Bullet Journal Supplies Checklist: What You Actually Need
It is easy to think you need a large stationery collection before starting a bullet journal. You do not. The core system can work with just a notebook and one pen.
This checklist separates the true essentials from the tools that are useful only when they solve a specific problem. Start small, then add supplies after you understand how you actually use your journal.
The two bullet journal supplies you really need
1. A notebook
Your notebook does not need to be expensive or highly specialized. The most important thing is that you are comfortable writing in it regularly.
Grid, dot-grid, lined, and blank pages can all work. Grid-style pages are especially helpful if you like trackers, boxes, tables, or structured layouts.
The CUBE Series Softcover Square Notebook combines grid and blank pages, which can be useful if you want both structure and freeform space.
2. A dependable pen
Choose a pen that feels comfortable and writes consistently on your notebook paper. Black gel ink is a simple everyday choice because it keeps layouts easy to scan.
A small set such as the Apple Pie Color-Block Gel Pen Set uses 0.5 mm tips for everyday writing, journaling, planning, and study notes.
Useful additions after you start
3. A highlighter
Highlighters can create quick visual categories for deadlines, priorities, study notes, or monthly themes. You only need a few colors; a large rainbow set is optional.
The ROSYPOSY Angelic Shimmer Pastel Highlighter Set is designed for study notes, planners, journaling, and creative highlighting.
4. Sticky notes and memo paper
Sticky notes are useful for temporary plans, moving tasks, drafts, and information you do not want to commit to a permanent page yet.
A storage set such as the ROSYPOSY Pastel Sticky Note Set can keep small notes together instead of scattered around the desk.
5. Page tabs
Tabs help when you frequently return to a monthly log, habit tracker, project page, or reference list. Use a few categories consistently instead of tabbing every page.
6. A ruler
A small ruler is useful if you like boxes, tables, or straight tracker lines. It is not necessary if you prefer a loose handwritten style.
7. Pencil and eraser
If drawing a layout in pen makes you nervous, lightly sketch it in pencil first. Once you know your preferred page structures, you may stop needing this step.
Decorative supplies are optional
8. Stickers
Use stickers if they make the journal more inviting, not because a bullet journal is supposed to look decorative. A functional journal with no stickers is still a complete bullet journal.
9. Washi or PET tape
Tape can mark sections, create quick borders, or add small accents. Keep it optional until you know whether decoration helps or distracts from your system.
10. Multiple pen colors
Color coding can be useful, but too many colors can create another system to maintain. Start with one pen and add a second or third color only when each has a clear purpose.
A simple beginner bullet journal kit
For most beginners, a practical starter kit is:
- one notebook
- one comfortable black pen
- one or two highlighters
- a small set of sticky notes
Everything else can wait.
What should you buy first?
Buy the notebook first, then test your existing pens in it. If the paper and pen combination feels good, start there. After one or two weeks, you will know whether you actually need tabs, highlighters, stickers, or more storage.
For the full setup process, read Bullet Journal for Beginners: How to Start + Essential Supplies.
Final thoughts
A useful bullet journal is built around your routine, not your supply collection. Notebook plus pen is enough. Add tools only when they make planning, tracking, or writing easier.
Browse LUMIYEAR’s notebooks, pens, and sticky notes when you are ready to build your kit.