So it’s no secret I have quite the stationery addiction. Always needing a new planner, new pens etc. to keep it interesting, I’ve ended up reviewing more than 200 planners. Some I doubt I will ever use and others I’ve used a few times and some I just keep coming back to.
After I finished the 52 planners in 52 weeks challenge, I posted this list with my top 7 planners. That was a few years ago now so it was definitely time for an updated list!
Nothing in this post is sponsored. No planner company has paid for a spot on this list – these are genuinely my all time favorite planners.
1. Plum Paper
I have an entire shelf with almost every type of layout they offer. Affordable, cheap international shipping and plenty of covers to choose from (that you can customise for free). I’ve never had an issue with errors in my order and they usually ship quickly.
Plum Paper Planners Haul & Review (better than the Erin Condren?)
Another reason I like this company is that they will send your planner unpunched (just leave a note when checking out) so you can punch yourself and turn it into a discbound planner. Tutorial here: Arcing my Plum Paper Planner – everything you need to know if you’d like to try it yourself!
Plum Paper reviews:
- How to print printables at Plum Paper planner size from your home printer (step by step tutorial)
- Plum Paper Memory Keepers Book
- Plum Paper Me Planner
- Plum Paper Vertical Priorities Weekly Spread
- Plum Paper Horizontal Priorities
- Plum Paper Grid Weekly Spread
- Plum Paper Horizontal Lined + Notes (and a comparison or colorful versus neutral)
2. Agendio
Who doesn’t want to create their own custom planner from the front cover to the back cover and everything in between? And for an affordable price? Sold! I knew Agendio was going to make it onto this list before I even ordered the planner.
And when it arrived? It didn’t disappoint…. so I ordered 9 more!
Agendio Planners Haul (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Project Planner & Bullet Journals)
Agendio Reviews
Using my custom Agendio Planner (would I order from this company again?)
3. MAMBI Happy Planner
Probably no surprise that MAMBI makes it onto this list. I’m sure it would make it onto most people’s favorite planners list. Discbound, colorful, affordable, so many different styles to choose from, all the accessories, the thin washi tape etc.!
Happy Planner Reviews
- Happy Planner Super Mom
- Using MAMBI inserts and Carpe Diem planner stickers for a colorful weekly spread!
- MAMBI Happy Planner Discbound Punch versus the ARC (are they compatible?)
- MAMBI Mini Happy Planner Review (pros, cons, should you buy it?)
- Happy Planner Color Block Weekly
- Happy Planner Dot Journaling Notebook Review (Pros, Cons & Comparison with the Happy Notes)
4. Blue Sky Planners
One of the most affordable planners that’s also functional and pretty. Plus there are plenty of layouts to choose from.
I especially like the Day Designer for Blue Sky Collabs.
Some of my favorite Blue Sky Planners
Blue Sky Planners Reviews
- Day Designer for Blue Sky Horizontal Weekly Planner Review
- Dabney Lee for Blue Sky (horizontal page orientation)
- Day Designer for Blue Sky Planner
- Blue Sky Personalised Weekly Planner
- Blue Sky Noteworthy Planner
- Blue Sky Teacher Planner
5. Inkwell Press
The best paper I’ve ever come across after pen testing more than a hundred planners made this an immediate favorite for me. Inkwell is pricey but with aluminium discs and leather covers you can buy the inserts and keep refilling your planner year after year.
Inkwell Press Planner Review – 360 Discbound
Really good quality paper – only some minor ghosting for the MAMBI stamps!
6. Whistle and Birch
I’d say this is the best option for Australian’s that want a mix between Plum Paper and Blue Sky Planners – functional layouts, can customise the cover and a similar price point.
Whistle and Birch Weekly Planner Review
Whistle and Birch Rainbow Weekly Spread using the Zebra Mildliners
7. Recollections
Another planner you’ve probably already heard of. The Recollections is similar to Plum Paper and Erin Condren. Lots of options, affordable and functional layouts. They also have recipe books, budget planners etc.
Recollections planner reviews:
- Recollections Menu Keepsake Planner and Recipe Book
- Recollections Planner Review (Vertical Weekly Layout) Pros & Cons
- Recollections Vertical Hourly Weekly Planner
- Recollections Horizontal
- Recollections Family Planner
8. Limelife Planners
Another company that has lots of page layouts to choose from, pretty covers you can customise with your name and a variety of page layouts. I purchased one a few years back and loved it. They’ve introduced so many more options since then – I definitely need to place another order!
Limelife Planners Layout C review
9. Life Inspired Plans
My favorite planner layout – 1 page with horizontal days of the week and lots of list making space.
Related: My all time favorite weekly planner layout (plus my favorite planners in this layout)
The Life Inspired Plans planner would be even better if the days of the week were horizontal across the page! This planner is also on the cheaper end of planners these days ($38 USD).
Life Inspired Weekly Planner Review (Lined Horizontal + Checklists Layout)
10. Mi Goals
Not the prettiest of planners but very functional and one of the very few sewn bound planners I will actually use. It used to be lay flat (2017 & 2018 editions) but sadly the 2019 version doesn’t lay as flat on it’s own unless it’s the middle of the planner.
They’re an Aussie company which for me = cheap shipping.
Their planners have some of the most detailed, well thought out and functional goal planning pages I’ve ever come across in a planner.
- Mi Goals ‘Goal Digger’ Weekly Planner 2018
- Mi Goals Planners Haul & Review (Planners made in Australia)
- Using the Mi Goals planner for monthly blog post content planning
- Using the Mi Goals Planner for ecourse planning
Mi Goals Reviews
- Mi Goals Planners Haul & Review (Planners made in Australia)
- Using the Mi Goals Planner for ecourse planning
- Mi Goals ‘Goal Digger’ Weekly Planner 2018
- Trying out the Mi Goals Weekly Planner
Planning tips
- 5 Planner Supplies I Don’t Use (And Why)
- 10 Reasons why I hate traveler’s notebooks and will never use one
- Highlighters vs. Highlighter Pencils: Are they worth the cost?
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Julaine says
Loving your blog (although I can never remember the password for printables!)
Do you have a favorite planner that has room for weekends? I feel like so many have just a little space, and I have lots of tasks, etc. on the weekends.
Thank you!
Rachael says
Hi Julaine,
Depending on the planner I’m using that week, I alternate between:
– The MAMBI Half sheet happy notes (perfect for list making): https://allaboutplanners.com.au/happy-notes-half-sheet-review-diy-half-sheet-printable-inserts/
– A list printable I made: https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/651945900/anything-list-printable-planner-insert?ref=shop_home_active_34
– A notepad
– Notes page
– Bullet Journal
Another option is a spread that has days of the week on 1 page (horizontal) and list or notes space on the other page. You could rule up a third, half or the entire 2nd notes / list page into Saturday and Sunday.
My favorite planners with this layout are in this post: https://allaboutplanners.com.au/my-all-time-favorite-weekly-planner-layout-plus-my-favorite-planners-in-this-layout/
If you want to learn how to make your own printables, I have a free email course to get you started: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/250908