Has anyone taken a look at Papertessdesigns 2027 planners? I discovered this shop on here when someone was asking for a dupe for the Managers Planner since she won’t be bringing that style back.
I’m sad about that because the managers planner seemed like it would be my dream bound planner. I’m even considering purchasing the 2026 and re-dating.
Here are the highlights I found from the creator responding to IG comments:
- 3 core planners: Desk, Companion, and Notes
- The creator said to take a close look at Desk if you enjoyed the Managers Planner. My hesitation is that the size is B5 so quite large and I’m looking for a more portable size.
- All of the planners will be undated so no 2027 dated planner
- Companion and Notes will be close to A5 size just “slightly narrower”
- She is shipping to the US
- Planners are launching in October
Looking to go analog, but having a hard time adopting a system that works. Does anyone have a good journal ecosystem they use?
I'm thinking:
Weekly Planner and Notes Book (appts, parties, to-dos in the notes sections, etc)
General journal for everything else? Reading journal, brainstorming, etc.
Should I be dissecting this even further? I currently have one book that I currently use for everything (calendar is in my cal app) and I'm constantly re-writing to-do's, reading reflections are mixed in with brainstorming and planning notes, so it's a bit of a brain dump book.
When I first started bullet journaling years ago I used to use 120gsm dot grid and liked it well enough. But I haven't used thick paper in a planner for a loooong time.
I have enjoyed 52gsm paper for a while and this year i've really fallen in love with 75gsm Iroful paper in a JustScribble planner, it's more robust but still has some of that silky feeling of TRP, as well as the lovely rustle when you turn the pages.
Unfortunately JustScribble's single Iroful offering isn't going to work for me for 2027 and Creffective has my perfect layout but I am worried I am going to hate the thick 105gsm paper.
Has anyone used it? What did you think? Especially if you also use TRP or similar please.
I've decided to start the hobonichi cousins and hobonichi 5 year journal for next year. I need a cover that can hold both journals with extra room for bulk from photos, stickers etc.
I had my eye on Paper Republic's "Le Trifold," which looks like it'd work out decently enough. But it's currently out of stock.
Does anyone have recommendations for alternative, that are either cheaper or just more functional?
I'm not set on a trifold style specifically (wouldn't mind a zip cover), so I'm open to any recommendations. Thanks in advance!
so im pretty new to the discbound planner world and i’ve noticed it can get pretty pricey. i’ve found shops charging $7+shipping for 15 pages, while some of the bigger brands have packs starting around $14+.
so i’m curious if anyone here prints and punch their own planner pages? do you buy templates and then cut the pages down to fit your planner, or do you make your own templates?
i have a 7-disc planner, so finding pre-punched pages that fit can be a little difficult.
for those of you who DIY your pages what type/weight of paper or cardstock do you print on? any suggestions on where to get templates? any help would be appreciated as i’m trying to find a more affordable way to build up my planner
I've used an A5 planner size for years because I worked from home, so portability wasn't a consideration. Now I am considering something more portable as I no longer work from home and I need something lighter to carry around. I already know that the passport size is way too small for me, so I am considering a Sterling Ink N1/Travelers-sized planner or a B6 planner. I think something like a Hobonichi Weeks would be too small for me, and I would have to get the mega considering how many things I do in a week. Some weeks I can write one A5 page a day; other weeks I barely use 2 pages for all my daily notes.
For context, this year I used a Sterling Ink Common Planner in A5, and I do weekly time blocking, have weekly to-do lists with the Alastair method, and have daily notes on to-dos, calls, follow-ups, etc.
If you've changed from A5 to something more portable, what did you pick? How did it go?
Disclosure: I received this binder for free from MeePlus. The opinions and experiences below are my own.
I've had my MeePlus binder for over three months, and it has been an incredibly busy season.
During that time, I:
Submitted my approximately 300-page thesis
Submitted a 40-page author response for a manuscript revision, followed by another 20-page response in the second round, and the manuscript was accepted!
Gave a research presentation based on an extensive literature review
Submitted another manuscript, which was also accepted
Submitted two scholarship applications and received one
Attended two conferences, giving one talk and presenting one poster
Graded assignments
Reviewed six manuscripts
Continued managing my ongoing research and personal life
This binder has been a huge help in keeping track of everything. A big thank-you to Lora!
I manage the different parts of my work in a personal-size MeePlus Bridle binder with 16 mm rings. I also use a pocket PR GV for my personal life and capturing thoughts, and I recently bought a Moleskine 2026–2027 planner for time-sensitive planning, still trying it out.
Below, I'll share how I use my MeePlus binder.
The inserts and layouts I use
Single-page dot grid — from MeePlus
Tri-fold dot grid — from MeePlus
Plotter-style to-do list — designed by me
Bi-fold monthly layout — designed by me
Hourly weekly schedule — designed by me
Colored dashboard — from MeePlus
Project folders containing:
A Plotter-style folder handmade from colored vellum
A cover page — from MeePlus
A combination of to-do lists and notes on dot-grid paper
A few pages and features for emotional support, including a prayer page
How I manage projects
I don't have one systematic way of using my binder. I run multiple projects at the same time, and each project requires a different management style depending on its stage.
