My Top 10 Favorite Planners

 

Let’s talk planners y’all. I’m a planner girl through and through.

I’ve talked about it here before, but I’ve had a paper planner for approximately 30 years. I HAVE to hold it in my hands and I HAVE to be able to write things in it. It’s just how my brain works.

Before I begin, let me go ahead and preemptively answer a question I  know someone will ask.

What do you DO with all of those planners? OR… Why do you NEED so many planners?

So the short answer is this. Because I want to and because I like them and they make me happy.

The longer explanation is this. I move the “guts” around from binder to binder. So it’s kinda like having a bunch of handbags. I can change them to suit my moods. Which ones do I use most often? Depends on the year. For many years it was a Filofax. These days it’s a combo. I switch binders, but I also have a work planner. That works for ME. Doesn’t mean you have to do it that way or that you will understand my system. These are all photos I’ve taken over years. These are not all being used at this very moment.

Whatever floats your boat, yes?

So let’s get to it!! In no particular order, here are my ten favorite planners that are currently on the market.

I’ll include a basic description and tell you why the planner made the list.

Note: This list does not include inserts or accessories. That will be another post.  I don’t usually LOVE the inserts that come with the binder (see some exceptions in photos below) and I have some inserts I like (monthly/weekly/daily/etc) and purchase. Like I said, more later.

Ring Bound Planners usually come in A5 or personal size. Unless noted below, all of my binders are A5. It’s the size that works best for my family, but I know many women LOVE their personal size planner. Here’s a great description of the difference.

 

 

 

1.The Happy Planner ®

Type: Disc Bound

Where to Buy: Online, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby

Why: I am a Happy Planner brand ambassador, so I have a LOT of them. They come in three sizes (Big,Classic,Mini) and you can choose from vertical (the boxes) and horizontal. I have them all, but my favorite is the Classic Vertical.

I love the look of this planner, the price point, and the inspirational quotes on each month. I also like that I can change out the covers. There’s lots of room for my big family too. I also adore the woman that owns the company and everything she stands for and I couldn’t be happier to watch her success and support her!

 

2. Simple Stories Carpe Diem

Type: Ring Bound

Where to Buy: Select Hobby Lobby stores, Scrapbook.com, Blitsy, store locator

Why: I love the look of these binders and they have a great price point. The inserts are actually really cute too, I love the Faith theme. I also love the folks at Simple Stories and like supporting them. The second photo is a plain pink binder with a planner decal (also Carpe Diem).

 

3.Illustrated Faith

Type: Spiral Bound

Where to buy: Dayspring

Why: This one is new to me but I love it and I think it will replace my Erin Condren for next year. You can’t beat the price! I really like the layout and the inspiring Bible verses. I’m not sure about the paper weight yet, I’ll let y’all know after I use it for a bit.

 

 

4. Erin Condren Horizontal

Type: Spiral Bound

Where to Buy : Online, she also does special versions for Staples

Why: Erin is the queen of planners, and for good reason. Her products rock. They are pricier, but well worth it. Her horizontal layout works best for me. The ONLY downside about her planners is that I can’t move things and add things like I can in ring bound and disc bound planners. I do love that there are interchangeable covers.

 

 

5. The Planner Society

Type: Ring Bound, Traveler’s Notebook

Where to Buy: online

Why: Christy does beautiful limited edition planners often. They come and go pretty quickly, though…make sure to join her Facebook group for up to the minute info. It’s the best way to snag one. I have a personal and Traveler’s Notebook. I love them because they are unique and feminine.

 

 

 

6. Foxy Fix

Type: Traveler’s Notebook

Where to buy: Online

Why: These beautiful TN covers are my favorite. They are hard to snag and can be an expense, but they are worth every penny. They are beautiful. I keep all of my lists inside. Note: TNs were very overwhelming for me when I first started reaching them. Here’s a good basic primer. 

 

 

7. Day Designer

Type: Ring Bound (though DD is known for their awesome spiral bound planners, I love this binder)

Where to buy: online, there are also special DD/BlueSky Target versions.

Why: I love love love the daily inserts (see second photo). They may seem like too much for some people, but they are PERFECT for a large family with a busy schedule. Plus, how cute is this binder?

 

 

8. Kikki K 

Type: Ring Bound

Where to buy: online,  Nordstrom

Why: They are GORGEOUS. Not cheap. You need to go in knowing that. However, pay close attention to their website, they have great sales. I’ve also bought a few in resale groups. They are classic but trendy and their changing colors and patterns and trends keep me swooning.  Note: I do NOT like the inserts that come with the planners and never use them.

 

9. Filofax

Type: Ring Bound

Where to buy: Online, boutiques

Why: Filofax is the gold standard of planners. Classic and chic and timeless. I was dedicated to my Filofax planners for YEARS AND YEARS. They hold up beautifully and never go out of style.

 

10. Webster’s Pages Color Crush:

Type: Ring Bound

Where to buy: Blitsy, Amazon, Store Locator

Why: A great affordable option, the patterns and colors are swoonworthy. I prefer to fill the binders with different inserts, although the Color Crush inserts are super cute. WP also has great Traveler’s Notebooks and composition books. Follow their IG for updates, they can be tricky to find.

 

 

I think that about covers it! As always, feel free to ask any questions in the comments, I’ll answer them there.
Next time I’ll talk about inserts, embellishments, kits, etc.
Happy Monday!

xoxo