5 Seconds Summary:
- The best cheap bullet journal notebook: The Northbook dotted bullet journal
- The best bullet journal for busy people: Scribbles that matter A5 dotted journal
- The best overall bullet journal: The Lecuhtturm 1917
- The best seller bullet journal: Paperage Lined Notebook
I have been excited to begin my bullet journal journey and one of the reasons is..
..As an excuse for me to buy the bullet journal supplies
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that you must buy the supplies to begin bullet journaling.
But it doesn’t hurt to buy a few stationeries, right?
*Certified stationary hoarder*
and no, I won’t recommended you buy 1001 items.
We just need the basic first
The bullet journal notebook and pen.
That’s all we need.
So, in this post, I have curated the best bullet journal notebooks for beginners
*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful!
Honestly, I feel like any notebook will do.
But since this notebook will be your companion for a long time, you might have certain preferences based on your likes and needs.
So here are a few things you may consider before buying the notebook
1. The size of the bullet journal notebook
This depends greatly on the nature of your work.
If you are always on the go like travellers, I will recommend something smaller & light.
Because of the compact size, you can always bring the bullet journal everywhere you go.
And the plus point is you can use it to brain dump the idea anytime, everywhere you go.
But, if you prefer to doodle and have bigger handwriting, you can use a bigger size notebook
The standard journal & notebook sizes
- A4 -210 X 297 mm (Approx. 8 1/4 x 11 3/4 in)
- B5 -176 x 250 mm (Approx. 7 x10 in)
- A5 – 125 X 176 mm ( Approx 6 X 8 1/4 in)
- B6 – 125 X 176 mm (Approx. 5 x 7 in)
- A6 – 105 X 148 mm ( Approx 4 x6 in)
2. The paper weight (gsm)
To be honest I couldn’t care less about the gsm.
Until I have experience using a notebook that bleeds every time I write something.
It isn’t very pleasant.
So you might want to know about the paper weight of the bullet journal you are about to purchase
Bleeding: When the ink or marker seeping through the paper
Ghosting: when the writing visible on the back of the paper you are writing on
Notebook paper GSM weight and their uses
75-90gsm: More suitable for sketching using pencil but will be too thin for markers and ink
100-130gsm: The range you are looking for. 120gsm is okay for me considering I only use pen and not marker.
140-160gsm: If you intended to use watercolour in your journal, go for a heavier gsm weight.
*But bear in mind, sometimes despite the weight of the paper, there is still a tendency for ghosting and bleeding based on the type of pen/marker you use. So, test whether the ink will show through before you start using the journal
The paper density should match the type of pen you used
Certain paper is not compatible with gel pens and some with fountain pens.
Make sure you are aware of the type of pen you intended to use in the notebook
3. Paper colour
I find the ivory paper looks nicer compare to white, but this is just the preferences
4. Model style of the notebook
Whether it is the signature dotted notebook, plain or lined
I prefer plain notebook because sometimes I sketch in it.
But I’m thinking to switch it up to grid once I finish using this notebook.
5. Premade pages
This extra features like premade index and key makes the bullet journaling process easier
6. Other things to consider
- Number of pages
- Hardcover or softcover
- Binding type
- Grid or line spacing
- Grid count
- Bookmarks
- Back pocket
Now you already know what you want in your bullet journal notebook, lets find the best option that suits your need
1. The best cheap bullet journal notebook
Let’s face it, if you are just about to begin bullet journaling, of course, you don’t want to spend bucks on it
What if I’m not consistent?
It’ll be a waste of money to spend USD 20+ on the notebook
Worry not my friend, I have found the notebook that won’t hurt your wallet, suitable for beginner and student
The Northbook Dotted Bullet Journal
This minimalist, eco-friendly notebook is said to be a great alternative to other more expensive bullet journals
The Pros
- Of course, the Affordable price, less than 10 bucks!
- Eco-friendly, made up of 50% recycled material (environmentalist, where you at?!)
- High-quality paper with minimal bleeding and ghosting
The Cons
The limited number of pages: 90 pages. However, this can be the perfect for those who want a slimmer bullet journal notebook so it’s easier to carry it around
And again, as a beginner, the most important is to build consistency.
So, for 90 pages, it can last around 2-3 months which is a good duration to begin your bullet journaling journey
You can opt for the 3 packs notebook if you want
The best bullet journal notebook for Busy People
Scribbles That Matter A5 Dotted Journal
Why?
Because of the simple design and the premade design of a few key components of the bullet journal
The preprinted key and index can help navigate and begin bullet journaling easily and saves up your time.
3. The best bullet journal for any level
This is the IT notebook
The most talked-about
The most popular notebook around the block
The Leuchtturm1917
If you are already into bullet journaling or journaling in general, I bet you’re familiar with this notebook
This notebook is so popular, Ryder Caroll. THE RYDER CAROLL teamed up with Leuchtturm1917 to create the official bullet journal notebook (say what???)
The quality of the bullet journal version and the original version is almost the same.
The difference is mainly on the preprinted pages for the index and bullet journal key to ease up your bullet journal process.
4. The best seller bullet journal in amazon
Paperage Lined Notebook
The review sections raves on the durability of this notebook
Suitable with any type of pen, this book is another perfect fit for beginner
*Psst the price is also affordable
Paperage have recycle paper option if you are concern about the material used for this notebook
the most recommend bullet journal notebook
5. Rhodiarama Notebook
You are an avid user of fountain pens?
This bullet journal is for you
The advantage of this notebook is definitely the thick, high quality cream color paper
If you tend to put more pressure as you write or you like to use a fountain pen, this notebook rarely gives the bleeding and ghosting issue.
Not enough? Do you want to see other options with the similar feature?
The next one is for you
6. The Lemome Classic notebook
If the issue of bleeding and ghosting irks you out, this notebook can solve the issue
With the 120gsm quality paper, this notebook can take up the most types of pens you use on it
And this is not for bullet journals only, as the pages are left blank and dotted without any preprinted pages, it is suitable for the regular journaling or as a diary
7. Dingbats - Wildlife Notebook
Dingbats notebook has a luxurious-looking cover and it is the only vegan certified notebook!
How cool is that?
There are various designs to choose from and different ranges of the paper gsm
The downside? The price.
It’s quite on the higher end for the beginner.
but if the price is not an issue for you, this notebook is another option you can try
8. The Moleskin Classic Hardcover Notebook
I purchased this earlier this year, and I have nothing but compliments on this notebook.
I’m contemplating it at first because of the price, but it’s worth it
What I like about it is the soft and smooth, cream colour paper
It glides as I write, so indefinitely enjoy my moleskin
I dont like white blank paper that much. It reminds me of the blank paper I stared at during the exam.
The Pros
- The smooth paper quality
- Come in various sizes (insert size range)
- You can choose dotted, lined or plain-I choose a plain notebook as I doodle and draw a lot
- Sleek and minimalist design
The cons
- Certain types of pens, like a fountain pen, especially may cause bleeding and ghosting to the paper. Tip: choose a finer tip pen
Choosing the right and the best notebook to start bullet journaling can be overwhelming.
Don’t get it into your head too much. Part of the process is experimenting.
but the most important thing is to get consistent in journaling
comment what bullet journal notebook you end up choosing!
