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The Best Planners (For Bloggers & Creatives)

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Us bloggers, our lives are crazy. In fact, all of you non-bloggers probably have insane lives too. Life in general is just cray cray, and for the most part, I like it that way. I don’t mind the hustle and bustle of life as long as there is method to the madness. I am a huge fan of writing things down and taking notes when something I need to remember comes to mind, and of jotting little to-do lists all over the place (let’s not get into whether or not I complete said to-do lists…). Ever since I was little, I have been a hoarder collector of notebooks and journals and planners. Ever since I started dabbling in the world of blogging, I’ve found myself needing places to write down all of my ideas more often. That’s why places full of handmade paper goods, like Etsy, can become dangerous for me. I justify my want with my need. And today I’m going to justify your want with your need by sharing the best planners for bloggers and creatives!

Check out this list and review of the best planners for bloggers and creatives!

I initially wrote this post based on a planner by Ninj & Ninj a few years ago, but I’ve since used a few more planners, so I wanted to revamp this post and share more than just one. Below is the planner that Ninj & Ninj had sent me to try out a long while back, and I loveeeed that planner. The cover was GORGEOUS and the amount of space inside for writing was perfect for me. They’ve since updated the cover of this one, but still have the “Quit Slackin and Make Shit Happen” quote (not only just on a planner, but also on a notebook and a print) which, if you’re a notorious procrastinator like myself, is pretty much the best ever. The new cover is still so cute and they’ve also amped up the greatness of the inside since I originally posted as well- PLUS, they now include stickers.. yay!

If I were getting a new planner right now, I’d definitely get this  “Go Home Monday, You’re Drunk” planner or this hilarious “Get Off Your Ass” planner. Seriously, Ninj & Ninj speaks to the procrastinator in me. Their planners are made in the USA (shop local, friends) and are selling for like FIVE DOLLARS right now because they’re closing at the end of the year. GO GO GO!

best-planner3

The year before the year before last (oh my gosh, I have to add to this every year that I update this post hahaha), I used an Erin Condren Life Planner. I loved the customized cover (and they have a TON of options), I loved how colorful they are, I loved the stickers that you can put inside for special days, I loved it all. The only downfall for me (which is the opposite of a downfall for lots of other people, I imagine) is that this planner is HEAVY. DUTY. It’s got a laminated cover, it’s quite thick (I had an 18-month planner at the time, which would’ve definitely contributed to the thickness) and it’s got a metal coil binding. I was carrying this planner back and forth from home to work as I wasn’t self-employed back then, and it just was a pretty clunky thing to haul around. That would basically be the only downfall of this planner for me (other than it’s somewhat hefty price tag), but as I said- for most people, heavy duty is probably a huge plus.

Erin Condren Life Planner review

The year before last, I used the Whitney English Day Designer. This is a planner that is geared towards creatives, and being a web and graphic designer, I was pretty into the whole idea. They also come highly recommended! I loved the style of my Day Designer and I loved all the space for writing (it’s got hour-by-hour in it), but I found that I didn’t have busy enough days to actually fill in enough of the page to make it worth having the Day Designer. If you’re a busy bee who fills their planner with things, then this would be perfect for you! Another thing I loved on this was the little goal setting areas and mini important to-do sections. The Day Designer was sold out at the time of this post (buy this EARLY for the next year or you’ll miss out!), so I can’t find a price tag, but I believe it runs upwards of $50.

Day Designer Planner

Last year, I opted for the Kate Spade planner in the medium size. It was the perfect planner for me. It’s small enough that it’s fine to have sitting out on my desk as it doesn’t take up a ton of room, it has just enough space inside for me to write my daily to-do lists, and it is very visually pleasing. I am also Kate Spade obsessed, so there’s that. I chose the gold dot cover, which has been known to have the gold dots rub off if you are carrying it around in a bag, but I didn’t really care because this planner stays on my desk so there was no rubbing off of dots going on. The Kate Spade planners come in medium, large and jumbo spiraled sizes, and in several different patterns. They’re all gorgeous! They sell out super quick around the new year, so get yours early. They range in price from $30-$40, depending on the size of the planner.

