So many people have told me they want to get into bullet journaling, but don’t want to fork out $20 for a notebook, and then spend $20 on pens and another $10+ on washi tape and other supplies. This short guide will set you up with a complete bullet journal starter kit for under $25.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more information.
Bullet journaling is awesome! Obviously! But it’s also grown to be a consumerist hobby. There are what seems like millions of supplies, notebooks, and accessories that you need to get started. That’s a load of garbage.
Bullet Journaling is supposed to be about productivity and time management. It’s a tool. The basic necessities required to use the system are not complex or overly expensive. In all honesty, I could write a guide for a starter kit that costs under $5. It would include a .99 composition notebook from Walmart and a black pen. So, it would actually be under $2. But, I understand that most people want a dot grid notebook, and with the demand for these notebooks comes a higher price tag. I also know people want to have colorful pens and markers. So, I’m going to try and wrap it all into one affordable bundle without too much frilly, overpriced stuff.
Related:
Ultimate Bullet Journal Starter Kit Under $25
Notebook
The first thing you are going to need is a notebook. While most dot grid notebooks on Amazon run around $15-$20, there are a few that are less. The Essentials Dot Grid notebook is the best option for your bullet journal starter kit. It has 192 pages and 100-gsm paper, which actually makes it better quality than the Leuchtturm1917.
If you are really looking to slice the cost of this project, there are cheaper options. However, I highly suggest you read the reviews before making a purchase. This one costs about half of what the Essentials Dot Grid cost.
Pens
Well, the Staedtlers and Stabilos aren’t going to fit into our $25 budget, but luckily there is a comparative set on Amazon for less than $10. They are an Amazon Best Seller and they have a 5-star review from over 150 customers. While I do not own this pen set myself, it appears to be the best choice for a fineline pen set if you are on a budget. Plus, it comes with a black pen, so there is no need to purchase a special black pen for daily writing.
Extras
While it’s possible to use the bullet journal system without either of these products, I think they are the two I recommend most. They are worth the few dollars you will spend on them. The first item is a Correction Tape. This stuff is a miracle worker. And yes, you need it. Because, one day when you’re just about done with your perfect spread, your ruler will slip and your pen will make an ugly mark where it isn’t supposed to. Trust me, it happened to me just the other day.
The final extra item for your bullet journal starter kit is a 6-inch ruler. They are a little over a dollar, and so worth it. The six-inch ruler fits much better on the A5 journals. Plus, it’s easier to pack and carry around than a standard 12-inch ruler.
Few More Ideas
That’s all you need to get started with a bullet journal for under $25. But, I do have one last recommendation. All the items above are shipped and sold by Amazon. This means if you don’t have a Prime account, you will have to pay for shipping. I’m no estimator whiz, but I would guess shipping will be around $5. Instead, you could pick up another $5 item and get free shipping. At least then you are getting a product for your money.
I recommend getting a pack of Markers or some Washi Tape. Just make sure the item qualifies for free shipping over $25.
The other option is to pick up a 30 day trial of Amazon Prime for Free. Then you will get free shipping on all your items, and you can cancel your membership before the 30 days is up and not be charged.
Also, if you are just starting out, go read my Bullet Journal 2.0 blog series. It’s your ultimate guide to getting started, in 10 in-depth blog posts.
Want access to my VIP Resource Library full of Printables? Subscribe to my mailing list–I promise not to spam your inbox with stupid junk.