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.
📎 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.
✒️ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
If you’re just starting out, look for:
You don’t need all the bells and whistles — just a notebook that feels inviting and holds up to your pens.
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.
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