Wondering how to start with your very first Bullet journal? Look no further.
This article covers information about Bullet Journaling and all the Bullet Journal supplies that a beginner should have in their Bullet Journal Starter kit.
Let’s start with the most basic question,
1. What is a Journal?
A journal is a diary but more wide-ranging. In a diary, one generally recounts the day’s events, perhaps with our thoughts and opinions.
While on the other hand, a journal is more general in that one might not only express one’s opinions and observations but can also indulge in philosophical speculations, self-analysis, or impressions of societal and cultural trends. It is a record that can be used to detail everything from your feelings to a particular situation in your life.
Similarly, maintaining a Journal daily is referred to as Journaling. It is one of the easiest habits to adopt. It helps improve the clarity and the focus of your thought process and is the best way to scribble down day-to-day planning and start being productive. Once you get the hang of it, it comes naturally to you.
“Writing in a journal reminds you of your goals and of your learning in life. It offers a place where you can hold a deliberate, thoughtful conversation with yourself.” –Robin Sharma
While a Journal can vary according to different interests from person to person. The most common types found among the journaling community are:
- Travel Journal
- Music Journal
- Scrapbook Journal
- Junk Journal
- Art Journal
- Prayer Journal
- Gratitude Journal
- Fashion Journal
- Therapy Journal
- Astrology Journal
- Yoga Journal
- Quote Journal
- Beauty Journal
- Bullet Journal
2. Bullet Journal
A Bullet Journal (also known as Bujo) is like a planner, a completely customized book that can be used for planning, creating goals, and anything else you want to help you organize your life.
“Journaling increases your self confidence. It let’s you look at how far you’ve come and how you overcame previous seemingly ‘impossible’ obstacles ” -Jeremiah say
2.1. History of Bullet Journaling
The name “Bullet journal” comes from abbreviated bullet points and partially from the dot grid Journals that are gritted using dots instead of lines. This Bullet Journaling system was created by Ryder Carrol, a well-known digital product designer and author. He was diagnosed with “attention deficit disorder” as a child and looked for methods of personal organization while wanting to move past his learning disabilities. He devised this spectacular bullet journaling method in college in the late 1990s. By the year 2018, this method of Bullet Journaling was already all over the Internet.
2.2. How Do I Start a Bullet Journal?
Simple, purchase the most basic journaling supplies and materials.
Look out for some Ideas on how to make your Bullet Journal pleasing.
Plan the layouts of the page, and you’re ready to start.
Now that you know what a Bullet Journal is. You might be wondering. What supplies do you need to start Bullet Journaling? Don’t worry, and we’ve got you!
Here’s a list of Bullet journal supplies that will help you come up with your decision:
3. Bullet Journal Essentials
- Bullet Journal Notebooks
- Pens
- Washi Tapes
- Bujo Stickers
- Free Printables
- Sticky Notes
- Planner Sheets
- Adhesive Tape Glue
- Book Tabs/Book Marks
- Paper Clip
- Bujo Ruler
- Pen Loop
- Pen Quiver/ Pen Holder
- Mini Scissors
- Journal Stencils
- Stamps
- Bullet Journal Organizer
These were some essential Bullet Journal supplies that every beginner should start with. Now that you are familiar with the supplies, we should move ahead with a list of the Best Bullet Journal Accessories, their Key Features, and where to find them.
4. Best Bullet Journal Supplies
4.1. Bullet Journal Notebook
A bullet journal notebook is one of the first and pre-most Bullet journal supplies that should be added to your Bullet Journal supplies Kit. Most people in the Bullet Journal community use dot grid notebooks, while others use squared page notebooks, lined notebooks, and even notebooks with Blank pages.
These are some good-quality Bullet Journals to help you start with the activity.
4.1.1. Papercoal Notebook
Papercoal Notebook with Buckram Hardcover-Dot Grid Key Features-
- Buckram Bound Hard Cover.
- A5 sized(135mm x200 mm).
- One hundred ninety-two pages 85 gsm thick and acid-free.
- Dotted pages, dots carefully placed 5mm apart from each other.
