Planner Topics
March 9, 2025
No Comments
Finding the perfect planner can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and achieve your goals. Whether you need detailed daily pages, creative space, or compact layouts, this guide breaks down the best 2025 planners for every lifestyle.
| Planner | Size | Layout Options | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobonichi Techo Cousin | A5 | Daily, Weekly, Monthly | $32.16 | Minimalists, detailed notes |
| Passion Planner Daily | 8.5" x 11" | Daily | $29.99 | Goal-setting, creativity |
| Day Designer Daily | 9" x 9.75" | Daily, Weekly | $68 | Scheduling, task management |
| Erin Condren LifePlanner | 7" x 9" | Vertical, Horizontal | $45 | Creative planning |
| Hobonichi Weeks | 7.36" x 3.7" | Weekly + Memo Pages | $40 | Portability, professionals |
| Leuchtturm1917 Bullet | 5.75" x 8.25" | Customizable | $31.50 | Creative, flexible planning |
Choose based on your planning style, whether you need detailed daily pages, goal-setting tools, or compact designs. Each planner offers unique features to help you stay on track in 2025.
The Hobonichi Techo Cousin is an A5 planner (5.8" x 8.3") designed to provide plenty of room for detailed planning and notes. The 2025 edition uses Tomoe River paper, celebrated for its smooth texture and improved resistance to ink bleeding.
This planner uses a four-part layout to help you organize your life effectively:
| Section | Features |
|---|---|
| Monthly | • Includes week numbers • Tracks moon phases • Notes section for extra details • Labels for a 2026 preview |
| Weekly | • Vertical timeline (0:00–24:00) • Full week at a glance • Supports time blocking |
| Daily | • 24-hour schedule • 3.7mm graph paper grid • To-do list section • Moon phase tracking |
| Additional | • Time table • Symbols guide for planning • 365-day check-off sheet • Address book |
Its lay-flat binding ensures ease of writing, no matter where you are in the book. According to the Hobonichi Techo Book Buying Guide, "The one-day-per-page A5-size techo was created in response to customer requests for more space to fill with writing and clippings".
For those seeking portability, the "Avec" version splits the year into two six-month books, making it easier to carry while still maintaining all the features.
"The Cousin is perfect for those who want to keep daily records into one book or write in larger letters."
– Hobonichi Techo Book Buying Guide
The 2025 Cousin is priced at approximately $32.16, with optional covers available for around $59.72. While primarily released in Japanese, it includes English labels for days and months.
This planner offers enough space for both professional and personal use. Planner enthusiast Emma Lao notes: "If you are attracted to bullet journaling but feel that it is too hard to fill a blank page on your own, the structure that the Hobonichi provides is perfect".
The Passion Planner Daily features 93 undated pages designed to combine structured planning with space for creativity. Its GameChanger goal system includes sections like Free Space to Grow, Self-Maintenance, and a Mood Tracker to help balance productivity and well-being.
| Layout Component | Features |
|---|---|
| Daily Pages | • Separate to-do lists for work and personal tasks • Self-care section • Time tracker • "Space of Infinite Possibility" for creativity |
| Monthly View | • Calendar overview • Prompts for self-reflection • Goal-setting tools • Space for monthly reflections |
| Annual Tools | • Passion Roadmap for big-picture planning • Year-at-a-glance calendar • GameChanger goal system • Monthly check-ins to track progress |
The planner is thoughtfully designed with premium materials, including 120 GSM paper, a faux leather cover, and a durable band closure. A green ribbon bookmark ensures you can easily find your place. The 2025 Birds & Bees Yellow edition is currently available for $29.99, discounted from its original price of $39.99.
The GameChanger system goes beyond simple goal-setting by helping users identify the tools and support they need to succeed. Each daily layout includes scheduled time blocks and open areas for personal notes or sketches, offering a balance of structure and flexibility.
