It’s not even December and already I’ve seen several entrepreneurs launching their new planners. But how do you know what the ideal planner is for you? Well, it depends on what type of planner you are.
Paper vs. Digital
First, if the displays at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Target are any indication, digital planners have taken a backseat to paper planners. And with all the cute accessories, who can blame us ladies for being planner junkies.
But if you prefer going entirely digital, you probably want to skip this post and check out my other post about apps and sites I use to stay organized.
For those of us who like a paper planner, the first step is to figure out which type of planner you are. See if you can find yourself in the types of below and then read about your ideal planner.
The Expert Planner: An Erin Condren LifePlanner
It seems like Erin Condren was one of the first on the cute planner scene. Their LifePlanners are spiral bound and have tons of accessories for the planner junkie– stickers, interchangeable covers and even a subscription box you can buy and get new goodies each season. If you are looking for a planner that is fun (personalization is included in the cost) and functional, an Erin Condren planner is probably for you. Plus, they have a ton of other products like teacher lesson planners, wedding planners and personalized stationery.
Cost: $55, but you can get 10% if you sign up for their newsletter
The DIY Planner: The Happy Planner
The Happy Planner features a disc-bound system that allows you to remove pages easily, which makes it the most customizable planner out there. Plus, getting accessories, like photo holders, envelopes and adorable stickers, is a cinch since you can buy them at your local Michaels or Hobby Lobby stores. If you have trouble finding a planner that works for you, consider the Happy Planner since you can do so much to make it fit your needs.
Cost: $30, but Michaels and Hobby Lobby run sales often or you can use their ongoing 40% off one item coupons.
The Busy Woman’s Planner: The Day Designer
If your schedule is jam-packed with meetings/appointments and tasks, the Day Designer may be for you. Their daily planner features a half-page 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule and a half-page to-do list. Best of all, there is a spot for listing your top 3 to-dos each day so you never forget to focus on the most important things.
Cost: $60
Target offers a cheaper version for $28 as an academic planner that goes from July to June.
The Minimalist Planner: Blue Sky Planners
These planners are great for someone who needs a no-frills planner with space to jot down a few things each day. Blue Sky planners offer a weekly view with open spaces under each day to write anything you want.
Cost: $8 to $20 at Target
So, what type of planner are you? I am torn between the Happy Planner and Day Designer. I like the layout of the Day Designer but enjoy the frills of the Happy Planner.
Which planners have you tried and loved? I’d love to hear your recommendations.