Some projects need detailed progress records. Others need blank pages for designing or extensive to-do lists to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
Every project folder has a cover page. On the back, I record its timeline and current status, for example, when I submitted something and when I expect to follow up. When my work-related thoughts become too long or complicated, I also use dot-grid pages to write them down.
The plotter style project folderAll the pages were grouped by project folder
My main goal for the MeePlus is to record information that isn't highly time-sensitive and to let me see the status of every project at a glance.
Sometimes I need to leave one project alone while I focus on a higher-priority project. When I return to it, I want to be able to quickly pick up where I left off.
For this reason, I keep a tri-fold spread at the front and use it as a dashboard. It shows me, at a glance, the tasks I need to complete for each project. I can then flip to the relevant project folder to review its timeline and details.
Because I flip through these sections so often, I've become very familiar with the information in them. The dashboard now mainly serves as a quick-capture board organized by project.
Because I flip through these sections so often, I've become very familiar with the information in them. The dashboard now mainly serves as a quick-capture board organized by project.
The trifold color board. Didn't use it that much currently
Monthly planning
Although I don't want to keep too much time-sensitive information in this binder, I still find it helpful to include a monthly spread for deadlines.
I divide my work into four categories, plus one personal column for important dates. On the back of the spread, I list everything that is pending that month.
I used this layout for two or three months, but I eventually realized that I rely more on a standard grid-style monthly calendar, so I stopped using it. I'm still sharing it in case someone else finds it useful.
The monthly spread. I use it to remind myself about the deadlines.
Weekly time tracking
On particularly desperate days, I sometimes want to record my working hours using an hourly weekly layout.
In practice, though, it hasn't been very helpful for me. Recording my time every day isn't really my thing, and I don't find it sustainable.
I've still included a photo of one week when I successfully kept up with it. Let me know in the comments if you would like the layout.
From time to time I tried time blocking
Inserts inside each project
Single-page dot grid
I still use these pages as a capture system, but mostly to write down my thoughts throughout a project. This also helps me regulate my emotions when I feel lost or stressed.
It generally follows the capture system I described before in another article. Its main purpose is to give me a place to talk to myself.
These pages were purchased from MeePlus.
(Left) Talking to myself during work. (Right) The plotter style to do list, covered by project folder
Single-page fine grid
The paper is very thin, and so is the grid. It works well as design paper.
When I'm designing parts, I sometimes need to sketch them in pencil before creating them in CAD on my computer. Sketching also helps me identify which specifications I still need to investigate.
These pages were purchased from MeePlus.
These pages were purchased from MeePlus.
(Left) Still talking to myself (Right) designing sth on the grid paper.
Plotter-style to-do list
I use this layout when I have many small tasks to complete for one project. I simply list everything, and if I have enough energy, I use indentation to group items into subtasks.
I use the back for random notes. I designed the insert in Word and printed it myself to save money. I also added an emotionally supportive phrase in the margin.
I use the back for random notes. I designed the insert in Word and printed it myself to save money. I also added an emotionally supportive phrase in the margin.
(Left) Talking to myself (Right) Plotter style to do list. cross everything as a victory
Tri-fold dot grid
I like this insert because it gives me space to create long logs or timelines.
I use it to organize a project's timeline, which can end up looking like a very long tree branch. I also use it to record progress during project development, with three columns for the date, current status, and next step. It can also work well for literature summaries.
was planning a timeline for a projectTracking progress through trifold dot.
Other functional inserts
I have a prayer page printed on vellum to help me calm down. I also handmade a pocket insert to store sticky notes.
The prayers that helps my mindset before work.My sticky note and emotional support stickers.
Binder itself
The leather itself is kinda anti-scratch? I have carried PR and this bridle binder around in my bag. My PR is prone to be scratched but this guy is totally fine. And the ring itself is super smooth when opening/closing without making too much noise. A handy ring is very important for me. I do have a ring protector inside but there are still some ring trace developed outside. The leather is very firm so it does need a elastic ring to make it closed.
Final thoughts
While exploring different ways to use a binder, I realized that there is no perfect insert or page layout for me.
A one-size-fits-all layout cannot work for everything, especially when my project-management skills and needs are constantly developing. This explains why I used to feel overwhelmed while searching online for the perfect insert, only to find that nothing worked exactly as I needed it to.
Once I started creating inserts for myself, my binder began to work for me. The process of designing them has also helped me become more self-aware about how I think and work.
If you have access to a printer, hole punch, and paper cutter, I encourage you to try making your own inserts!
One interesting thing is that my eye and brain react better in the combination of black-ink + Ivory paper and Blue-ink with cool-tone paper. Somehow I can't read the page that has higher contrast. Super weird.
I also found that constantly review and organize the insert content is super important to keep the journal process sustainable or it will just became a mess.