Unique sections like Free Space to Grow, Self-Maintenance, and the Mood Tracker make it easy to monitor both productivity and mental health. The "Space of Infinite Possibility" on each daily page provides room for brainstorming, journaling, or any creative outlet.
"I like that I can use it as needed on demand, that it is not dated, and that there are both work and personal to-do list areas".
While the 120 GSM paper is thicker than standard options, it’s comparable to typical American printer paper. This makes it compatible with most pens but less suited for specialty inks compared to competitors like the Hobonichi series.
If you’d like to test the system before buying, Passion Planner offers free PDF downloads of their daily layouts.
The Day Designer stands out among 2025 planners for its practical layout and stylish design, perfect for managing busy schedules. Each page is thoughtfully arranged to combine structured scheduling with plenty of room for tasks. The 2025 edition features durable 100 GSM white paper and a glossy hardcover, making it both functional and visually appealing.
| Feature | Original Size | Mini Size |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Schedule | 5 AM – 9 PM | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Regular Price | $68 | $58 |
| Sale Price | $34 | $29 |
| Customer Rating | 4.8/5 (1,596 reviews) | 4.8/5 (190 reviews) |
Each daily page includes key planning tools: an hourly schedule, to-do lists with checkboxes, a section for your top three priorities, and space for gratitude reflection. Additional features like an interior pocket, snap-in ruler bookmark, and gold foil sticker sheets make it even more user-friendly.
The monthly sections are equally well-designed, with Monday-start calendars, shaded weekends, and a "This Month" list to help with long-term planning. Goal-setting worksheets guide users in breaking down their aspirations into actionable steps throughout the year.
"Daily planners give you an entire page for each day, and the Day Designer is great for anyone who wants space for both a full calendar and a nice long to-do list for each day".
This planner is a favorite among professionals and parents juggling multiple responsibilities. The Original size offers ample writing space, while the Mini is compact enough for on-the-go use without sacrificing functionality.
For those looking to save, Day Designer also collaborates with Blue Sky to offer budget-friendly options made with recyclable materials.
One standout feature is the extended line spacing, which allows for detailed task entries and better tracking of action items. This thoughtful detail enhances usability and helps users stay on top of their goals.
With a consistent 4.8/5 rating across both sizes, the Day Designer is praised for its ability to combine scheduling and task management seamlessly. Customers often share how it has transformed their organizational habits.
The 2025 Erin Condren Life Planner combines personalization with proven organization, boasting over 3 million units sold to date.
| Layout Options | Size Choices | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Weekly | 7" x 9" | Coiled-in stickers |
| Horizontal Weekly | A5 (5.8" x 8.3") | 80lb premium paper |
| Hourly Weekly | Interchangeable covers | |
| Compact Vertical | Custom metallic coils |
This planner’s impact is backed by user feedback: 99% of users report feeling more organized, 95% see a boost in productivity, and 93% experience less stress after incorporating the Life Planner into their daily lives.
For 2025, the planner offers personalized covers, three design themes, 80lb paper to prevent ink bleeding, and a coiled binding that lays flat for easy use.
"The LifePlanner™ helps me to keep all of the roles where I lead organized and easier to follow and manage. As an educator, I can track classes and meetings by the hour; as an artist, I can design creative journaling spreads and entries; as an advocate, I can plan and track important deadlines and fundraisers; as a wife, sister, and friend, I can celebrate life, accomplishments, and victories." – Laquisha Hall, Artist & Advocate
The planner’s flexibility shines through its weekly layout options:
Additional features include lined note pages, goal-setting sections, and motivational quotes sprinkled throughout. Each month opens with a two-page calendar for big-picture planning, paired with detailed weekly layouts for daily tasks.
"When I’m on digital devices all day and need a digital detox, I love to unplug, destress, and plan in peace in my planner." – Lindsey, Performance Marketing Manager
For 2025, the planner keeps its signature colorful designs while introducing neutral options for professionals. Erin Condren also offers specialized versions, such as academic planners with class scheduling pages and teacher lesson planners, catering to a variety of professional needs.
