You want to get organised. You have heard about bullet journalling, but you don’t know what supplies you need.
One of the most fun things about bullet journaling is shopping for supplies. It is really easy to get quality notebooks, pens and markers from sites like Amazon. I have added some links to the supplies I like and recommend for the beginner bullet journalist.
Of course, you can bullet journal with the minimal amount of supplies; a notebook and a pen or pencil. But if buying and using cool stationary makes you excited then I say, Go for It!
Here is what you need to start your own bullet journal
- Notebook
- Pens and Pencils
- Highlighters and markers
- Rulers and stencils
- Washi tape and stickers
- Other supplies and organisers
Keep scrolling to find my top recommendations in each of these categories for bullet journal supplies.
1. Bullet Journal Notebook
Generally speaking, the notebook you use for bullet journalling needs to be sturdy and have good quality paper. You don’t want your ink showing through from the other side, known as ghosting , or the notebook to fall apart after a few months!
Here are some of my recommended options for bullet journal notebooks.
The official Bullet Journal notebook
I haven’t tried this one but it is the one that Ryder Carroll, inventor of the bullet journal system, chose to use. Lots of people in Bullet Journal circles rave about it. I am seriously considering it for my next journal. It usefully has three page markers unlike the standard Leuchtturm 1917.
The Leuchtturm 1917 is the most popular bullet journal notebook
They come with a hard cover so are very sturdy. They also come in a large range of colours. Most people use dotted paper in their bullet journal notebook but if you don’t fancy that, then the Leuchtturm 1917 comes in both lined and squared paper versions. Contains numbered pages and a table of contents (Index).
Scribbles That Matter bullet journal notebook
Another bullet journal notebook that people rave about. Nice soft paper for writing on.
2. Pens and Pencils
The next thing you need after a notebook is some quality pens. Your bullet journal will look a lot nicer if your layouts and spreads are nice and neat. I recommend using art-quality pens for precision.
Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner pens
Staedtler Triplus Fineliners
TOmbow ABT DUal Brush Pens
If you look at bullet journal examples on Pinterest you will see lots of brush pen writing. I highly recommend these Tombow pens. They have a brush pen at one end and an ordinary felt-tip at the other end. I keep practising my brush lettering and the shape and size of these pens makes it a lot easier. There are many different colour selections or you can buy individual pens.
Check out the price of the brush pens
Rotring Tikky propelling pencils
I am currently using these propelling pencils in my bullet journal and I highly recommend them. They are comfortable to hold and come in a range of widths. There is also a hidden eraser beneath the cap.
3. Highlighters and Markers
If you are wanting to highlight something in your bullet journal you will need some good quality highlighters.
Zebra Mildliners
Lots of bullet journalists use these Zebra mildliners.
Click for the price
Zebra Glitter Highlighter
These glitter markers are extremely popular.
Pilot Frixion Highlighters
I have some of these Pilot Frixion highlighters. Six lovely colours. As an added bonus, these Frixion pens are erasable using the special eraser tip.
4. Rulers and stencils
I find having a steel ruler very useful. This set comes with both a 12 inch and a 6 inch.
If you are looking for stencils, you can go far wrong with this set of 20.
Have a look at this stencil if you want to draw circles.
5. Washi tape and stickers
If you have checked out bullet journals on Pinterest you will have seen lots of cute layouts using Washi tape. Washi tape is basically coloured and patterned masking tape on tiny, little rolls.
I love this Sea and Star set of tapes.
Or this if you want glitter.
Washi tape is ideal for making borders or colour coding your pages. I have even seen some minimalist bullet journals that incorporate washi tape.
Some people like to put stickers in their bullet journals as they feel that maybe they aren’t artistic.
6. Other supplies and organisers
I have some of these Rose Gold paperclips. I find them useful to place on a page I am turning to often, such as my habit tracker.
You could also use these cute coloured wire clips.
Organisers
Once you start getting supplies you will need somewhere to keep them. I love how you can see everything in this one.
Or this one if you don’t have too many supplies
Other Miscellaneous supplies for your bullet journal
- Stamps – Alphabet or day/date stamps can be used to add an element of typography.
- Watercolours – to add a bit of flair.
- Post-it notes – I use a Post-it in my bullet journal for a shopping list. I can easily remove it to take with me to the shop.
- Scissors – a good sharp pair of scissors that you only use for you bullet journal.
If you want to check out how I lay out my bullet journal have a look here.
