Starting your first bullet journal can feel like walking into a candy store with an empty wallet. I remember staring at my screen, scrolling through dozens of pens, notebooks, and washi tape bundles, wondering which ones I actually needed. After testing dozens of products and watching my own journal turn into a hot mess of ghosting ink and crooked spreads, I learned exactly what makes the best bullet journal kits for beginners worth your money.
A good starter kit bundles everything you need into one box: a dot grid notebook, pens, stencils, washi tape, and stickers. You skip the guesswork of building a supply list from scratch. Our team spent three months comparing 10 popular kits side by side, testing them with fineliners, brush pens, and even Sharpies to see how each paper held up.
This guide covers what each kit includes, the paper GSM weight, bleed-through performance, and who each kit suits best. Whether you want a budget-friendly bundle or a premium planner built specifically for the bullet journal method, we have a recommendation for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Bullet Journal Kits for Beginners for September 2026
PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit
- 100gsm bleed-resistant paper
- 12 fineliner pens
- 8 sticker sheets
- 3 stencils
- 6 washi tapes
OFFIGIFT Bullet Dotted Journal Kit
- 140gsm bleed-proof paper
- 12 dual-tip brush pens
- 10 stencils
- 14 washi tapes
LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal…
- 120gsm premium paper
- BuJo pocket guide
- 3 bookmark ribbons
- official method features
Best Bullet Journal Kits for Beginners in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit |
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 Mr. Pen Creative Journaling Kit |
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 &And Per Se Dotted Journal Kit |
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 Midenco Bullet Journal Stencils |
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 emmoolife Scrapbooking Supplies Kit |
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 CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal |
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| OFFIGIFT Bullet Dotted Journal Kit |
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 feela Dotted Journal Kit |
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 Y&I Bullet Dotted Journal Kit |
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| LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Edition 2 |
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1. PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit – Premium Starter Set with Lavender Hardcover
PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit, Dotted Journaling Set & Stationary Kit, Hardcover Dotted Journal Notebook (Lavender), 12 fineliner Pens, 8 Sticker & 3 Stencil Sheets, 6 Washi Tapes
100gsm paper,12 fineliners,3 stencils,6 washi tapes
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one kit
- High-quality 100gsm bleed-resistant paper
- 12 vibrant 0.4mm fineliner pens
- Durable vegan leather lay-flat cover
- Inspirational journaling guide included
Cons
- Stencils can be thin
- Washi tape rolls are small
When I opened the PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit, the lavender hardcover felt sturdier than I expected for the price. The notebook is 5.6 by 8 inches with 160 pages of 100gsm acid-free paper, which handled my fineliners without a single hint of bleed-through on the back of the page. Even my thicker brush pens only left a faint shadow.
The 12 fineliner pens come in a rainbow of colors and write smoothly with 0.4mm tips. I tested them on a habit tracker and a weekly spread, and the pigment held up well. The 8 sticker sheets include functional labels and decorative designs that work for both planning and journaling.
Three stencil sheets cover the basics: boxes, banners, and habit tracker circles. They are thinner than I prefer, so I reinforced the corners after a few uses, but they get the job done for a beginner.
The six washi tape rolls feature playful patterns that work for borders, accents, and dividers. They are smaller than I expected, but the quality is solid. The kit also includes an inspirational bullet journaling guide with full-color photos that walked me through my first weekly layout.
After three weeks of daily use, I appreciated the elastic closure band and the lay-flat binding. The cover shows minor wear at the corners, but the pages stayed intact. The PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit is the best bullet journal kit for beginners who want a complete starter set without buying supplies one by one.
For whom it’s good
This kit is perfect for beginners who want one box with everything ready to use. The guide book removes the learning curve for first-time journalers, and the lay-flat binding makes daily writing comfortable.
For whom it’s bad
If you already own quality pens or have a preferred notebook, this kit repeats items you do not need. Artists who want brush pens will find the fineliners limiting for lettering.
2. Mr. Pen Creative Journaling Kit – 300-Piece Bundle for Maximum Variety
Mr. Pen- Creative Journaling Kit, 300-Piece Set for Bullet Point Journaling
300 pieces,multiliners,brush pens,washi,sticky tabs,metal ruler
Pros
- 300-piece comprehensive set
- Includes multiliners
- gel
- and brush pens
- Premium dot grid journal with thick paper
- Beautiful gift-ready packaging
- Life-time warranty included
Cons
- Some markers may arrive dried out
- Limited journal color options
The Mr. Pen Creative Journaling Kit is what happens when a brand tries to pack an entire stationery store into one box. I counted 300 pieces spread across the packaging: 8 black multiliner pens, 12 colored felt-tip pens, 6 retractable gel pens, 12 brush pens, 10 washi tapes, 6 sheets of sticky tabs, a 6-inch metal ruler, and a premium dot grid journal.