- Sewn Spine.
Available on- Amazon.
4.1.2. Neorah Notebook
Neorah B6 Squared-Checked Journal Key Features:
- Water-resistant leatherette Hardcover.
- Acid-free pages with Rounded Corners.
- Thick or thin lines with Square Rulings.
- Elastic Band and Expandable Inner Pocket.
Available on- Amazon.
4.1.3. Comma Abaca Notebook
Comma Abaca A5 Hard Bound Notebook Key Features:
- Natural shade and acid-free archival quality paper.
- Ruled both sides with straight lines and a spacing of 7mm.
- Ideal for writing on with Gel pens, Ball-Point pens, Highlighters, and Pencils.
- An Elastic Band Closure.
- Rounded corners and spine.
Available on- Amazon.
4.1.4. Innaxa Notebook
Innaxa Hardbound Diary Key Features:
- Hardbound Brown cover.
- Natural Shade, Recycled Paper.
- Highest quality writing Ivory paper.
- It can be used as a Sketchbook or a General Diary.
Available on- Amazon.
4.2. Pens
Now that you’ve chosen a Fine Notebook, it is time to add some Good Quality writing Utensils to your Bullet Journal Supplies Kit. Mechanical Pencils, Fineliner Pens, Fountain Pen, Brush Tip Marker Pens, Hard tip Brush Pen, Dual Brush Pen, Highlighters, Midliner Pens, and Black/ White Gel Pens.
These were some common types of Pens that the Bullet Journaling Community acknowledges.
You need not Buy all of these. Below are some best quality Bullet Journal supplies that you can add to your Bullet Journal cart-
4.2.1. Sakura Fineliner Pens
Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens Key features:
- Water-resistant.
- Smooth writing, and Skip free drawing.
- Archival quality drawing pen with a .05, 4.5 mm tip.
- Metal-enclosed fine tip.
Available on- Amazon.
4.2.2. Tombow Dual Brush Pens
Tombow Dual Brush Pens Key Features:
- One Marker brush tip and a Fine tip.
- Water-based ink, which can be mixed to use as watercolour.
- Large Flexible brush tip creating medium or bold strokes.
- It easily blends in with a change in Brush Pressure.
- Ideally be used for Brush lettering, Fine Art, or Drawing.
Available on- Amazon.
4.2.3. Frixion Colorstick pens
Frixion colour stick pens feature:
- Frixion erasable pens embody-
- A slim, non-rolling capped barrel design.
- Thermo-sensitive coloured pens.
- Offers Smooth writing in Innovative Ink styles.
- Famous hexagonal body shape.
Available on- Amazon.
4.2.4. Tombow Hard Tip Brush Pens
Tomboy Hard Tip Brush Pens Key Features:
- The tip of the brush pen is multidirectional.
- Specially Designed Ink with Water resistant and Quick drying qualities.
- Refillable Ink Brush pen.
- Allows Transition from the thick or thin line by changing brush pressure.
- Ideal for Sketching, Faux Calligraphy, and brush lettering.
Available on- Amazon.
4.2.5. Uniball Signo Broad Gel Pens
Uniball Signo UM 100 broad white gel pen key features:
- Opaque gel ink flows brightly through the plastic barrel.
- Famous hexagonal body shape.
- Refillable gel ink.
- Acid-free fashion gel ink pens.
- White opaque Ink is ideal for Scrapbooking and Art projects.
Available on- Amazon.
4.3. Washi Tapes
The term Washi Tape comes from the word “Japanese Paper.” It first originated from a Japanese Masking Tape Company. It is a type of Masking tape used for craft making and decorating. Washi tapes are something that the whole Bullet Journal Community adores.
What makes a Washi tape so special is that it doesn’t leave an icky residue behind. Therefore if you stick it somewhere on your paper you don’t like, you can peel it off, and it wouldn’t ruin your page. Aside from that, it comes in many different designs and patterns that you can use.
4.3.1. Hashthip Washi Tapes
Hasthip Flower Washi Tape Key Features:
- Decorative Tape, Ideal for Scrapbooking and Bullet Journal Spreads.