The Hobonichi Weeks planner is a sleek, portable option tailored for busy professionals. Measuring just 7.36 x 3.7 x 0.39 inches, it’s compact enough to carry anywhere without losing its practicality or style.
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Horizontal weekly + grid memo | Combines scheduling and notes |
| Paper Type | Tomoe River | Works well with various inks |
| Grid Size | 3.55 mm | Offers precise writing space |
| Additional Pages | 71 memo pages | Extra room for planning |
The 2025 version features the signature Tomoe River paper, known for its smooth texture and ink compatibility. Its weekly layout places your schedule on the left and a grid memo page on the right. Handy extras include timeline dots to divide days into morning, afternoon, and evening, a clear pocket for loose items, dual bookmarks for easy navigation, and year embossing on both the cover and spine.
This planner also includes tools for big-picture organization: a yearly overview, monthly graph-style calendars, a "365 Days Check-Off Sheet" for habits, and sections for goal-setting. The memo pages are versatile, perfect for bullet journaling, sketches, or detailed notes.
For those needing more space, the Weeks Mega edition triples the number of blank graph pages, making it ideal for frequent note-taking or tracking complex projects.
Its slim design and professional look make it a great fit for business settings. The flexible layout lets users split days into columns for tasks, events, and deadlines or use the right-hand page for weekly lists and habit tracking. This planner is a compact yet powerful tool for staying organized on the go.
The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 is designed for personalized planning, featuring 120 gsm paper to minimize ink bleed-through.
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Page Count | 206 numbered pages | Plenty of space for planning and notes |
| Paper Weight | 120 gsm | Reduces ghosting and bleed-through |
| Markers | 3 ribbon bookmarks | Quick navigation between sections |
| Extras | Detachable guide, stickers | Built-in tools for organization |
| Storage | Gusseted pocket | Keeps loose items secure |
Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal method emphasizes rapid logging, collections, and migration, offering a customizable system to document the past, manage the present, and plan ahead.
The 2025 edition, priced at $31.50, includes practical features:
"The Bullet Journal is meant to help you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future".
This planner strikes a balance between structure and creativity, allowing users to craft layouts for monthly calendars, weekly schedules, habit trackers, project plans, and goal-setting spreads. The archival-quality paper ensures durability, while the elastic closure band keeps everything secure. Additionally, the gusseted pocket and detachable guide are perfect for extra notes or loose papers.
Its flexible design makes the Leuchtturm1917 a great option for students, creative professionals, or anyone with evolving planning needs. It pairs well with other customizable planners discussed later in this guide.
Dark Moon Paper, created by Rachael Snow, offers sticker sets designed to enhance both the functionality and style of your 2025 planner. Their range includes half-sheet planner stickers, decorative stickers, and notebook journal kits – perfect for bullet journals and daily planners. Here’s a quick breakdown of their popular sticker collections:
| Sticker Collection | Price | Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Sheet Planner Stickers | $3.49 | 4.25" x 7", matte finish | Daily organization |
| Dark Moon Deco Planner Stickers | $3.95 | Decorative elements | Creative journaling |
| Notebook Journal Kits | $7.50 | All-in-one sticker kit | Planner customization |
Each half-sheet sticker measures 4.25" x 7" and features a matte finish, reducing glare and making them easy to use.
For those focused on organization, the functional sticker options include checklists, icons, and trackers to keep your plans on track. Meanwhile, the Washi sticker collection ($12.00) offers removable, semi-transparent designs that are perfect for layering and experimenting with layouts in your bullet journal.
Dark Moon Paper also releases themed collections like Lilac Dusk, Electric Forest, and Winter Hygge every week, giving you fresh designs to match the changing seasons.
If you’re in the U.S., you can enjoy free shipping on orders over $35, making it easy to stock up on multiple sets. These stickers pair beautifully with planners like the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal. Their matte finish works well with high-quality paper, adding flair without adding bulk.
