My Favorite Supplies for Physical Journaling

📝 Because journaling is part therapy, part memory keeping, and 100% your own kind of magic.

As much as I love all things digital (hey Canva, hey iPad), there’s just something special about physical journaling. The scratch of a pen, the feel of a fresh page, the way stickers make you smile even on a Monday morning — it’s a ritual. A creative release. A safe little corner of the world that’s just for you.

If you’re looking to start (or upgrade!) your physical journaling practice, I’ve gathered a list of my all-time favorite supplies. These are the tools I reach for over and over again — whether I’m journaling for self-care, memory keeping, or just playing with pretty paper. 💛

Let’s dig in!

📔 1. The Right Journal (a.k.a. Your Blank Canvas)

Everyone has a preference when it comes to the perfect journal. Here are my go-to picks:

• Leuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted Notebook – A bullet journaling classic. Beautiful paper quality, numbered pages, and built-in index.

• Stalogy 365 Days Notebook – Sleek, minimal, and lies flat — perfect for daily journaling.

• Archer & Olive – Thick, no-bleed pages and stunning covers. Pricey but worth it if you’re into mixed media, brush pens, or paint!

✨ Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to start, grab a cheap notebook first and just let yourself play.

🖊️ 2. Pens That Make You Want to Write

The right pen changes everything. Here are my faves:

• Pilot G2 (0.7mm) – Smooth, bold, and reliable for everyday journaling.

• Pentel EnerGel – Fast-drying gel ink and a dream for lefties.

• Tombow Fudenosuke – Great for brush lettering or headers.

• Muji Gel Pens – Minimalist + dreamy to write with.

🖊 I always keep a mix of black and color pens on hand — because sometimes journaling calls for a little pink flair.

🎨 3. Markers & Highlighters for a Pop of Color

Even simple spreads come to life with the right touch of color:

• Mildliners – Soft pastel highlighters that won’t hurt your eyes (and they layer beautifully!)

• Tombow Dual Brush Pens – Perfect for bold headers and dreamy watercolor vibes

• Crayola SuperTips – Budget-friendly, surprisingly versatile, and great for coloring in your pages!

🎨 I like using color to track moods, mark important moments, or just make my spreads feel joyful.

✂️ 4. Stickers, Washi & Scrapbook Bits

Now we’re getting to the fun stuff. Your journal should feel like you, and there’s no better way to personalize it than with:

• Washi Tape – Use it to frame pages, add texture, or cover up oopsies

• Printable Stickers – Print your own designs or buy digital kits for unlimited decorating (P.S. I’ve got a bunch in my shop!)

• Scrapbook Paper Cutouts – Great for layering or creating collage-style memory pages

• Date Stickers & Labels – Save time and add style to your layouts

🛍 Looking for themed journaling kits, printable embellishments, or washi to match the seasons?Check out my shop:👉 A Rea of Treasures on Etsy

📎 5. Extras I Reach for All the Time

• Double-sided tape or a tape runner – For gluing down notes, photos, or paper layers

• Corner rounder punch – Adds a soft touch to photos or tip-ins

• Mini photo printer (like the Canon Ivy or HP Sprocket) – Perfect for memory pages!

• Stamps & ink pads – Great for adding flair or repeating design elements

You don’t need all of these to start — but adding one or two fun extras can turn journaling into a little ritual you look forward to each day.

💛 A Quick Word of Encouragement

You don’t need the “perfect” journal or aesthetic supplies to start journaling.

You just need a pen. A page. And a moment.

The rest is extra — the stickers, the washi, the color-coded everything? That’s just you putting your magic into it. ✨

So don’t wait for the perfect setup. Start messy. Start today.

💌 Join My Mailing List for Freebies + Creative Prompts

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Let’s make writing feel like a cozy adventure again. ✍️✨

🛍 Shop Journaling Kits, Templates & Printables

If you’re looking to grow your journaling stash, I’ve got:

• Printable scrapbook paper

• Journaling card templates

• Mood trackers, gratitude logs, and habit builders

• Washi tape strips & sticker sheets

• Themed journal kits (seasonal, cozy, boho, and more!)

🛒 Browse them all here:

👉 Visit A Rea of Treasures on Etsy

Perfect for paper lovers, journalers, scrapbookers, and creative souls of all kinds.

Final Thoughts

Journaling doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be yours.

Whether you’re documenting your day, writing through your feelings, or pasting in movie tickets from a perfect Friday night, your journal is a space where you get to slow down and be present with your own story.

So light a candle, grab your pen, and dive in.

You’ve got this,

💛 Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures