10 Game-Changing Journaling Supplies You Need To Elevate Your Writing
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Journaling isn’t just about writing down your thoughts—it’s an experience, a form of self-expression, and, for many (myself included), a way to de-stress. There’s something about putting pen to paper that slows the world down for a moment, letting you reflect and breathe. I’ve always loved decorating my journal based on my emotions—if I’m happy, you’ll find pages bursting with pinks and warm pastels. If I’m feeling a little blue, indigos and purples take over. And when I’m angry? Expect bold strokes of red and black.
But beyond just a notebook and a pen, the right journaling supplies can completely transform your experience, making it more enjoyable, creative, and even therapeutic. If you’re looking to upgrade your journaling game, here are 10 must-have supplies that will take your pages from basic to beautiful.
1. The Perfect Journal: Choosing the Right One for You
Not all journals are created equal, and trust me, I’ve been through my fair share of them. Finding the right one can make or break your journaling habit.
If you love structure, a lined journal is your best bet. Dot-grid and blank pages offer more creative freedom for bullet journaling, doodling, or free-form writing. Hardcover journals are durable and great for everyday use, while softcover ones are lightweight and easy to carry around. My personal favourite? A Leuchtturm1917 journal with dot-grid pages—it’s sturdy, elegant, and the paper quality is just right for all my stickers and ink.
Shop My Favourite Journal Here!
2. High-Quality Pens: No More Smudging or Bleeding
There’s nothing worse than writing something meaningful only to have it smudge all over the page. A good pen makes all the difference.
For smooth, smudge-free writing, I swear by Muji gel pens—they glide effortlessly and don’t bleed through pages. If you love a classic feel, a Pilot G2 is a solid option. And if you’re feeling fancy, a fountain pen adds a touch of sophistication to your entries.
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3. Colourful Markers & Highlighters: Bringing Pages to Life
Adding colour to your journal can help express emotions, emphasise key thoughts, and make everything look aesthetically pleasing. I love using Zebra Mildliners for highlighting quotes and headings—they’re soft, subtle, and don’t overpower the text. Tombow brush pens are amazing for calligraphy and bold strokes, while Crayola SuperTips are a budget-friendly option for playful doodles.
Shop My Favourite Highlighter Here!
4. Washi Tape: The Easiest Way to Decorate Without Mess
If you’ve never used washi tape, you’re seriously missing out. It’s my go-to for adding flair to my pages without too much effort. Whether it’s a floral design for a soft, romantic feel or bold geometric prints to make a statement, washi tape helps frame pages, create sections, and even stick photos or notes without damaging the paper. I keep a stash of YUBX Brand washi tapes in different patterns because you never know when inspiration will strike!
Shop My Favourite Washi Tape Here!
5. Stickers & Stamps: Adding Personality with Minimal Effort
Some days, I don’t feel like doodling, and that’s when stickers and stamps come to the rescue. Functional stickers (like habit trackers or to-do lists) help with organisation, while decorative ones add charm. I love using vintage-style stickers for an old-school touch and Kawaii-inspired stickers when I want a cute, playful vibe. Stamps are also great for quickly adding repetitive designs—think floral patterns, tiny stars, or even motivational quotes.
Shop My Favourite Stickers Here!
6. Sticky Notes & Tabs: Keeping Everything Organised
If you’re someone who likes to jot down fleeting thoughts, sticky notes are a lifesaver. I use mini sticky notes for quick reminders and tab stickers to mark important pages in my journal. Colour-coded sticky notes also help separate different topics—pink for creative ideas, blue for serious reflections, and yellow for random thoughts that need revisiting.
Shop My Favourite Sticky Notes and Tabs Here!
7. Rulers & Stencils: Clean, Aesthetic Layouts Every Time
Journaling is fun, but if you’re a perfectionist like me, you might get frustrated when your lines aren’t straight or your doodles aren’t as neat as you’d like. That’s where rulers and stencils come in handy. A simple metal ruler helps create neat borders, and journaling stencils make it easy to draw banners, habit trackers, and even small illustrations.
8. Glue Tape & Double-Sided Adhesives: No More Messy Gluing
Gluing paper, photos, or magazine clippings into your journal can get messy fast, but glue tape and double-sided adhesives make it so much easier. No drying time, no sticky fingers—just clean and instant adhesion. Tombow Mono Adhesive is my go-to for sticking things down neatly.
Shop My Favourite Tape Here!
9. Printable Templates & Journaling Prompts: Instant Inspiration
Writer’s block happens to the best of us, and that’s why having printable templates and journaling prompts can be a game-changer. I love using free bullet journal printables for habit tracking and mood logging. If I ever feel stuck, I turn to journaling prompt books or Pinterest boards for fresh ideas.
10. A Compact Storage Solution: Keeping Your Supplies Organised
With all these journaling goodies, you need a place to store them. A compact storage box or zippered pouch helps keep everything in one place. I keep my essentials in a cute canvas organiser, so I can grab my supplies and journal anywhere—whether it’s my desk, my bed, or a cosy café corner.
Make Your Journal Uniquely Yours
Journaling is such a personal and rewarding practice, and having the right supplies can make it even more enjoyable. Whether you love decorating your pages to match your mood like I do, or you’re simply looking for a way to keep your thoughts organised, these game-changing supplies will help elevate your journaling experience 😊
This post was all about game-changing journaling supplies you need to enhance your writing experience. What are your favourite journaling tools? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about them! 😉
