Unquestionably, choosing the best bullet journal supplies is a little bit overwhelming for every beginner.
So if you want to:
- learn what supplies you need to start a bullet journal (hint: they don’t have to be expensive)
- discover the best bullet journal supplies like notebooks, pens, highlighters, and markers
- find out awesome bujo accessories, tools, and gadgets
- learn where you can buy the best supplies for bullet journaling
- organize all your supplies at home
Then keep reading because here you can find the ultimate best bullet journal supplies list.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It means that I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase a product that I have recommended. It won’t cost you any extra money.
What Supplies Do You Need to Start a Bullet Journal
For the most part, all you have to get in order to start your bullet journal journey is a pen and a notebook.
But you watch these stunning stationery hauls on YouTube and want to have an extensive collection right away.
Without a doubt, the most common mistake bujo beginners make is to invest a lot of coins in fancy bullet journal products, tools, and gadgets, only to give up this whole idea after a few weeks.
Admittedly, bullet journaling isn’t for everyone and it’s totally ok.
However, spending money on something that will collect dust in your drawers is wasteful.
Altogether, you don’t need to get expensive bullet journal stationery to start.
First and foremost, “shopping” your own home is the best way to complete the bullet journal starter kit.
Go around your apartment, look inside every drawer, and most likely you’ll find bullet journal essentials like some sharpie or gel pens, an old half-used notebook, a pencil, and maybe an old ruler from the sixth grade.
You’re absolutely ready to go.
On the other hand, you can go to local stores and get ordinary stationery.
Even if you decide that bullet journaling isn’t your thing, you’ll use these things in work, school, or generally in everyday life.
All the same, my only advice is to start really slow, on a budget, and just bullet journals for a month to see if this system works for you.
If you actually love it then save up and start collecting your bullet journal supplies little by little.
The Best Bullet Journal Supplies for Beginners
Generally, the whole point of a bullet journal is to stay organized. The way how it looks comes second.
But even if bullet journaling is all about a hand-drawn artistic planner for you, don’t break the bank to buy the whole art store.
In conclusion, if you’re wondering what is necessary for newbies, here’s a short list of beginners’ bullet journal essentials:
- notebook (at this point, it doesn’t matter if it’s ruled, lined, or has blank pages. Any type of notebook will work)
- pen (for a variety in thickness get a Sharpie pen, a gel pen, and a ballpoint)
and optional:
- Crayola markers
- pencil
- eraser
- sharpener
- ruler
- correction tape
Bullet Journal Starter Kit
[amazon box=”B07PNKTK6C” \]
Alternatively, you can get a bullet journal starter kit.
Usually, it comes with different stationery and tools, for example:
- notebook
- fineliner pens
- stencils
- stickers
- washi tape set
Clearly, it helps you get started without spending a lot of time seeking the best deals.
However, when it comes to pricing, getting bullet journal starter kits is obviously more expensive than using your old-school supplies or buying an ordinary pen and notebook in a local store.
Besides, you can end up with unnecessary stickers, stencils, or washi tapes because you’re bullet journaling only with a notebook and fineliner pens.
But it’s still a great gift for bullet journal lovers.
Cheap Bullet Journal Supplies
[amazon box=”B077Y3N8NN, B0794XDT7R, B00004UFOO ” \]
Now, when you already know that bujo is the kind of planner you want to stick with, you’re still not ready to spend an absurd amount on bullet journal supplies most bullet journalists (including me) use.
With this in mind, I dug into a rabbit hole of Amazon office supplies to find cheap bullet journal supplies with great reviews.
Indeed, I was really surprised that you can get great quality notebooks for less than $10.
The advantage of cheap bullet journal notebooks is obviously their price and, more surprisingly, the quality.
Most of the bullet journalist adepts that bought this notebook seems to be astonished by the better than expected quality for the price.
The downside of inexpensive notebooks is that they can easily fall apart after time, their paper is usually thinner, and they might not have some conveniences like numbered pages, ribbons, or an inner pocket.
When it comes to black fineliner pens, this 9-pen set is great for bullet journaling for their price.
The black ink is well-pigmented and it doesn’t bleed or smudge.
Also, it’s unbelievable that Crayola markers for kids can be used for bullet journals.
You can color your doodles, start practicing brush lettering and add some fancy banners or dividers.
Best Bullet Journal Supplies
After spending some time on bullet journaling, you may be tempted to upgrade your supplies for bullet journal.
So if you want to spend some coins on more pricey products, this is my highly subjective list of the best bullet journal supplies.
Best Notebooks for Bullet Journal
Undoubtedly, it’s a whole new topic to discuss for another long blog post, where I’ll compare the top bullet journal notebooks and help you to choose the right one.
However, if you’re still wondering what the best bullet journal notebook is, think about your bullet journal goals first.