- Made from Premium Paper and Easy to Use.
- This Masking washi tape creates a beautiful and elegant design.
- Don’t leave traces if removed.
Available on- Amazon.
4.3.2. Lakeer Washi Tapes
Lakeer Washi Tapes Set Key Features:
- High-quality Paper Masking tape.
- Offers different patterns and sizes.
- Does not leave residue after removal.
- Best used for Scrapbooking, Planner, and Craft Supplies.
Available on- Amazon.
4.4. Bujo Stickers/ Printables
If you wish to decorate your Bullet Journal and Express yourself artistically, Bujo Stickers are the best for you. Since Bujo stickers are customizable and personalized, you can feel free how to organize or/and decorate them.
4.4.1. Woopme Stickers
Woopme Stickers Key features:
- Multicoloured beautiful Vintage Floral Stickers.
- It can be applied to Scrapbooks, Bullet Jour Planners, Diary, and Notebooks.
- Vivid patterns with Good Quality printing technique.
Available on- Amazon.
4.4.2. Generic Washi Tape Stickers
Generic Washi Tapes stickers Key features:
- Self Adhesive Washi Paper Stickers.
- It can be written on Pens and markers.
- Perfect for Cards, envelopes, Bullet Journals, and Scrapbooks.
Available on- Amazon.
4.5. Free Printables
Printables are very similar to bujo stickers. They are also free-hand; there are How-to’s on social media learning to draw all sorts of images or even trying Calligraphy. Feel free to do whatever works for you! You can find step-by-step instructions. They usually start with something as simple as a circle, letter, or number and end up as an Animal, shape, etc. Apps like Pinterest offer many free printable doodles and Pictures, which you can download, take out prints and paste directly on your Bullet Journal spreads.
“Keeping journal of what’s going on in your life is a good way to help you distill what’s important and what’s not.”
–Martina Navratilova
4.6. Sticky Notes
The sixth Bullet Journal Supplies are the Sticky/Post-it notes. Using Sticky Notes is a wonderful way to organize your schedules. They can be used as a Reminder or even for To-do Lists. Sometimes they help with your Absent Minded to make you remember something important, or you can also use them to write some of your favourite Motivational quotes of all time to keep up the working spirit.
4.6.1. Ikis Sticky Notes
Ikis Sticky Note Key features:
- Light papers, made from Natural wood.
- Non-toxic and Odorless.
- Provides Smooth writing without leaks or smudges.
- Self-adhesive and Easily Removable.
- Useful for all To-do Lists and reminders.
Available on- Amazon.
4.7. Planner Sheets
Just like Post-it notes, Planner sheets are a great way to organize and plan. A Paper planner is useful for planning all the work and appointments for people who don’t always keep their phones close by. And digital Planners work better for people with lots of small tasks per day. Planner sheets can be both online planners and Hard-Copy planners. They are divided on either a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.
4.7.1. Innaxa Weekly Planner
Innaxa Weekly Planner Key Features:
- Plenty of room to write appointments, notes, checklists, etc.
- Smooth paper for easy writing and reduced ink leakage.
- Contains weekly day spreads and a separate notes section.
- Perfect as a checklist and Reminders.
Available on- Amazon.
4.8. Adhesive Glue Tape Roller
Unlike the Traditional Glue/Tape, Adhesive Glue Tape Roller is more useful in Bullet Journal Spreads. It has a two-in-one advantage, and it is secured by an outer covering that blocks the glue from drying, making it last more. It minimizes mess and creates a permanent bond with the paper. They also come in various shapes and prints.
4.8.1. Kokuyo Dotliner Glue Tape Roller
Kokuyo Dot-liner GlueTape Roller Key Features:
- Easy to use.
- A convenient application does not stain hands.
- Non-toxic, wrinkle-free safe sticking.
Available on- Amazon.
4.8.2. Tombow Glue Tape
Tombow Pit Retry Egg Glue Tape Key Features:
- It easily fits in your Pocket pouch.
- Non-messy secured Adhesive tape roller.
- Moisture and Weather Resistant.
Available on- Amazon.
