Your Bullet Journal Glow-Up Starts Here!
Imagine this: You open Instagram, and someone’s bullet journal looks like a magical unicorn threw up rainbows and perfection all over it. Meanwhile, yours looks like… well, let’s just say it needs some love. But here’s the secret nobody tells you: You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your bullet journal look absolutely amazing!
Whether you’re tracking your AI learning goals, planning your next coding project, or just organizing your daily to-dos, the right supplies can turn your plain notebook into a productivity powerhouse that actually makes you excited to plan your day.
The best part? Every single item on this list costs less than your favorite fancy coffee drink. Yep, we’re talking under $15 for each supply!
Today, I’m sharing 20 game-changing bullet journal supplies that’ll make your spreads look professional, keep you organized, and maybe even make your friends ask, “Wait, YOU made that?” Let’s dive in!
Why Bullet Journaling is Perfect for Tech Enthusiasts and AI Lovers
Before we jump into the supplies, let’s talk about why bullet journaling is basically the analog version of optimizing your life’s algorithm. If you love AI and technology, you already know the importance of:
- Data tracking (hello, habit trackers!)
- Pattern recognition (monthly spreads show your productivity patterns)
- Systematic organization (the bullet journal method is literally a life system)
- Continuous improvement (iterating on your spreads is like updating your code)
Plus, in a world where we’re glued to screens all day, putting pen to paper gives your brain a break while keeping you productive. It’s the perfect balance!
Now, let’s get to those supplies!
The Essential Writing Tools
1. Fineliner Pens Set (Multicolor)
You can’t have a bullet journal without good pens! A multicolor fineliner pen set is like having a rainbow of possibilities at your fingertips. These pens have thin, precise tips (usually 0.4mm or less) that don’t bleed through your pages.
Why you need them: Perfect for color-coding your AI study schedules, work projects, and personal tasks. The thin tip means you can write tiny notes and create detailed doodles without the ink spreading everywhere.
👉 Ready to write in style? Grab this amazing fineliner pen set on Amazon and start creating colorful spreads that pop!
2. Tombow Dual Brush Pens (Starter Set)
If you want to add beautiful headers and artistic touches to your spreads, Tombow Dual Brush Pens are the gold standard. They have two ends: a brush tip for thick, flowy letters and a fine tip for details.
Why you need them: These water-based markers blend beautifully together, so you can create gorgeous gradients for your monthly covers. Plus, they’re perfect for hand lettering your goals.
👉 Transform your headers from boring to beautiful! Check out Tombow Dual Brush Pens on Amazon and unleash your creative side.
3. Zebra Mildliners (Soft Color Highlighters)
Forget those neon yellow highlighters from school. Mildliners are soft, pastel highlighters that make your bullet journal look dreamy and aesthetic without being harsh on the eyes.
Why you need them: Perfect for highlighting important tasks, color-coding different types of entries, or adding gentle pops of color to your spreads. They come in gorgeous sets that coordinate beautifully.
👉 Give your spreads that soft, Instagram-worthy vibe! Get your Zebra Mildliners here and watch your pages transform.
Organization and Planning Tools
4. Sticky Notes and Page Flags
Sometimes you need to mark important pages or add temporary notes without committing them to your permanent journal. Colorful sticky notes and page flags are lifesavers!
Why you need them: Mark pages you reference often (like your AI learning resources page), add temporary reminders, or flag tasks that need immediate attention. The small flags are perfect for marking different months or sections.
👉 Never lose your place again! Snag these handy sticky notes and flags on Amazon for just a few dollars.
5. Washi Tape Set
Washi tape is like the fairy godmother of bullet journal supplies. These decorative Japanese tapes come in thousands of patterns and colors, and they’re low-tack, meaning they won’t damage your pages.
Why you need them: Use them to create borders, section dividers, or just add pops of pattern to plain pages. They’re also great for fixing mistakes (we all make them!) by simply taping over them and writing again.
👉 Add instant personality to your pages! Browse beautiful washi tape sets on Amazon and find your perfect patterns.
6. Mini Ruler (6-inch or 15cm)
Straight lines make everything look more professional. A small ruler fits perfectly in your journal or pen case and helps you create clean, crisp layouts.
Why you need them: Whether you’re creating weekly boxes, dividing your habit tracker, or making graph paper-style spreads, a mini ruler keeps everything neat and aligned. Many come with both inch and centimeter measurements.