After spending several weeks with bujo, now you can definitely say:
- how you use a bullet journal (as a productivity tool, art journal, for daily journaling)
- what kind of stationery and/or art mediums do you prefer (black ink, watercolors, ball pen)
- how do you handle issues with bleeding and/or ghosting through the paper (basically if you’re a bullet journal perfectionist)
- All of these will determine your notebook’s size, type of paper, layout (dot grid, lined or blank paper), and cover (soft or hardcover).
For example, an ultra-productive, goal-oriented, focused girl boss will be happy with a different notebook than a student who loves doodling with watercolors.
Here are my favorite bullet journal notebooks:
Dingbats Notebook
[amazon box=”B07Z3YFK87 ” \]
Dingbats notebook is a great option for those of you who want to spend a little bit more on it to take a bullet journal experience to another level.
Definitely, it’s the most high-quality bujo notebook I’ve ever used.
First of all, the faux leather cover feels like the real one and gives you this kind of luxury vibe.
It feels so nice when you’re holding it and you want to write in it immediately.
Secondly, the paper is high quality, very smooth, and thick enough to prevent any bleeding or ghosting to the other side.
However, the Dingbats notebook comes with creamy pages.
Personally, I prefer creating my bullet journal spreads on whiter pages.
But again, it’s only my personal preference.
Last but not least, Dingbats notebook is well-crafted, with every tiny detail like cover design, pen holder, inside pocket, and pre-printed planner pages that makes it one of the best bullet journal notebooks on the market.
Besides, it’s worth mentioning that it’s the only vegan-certified notebook and all materials are degradable and recyclable.
Leuchturm1917
[amazon box=”B00FWQXVS0 ” \]
After enjoying my two bullet journal Dingbats notebook in a row, switching them to my new Leuchtturm1917 bujo was like swapping a G wagon for Nissan Micra (not that I’m a car expert but you know what I mean).
Indeed, it comes with this ordinary, kind of cheaper cover and thin paper (yes, this notebook has a huge issue with bleeding through the pages).
But setting up a 2021 bullet journal was a such great pleasure for me.
Undoubtedly, the pages are so much whiter, and after ignoring all of the ghosting situations, it’s a good notebook.
Best Pens for Bullet Journaling
When it comes to choosing the best pens for bullet journaling, I think it depends heavily on personal preferences and handwriting style.
In most cases, bullet journalists choose a pen that quickly dries on the page, last long, and won’t smudge with highlighters.
Sakura Pigma Micron Ink Pens
[amazon box=”B0008G8G8Y ” \]
Although these pens are designated for professional artists, they work amazingly as a bullet journal writing tool because they work so great with highlighters and markers.
They don’t smear, last a really long time, and have a good range of sizes to vary the line thickness.
Besides, they write smoothly and their ink is so pigmented that black is really black.
Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment
[amazon box=”B003OEKLFS ” \]
Alternatively, you can choose Faber-castell Ecco Pigment pens.
Their quality is comparable to Sakura Micron pens and I use them alternately all the time.
Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen
[amazon box=”B009X9Z2FW ” \]
However, after writing for a longer period of time, your hands can get really tired.
For this reason, using a fountain pen as a writing utensil for bujos might be a better option, especially if you use your bullet journal for your daily journal.
Just be aware of the fact that it’ll smudge with highlighters unless your ink is waterproof.
So keep this in mind and you’ll see how writing with a fountain pen can be comfortable.
As a rule of thumb, I use finliner pens for:
- bujo spreads
- bullet journal fonts and lettering
and a fountain pen for journaling.
Best Color Pens for Bullet Journal
Even though I usually set up a minimalist bullet journal, I like to have some color pens within my bujo supplies to spice up only black and white pages.
Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Color Pens
[amazon box=”B00ATBRJRC ” \]
Definitely, these color pens are my favorite.
Although they’re available only in one size (0.4), they come in a great variety of vibrant colors, starting from basic ones to neons, and ending with pastels.
Usually, it takes a lot of time to decide on which color to use.
Basically, every color you’d need is there.
The only downside I notice is their lack of waterproof capabilities but in bullet journaling, it’s not a big deal.
You can buy them individually, in sets, or in a roller case.
Uni-Ball Signo White Gel Pen
[amazon box=”B00KK6X7CW ” \]
It’s unbelievable how hard is to find a good white gel pen that doesn’t look greyish on black finliner pens.
This pen shows up clearly and it’s bright white.
The Best Highlighters for Bullet Journal & Bujo Brush Pens
Now it’s time to add some colors to your bullet journal layouts.
No matter if you choose highlighters, markers, or brush pens, you can use color in your notebook to:
-highlight the text to stand out
-color coding
-create artistic headings with hand lettering
-fill in bullet journal trackers
-doodle
-time blocking
Stabilo Highlighters
[amazon box=”B01LXOQ1KJ ” \]
Undoubtedly, these highlighters are classic for studying, note-taking, re-writing articles, etc.
Personally, I prefer using a pastel color set of 6 colors: creamy peach, a hint of mint, pink blush, lilac haze, milky yellow, and a touch of turquoise.