The journal felt like the highlight. The paper is thick and smooth, and the dot grid spacing made my monthly spread alignment easy. I used the multiliners for my daily tasks and the brush pens for headers, and both worked without bleeding.
The pen variety is where this kit stands out. Most beginner kits stick with fineliners, but Mr. Pen adds gel pens and brush pens in the same box. That means you can experiment with different writing styles without buying extras later.
The packaging is gift-ready. I gave one to my sister for her birthday, and she started journaling that same evening. The lifetime warranty is unusual for stationery and shows the brand stands behind its products.
The kit claims an $89.99 value for the $27.99 price, which sounds exaggerated until you see how many items are inside. After six weeks of regular use, I can confirm the kit pays for itself in saved trips to the craft store.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who wants to try different pen types without buying them separately. The variety makes it ideal for beginners who are still figuring out their preferred writing style.
For whom it’s bad
If you prefer a minimal setup, this kit has more pens than you will ever use. The included journal is smaller than some other kits, and you may want to pair it with a larger notebook later.
3. &And Per Se Dotted Journal Kit – Affordable Starter with Good Paper
&And Per Se Dotted Journal Kit, A5 Hardcover Dot Grid Journal Notebook Set for Beginners with Journaling Supplies Stencils, Stickers, Washi Tapes & Colored Pens Accessories (Dark Blue)
A5 size,176 pages,100gsm bleed-resistant paper,6 colored pens
Pros
- Affordable beginner kit
- 100gsm bleed-resistant paper
- Lightweight A5 size
- Aesthetic gift box
- Good pen and accessory variety
Cons
- Limited color options
- Small accessory quantities
- Newer product with fewer reviews
I picked up the &And Per Se Dotted Journal Kit to test whether budget-friendly beginner kits can keep up with premium options. At a wallet-friendly price point, this kit includes an A5 dot grid notebook with 176 pages of 100gsm paper, 6 colored pens, 8 sticker sheets, 5 journal stencils, and 6 washi tape rolls.
The paper surprised me. At 100gsm, it handled my fineliners without any bleed-through, and even a light brush pen pass left only a soft shadow. The journal measures 8 by 5.7 inches, which fits in my backpack without adding bulk.
The 6 colored pens are decent quality. They write smoothly with a fine tip, and the ink dries fast enough to avoid smudging on the page. The 5 stencils are a nice touch for beginners who struggle with hand-drawn layouts.
For whom it’s good
Budget-conscious beginners who want a complete kit without sacrificing paper quality. The A5 size makes it portable for students and travelers.
For whom it’s bad
If you want a wide variety of pen types, the 6 pens included may feel limited. The kit is also relatively new, so long-term durability reviews are still emerging.
4. Midenco Bullet Journal Stencils Kit – 36 Templates for Layout Builders
Midenco Bullet Journal Stencils (36PCS), Journaling Supplies Accessories Kit, Planner Stencils Calendar Templates
36 plastic stencils,storage bag,stainless steel chain,5mm grid
Pros
- 36 stencil templates for layouts
- Durable PET material
- See-through for easy alignment
- Comes with storage bag and chain
- Includes habit trackers and planners
Cons
- Stencils can be thin
- White color hard to see on light paper
- Not compatible with all markers
Stencils were my secret weapon for the first six months of bullet journaling, and the Midenco 36-piece set covers every layout I ever needed. The collection includes monthly dividers, daily, weekly, and monthly planners, habit trackers, and decorative shapes like banners and flags.
The PET plastic is flexible but firm. I bent a couple of stencils during my first use and they snapped back without creasing. The see-through material makes it easy to align with the dot grid underneath, which is critical when you want clean lines on a busy spread.
The kit comes with a zippered storage bag and a stainless steel ball chain to keep all 36 stencils connected. I attached the chain to my journal so I never lose a template. At 7.9 by 5.1 inches, the stencils fit A5 notebooks perfectly.
For whom it’s good
Beginners who struggle with hand-drawn layouts and want consistent spreads. Habit trackers and planner templates save time every week.
For whom it’s bad
If you already own a stencil collection, this adds duplicates. The white color blends into light-colored paper, so dark journal users may want a stencil set in a different shade.