👉 Level up your line game! Pick up this compact ruler on Amazon and say goodbye to wobbly lines.
Creative Enhancement Supplies
7. Stencils for Bullet Journaling
Not confident in your drawing skills? Stencils are your new best friend! Bullet journal stencils come with shapes, icons, banners, and even full layouts you can trace.
Why you need them: Create consistent shapes for habit trackers, add cute icons to your daily logs, or use banner templates for your headers. They’re especially great when you’re tired but still want your spread to look good.
👉 Make professional-looking spreads in minutes! Get these time-saving stencils on Amazon and create with confidence.
8. Stamp Set with Ink Pad
Stamps are the ultimate shortcut to adorable spreads. Small stamp sets with icons, dates, and phrases can save you tons of time while making your journal look intentional and cute.
Why you need them: Instead of drawing the same icons repeatedly (looking at you, water drop for hydration tracking), just stamp them! Perfect for creating consistent tracking symbols across weeks and months.
👉 Stamp your way to stunning spreads! Find the perfect stamp set on Amazon and work smarter, not harder.
9. Colored Pencils Set
Colored pencils are gentler than markers and give you more control. They’re perfect for shading, creating gradients, and adding subtle color without the risk of bleed-through.
Why you need them: Color-code your different projects (maybe blue for your Python learning, green for your AI studies, red for work tasks), shade in habit trackers, or add soft backgrounds to pages. They also layer beautifully for dimension.
👉 Add soft, sophisticated color to your journal! Check out these quality colored pencils on Amazon for smooth, blendable results.
10. Correction Tape or White Gel Pen
Mistakes happen, especially when you’re creating weekly spreads at 11 PM. Correction tape or a white gel pen can save your pages from the trash bin.
Why you need them: Quickly fix spelling errors, cover up pen mistakes, or add white highlights to your designs for extra pop. White gel pens are also great for writing on dark washi tape or colored backgrounds.
👉 Make mistakes disappear like magic! Grab correction tape or a white gel pen on Amazon and create fearlessly.
Tracking and Productivity Tools
11. Habit Tracker Stamps or Stickers
Tracking your habits is one of the most powerful features of bullet journaling. Pre-made tracker stamps or stickers make this process quick and visually appealing.
Why you need them: Whether you’re tracking your daily AI learning streak, water intake, exercise, or meditation, these visual trackers keep you accountable. Stickers and stamps make setup take seconds instead of minutes.
👉 Build better habits with visual tracking! Find habit tracker stickers on Amazon and start your accountability journey.
12. Dot Grid Paper or Inserts
If your current journal isn’t working out, or you want to try bullet journaling before committing to a full notebook, dot grid inserts are perfect. They’re also great for specific projects.
Why you need them: Use them for special planning sections, create removable project plans, or test new layout ideas. Dot grids are the favorite of bullet journalists because they guide your writing without being as obvious as lined paper.
👉 Try bullet journaling risk-free! Get dot grid paper packs on Amazon and experiment with layouts.
Decorative and Aesthetic Supplies
13. Journaling Sticker Book
A good sticker book is like having a design assistant. Look for ones with a variety of functional and decorative stickers: dates, words, icons, and pretty images.
Why you need them: Speed up your setup time, add personality to plain pages, and make your journal uniquely yours. Modern sticker books come with productivity-focused designs perfect for planners and goal-setters.
👉 Stick your way to pretty pages! Browse sticker books on Amazon and find thousands of options under $15.
14. Glitter Gel Pens
Want to add some sparkle and personality to your spreads? Glitter gel pens are fun, eye-catching, and surprisingly sophisticated when used right.
Why you need them: Use them for special occasions, highlight wins and achievements, or add sparkly headers to your favorite pages. They’re great for making important goals stand out visually.
👉 Add some sparkle to your planning! Get glitter gel pens on Amazon and make your accomplishments shine.
15. Decorative Paper Clips and Binder Clips
These aren’t just functional – they’re adorable! Decorative clips come in fun shapes, colors, and designs that add charm while keeping pages marked.
Why you need them: Clip together related pages, mark your current week, or attach loose papers and notes to your journal. They add a three-dimensional element that makes your journal feel special.
👉 Clip it good! Find cute decorative clips on Amazon to organize in style.
Specialized Bullet Journal Tools
16. Brush Pen for Calligraphy (Beginner-Friendly)
Beautiful hand lettering takes your bullet journal from amateur to amazing. A beginner-friendly brush pen helps you create gorgeous headers without years of practice.