The personal size works very well for portability. However, I'm considering getting a larger binder so that I have more space to store and organize information.
Let me know in the comment if you have any thoughts or questions! Hope this help :)!
I’m looking for the perfect planner to buy my girlfriend who is kind of picky (rightfully so) on what kind of planner she wants. She wants specifically:
- spiral bound
- approx. letter size
- thick paper
- blank spaces for the individual days for the weekly section
- and blank for the monthly section
- and for their to be both a monthly and a weekly section
Hey there, everyone! I have been using blank notebooks for a few years now after I tried a Hobonichi Cousin and I didn't really use it. I felt like I had too much space to write things and I couldn't think of what to journal but, at the same time, felt it was a little cramped. I used a knockoff Weeks this year strictly for health/food/mental health/journaling and need more space.
If you've gone from A5 (or weeks) to B6, did you like it? Do you feel like there's enough room? Or did you go back to one of the other sizes? I don't want to spend a lot of money on a planner only to find the size doesn't work for me.
I'm looking into getting a planner this year, but I'm unsure about the paper comparabilities with my love of stub nib fountain pens (which tend to generate more ink).
I've used or tested a few notebooks, and I've gotten bleed through from Stalogy, Tiny Grids, Wonderland222 (various years), and a few random small-seller notebooks marketed as having TRP. I've been forced to use my finer nib pens while the stubs collect dust.
Are there any other stub nib lovers here who know of compatible planners?
I'm interested in learning more about all planners, but for some personal preference context: I prefer a6 or b6 sizes; white paper (not ivory or cream--I dislike Midori / MD, Leuchtturm, Koji paper); grid (preferably smaller than 5mm); and I'm looking for weekly or daily planner, undated or otherwise. I've been eyeing aura Estelle daily magnet because the layout looks the most appealing to me, but it's a lot of money to potentially not be able to use my stub nibs.
I have used the Leuchtturm1917 monthly stickers for the last 4+ years to help me build my custom yearly journals. Went to take a look at their 2027 offering to see if I could purchase it and I noticed that they have changed the design!
It used to be that there were two sticker sheets for each month dividing the calendar vertically. Now it is only one sheet for the whole month. !!! Shrinkflation : ( !
Yes, getting those two stickers onto the page evenly was a pain in my ass, but it was the perfect amount of real estate. Now it's shrunk down to one page.
A bit frustrated because there's no old undated version. Yes, I could draw my own calendar, but this was much easier once I got the rhythm of putting down the stickers and I didnt have to get the dating on the monthly calendars right on my own.
This is not a "what should I get" question. I am aware that planners are unique to the individual. I've been doing a lot of research on my own and I'm debating between a Stirling or maybe just a Kinbor? I personally can't justify the cost around hobonichi's but this is a me thing. I'm just wondering, how fast do these planners go when they release? The release of so many planners and all the buzz feels very overwhelming to me.
I’m planning for next year, and I’d love some reasonably priced options available in New Zealand.
I’ve tried almost every hobonichi and in the end I loved the weeks layout. I’m a bit stingy though so last year I got a kinbor weekly layout for like $15.
I still really like the “weeks” style layout but I miss the thin tomoe river paper.
The hobonichi weeks pricing for 2027 is looking pretty expensive and I’m not even sure if that includes shipping, so I’m after some other possible options to start researching.
I have been using the Curation 365 St Belford for several years and love it. I love that it is all in one- habits, gratitude, goals, planner extraordinaire.
Unfortunately I might be priced out- being from Canada the shipping costs will make this planner over $120 for me.
I have been looking at Canadian options ( or otherwise cheaper), and Hemlock and Oak came up ( as well as Aura Estelle). ( horizontal spreads). It seems to have some of the functionality but not all eg I really like the pre weekly spreads of the st Belford and the prompts for habit tracking priorities gratitude and more
Anyone have experience with St Belford and can speak to this? Other options I should consider or should I just “invest” in my year ahead?
I like decorate my weekly part of my planner several weeks ahead so that I can put events in after I decorate. I decorate the monthly part as soon as I receive it in the mail. I have the monthly pages done through Dec 2027. When does everyone else decorate?
Please ignore the crappy photoshop, but anyone have any guidance on a similar set up as above? As silly as it sounds the completely open right page can be too overwhelming sometimes when I just want to organize my week in 20 minutes.
Bonus points if on thick paper (like hemlock and oak).
I love the layout of the B6 daily magnet planner but the cost is insane to me. Is there a cheaper option that offers monthly, weekly and daily spreads without me dropping $50+? I am trying to avoid having to carry more than one around with me all the time and it is looking like my options are slim.
I’ve been using the Hobo Weeks and I love the size and TRP. However, I find that I don’t really use the extra grid pages at the end so I couldn’t justify the price for 2027 since those pages are like 1/3 of the planner. I’m thinking of trying the Kinbor since it’s TRP too except in white which I don’t think would bother me much.
Anyone else using a Kinbor or changed from Hobo Weeks? How is it?
