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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Planners that are on my to-try list in the years to come:
- Rifle Paper Co. Planner (I’m in love with everything they make, let’s face it)
- Lilly Pulitzer Agenda (this was ALMOST my planner choice last year, because they’re so colorful and pretty! Obsessed with this Island Time print.)
- Emily Ley Simplified Planner (I’ve heard great things about this brand!)
What planner are you using this year?
Carly says
Love these! I’m obsessed with planners!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
Chelsea says
Me too, I loooove cute stationery related items :)
Allison T says
I have been journaling since I was 6 years old. I’m just one of those people that needs to write things down. Adding it to my online calendar does nothing for me. Haha.
A Redesigned Love
Chelsea says
I’m the same way :)
Chelsea says
These are so freaking cute! I love it :)
Chelsea says
I know! And talk about a motivational quote ;)
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.
Chelsea says
Def check these out, there’s tons of cute designs and color combos. I love mine :)
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
Chelsea says
Thanks Hildi for stopping by! :)
Jaclyn, of Written in Fashion says
I am SO picky when it comes to agendas. I always have to find the perfect one, and for some reason, I have the hardest time keeping track of anything unless it is in my agenda. So this is a super cute post, and I love that they are giving one away!
Thank you!
xoxo,
Jaclyn
Written in Fashion
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
Amber says
I love this planner so much! It’s so motivational! Ha
Chelsea says
Hah I know right ;)
Lorraine says
When you get to a certain stage in life you have to write everything down…this is perfect!
Chelsea says
Thanks mom ;)
JessRaquel says
I could use a good planner and these are awesome. If it’s cussing at me then I like it.
Chelsea says
Hahahahahah I love that so much
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.
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!
Michael says
These are super cute! I love that sayings on the front.
Chelsea says
Haha I know right- talk about motivational ;)
Erin says
I am giving the Day Desigenr a try this year!
Xo Miss Erin
See what I have to say at :
http://www.misserinsays.com
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!
365hangers says
Love the Kate Spade planner!! We picked ours up from TypoShop this year, they have the cutest planners! xx
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
Michaela Jean says
Such a helpful post! I want the Day Designer!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaJeanArt
Chelsea says
Isn’t it such a pretty planner? They have the most classy, gorgeous covers!
Joanna says
These are so cute! I love the Day Designer :)
lovejoanna.com
Chelsea says
I just realized how much I love the cover of one of the ones for this year! It’s so pretty!
Sarah Halstead says
I have the Emily Ley Planner and LOVE it!
Chelsea says
That may just be the one I try for next year! :)
Deb says
I plan everything online and on the wall with post-its. I do have a journal obsession though!
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.
Paige says
I love my EC planner! It sits on my computer cart at work most days b/c I put all my work phone numbers I have to call and stuff.
Chelsea says
Ooh yeah, that would be not so bad if you’re not having to haul it around a lot.
Carly says
I got a sugar paper planner this year and LOVE it!
Chelsea says
I totally forgot about Sugar Paper! I loooove their stationary. Going on their site is seriously dangerous for me.
Laura says
I am obsessed with my Day Designer! I don’t know if I’ll need it after I graduate, but right now, I am loving the day-by-day view!
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?
Jenn says
Wow you’ve had all the planners that I’ve ever wanted! I opted for the Kate Spade one this year too and love it!
Chelsea says
Hahaha, I wish I could have multiple in a year without it being totally pointless because they’re all so prettyyyy.
Caitlin says
I like that you were a hoarder of notebooks and planners! I probably have about five different ones that I’m currently using :)
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
libys11 says
love the kate spade planner!!! so fancy and pretty!
Animated Confessions
Chelsea says
Isn’t it? I love the gold dots!
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…
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!
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 :)
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.
shavonne says
I am a planner fiend! The design definitely makes me biased. I love blog, feel free to stop by! Vogue-mom.blogspot.com
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
Noelle says
So adorable!! Thank you for sharing <3
Maureen says
These are so cute and beautiful! I love planners and I will check some of them out. Thank you for sharing :)