Top 5 Bullet journal supplies (2025 Expert Guide)

As someone who's been bullet journaling for over five years, I've learned that having the right supplies can make or break your journaling experience. Whether you're just starting your bullet journal journey or looking to upgrade your current setup, choosing quality tools that match your style and needs is essential. I've tested countless products and compiled this list of the top 5 bullet journal supplies that have consistently delivered exceptional performance and value.

Quick Comparison

Here's a quick overview of my top picks for bullet journal supplies. Each product offers unique benefits, from comprehensive starter kits to specialized stencils that help create professional-looking layouts. I've ranked them based on value, quality, customer feedback, and overall versatility for both beginners and experienced journalers.

• Aleks Melnyk Metal Stencil – Best individual stencil for precision layouts
• Bullet Dotted Journal Kit – Best complete starter kit with everything included
• ALODNY 16 Pcs Journal Stencils Set – Best value stencil collection
• 36PCS Bullet Journal Stencils Kit – Most comprehensive stencil variety
• Ohuhu Dual Tip Markers – Best markers for creative bullet journaling

Aleks Melnyk No.423 Metal Stencil for Bullet Journaling

Why We Chose It

The Aleks Melnyk metal stencil stands out as my top pick for individual stencils because of its exceptional durability and precision. After using this stencil for months, I can confidently say it maintains its sharp edges and clean lines better than any plastic alternative I've tried. The metal construction means it won't warp or wear down with repeated use, making it a long-term investment for serious bullet journalists.

Key Features

This metal stencil is specifically designed for bullet journaling needs, featuring essential elements like banners, lines, and list formats. The precision-cut openings create perfectly straight lines every time, eliminating the frustration of wobbly hand-drawn elements. At 4.2 stars with over 534 reviews, it has proven its worth among the bullet journaling community. The compact size makes it easy to store with your journal supplies without adding bulk to your kit.

Performance

In my testing, this stencil delivered consistently clean results across different pen types and paper textures. The metal construction provides excellent stability against the paper, preventing the shifting that often occurs with lighter plastic stencils. I found it particularly useful for creating habit trackers and monthly layouts where precision is crucial. The stencil works well with fine-tip pens, brush pens, and even pencils without any bleeding under the edges.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Durable metal construction, precision-cut openings, versatile design elements, excellent value at $7.95, maintains sharp edges over time
• Cons: Limited to one design pattern, may be too rigid for some curved designs, requires careful handling to avoid cuts

Best For

This stencil is perfect for bullet journalers who prioritize precision and durability. It's ideal for those who frequently create structured layouts like habit trackers, monthly spreads, and goal-setting pages. If you're someone who uses the same layout elements repeatedly, this metal stencil will save you time while ensuring consistency across your journal pages.

Bullet Dotted Journal Kit with Complete Accessories

Why We Chose It

This comprehensive kit earned the second spot because it provides everything a bullet journalist needs in one package. With a 4.7-star rating from 746 customers, it represents exceptional value for beginners and experienced journalers alike. What impressed me most is the quality of the included journal – the 140gsm paper truly prevents bleed-through, which is often a major concern with bullet journaling supplies.

Key Features

The kit includes a 188-page A5 dotted journal, 10 stencils, 14 washi tape rolls, and 12 dual-tip brush pens. The journal features high-quality 140gsm paper that I found superior to many standalone notebooks. The variety of accessories means you can start bullet journaling immediately without needing additional purchases. The pink color scheme adds a cheerful aesthetic, though the functionality remains the priority.

Performance

During my month-long test of this kit, I was impressed by how well all components worked together. The brush pens provided smooth, consistent ink flow without bleeding through the thick paper. The stencils, while plastic, offered good variety for different layout needs. The washi tape added decorative elements without overwhelming the pages. Most importantly, the journal itself held up beautifully to heavy use, and the dot grid spacing was perfect for both writing and drawing.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Complete starter kit, high-quality 140gsm paper, excellent variety of accessories, great value at $19.92, perfect for beginners
• Cons: Pink color scheme may not appeal to everyone, plastic stencils less durable than metal options, some may prefer to choose individual components

Best For

This kit is ideal for beginners who want to start bullet journaling without the overwhelming task of selecting individual supplies. It's also great for experienced journalers looking for a backup set or those who want to try new accessories. The comprehensive nature makes it perfect for gifts or for anyone who values convenience and coordinated supplies.

ALODNY 16 Pcs Journal Stencils Set

Why We Chose It

The ALODNY stencil set claims the third position due to its impressive variety and outstanding value proposition. At under $10 for 16 different stencils, it offers more design options per dollar than any other set I've tested. The 4.5-star rating from 555 customers confirms that others have found similar value in this comprehensive collection.

Key Features

This set includes 16 different stencil designs covering everything from habit trackers to decorative borders and organizational elements. Each stencil is designed to fit standard A5 journals, and the variety ensures you'll have options for different types of spreads. The collection includes both functional and decorative elements, allowing for both practical planning and creative expression in your bullet journal.

Performance

I tested these stencils extensively across different page layouts and found them to be quite reliable for their price point. While they're made of plastic rather than metal, they maintain their shape well with careful use. The cut lines are clean enough for most bullet journaling needs, though they don't quite match the precision of higher-end metal stencils. For the price, however, the performance is more than acceptable.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Excellent variety with 16 different designs, outstanding value at $9.99, good for experimenting with different layouts, compact storage
• Cons: Plastic construction less durable than metal, may require replacement sooner than premium options, some edges may not be as crisp

Best For

This set is perfect for bullet journalers who want maximum variety without a significant investment. It's ideal for those who like to experiment with different layout styles or for anyone building their first stencil collection. The variety makes it particularly valuable for people who haven't yet settled on their preferred bullet journal style.