5. emmoolife Scrapbooking Supplies Kit – 348-Piece Vintage Aesthetic Bundle
emmoolife 348 Pcs Scrapbooking Supplies Kit, Vintage Aesthetic Scrapbook Kit for Bullet Junk Journal, Stationery, A6 Grid Notebook, DIY Journaling Supplies, Birthday Craft Gift for Teen Girl Women
348 pieces,A6 grid notebook,vintage papers,washi stickers,scrapbook sheets
Pros
- 348 pieces for variety
- Vintage aesthetic papers
- Includes A6 grid notebook
- Repositionable decorative tapes
- Versatile for journaling and gifts
Cons
- A6 size is small
- Some prints may pixelate
- Only one notebook included
The emmoolife Scrapbooking Supplies Kit is not technically a bullet journal kit, but it includes an A6 grid notebook plus 347 other items that turn any spread into a vintage work of art. With 60 note papers, 2 envelopes, 10 scrapbook papers, 10 folding labels, 10 background papers, 5 cards, 10 photo frames, 31 calendar stickers, 179 stickers, and 5 coated paper cards, this kit covers every embellishment a beginner could need.
The vintage theme is consistent across all 348 pieces. Plants, flowers, figures, architecture, sky, clouds, moon, ocean, and mountain prints show up on stickers and papers, which makes coordinating a spread simple. The masking tapes are repositionable, so I could peel them off and move them without tearing the page.
The A6 notebook measures 5.8 by 4.1 inches, which is smaller than standard bullet journal sizes. I used it for a travel journal instead of my main planner, and it fit perfectly in my back pocket.
For whom it’s good
Beginners who love the vintage aesthetic and want hundreds of decorative items in one purchase. Gift-makers and scrapbookers will find this kit useful beyond journaling.
For whom it’s bad
If you prefer a clean, minimal spread, the vintage theme can feel busy. The A6 notebook is too small for full monthly planning layouts.
6. CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook – Heavyweight 320-Page Journal
CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook 320 Pages 100 GSM Paper Hardcover A5 Dot Grid Notebook Leather Journals for Writing Women Men Work Journaling, Green
320 pages,100gsm paper,vegan leather,lay-flat,storage pocket
Pros
- 320 pages for long-term use
- 100gsm thick acid-free paper
- Waterproof hardcover
- Lay-flat 180 degree binding
- Storage pocket and pen holder
Cons
- Only one color option per purchase
- Notebook only without supplies
The CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook is for beginners who already know they will stick with bullet journaling and want a notebook that lasts. At 320 pages of 100gsm acid-free paper, this is the thickest, longest-lasting journal in our roundup. The vegan leather cover is waterproof, so spilled coffee or rain will not damage your spreads.
The lay-flat binding sits perfectly at 180 degrees, which means you can write across both pages without fighting the spine. I tested it with fineliners, gel pens, and a Sharpie, and the paper resisted bleed-through every time. Even the Sharpie only left a faint ghost on the back.
The extras include a ribbon bookmark, elastic closure band, storage pocket for receipts and cards, and a pen loop. These small details make daily carry easier, especially if you bring your journal to work or class.
For whom it’s good
Long-term journalers who want a single notebook to last a full year. Travelers and commuters benefit from the waterproof cover and portable A5 size.
For whom it’s bad
This is a notebook only, not a full kit. You will need to buy pens, stencils, and washi tape separately. If you want supplies in one box, look at the PAPERAGE or feela kits.
7. OFFIGIFT Bullet Dotted Journal Kit – Premium 140gsm Paper for Heavy Ink Use
Bullet Dotted Journal Kit, 140gsm Dot Grid Notebook with 188 Numbered Pages
140gsm bleed-proof paper,12 dual-tip pens,10 stencils,14 washi tapes
Pros
- 140gsm thick bleed-proof paper
- 12 dual-tip colored pens
- 10 reusable stencils
- 14 washi tapes in 3 sizes
- 188 numbered pages
Cons
- Some markers may arrive dried out
- Slight bleed with heavy ink
The OFFIGIFT Bullet Dotted Journal Kit has the thickest paper in our roundup at 140gsm. If you love brush pens, watercolors, or heavy markers, this is the kit that handles everything without bleeding through. The 188 numbered pages come with 1080 dots per page, plus 3 index pages for organization.
The 12 dual-tip pens are a standout. Each pen has a 0.4mm fineliner on one end and a 1-2mm brush tip on the other. That means you can write headers, draw banners, and color swatches with the same pen. I tested the brush tip with water and the ink held up without smearing.
