancing the overall experience. - Bloom Daily Planners Bullet Dotted Journal
This planner is designed with colorful motivational prints. It features monthly and weekly planner pages alongside blank dotted pages for added creativity. Users enjoy the ample space for doodling and note-taking, coupled with the convenience of built-in trackers that help keep their goals front and center.
These premade bullet dotted journals with trackers simplify your bullet journaling process, offering structured frameworks that cater to organization and creativity.
Choosing the Right Bullet Journal Notebook
Page Quality and Durability
Choosing a notebook with quality paper is essential for bullet journaling. Notebooks like the RETTACY A5 Leather Hardcover Bullet Journal feature 160 GSM premium sheets that prevent ink bleed-through. Durability matters too; solid bindings and covers can withstand daily use. The PAPERAGE Medium Dotted Journal offers a robust leather hardcover, ensuring longevity while maintaining an elegant appearance.
Size and Portability
Selecting the right size impacts your journaling experience. Smaller notebooks, like the A5 size, are easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go journaling. Larger options, such as B5 notebooks, provide more space for creative layouts but can be bulkier. Consider what suits your lifestyle best; a compact size can fit in bags, while a larger notebook allows for expansive designs at home.
Layout Options: Dotted, Lined, or Blank
Layout options cater to different preferences. Dotted notebooks, like the Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook, provide helpful guidelines without being too distracting. Lined notebooks facilitate structured journaling, while blank ones offer maximum freedom for doodling and sketching. Assess your journaling style and choose a layout that encourages your creativity to flourish.
Extra Features: Index Pages, Pocket, Pre-made Templates
Extra features enhance the bullet journaling experience. Many notebooks come with index pages to organize your content effectively, like the Clear Cover Dual Pack, which incorporates smart tabs. A pocket for loose notes adds convenience, while pre-made templates can simplify organization. Seek out these details to optimize your journaling and ensure everything’s easily accessible when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Paper Weight Is Best for Bullet Journaling?
Choosing the right paper weight can make a big difference in your bullet journaling experience. Ideally, look for paper that’s around 160 GSM. This weight prevents ink bleed-through, allowing you to use a variety of pens, markers, and highlighters without worrying about smudging or leaking onto the next page. Some users prefer slightly thinner options, like 120 GSM, for a lighter notebook, but keep in mind that this may limit your writing tools. The key is finding a balance between durability and versatility, ensuring you can express your creativity freely.
What Is the Advantage of a Dotted Journal?
Using a dotted journal offers several benefits for bullet journaling. Dots provide a subtle guide to help you create structured layouts without being too distracting. They allow for flexibility in design, whether you want to draw grids, create lists, or doodle freely. Dotted journals also maintain a clean look, making it easier to organize thoughts while keeping everything visually appealing. Plus, the layout is great for people who appreciate both creativity and order, enabling you to personalize your journal easily.
How Many Pages Should a Good Bullet Journal Have?
Determining the ideal page count for a bullet journal depends on your personal needs. Most good bullet journals contain between 120 and 250 pages, providing enough space for daily entries, planning, and creative designs. A notebook with 160 pages strikes a great balance, offering ample room for a few months of journaling without being overwhelming. If you prefer less frequent updates or more thorough entries, consider a larger option. Ultimately, choose a page count that feels comfortable for your journaling style.
How to Choose Between Spiral and Hardcover?
Selecting between spiral and hardcover notebooks ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage needs. Spiral notebooks are flexible, allowing you to flip pages easily and lay the notebook flat, which can be handy for drawing and writing. However, hardcover notebooks offer protection and durability, making them great for travel or long-term storage. If you tend to take your notebook on the go, consider a durable hardcover option. For those who enjoy flexibility and ease of use, a spiral notebook may be the better choice.
Bullet Journaling Tips and Tricks
Consider pairing your notebooks with the right tools. Using fineliners or gel pens can help achieve clean, defined lines, and they prevent bleed-through on thicker paper like that found in the RETTACY A5 Leather Hardcover Bullet Dotted Journal.
Utilize color coding for better organization. Assigning different colors for specific tasks or categories can enhance clarity and make it easier to navigate. Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook’s sleek design makes it perfect for adding colorful tabs for quick reference.
Incorporate symbols and icons. Creating a personal legend with symbols for tasks, events, or notes simplifies understanding at a glance. The clear layouts in the Clear Cover Dual Pack: AHGXG B5 Spiral Dotted Notebooks lend themselves well to this approach.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with layouts. From monthly logs to habit trackers, trying different formats keeps the journaling experience fresh and engaging. The 4-Pack Large B5 Dotted Notebooks offers plenty of room to spread out and get creative.
Make it a habit. Setting aside time daily or weekly for journaling builds consistency and allows you to reflect on your thoughts and tasks. The PAPERAGE Medium Dotted Journal in burgundy, with its elastic closure and portable size, makes it easy to carry on the go.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
Choosing the right notebook can elevate your bullet journaling experience. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a Moleskine or the rugged charm of a leather-bound journal, each option brings something unique to the table. Consider your personal style, preferred layout, and the types of pens you’ll use to find the best fit.