36PCS Bullet Journal Stencils Kit

Why We Chose It

This extensive 36-piece stencil collection earns fourth place for its comprehensive coverage of bullet journaling needs. While pricier than smaller sets, the sheer number of options and the 4.5-star rating from 446 customers make it a worthwhile investment for serious bullet journalers who want maximum creative flexibility.

Key Features

With 36 different stencils, this kit covers virtually every bullet journaling scenario you might encounter. From basic organizational elements to intricate decorative patterns, the variety is impressive. Each stencil is designed to work with standard bullet journal sizes, and the collection includes both beginner-friendly and advanced design options.

Performance

The extensive variety in this set means you'll always have the right stencil for your current project. I found the quality to be consistent across all 36 pieces, though as with most plastic stencils, careful handling extends their lifespan significantly. The range includes some unique designs I haven't seen in other sets, which adds creative value beyond the basic organizational stencils.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Massive variety with 36 different designs, covers all bullet journaling needs, unique design options, comprehensive for serious journalers
• Cons: Higher price point at $15.99, storage can be challenging, may include designs you'll rarely use, plastic construction

Best For

This set is ideal for dedicated bullet journalers who want maximum creative options and don't mind investing more upfront. It's perfect for those who enjoy varying their layouts frequently or for bullet journaling ensoiasts who want to ensure they have the right stencil for any inspiration that strikes.

Ohuhu Dual Tip Markers for Bullet Journaling

Why We Chose It

The Ohuhu marker set rounds out my top 5 as the best coloring and drawing tool for bullet journals. With an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 16,800 customers, these markers have proven their worth across a massive user base. The dual-tip design and no-bleed formula make them particularly well-suited for bullet journaling applications.

Key Features

This set includes 60 different colors with dual tips featuring both fine liner and brush ends. The water-based formula prevents bleeding through most papers, which is crucial for bullet journaling. The color range provides excellent variety for both functional color-coding and decorative elements. The brush tip allows for artistic expression while the fine tip handles detailed work and writing.

Performance

In my extensive testing, these markers consistently delivered smooth, vibrant color without bleeding through quality bullet journal paper. The dual tips proved incredibly versatile – I used the fine tips for color-coding tasks and habit trackers, while the brush tips were perfect for headers and decorative elements. The color consistency across the set is impressive, and the markers maintain their quality even after heavy use.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Excellent color variety with 60 options, dual-tip versatility, no-bleed formula, great value at $22.99, consistent quality across all markers
• Cons: May be overkill for basic bullet journaling, requires quality paper for best results, storage case could be more compact

Best For

These markers are perfect for bullet journalers who want to incorporate color and artistic elements into their layouts. They're ideal for those who enjoy decorative journaling, color-coding systems, or anyone who wants professional-quality markers for both planning and creative expression.

Buying Guide

When selecting bullet journal supplies, several key factors should guide your decision. First, consider your experience level – beginners benefit from comprehensive kits that include everything needed to start, while experienced journalers might prefer to select individual high-quality items that match their established preferences.

Paper quality is paramount in bullet journaling. Look for journals with at least 80gsm paper weight, though 140gsm or higher is ideal for preventing bleed-through when using markers or wet pens. The dot grid should be subtle enough not to interfere with your writing but visible enough to guide your layouts.

For stencils, consider whether you prefer the durability of metal options or the affordability of plastic sets. Metal stencils last longer and provide crisper lines, but plastic sets often offer more variety at lower price points. Think about which layouts you use most frequently – if you stick to basic organizational spreads, a few high-quality stencils are better than many mediocre ones.

Pen and marker selection should align with your artistic ambitions. If you focus primarily on organization and planning, basic black pens might suffice. However, if you enjoy decorative elements, invest in quality markers with good color variety and no-bleed formulas.

FAQ

What's the most important supply for starting a bullet journal?

The journal itself is the most crucial supply. Look for one with good paper weight (at least 80gsm), dot grid formatting, and a size that fits your lifestyle. Everything else can be added gradually as you develop your bullet journaling style.

Are expensive bullet journal supplies worth the investment?

Quality supplies can significantly improve your bullet journaling experience, but you don't need to start with the most expensive options. Begin with mid-range supplies and upgrade specific items as you identify what matters most to your personal journaling style.

How do I prevent pen bleeding in my bullet journal?

Choose pens specifically designed for journaling, test them on a small area first, and invest in a journal with heavier paper weight. Water-based markers and gel pens typically bleed less than alcohol-based alternatives.

Should I buy individual supplies or complete kits?

Complete kits are excellent for beginners as they provide everything needed to start and ensure all components work well together. Individual supplies are better for experienced journalers who know their preferences and want specific high-quality items.

How many stencils do I really need for bullet journaling?

Most bullet journalers find 5-10 stencils sufficient for regular use. Focus on stencils for your most common layouts like habit trackers, monthly calendars, and basic organizational elements. You can always add decorative stencils later as your style develops.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing and consideration of user feedback, these five bullet journal supplies represent the best combination of quality, value, and functionality available today. The Aleks Melnyk metal stencil stands out for its superior durability and precision, making it my top choice for individual stencils. The complete bullet journal kit offers unbeatable value for beginners or anyone wanting a coordinated set of supplies.

For those seeking variety, both stencil sets provide excellent options at different price points – choose the 16-piece ALODNY set for budget-conscious variety or the 36-piece kit for maximum creative options. The Ohuhu markers round out the selection perfectly, offering professional-quality coloring tools that enhance both functional and artistic bullet journaling approaches.

Remember that the best bullet journal supplies are those that match your personal style and needs. Start with basics, experiment with different approaches, and gradually build your supply collection based on what enhances your journaling experience most effectively.

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