Bullet Journal Supplies
For a bullet journal, start with a notebook and a comfortable pen. Other supplies depend on whether you'd like to draw, color, or decorate the pages.
I've tried many stationery tools over the years. These are some I've enjoyed, with examples to help you decide which might suit your pages.
Choosing bullet journal supplies
You don't need the whole list. Use what you have first, and add a tool when there's something you'd like to do with it.
- Bullet journal notebook
- Gel pens and felt-tip pens
- Highlighters and markers
- Rulers and stencils
- Washi tape and stickers
- Clips and accessories
- Bullet journal organizers
The sections below cover notebooks, pens, color, drawing aids, and storage.
Where To Buy Bullet Journal Supplies
I've bought many supplies through Amazon. Compare the exact item and seller with other shops rather than assuming one source will always cost less.
I also look in general shops and Daiso for simple stationery.
Craft shops are another place to compare tools, especially if there's an offer on something you already planned to buy.
Art supply shops and stationery stores can give you more specialist choices.
Check local paper and craft shops too, if you'd like to see the materials in person.
1. Bullet journal notebook
Consider how you'll carry and use the notebook. Paper that works with your pens and a binding that suits your writing matter more than the brand alone.
These are some notebooks I've tried or included in the original list.
Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal
The edition I used included numbered pages and an index, which I found helpful.
Check the size and page count of the particular edition before buying.
It suited my written notes better than some of my marker-heavy pages.
I noticed show-through on the thinner paper. Whether that matters will depend on your pens and how you use both sides of a page.
I liked the smooth feel when writing with ballpoint, gel, and fountain pens.
The printed index and page numbers saved me some setup work.
The edition also had an elastic closure, ribbon markers, and a back pocket for loose papers.
Moleskine notebooks
I've used Moleskine notebooks for years and enjoyed them. Compare the price and paper for the edition you're considering.
Buying my first one in college felt like a treat. I found that enjoying the feel of the notebook gave me another reason to return to it.
Vivid Scribbles Bullet Journal Notebooks
- Vivid Scribbles notebooks have a 5mm dot grid print on each of the 200 numbered pages.
- Premium 150gsm paper that won't bleed.
- These bujo notebooks already have an index and key page printed in.
- The cover has beautiful tactile cloth with gold embossing, making it a great gift to give to the creative person you know.
Find more bullet journal notebooks ideas here.
2. Gel pens and felt-tip pens for bullet journaling
Choose a pen that feels comfortable and writes clearly on your paper. A small test can show whether the ink dries quickly enough and whether it shows through.
Uni Pin Fineliner Drawing Pens
Uni Pin fineliners are one option for drawing and writing.
If you plan to add water, markers, or highlighters over ink, test that combination on a spare page first.
Fine Tip Gel Pens
I first found these fine-point gel pens in Japan and have continued buying them.
These are the details I like:
- Unlike a felt-tipped fine point pen, these gel pens have metal nibs that won’t lose their sharpness even after extensive use.
- They’re perfect for making dainty drawings or minimalist bullet journal layouts.
Color Fine-tip Gel Pens
Colored gel pens can add accents to writing or small drawings.
These brush pens are my favorites for lettering practice. The tips held up well in my use, and the harder and softer versions gave me different stroke widths.
Watercolors For Journaling
Watercolor adds a different texture to a page. Check whether your paper suits wet media before painting in the notebook.
This is the watercolor set I used:
I liked the strong color and had used the set for about three years when I wrote the original review.
Watercolor Brush Pens
Watercolor brush pens are another way to add a wash of color.
They combine a brush tip with color held inside the pen.
3. Bullet Journal Highlighters and Markers
Zebra Mildliners
These highlighters offer softer colors for marking notes and adding accents.
Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pens
Dual brush pens let you switch between a fine point and a brush tip.
Compare the colors and tips in this set.
Pastel shades are another option:
4. Rulers and Stencils for Bullet Journals
A ruler can help draw straight lines and repeat measurements.
5. Washi Tapes and Stickers For Bullet Journals
Washi Tape Set
Washi tape is patterned paper tape that can add borders or small accents to a page.
This set caught my eye:
Glitter Washi Tape
Glitter tape gives a different finish.
A small strip can mark a border or a section of notes.
Washi Tape Dispenser
A dispenser may be useful if you use several rolls regularly.
6. Bullet Journal Clips and Accessories
Rose Gold Paper Clips
These paper clips have a rose-gold finish and a storage box.
7. Organizing Bullet Journal Supplies
Stationery Supplies Organizer
Choose storage after you know what you need to keep together.
This organizer is one arrangement to compare.
Check that its compartments fit the tools you actually use.
This acrylic organizer offers a different layout.
Start with the tools that serve your pages, then add others when you have a use for them.