Kate Spade gold dot planner

This year I’m using a ban.do planner. I fell in love with it when my friend bought it last year, and it’s basically just the cutest ever. I have the smaller size because I decided I don’t need as much writing space this year since I’m using a lot of to-do lists instead, but it comes in a larger spiral version as well. These also sell out fast close to the new year, so again- buy early. They retail in the $20-$30 range.

ban.do Florabunda Planner! | oliveandivyblog.com

Special note! One of my most favorite designers (Lauren from Restored 316) has released her own BUSINESS PLANNER. This is an absolute must have for freelancers/designers/anyone with a small business that needs help with some daily organization (aka ME, haha). I’m definitely getting one!

Restored 316 business planner review

Planners that are on my to-try list in the years to come:

What planner are you using this year?

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Comments

  4. Mallory says

    I totally need one of these! They’re so cute. I’ve been looking for a new planner since mine finishes this week. I’m the type of person that likes writing things down instead of using my phone or computer.

    Reply

  5. Hildi says

    Cute planners….I’ve been a big fan of notebooks since I was about 10 and I wish I had these beautiful planners back then. Great blog I will come visit here more often. X

    Reply

    • Chelsea says

      It definitely has to be pretty for me to want to use it- so I’m for sure picky in that sense haha. Good luck! xoxo

      Reply

  10. Barb says

    As a fellow #paperjunkie, I can completely relate to the Etsy danger zone! I have been looking for ‘the” journal to track my blog posts etc. I will definitely check out the Ninj and Ninj options – I do love the “young, wild and free” covers! We share your passion for journals and all things stationery over at http://www.ritewhileucan.com just can’t get enough of cool stationery ideas out there! Visiting via canadianbloggerslinkup.

    Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Aren’t they super pretty! I really couldn’t decide between the one I got and the young wild & free ones for the longest time, haha. Having a planner specifically for blogging is super helpful too. Good luck & thanks or visiting!

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      I am a bit sad I didn’t get that again (even though I wasn’t thrilled with it last year) just because I am in love with the spotted cover!

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Oh my gosh, THANK YOU for reminding me that Typo is in the US!!! I totally forgot! I lived in New Zealand for a year and a half, a couple years ago, and was obsesssssed with everything in Typo! And then I totally forgot about it until I went back there over Christmas and fell in love with it again. I’ll have to make an online order from the US site! xo

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      I’m a post-it girl too- if I don’t have something written down directly in front of me, the chances of me forgetting are pretty high haha.

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      I actually just won one the other day so I may be switching back to that >_>

      I can’t resist the cover, I won the spotted one. It’s GORGEOUS. What cover do you have?

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Hahaha, I wish I could have multiple in a year without it being totally pointless because they’re all so prettyyyy.

      Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Were? I still AM! Hahah. My desk is covered in notebooks right now, it’s so ridiculous. A girl after my own heart, you are! xo

      Reply

  24. Krystal says

    Interesting point about the Day Designer – I don’t think I would be able to fill it up for every hour of every day… I think I’ll go with the Erin Condren one next year. I had my own made through Personal Planner this year and it suits okay for now but it is a little small…

    Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Yeah, I definitely struggled with that! I think a big part of my issue is that I suck at planning my days in general, but I’m working on that this year so a Day Designer may not be so bad for me anymore. I’ve never heard of Personal Planner, I’ll have to check that out!

      Reply

  25. Lindsay Ava says

    I love using a planner! I started over a year ago and can’t see myself ever NOT using one. I decided to invest and get the personal sized filofax so every year I can just replace the inserts. It’s the perfect size to carry around and great quality. Highly recommend :)

    Reply

    • Chelsea says

      Agreed, a planner is a necessity! Oh my gosh, I love the Filofax’s that people have personalized like crazy and it makes me want one, but I’m totally not that creative haha.

      Reply

  27. Chelsea says

    Loving these comparisons! I currently am using the new 2015 Sugar paper in gold from Target but debated on a few of these! I’m just starting to get into decorating mine haha I feel like a middle school child but also enjoy looking at it everyday when it has washi tape and cute things all over it. #plannerdorksunite

    Reply

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