4.9. Bookmarks/Book Tabs
Bookmarks or Booktabs are generally used to remind us where we left off, and they are proved to be very good Bullet Journal supplies. They come in Handy when you’re in a hurry. As the extended bookmarks attract attention, you can directly catch up to the page you’re supposed to work on.
4.9.1. Jewett Index Tabs/ Arrow Flags
Jewett Index Tabs Key Features:
- It sticks well and is easy to remove and reuse.
- Semi-transparent colours make words see through them.
- Bright colours keep things organized and easy to find.
- Waterproof and writable by Ballpoint pen.
Available on- Amazon.
4.10 Paper Clips/ Binder Clips
A paper clip is a long extended strip of thin metal. They are mostly used as paper holders. People also use them for decoration. They hook them together and make chains or twist them into Interesting shapes. They are not only used as Bullet Journal Supplies, but you can also use them on your desk or school work.
A staple, a rubber band, and a paper clip all serve the same purposes. But if you have to choose between the three, I would recommend Paper Clips because of the myriad uses I’ve put them to. The same goes with Binder clips, which can help keep things in a neat pile together.
4.10.1. Home Delivered Paperclips
Home delivered paper clip key features:
- Perfect size to keep small notes, files, and lists together near in one pile.
- It is made of High-end premium quality.
- Long-lasting metal material.
- Strong and durable.
- Handles can be hung, folded flat against clipped material, or removed for permanent binding.
Available on- Amazon.
4.10.2. AN Sunshine Paper U Clips
AN Sunshine Paper Clips Key Features:
- A smooth surface prevents metal sheets’ blockages, marks, or rust.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Clamps the paper and does not slide backward.
- Good flexibility and can be bent into other shapes.
Available on- Amazon.
4.10.3. Oddpod Push Pins & Paper Clips
Oddpod Push pins & Paper clip Holder Set Key Features:
- Perfect for keeping small notes, files, and lists together in a neat pile without losing them.
- They are made of high-end premium quality, durable metal with advanced nickel plating & plastic.
- Strong and durable.
- Push pins or tacks are handy to pin important messages on a bulletin, board, or Bullet journal.
Available on- Amazon.
4.11. Bujo Ruler
The Bullet journal Supplies list won’t be complete without a Bujo ruler. Unlike the traditional Metal or Wooden Ruler, the Bujo ruler is thick and stronger. Many brands provide great quality Rulers.
4.11.1. Mama Makes Bullet Journal Ruler
Mama Makes Dot Grid Bullet Journal Ruler Tool Key Features:
- A horizontal and vertical layout.
- Cut from thick clear acrylic.
- Eleven slots to glide through ultimate precision.
Available on- Etsy.
4.12. Pen Loop
Pel loop, though, is a trivial Bullet Journal Supplies. It can help your pen from getting lost.
4.12.1. Rack Jack Pen Loop
Rack Jack Pel loop Key Features:
- Holds pen firmly.
- Easy to carry anywhere.
- Sticks to the notebook with the back adhesive.
Available on- Amazon.
4.13. Pen Quiver/Pen Holder
Similar to Pen holders, A Pen Quiver holds the pen firmly. You will never have to worry about losing a pen ever again.
4.13.1. Craft Expertise Pen Holder
Craft Expertise Handmade Wooden Pen Stand/ Pen Holder’s Key Features:
- Portable and lasting product.
- Made from High-quality Sheesham wood.
- Durable and finished wood.
Available on- Amazon.
4.14. Mini Scissors
This is the most basic stationary that we all already own. It can easily be found in local stores in your neighbourhood.
In case you want to buy them online-
4.14.1. Fok Mini Scissors
Fok Mini Scissors Key Features:
- Compact design and portable.
- Lightweight, convenient for carrying and storage.
- Sharp and precise, multi-purpose scissors.
Available on- Amazon.
4.15. Journal Stencils
Stencils are like outlines. They can help you make layouts easily and more accurately. You wouldn’t want to miss this from your Bullet Journal Supplies kit.