They highlight text in a more subtle way than the fluorescent ones without smearing finliner pens.
Zebra Mildliners
[amazon box=”B07JD5SNJG ” \]
Alternatively, you can get Zebra Mildliners.
They’re as good as Stabilo highlighters, but they come in up to 25 colors.
Moreover, you get two different thinner and broader tips.
So if you’re a little bored with using the same Stabilo pastel colors over and over again, you can put Zebra Mildliners on your wish list.
Tombow Dual Brush Pens
[amazon box=”B00JVB8FBA ” \]
Last but not least, these brush pens are my favorites.
In my opinion, these pens are the most versatile bujo supply.
Basically, I use them as highlighters, color pens, markers, and watercolors up to the point where I stop buying other bullet journal color pens.
Tombow dual brush pens come in 96 colors.
You can buy them individually or in sets.
Although they’re pricey, you get what you pay for.
I use them all the time.
Every month I gradually add some new colors to my collection.
Best Bullet Journal Accessories, Tools & Gadgets
Clearly, there are some other accessories that you may want to keep handy while creating a bullet journal.
Ruler
For the most part, I’m not able to draw a straight line without a ruler.
Obviously, it’s optional to create straight lines in a bujo, but if you’re anything like me, your inner perfectionist doesn’t allow you to do it.
For this reason, having a ruler for a bullet journal might be a good idea.
Also, you can get one with templates for drawing circles, squares, triangles, and hexagons to add these shapes quickly and easily to your bullet journal spreads.
Sticky Notes
You can use sticky notes in a bullet journal in so many ways.
For example, they’re perfect for dynamic bullet journal spreads, quick reminders, planning bullet journal layouts, and project management.
Washi Tape for Bullet Journal
Without a doubt, you can do so many things with your washi tape in a bullet journal.
For instance, you can use them as decoration, monthly dividers, stickers, titles backgrounds, tabs, or even color-coding.
Bullet Journal Clips
[amazon box=”B07BF5PM6W ” \]
Another way to organize your bullet journal notebook is to use paper clips.
It allows you to mark your most important pages, put some past pages together, and keep loose notes or bills in one place.
Best Bujo Stencil Set
[amazon box=”B075N3N6S6 ” \]
As I mentioned before, having already premade template with boxes, banners, circles, and other shapes can help you set up your bujo, especially if you’re short on time.
Besides, it’s a perfect solution for those of you, who would like to decorate your bujo spreads but neither doodling nor spending a little fortune on stickers aren’t your priority.
Bujo Stamps
[amazon box=”B07DNTFBB5 ” \]
In general, creating mini calendars for future logs or habit trackers is the most hideous bullet journal task I’ve ever done.
These calendar stamps are perfect for bullet journaling.
Stickers
[amazon box=”B07V2VS6HL ” \]
Moreover, you can use planner stickers as monthly index tabs.
Eraser
[amazon box=”B017VT0CJQ ” \]
Correction Tape
[amazon box=”B001LDKAVE ” \]
Helix Angle and Circle Maker
[amazon box=”B0044S5CZM ” \]
With this gadget, you create these amazing circular habit trackers and add circles to your bullet journal artwork.
Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape
[amazon box=”B000XAHF7S ” \]
Last but not least, the adhesive glue allows you to glue free bullet journal printables or hand lettering art into your notebook, at the same time keeping your hands and surrounding clean.
Best Art Journal Supplies
Along with all of the stationery items for bullet journaling I put above, you may want to add to your collection some art journal supplies.
Watercolors
[amazon box=”B00004THXI ” \]
Water Coloring Brush Pens
[amazon box=”B01LZ8NUHW ” \]
Color Pencils
[amazon box=”B000C6RCD0 ” \]
Where to Buy Bullet Journal Supplies
Definitely the best places to buy bullet journal supplies are:
- TJ Maxx
Organizing Bullet Journal Supplies
If you’re looking for good solutions to your massive piles of bullet journal equipment, here you can find some amazing craft storage ideas including pegboards, stationery organizers, etc.
However, here I want to focus on organizing bullet journal supplies.
Pencil Holder + Case Box 2 in 1
[amazon box=”B06XSR1139 ” \]
Old Mugs, Mason Jars, Plant Pots
Pencil Pouches
[amazon box=”B07H6G7ZQF ” \]
Pencil Case Holder
[amazon box=”B07J9RFSNY ” \]
Journal Organizational Bag
[amazon box=”B0754VKBXL ” \]
Desk Cube Organizer
[amazon box=”B002JG0JFY ” \]
Best Bullet Journal Supplies – Final Thoughts
As you can see your ultimate bullet journal supplies list can be both long and short. It all depends on your bullet journal goals, style, and preferences.
With this in mind, check what other bullet journalists use, and look at their Instagram posts or blog images to see what their bullet journal spreads look like.
Also, read reviews but with a grain of salt. Remember that what works for them doesn’t have to work for you.
Overall, bullet journaling is all about personalization.