Why you need them: Create stunning monthly covers, emphasize important goals, or develop a new creative skill. Many brush pens designed for beginners have tips that are easier to control than traditional calligraphy brushes.
👉 Learn beautiful lettering today! Start with this beginner brush pen from Amazon and watch tutorials on YouTube for free lessons.
17. Pocket Folder or Storage Pouch
All these supplies need a home! A small pocket folder or zipper pouch keeps everything organized and prevents you from buying duplicates.
Why you need them: Store your pens, washi tape, stickers, and other small supplies in one place. Many are designed to fit right in your journal cover or bag. Staying organized means you’ll actually use what you buy.
👉 Keep your supplies organized and portable! Get a storage pouch on Amazon and never search for that one perfect pen again.
18. Magnetic Bookmarks
Pretty AND functional? Yes, please! Magnetic bookmarks sit on your page without sliding around, and they come in gorgeous designs that peek out the side of your journal.
Why you need them: Mark your current week, save your favorite spreads, or use different bookmarks for different sections (one for monthly view, one for weekly, one for collections). They add visual interest even when your journal is closed.
👉 Mark your pages in style! Check out magnetic bookmarks on Amazon with designs that match your aesthetic.
19. Number and Letter Stencils
Want perfectly uniform headers or numbered lists? Letter and number stencils give you consistency without the fuss of hand-drawing each character.
Why you need them: Create professional-looking headers, number your pages consistently, or make bold titles that pop. They’re especially helpful if you’re not confident in your handwriting.
👉 Get that professional look easily! Find letter and number stencils on Amazon for clean, consistent text.
20. Paint Markers (Fine Tip)
Paint markers are opaque, vibrant, and work on almost any surface, including dark papers. They’re like supercharged permanent markers.
Why you need them: Add bold, eye-catching elements that really stand out. They’re perfect for creating headers that demand attention or writing on colored backgrounds. The fine-tip versions give you control while maintaining that vibrant color.
👉 Make your headers pop off the page! Get paint markers on Amazon and add bold, beautiful elements to your journal.
How to Choose What to Buy First
Feeling overwhelmed by all these options? Here’s a simple strategy:
Start with the basics:
- A good set of pens (fineliner or gel pens)
- A ruler for straight lines
- One creative element you’re excited about (washi tape, stickers, or stamps)
Then expand based on your needs:
- If you love color → Add Mildliners and colored pencils
- If you want pretty headers → Get brush pens or letter stencils
- If you’re tracking lots of data → Grab habit tracker stickers and stamps
You don’t need everything at once! Build your collection over time, and you’ll discover what you actually use versus what just looks pretty.
Pro Tips for Using Your New Supplies
1. Test before you commit: Always test new pens and markers on a back page to check for bleed-through.
2. Less is often more: A simple spread with one or two colors often looks better than a rainbow explosion.
3. Consistency creates beauty: Using the same color-coding system across weeks makes your journal more functional AND prettier.
4. Make mistakes freely: Remember, your bullet journal is a tool for YOUR life. It doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect to be effective.
5. Combine digital and analog: Use your bullet journal alongside your AI tools and apps! Track your screen-free hours, document what you’re learning in online courses, or plan your tech projects on paper.
Conclusion: Your Upgraded Bullet Journal Journey Starts Now
There you have it—20 amazing bullet journal supplies that cost less than $15 each and will completely transform your spreads! The beauty of bullet journaling is that it grows with you. Maybe you start with just pens and a ruler, then gradually add washi tape, then stamps, then all the pretty things that make your heart happy.
For my fellow tech enthusiasts and AI lovers, think of building your bullet journal collection like building a tech stack. You start with the essential tools, then add specialized ones as you discover your unique workflow. The journal becomes your personal dashboard—tracking your learning, organizing your projects, and helping you see patterns in your productivity.
The most important thing? Just start. Your bullet journal doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to work for you. Grab a couple of supplies from this list, open your journal, and create something. Your future organized, productive self will thank you!
Which supplies are you most excited to try? Are you team washi tape or team stickers? Team simple spreads or team all-the-colors? Whatever your style, there’s a perfect bullet journal waiting for you to create it.
Happy journaling, and may your spreads always be Instagram-worthy (or perfectly imperfect – both are awesome)! 📓✨