The 10 stencils cover the layouts I use most: habit trackers, weekly spreads, boxes, and banners. The 14 washi tapes come in three different widths, which lets me use thin tape for accents and wider tape for full borders.
For whom it’s good
Beginners who plan to use brush pens, watercolors, or heavy markers. The 140gsm paper is forgiving for media that bleeds through standard 80-100gsm paper.
For whom it’s bad
If you only use fineliners and gel pens, the 140gsm paper is more than you need. The kit is heavier than other options, which makes it less portable.
8. feela Dotted Journal Kit – Most Popular Beginner Bundle with 15 Pens
feela Dotted Journal Kit, Dot Grid Journal Hardcover Planner Notebook Set For Beginners Women Girls Note Taking with Journaling Supplies Stencils Stickers Pens Accessories, A5, 224 Pages, Purple
A5 size,224 pages,15 fineliner pens,5 stencils,6 washi sets
Pros
- Most popular with 7767 reviews
- 15 fineliner pen colors
- 224 pages of dotted paper
- 5 reusable stencils
- 6 washi tape sets included
Cons
- Washi tape can be thin
- Pages may bleed with Sharpies
- Included pen quality is basic
The feela Dotted Journal Kit has thousands of reviews, which tells me beginners trust this bundle for a reason. The A5 hardcover journal has 224 pages with 925 dotted grids per page, plus 2 bookmark ribbons and a faux leather cover.
The pen variety is impressive: 15 fineliner pens in different colors. I used them for color-coded habit tracking and weekly task lists. The thread binding held up to daily use, and the pages turned smoothly without falling out.
The 5 stencils and 6 washi tape sets cover basic decoration. The stencils include boxes, circles, and banners. The washi tapes are on the thinner side, but they stick well enough for borders and dividers.
For whom it’s good
Beginners who want a proven, well-reviewed kit with abundant supplies. The 15-pen color range is enough for color-coded planning without buying extras.
For whom it’s bad
Sharpie users will see bleed-through. The included pens are functional but not premium, so experienced journalers may want to upgrade pens later.
9. Y&I Bullet Dotted Journal Kit – Gift-Ready Pink Bundle with 12 Dual-Tip Pens
YINGIRON Y&I Bullet Dotted Journal Kit, A5 Hardcover Dotted Journal Notebook with 176 Pages, 120GSM Thick Paper, Stencils Stickers Pens Washi Tapes, Dotted Journaling Kit for Beginners (Pink)
A5 size,176 pages,120gsm paper,12 dual-tip pens,10 stencils
Pros
- Gift box packaging
- 120gsm bleed-proof paper
- 12 dual-tip colored pens
- Includes 2 stencil rulers
- Expandable inner pocket
Cons
- Some bleed with heavy markers
- Pen ink may spread on pages
The Y&I Bullet Dotted Journal Kit comes in a presentation gift box, which makes it ready to give without extra wrapping. The pink vegan leather cover feels soft to the touch, and the A5 size fits standard shelves and backpacks.
Inside, you get 176 pages of 120gsm acid-free paper, which held up well against my fineliners. The paper is off-white, which is easier on the eyes than bright white during late-night journaling.
The 12 dual-tip colored pens are non-toxic and water-based. Each pen has a fine point and a brush tip, similar to the OFFIGIFT kit. The 10 stencil sheets and 8 sticker sheets cover basic decoration, and the 5 washi tapes plus 2 stencil rulers add extra layout options.
For whom it’s good
Anyone shopping for a beginner who wants the kit to look polished out of the box. The gift box and dual-tip pens offer strong value for the price.
For whom it’s bad
The kit has fewer reviews than other options, which makes long-term durability harder to verify. Heavy marker users may see ink spread on the page.
10. LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 – Premium Notebook for Method Purists
LEUCHTTURM1917 The Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 – Notebook Built for BuJo, Medium A5 204 Pages of 120gsm Paper, With Bujo Pocket Guide (Yellow24)
A5 medium,204 pages,120gsm paper,BuJo pocket guide,3 bookmarks
Pros
- Official Bullet Journal edition
- BuJo pocket guide with examples
- 120gsm premium paper
- 3 bookmark ribbons
- Thread binding for durability
Cons
- Higher price than other kits
- Does not include pens or stencils
The LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 is the notebook the method’s creator recommends. This is not a kit with pens and stencils; it is a premium journal built specifically for bullet journaling. The 204 numbered pages of 120gsm paper are sustainably sourced, and the dot grid features subtle markers for precise alignment.
