Best Bullet Journals for Beginners (Under $30)

New to bullet journaling? You don’t need a $70 notebook and 57 brush pens to get started.
What you do need is a notebook that works — one with dot-grid pages, bleed-resistant paper, and a vibe that makes you want to open it every day.

Below are our top picks for beginner bullet journals under $30, all available on Amazon. These are journals we love, trust, and have personally scribbled, doodled, and tracked our lives in.

The Best Budget Bullet Journals on Amazon

1. Minimalism Art Classic Dotted JournalUnderstated, sturdy, and sleek

📎 View on Amazon
This notebook gets everything right: hardcover, creamy thick paper, built-in index, and an elastic band.
Comes in lots of colours and feels like a Moleskine without the Moleskine price tag.


2. Scribbles That Matter “Dotted Notebook”Bullet journal-specific design

✒️ View on Amazon
Made for bullet journaling. Pre-numbered pages, key/index pages, pen loop, and super thick paper (160gsm).
Perfect for people who want structure without having to DIY every element.


3. Archer & Olive A5 Travel Series (Mini)If you want that aesthetic under $30

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Archer & Olive’s full-size journals are usually over $30, but their travel size notebooks sneak in under the line — and still feature that buttery 160gsm paper.


4. Lemome Classic Dotted JournalAffordable luxe vibes

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Soft faux leather cover, super smooth paper, built-in pen loop, and environmentally friendly materials.
The paper is 120gsm, meaning it handles most pens beautifully.


5. DotGrid Journal by NorthbooksFor the minimalist

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Clean, simple, no-frills. Great for students or anyone who wants a distraction-free journaling experience.
Bonus: Made in the USA using sustainable paper.


💡 What to Look For in a Beginner Bullet Journal

If you’re just starting out, look for:

  • Dot-grid layout (best for flexible planning & drawing)
  • Thicker paper (at least 100gsm, preferably 120–160gsm)
  • Hardcover or soft-touch leatherette
  • Pre-numbered pages or index section (optional but helpful)
  • Lay-flat binding (for ease when writing across both pages)

You don’t need all the bells and whistles — just a notebook that feels inviting and holds up to your pens.


🧠 Final Thoughts

The best bullet journal is the one you actually use.
Whether you’re tracking habits, planning your week, or scribbling your way through anxiety, these under-$30 notebooks are a perfect place to start.


📌 Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Journal Boutique — and my obsession with beautiful paper.


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