Call me old-fashioned, but I’ll always be in love with paper and pen.
Sure, I geek out over gadgets as much as anyone, and I wouldn’t say no to a spankin’ new iPad Pro, but there’s something about the charm of opening my trusty journal, finding the perfect pen, and just writing things down that’s just..magical. Timeless.
For the love of pen and paper
It’s amazing how in this very technology-obsessed day and age, the pen and paper duo is still alive and kicking. Journaling is something that more and more people are rediscovering. For millenials and the young ‘uns, it’s like finding a new best friend. For longtime stationary enthusiasts (yep, present and proud!), on the other hand, it’s like breathing new life to a beautiful long-term love affair.
The planner community is thriving. More and more plannerheads old and new alike are cultivating that passion to get creative and start writing. Plus, with so many means and ways available these days to personalize and customize planners and journals, now is the best time to rediscover or reaffirm your love for paper and pen.
Here are the top 6 essentials for the modern day planner gal:
Top 6 Essentials of A Modern Planner Gal
6. The Classic Ring-Bound Planner
I am a certified planner girl and I am thrilled to see the resurgence of the classic ring-bound planner. There are many great options to choose from – Kikki.K, Webster’s Pages Color Crush, Love Doki, and Kate Spade planners are amongst the gorgeous and sturdy (high quality make and mold) choices available. Â It’s always good to invest in a ring-bound planner you’ll really fall in love with, since this is the foundation of your planning journey. And I gotta say, even with all the beauts out there, I always keep coming back to the Filofax, the original ring-bound planner (founded in 1921!).
Filofax organizers
You can never go wrong with the one that started it all. I’ve had Filofaxes for ages, and they hold up really well.
And their pure leather Maldens? Oh, this is my unicorn.
Filofax Malden in Personal and Pocket
This is considered the holy grail of planners by many, and once I got my hands on one, it was so easy to see why. Soft, buttery leather. Very sturdy rings. Detailed inserts for all planning needs. This one is truly a keeper.
Their classic planners are lovely, as well.
Filofax Classic in A5 and Personal
Simple, solid, beautiful.
The Filofax organizer comes in many different designs and sizes – A4, A5, Personal (A6), Slimline, Pocket, Mini, Compact, and Pocket Slimline. Pick the design and size that’s a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle, and let your inner plannerhead out to play!
5. Pens
Ah, the search for that perfect pen. I think most, if not all, would agree – your pen can make or break your journaling. Certified plannerheads can probably relate to the struggle that comes with looking for THE PEN – one that writes smoothly, with just the right tip, and has very minimal (if any) bleeding. For me, it’s the Pilot G-Tec 0.4 all the way.
The search for the perfect pen
Again, it’s a personal preference, though, and what matters is that you find the pen that best suits you.
Of course, there are other pens, too.
A pen for every planning need
The brush pens, calligraphy pens, markers, highlighters, gel pens, colored pens. These will accent every page, every entry. They will help to highlight the big stuff, organize your thoughts and ideas, create labels and titles. And they just make each page prettier!
4. Paper Books and Journalling Cards
You’ve got the planner. You’ve got the pens. Now it’s time to focus on your canvass. Ring-bound planners generally come with inserts (pages) for your use, but the beauty of the ring-bound planner is that it’s customizable. The inserts are basically your starting point, and you work your way from there.
Paper wonderland!
Enter paper books, designer paper and journaling cards. The keys to personalizing your planner, and making it your own. Create your dividers and inserts, cut’em up, punch ’em, slide ’em in, and voila! It’s all suddenly so much more YOU!
See the top 3 essentials of a modern planner gal on the next page!