4.15.1. Hasthip Journal Stencil
Hasthip Journal Stencil Plastic Planner Set Key Features:
- Flexible and Sturdy enough to bend against tight corners.
- Provides organized layouts for pages.
- Translucent material.
- It easily fits inside most A5 organizers and notebooks.
Available on- Amazon.
4.16. Stamps
If you wish to make your Bullet Journal art-themed, use stamps. It is yet another decorative piece of Bullet Journal supplies. It is mostly used in Scrapbooking and Junk Journaling.
4.16.1. Oytra Stamps
Oytra Stamps Key Features:
- A perfect embellishment for those empty spaces in your Calendars and Journals.
- Also works on Memo Pads, Sticky Notes, Decorative Stickers, etc.
- Used in Scrapbooking, Planners, Notebook decoration, etc.
Available on- Amazon.
4.17. Bullet Journal Organizer
We need a case to keep the items organized since we’ve chosen almost all Bullet Journal Supplies.
4.17.1. Sunny Streak Organizer
Sunny Streak Organizer Key Features:
- Multiple pockets- designed to hold Bullet Journals, Stickers, Stencils, Notes, etc.
- Water Resistant and strong stitching.
- Extra large pocket with elastic to hold thick planners, loose notes, and Notebooks.
Available on- Amazon.
Some other Bullet Journal supplies, such as Fountain Pen, Metal enclosed Tip Pen, Latex Free Eraser, Highlighters, Sketch Pens, and Mechanical Pencils, are easily available in local stationaries.
Now that you’ve started Bullet Journaling, a question might be lingering in the back of your head. What should I write in my Bullet Journal?
Here are some ideas for your Bullet Journal Pages:
General
- Index
- Key
- Year at a glance
- Future Log
- Monthly Spread
- Weekly Spread
- Monthly Spread
- Daily Routine
- Birthday List
- Goals-Yearly, Monthly, etc.
- Contacts
Health, Fitness & Wellness
- Weight Loss Goals
- Weight Loss Tracker
- Measurements
- Water Tracker
- Healthy Snacks
- Sleep log
- Mood tracker
- Daily Diary Journal
- Gratitude Log
- Self Care Routine
- Anxiety Tracker
- Affirmations
- Period Tracker
- Steps Tracker
Home
- Cleaning Tracker
- 10 Minute tasks
- Home Maintenance
- Home Improvement List
- Project Planner
- Moving Plan
- Moving Inventory
- Recipes
- Meal Plans
- Fridge/Freezer/Pantry Inventory
- Grocery List
Miscellaneous
- Memories
- Vision Board
- Brain Dump
- Bucket List
- Activity List
- Crafts to Try
- Game Night Ideas
- Wedding Planner
- Event Planner
- Weather Tracker
- Quotes
- Challenges
- Skills to Learn
- Wishlist
- Books to Read
- TV/ Movies to Watch
- Music to Listen to
- Pet Tracker
- Journal prompts
- Restaurants to try
- Doodles
- Banners
- Lettering
- Places you’ve been
- Places to go to
- Packing List
- Travel Items wishlist
- Habit Tracker
- Go to Blogs
- Dream Log
- Level 10/ Life Goals
- Lunar phases
- Time Blocking
- Car Maintenance
- To-do Lists
- Work Schedule
Finances
- Budget
- Fixed Monthly Expenses
- Saving Goals
- Credit Tracker
- Debt Tracker
- Financial goals
- Travel Savings
- Payment Savings
Blog and Business
- Income Tracker
- Expense Tracker
- Post ideas
- Blog Statistics
- Analytics
- Social Media Statistics
- Social media calendar
- Editorial Calendar
- Password Tracker
- Blog Maintenance Checklist
- SEO Checklist
- Content Checklist
- Email marketing Map
- Product Ideas
Parenting
- Babysitter List
- Playdate Planner
- Allergy Information
- Chore List
- School Schedule
- School shopping Lists
- Homework
- Achievements
“Whether you’re keeping a Journal or writing as a meditation, it’s the same thing. What’s important is you’re having a relationship with your mind”
-Natalie Goldberg
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Last Updated on by Sathi