Here’s a breakdown of the top planners for 2025, highlighting their features, pricing, and ideal uses to help you choose the perfect one.
| Planner | Size | Layout Options | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobonichi Techo Cousin | A5 (5.8" x 8.3") | Weekly | $32.16 | Minimalists, Japanese aesthetics |
| Passion Planner Daily | 8.5" x 11" | Daily spreads | $68.00 | Detailed daily planning |
| Day Designer Daily | 9" x 9.75" | Daily, Weekly | $68.00 | Goal-setting and scheduling |
| Erin Condren LifePlanner | 7" x 9" | Vertical, Horizontal, Hourly | $45.00 | Creative planning |
| Plum Paper A5 | 5.8" x 8.3" | Customizable Weekly | $38.00 | Personalized layouts |
| Blue Sky Weekly | 8.5" x 11" | Weekly overview | $20.00 | Basic, budget-friendly planning |
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each planner stand out.
The Hobonichi Techo Cousin is a favorite for its premium Tomoe River paper and sleek design, all at a reasonable $32.16. It’s perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and a touch of Japanese elegance.
The Erin Condren LifePlanner shines with its versatility, offering vertical, horizontal, and hourly layouts. Its coiled binding ensures smooth page-turning, making it a great choice for creative planners who want flexibility.
If you’re after a personalized touch, the Plum Paper A5 offers customizable weekly layouts for $38.00. Meanwhile, the Day Designer Daily provides ample space for detailed daily planning, with full-page spreads designed for scheduling and goal-setting.
For budget-conscious users, the Blue Sky Weekly is a steal at $20.00. It’s simple yet effective and even supports reforestation efforts through its partnership with One Tree Planted.
"Planners should transform according to the shape of your life." – Pia Ceres, Former WIRED Reviewer
Here’s a quick guide to match your needs with the right planner:
Whether you prefer the elegant weekly layouts of the Hobonichi Techo Cousin or the customizable options of the Erin Condren LifePlanner, there’s a planner to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Picking the right planner comes down to your lifestyle, planning habits, and personal preferences. According to research, 99% of Erin Condren LifePlanner users say it helps them stay organized, while 95% report improved productivity.
Your daily routine and scheduling needs should guide your decision. If you juggle numerous tasks and appointments, a detailed daily planner like the Day Designer Daily or Passion Planner Daily could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a broader weekly overview, something like the Hobonichi Weeks may work better. Don’t forget to think about the size and durability of the planner – choose one that matches how often and where you’ll use it.
| Planning Need | Recommended Format | Suggested Option |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed Daily Tasks | Daily Pages | Day Designer Daily |
| Project Management | Weekly Layout | Hobonichi Weeks |
| Goal Setting | Long-Term Overview | Erin Condren LifePlanner |
| Creative Planning | Customizable | Plum Paper A5 |
Think about where and how you’ll use your planner. A compact option like the A6 Hobonichi Techo is perfect for on-the-go planning, while a larger planner like the Passion Planner works well for desk use. If you use fountain pens or specific writing tools, make sure to check the paper quality.
Special features can make a big difference in your planning experience. For example:
If reducing stress is a priority, 93% of Erin Condren users report feeling less stressed. For better time management, 91% of users find structured planning systems helpful.
Stickers Made for Planning
Our custom stickers are a fuss-free way to brighten up your planner pages with perfectly-sized designs that add a spark of personality to every layout.
Why use planner stickers?
Planner stickers make organizing easy, fun, and personal! Add color, creativity, and structure to every page, transforming your planner into a tool that reflects you. Perfect for tracking, decorating, and staying inspired daily!
Hello and welcome!
I’m Rachael Snow, a lifelong artist and entrepreneur, and I started Dark Moon Paper to blend my love of art, technology, and the mysterious beauty of the world around us. My sticker kits are meant to set the mood, tell a story, and give you a little escape from the ordinary.
I work from my cozy studio tucked away in the beautiful woods of Oregon, surrounded by nature and a dark night sky full of stars.