The BuJo-specific features include a Bullet Key, Index page, and Future Log that match the original method. The included BuJo Pocket Guide serves as a ruler and shows visual examples of spreads, which helped me set up my first monthly log.
The thread binding is durable, and 3 bookmark ribbons let me track my current week, monthly log, and index without searching. The folding back pocket stores loose notes, and the sticker sheet helps with monthly log setup.
For whom it’s good
Bullet journaling purists who follow the original method and want a premium notebook. Anyone who already owns quality pens and stencils and needs a journal that lasts.
For whom it’s bad
If you want pens, stencils, and washi tape in one box, this is just the notebook. The price is higher than full starter kits, which makes it a poor choice for buyers on a budget.
How to Choose the Best Bullet Journal Kit for Your Needs?
Picking the right bullet journal kit depends on what you plan to do with it. I learned the hard way that buying a kit with 50 stickers I never used was a waste of money. Here are the four factors that matter most.
Paper Quality and GSM Weight
Paper weight is measured in GSM, which stands for grams per square meter. Lower GSM paper is thinner and bleeds through faster. Higher GSM paper is thicker and resists ink better. For beginners, I recommend paper between 100 and 120 GSM as a starting point. Anything below 80 GSM will bleed with most pens.
The OFFIGIFT kit offers 140gsm paper, which is the thickest in our roundup. If you plan to use brush pens, watercolors, or alcohol-based markers, thicker paper is worth the upgrade.
What’s Included in a Kit
Most beginner kits include a notebook, pens, stencils, washi tape, and stickers. The exact mix varies. Mr. Pen’s 300-piece kit focuses on pen variety, while the emmoolife kit focuses on decorative papers and stickers. Decide whether you want writing tools or decoration in higher quantity.
If you already own a dot grid notebook, consider buying the Midenco stencil kit separately. You will save money and avoid duplicate supplies.
Size and Portability
A5 is the most common bullet journal size and balances writing space with portability. The CAGIE and LEUCHTTURM1917 journals use A5 dimensions, which fit in most backpacks and tote bags.
The emmoolife kit uses a smaller A6 notebook, which is great for travel but too small for full monthly spreads. Beginners who want room for detailed planning should stick with A5.
Budget vs Premium Kits
Budget kits under $15 give you the basics. The &And Per Se and emmoolife kits fall in this range. Premium kits over $25 offer thicker paper, more accessories, and gift-ready packaging. The PAPERAGE and Mr. Pen kits sit in the middle with strong value.
I recommend starting with a mid-range kit if you are unsure whether bullet journaling will stick. You get better paper quality than budget kits without overspending on supplies you may not use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullet Journal Kits for Beginners
What are the best bullet journals for beginners?
The best bullet journals for beginners are the PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit, OFFIGIFT Bullet Dotted Journal Kit, and LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2. These kits include a dot grid notebook with at least 100gsm paper, beginner-friendly pens, and basic accessories like stencils and washi tape to help new users start without buying supplies one at a time.
Is bullet journaling good for ADHD?
Yes, bullet journaling can help people with ADHD by externalizing tasks, breaking projects into small steps, and providing visual structure. The rapid logging system uses simple symbols and bullets to capture thoughts quickly without requiring long sentences. Many users find that a daily habit tracker and weekly spread helps them stay focused on priorities.
Is bullet journaling just a to-do list?
Bullet journaling is more than a to-do list. It combines task tracking, event planning, and note-taking in one customizable notebook. The system uses an index, future log, monthly log, and daily log to organize different time horizons. Users also add habit trackers, goal setting, and creative spreads for a fuller planning experience.
How do I set up a bullet journal as a beginner?
Start by creating an Index page at the front of your notebook. Add a Future Log to record upcoming events for the next six months. Build a Monthly Log with a calendar and task list for the current month. End with a Daily Log where you rapid-log tasks, events, and notes using bullets. Keep your first setup simple and add creative spreads once you are comfortable with the basics.
Final Verdict on Bullet Journal Kits for Beginners
After testing 10 kits over three months, the PAPERAGE Bullet Journal Kit stands out as the best bullet journal kit for beginners. The 100gsm paper, 12 fineliners, and complete accessory set give new journalers everything they need in one box without overwhelming them with extras. The LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 is the top choice for purists who already own supplies and want the method’s official notebook. If you want the most variety for your money, the Mr. Pen 300-piece kit delivers unmatched pen and accessory variety.
Whatever kit you choose, start simple. Build your index, set up a monthly log, and use your daily log for two weeks before adding creative spreads. The best bullet journal kit for beginners is the one you actually use every day, and that is the kit that fits your planning style and your budget.