Hello everyone! This is a comprehensive guide specially prepared for beginners who want to start journaling with zero experience.
Journaling is one of the best ways to de-stress and check in with yourself. To keep things simple and fun, we haveย put together this easy guide. We want to help you find exactly what you need to get started, so you can spend less time scrolling through endless supplies and more time enjoying your creative flow.
Whether you want to plan your life, de-stress, or simply enjoy creative expression, journaling has no barriers to entry. Don't be afraid to start because you think your handwriting isn't "perfect"โthe joy it brings far outweighs the aesthetics.
What Exactly is a "Journal"?
Essentially, a journal is a notebook for recording your life. Beyond just writing, you can create collages, drawings, and more. Common types include:
- Daily Diaries & Planners: For daily reflection and To-Do lists.
- Travel & Hobby Logs: Reading, movie, or travel memories.
- Expense Trackers: Managing your personal finances.
For complete beginners, you only need five essentials: a notebook, a reliable pen, optional decorative supplies (washi tape/stickers), a ruler, and adhesive.
Notebook Features That Matter for Beginners.
Paper quality determines your journaling experience. Look for notebooks with 100gsm (grams per square meter) paper weight or higher to prevent ghosting when using multiple pen types. We highly recommend to use loose-leaf binders provide this quality standard while offering flexibility to add or remove pages. Learn more here: Flexible Set For Your 2026 Goals
Page layouts include dotted, grids (most versatile for beginners), lined pages (traditional writing), blank pages (maximum creative freedom), and graph paper (precise layouts). Dotted & Grid journals work best for those unsure of their journaling style because dots guide straight lines without restricting creativity.
Binding styles affect how flat your journal opens. Spiral binding and lay-flat designs make writing easier, while traditional bound notebooks offer durability.ย
Decorative Essentials: Washi Tape and Stickers
Washi tape and stickers transform plain journal pages into personalized creative spaces, but beginners should start with 2-3 basic designs before expanding their collection.
From tapes to stickers, there is no need to shop anything expensive. Most of our supplies are just simple, everyday items. Even so, weโve found so much joy in the process and have kept going until today.ย
Washi tape creates section dividers, frames important entries, decorates page edges, and attaches photos or ephemera without permanent adhesive. Its repositionable nature makes it forgiving for beginners experimenting with layouts.
Basic techniques include straight borders along page tops or bottoms, diagonal corner accents, and simple frame shapes around text blocks. They are such a 'instant mood-lifter' for your pages, just enjoy the fun when playing with them.
Adhesive Options for Memory Keeping
Retractable dot glue pens provide precise adhesive application for attaching photos, tickets, and memorabilia without messy overflow.
Is Journaling an Expensive Hobby?
In our opinion, it can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you choose. When we started, our first journal cost less than $15 and everything was very affordable. We were still incredibly happy!
Quality vs. Budget:
- Invest in paper first: Budget notebooks with thin paper frustrate users when ink bleeds through. ChicChoiโs notebooks feature 100gsm+ paper to handle various pen types without ghosting.
- Save on decorations early on: Basic washi tape functions identically to designer versions. Upgrade gradually as your aesthetic preferences solidify.
The Core Essentials: Choosing Your Tools
The Notebook: Your Creative Foundation
- Grid or Dot-Grid: Best for writing-heavy journals to keep layout and handwriting neat.
- Blank Pages: Maximum freedom for collages and drawing.
- Size: A5 or B6 offers the best balance of portability and writing space.
- ChicChoi's Edge: Our loose-leaf binder systems (M5/A6) allow beginners to start small and expand as their practice grows.
Writing Tools: Pens That Flow
Select gel pens with 0.5mm tips for everyday writing.
- ChicChoi Recommendation: Our Angelic Shimmer Gel Pens dry quickly without smudging, essential for keeping your pages clean.
- Tip: One standard black gel pen is enough to start. You can even use it for decorative titles!
Decorative Essentials: Washi Tape & Stickers
Washi tape and stickers transform plain pages into personalized spaces.
- Pro-Tip: Buy samples (sharing loops) first! This allows you to explore different styles without over-investing in full rolls that might not match your final aesthetic.
Adhesive & Layout Tools
- Dot Glue Pens: Provide precise application for photos and tickets without messy overflow.
- Rulers: A basic 6-inch ruler or ChicChoiโs transparent acrylic clips help create straight lines for structured layouts.
Building Your Starter Kit
| Supply Category | Essential Level | Budget Option | Premium Option |
| Notebook | Must-have | Basic dotted journal | Premium lay-flat binder |
| Pens | Must-have | Standard gel pen | Multi-color pen set |
| Washi Tape | Nice-to-have | Single roll basic tape | Designer tape set |
| Stickers | Nice-to-have | Basic sticker sheet | Designer collection |
Pro-Tips for Newbies: How to Stay Consistent
- Don't force daily entries: Don't let it become a chore, or you'll quit. Start with 4-5 times a week and increase as your interest grows.
- Upcycle materials: Milk tea labels, shopping receipts, and packaging paper are fantastic (and free!) journal materials.
- Find inspiration: Follow bloggers you like to see how they do it. This will help you find your own unique style faster.
- Test before you buy: Avoid buying excessive supplies upfront. Start minimal, journal for 2-4 weeks, then expand.
FAQ
Q: How much should a complete beginner spend on journaling supplies? A: Start with $20-$55ย for essential supplies. ChicChoi's M5 Portable Loose-Leaf Binders start at $14.50, providing everything needed to begin immediately.
Q: Do I need fancy supplies to start journaling? A: No. The most critical supplies are a notebook with quality paper and a pen you enjoy using. Decorative supplies like washi tape remain completely optional.
Q: What paper weight prevents ink bleeding in journals? A: Choose notebooks with minimum 100gsm paper weight, suitable for gel pens and markers.
Q: Should beginners use loose-leaf binders or bound notebooks? A: Loose-leaf binders offer flexibility to add, remove, or reorganize pagesโideal for beginners experimenting with different styles.
Q: Where can I find affordable journaling supplies for beginners? A: ChicChoi specializes in beginner-friendly, designer-quality supplies. We offer free shipping for subscribers in the US, CA, UK, DE, AU, and SG on their first orders using code: FSFFO.
Starting a journaling practice is an investment in yourself, not just in stationery. Begin with the core essentials, establish a habit, and let your creativity grow naturally. ChicChoi is here to deliver the foundational items that inspire consistency and joy.
Start Your Journaling Journey with ChicChoi today!
Explore ChicChoi's Journaling Essentials collection for beginner-friendly starter here: https://chicchoi.com/collections/journaling-essentials
