Bullet Journal Supplies for Beginners: What You Really Need

essential supplies for beginners
57 min read 13,358 words
Table of Contents
  1. The Only Two Items You Need
  2. 1. A Notebook
  3. 2. A Pen
  4. Best Beginner Notebook
  5. noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowLeuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted
  6. Best Budget Notebook
  7. noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowScribbles That Matter A5
  8. Best Beginner Pen
  9. noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowPilot G2 Gel Pens (4-Pack)
  10. Budget Starter Kit (~$20)
  11. Recommended Starter Kit (~$40)
  12. Optional Upgrades (When Ready)
  13. What You DON'T Need
  14. Related Resources
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Last updated:
⏱ 56 min read Oct 12, 2025 By Bullet Journal Pro
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Disclosure: BulletJournals may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links in this article. This helps support our work at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Last updated: July 18, 2026

You only need two things to start bullet journaling: a notebook and a pen. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right supplies without breaking the bank.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

The Only Two Items You Need

Don't get overwhelmed by fancy supplies. Start with just these two essentials:

1. A Notebook

Dotted or grid paper, 80-160gsm weight

2. A Pen

Any pen that writes smoothly and doesn't bleed

Best Beginner Notebook

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Most Popular
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61Pnjlkujql

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowLeuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted

★★★★☆
4.7 (31,000+ reviews)
  • 251 numbered pages
  • 80gsm paper
  • Index + 2 bookmarks
$19.95
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Best Budget Notebook

Best Value
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71Aqkzfgrxl

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowScribbles That Matter A5

★★★★☆
4.6 (12,000+ reviews)
  • 160gsm paper
  • 200 pages
  • Budget-friendly
$14.97
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Best Beginner Pen

Budget Pick
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81Mwdyiz7Wl

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowPilot G2 Gel Pens (4-Pack)

★★★★☆
4.8 (88,000+ reviews)
  • Smooth gel ink
  • Refillable
  • Comfortable grip
$5.88
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Budget Starter Kit (~$20)

Everything you need to start for under $25:

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowScribbles That Matter A5

★★★★☆
$14.97

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollow

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowPilot G2 Gel Pens (4-Pack)

★★★★☆
$5.88

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A more complete setup:

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowLeuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted

★★★★☆
$19.95

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollow

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowPilot G2 Gel Pens (4-Pack)

★★★★☆
$5.88

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71Nq5Qphvul

noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowMr. Pen Metal Ruler Set

★★★★☆
$5.99

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Optional Upgrades (When Ready)

Add these only after you've established your practice:

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowSakura Pigma Micron Set

★★★★☆
$11.29

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noopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollownoopener sponsored nofollowZebra Mildliner Set (15-Pack)

★★★★☆
$14.99

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What You DON'T Need

  • Expensive markers or brush pens (yet)
  • Stencils and stamps
  • Washi tape and stickers
  • Multiple colored pens

Start simple. Add supplies only when you identify specific needs through actual use.


About the Author

Sarah Mitchell is a certified productivity coach and bullet journal enthusiast with over 6 years of experience helping people organize their lives through intentional planning. She has facilitated 50+ bullet journaling workshops and helped thousands start their journaling journey.

Learn more about Sarah | Get in touch

✨ Our Recommendation

Editor's Pick: A quality dot grid journal with numbered pages, like the Leuchtturm1917, for effortless bullet journal organization.

Browse on Amazon →

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Bullet Journal Pro
Written byBullet Journal Pro

Bullet Journal Pro is the lead content creator and journaling expert at BulletJournals.net. With over 5 years of experience in bullet journaling, productivity systems, and creative planning, they have helped thousands of people discover the life-changing benefits of analog planning.Their approach combines the original Bullet Journal methodology with modern productivity techniques, making the system accessible to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned journalers. When not creating content, you can find them experimenting with new layouts, testing the latest supplies, and connecting with the amazing bullet journal community.Specialties: Habit tracking systems, minimalist layouts, beginner tutorials, productivity workflows, and creative spreads.

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