In a world full of screens, it’s no wonder that almost half of millennials have rediscovered the power of pen and paper. Physical journaling offers a real, grounded connection to your thoughts and experiences. But more than that, it’s about setting up a mindful habit that feels sustainable and enjoyable. The right tools can turn a casual interest into a practice that sticks.
Building your toolkit with the essentials will make all the difference if you’re starting fresh with journaling. Each item serves a purpose, from dot grid notebooks that give subtle structure to fine-line pens that make layouts look crisp. Let’s dive into what can turn a beginner’s journaling kit into one that works long-term.
Essential Tools for Beginner Journalers
Dot Grid Notebook
This may be a hot take, but I only use dot grid notebooks. My current favorite? The light dot pattern offers just enough structure without feeling restrictive. This gives you the flexibility to set up habit trackers, weekly logs, and even doodles—without the clutter of lined pages.
Midori has the perfect mix of affordability and paper feel and can handle fountain pens well.
Why It Works: Dot grids support creativity and make layouts easier without a ruler. They’re ideal if you want to keep things looking clean and structured but still enjoy a blank canvas for your ideas.
Recommended Brands: I’ve tried a million notebooks. Right now, my favorite is the Midori MD. But I also like Maruman Mnemosyne, and Leuchtturm1917.
Fine-Line Pens
You know I love a fountain pen. But I don’t use them exclusively. If I’m not writing with a fountain pen, I use a fine-line pen. These pens are all about precision. Fine-line pens give crisp, clean lines, great for headers, doodles, and everything in between. Their ink resists smudging, making them perfect for detailed entries.
I grabbed this six pack when I started journaling. The different widths make it super versatile for multiple uses and writing styles.
Why They’re Essential: Fine-line pens give you control over your writing style and page layout, which helps make entries clear and easy to read over time.
Recommended Brands: Sakura Pigma Micron and Staedtler Pigment Liners are fan favorites for their quality and durability. If you want to make your layouts pop, check out the multi-color packs.
Pencil and Eraser
When it comes to trying out new layouts or just needing a backup for quick notes, a pencil can’t be beat. It’s versatile, erasable, and forgiving—ideal for anyone just starting out. Pencils aren’t just for elementary school anymore; you can use them all over your journal.
Why It’s Useful: The erasability gives you the confidence to experiment, and different pencil grades let you control line weight for anything from sketching to light writing.
Recommended Picks: Blackwing’s are the super fancy pencils you’ve never heard of, but I love the classic Dixon Ticonderoga. Both are comfortable and easy to use without smudging or damaging the paper.
Mini Ruler
A compact, 6-inch ruler is a handy addition for anyone working on journal layouts. It’s small enough to take with you and fits across A5 pages without being awkward to use. I didn’t really see the point of getting a ruler for journaling at first, but I use mine way more than expected.
Why It’s a Win: This little tool keeps lines neat and adds structure to any layout. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit into a pouch or even alongside your notebook without extra bulk.
Colorful Markers
Markers add energy and style to your journal. Water-based markers offer versatile options, from simple color coding to layered, watercolor-like effects that bring pages to life.
What Makes Them Great: Felt-tip markers let you highlight important sections, create fun patterns, or add a splash of personality. Water-based options can even create blended effects with just a little water.
Pro Tip: Mixed media paper is the best match for markers to avoid bleeding. Look for colors that match the mood or style you want.
Correction Tape
Correction tape lets you cover any slip-ups on the spot. It’s clean, dries instantly, and doesn’t affect the paper, making it the perfect tool to keep your pages looking polished. I try not to let my mistakes distract or bother me and just keep it moving. But others want a clean page, so correction tape is more necessary.
Why You’ll Love It: This tape provides a smooth finish and allows for immediate writing over mistakes without smudging or tearing the paper.
Top Brands: Tombow Mono Correction Tape and Post-It Labeling & Cover-Up Tape are reliable, easy to use, and work well across most types of journal paper.
Page Holders and Clips
Page holders or clips are perfect for keeping your journal open as you write, freeing up your hands and preventing pages from closing unexpectedly.
Why It’s Practical: Clips help you stay organized and add a bit of style to your setup. They’re a small touch that makes a big difference when you’re deep into a journaling session.
Options: Document holders and vintage-style clips work well with almost any journal style, adding both practicality and a nice touch of flair.
Highlighters
Highlighters are a favorite for marking key points or adding color emphasis to sections. They can make it easier to track important thoughts, goals, or ideas visually.
What They Add: Highlighters bring focus to your entries and help you create an organized, color-coded system. Look for lighter shades like pastels if you want a subtle look.
Suggested Approach: Use them sparingly—one or two colors are often enough to keep things organized without overwhelming the page.
Carrying Case or Pouch
A good case keeps your journaling supplies together, organized, and ready to go. Look for one with compartments so everything stays put, whether you’re at home or on the move.
Why It Matters: Having a designated spot for your pens, markers, and other tools keeps things tidy and easy to find, which saves time when you want to start writing.
I love this little bag. I toss in a few pens and pencils and my earbuds, and I'm ready to go. It fits easily in my daily purse or my work bag.
Suggestions: Small pouches or larger cases with compartments are ideal. I use a Luddite case for my pens; I just toss it into my bag and go. Choose one with sturdy handles and water resistance if you tend to journal on the go.
Creating Your Go-To Journaling Kit
Building your journaling toolkit doesn’t mean splurging on everything all at once. Start with these essentials, then add items as you find your personal style. Journaling is about self-expression, so make it your own, and choose tools that make you excited to open your notebook and start writing.
The best toolkit is one that grows with you and supports your creativity, one step at a time. Enjoy the journey!
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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