One of my favorite parts of reading is getting to document all the books I read in my reading journal! I love putting together fun spreads, tracking my reads, and adding little details that make each page unique. Over time, I’ve found a handful of supplies that I reach for over and over again.
If you’re starting a reading journal or looking to add a few new things to your collection, here are the essentials I use all the time!
A good journal.
First things first, you need a good journal! I prefer a sturdy hardcover journal with a faux leather cover. It HAS to be dotted and I love having plenty of space to work with. An 8.5 x 11 journal is my favorite because the larger size gives me room for all the little details.
This journal is my favorite that I have been using for the past few years.
If you prefer a small size, this one is a great option, too!
Highlighters.
I use highlighters as accent colors throughout my journal. I prefer them over regular markers because the colors are a little softer and less saturated, which is perfect for adding color without overpowering a spread.
Zebra Mildliners are my absolute favorite. They’re double-sided, so you get a little extra versatility out of each one!
I also use the Sharpie S-Note Highlighters and Shuttle Art Pastel Highlighters, especially when I want to switch up my color palette.
Rulers.
This might seem like a basic one, but rulers are tools I use ALL THE TIME. I like having both a standard 12-inch ruler for larger layouts and a shorter 6-inch ruler that’s easier to maneuver when I’m working on smaller details.
They’re especially helpful for drawing clean lines, creating trackers, and keeping everything looking neat.
Stickers.
I love adding little doodles and stickers that coordinate with the books I’m reading and the theme of each spread. They’re such an easy way to add personality to a page without having to draw everything myself.
My absolute favorite place to get stickers is Jartea Designs on Etsy. Their designs are SO adorable and perfect for book lovers!
Printer + Sticker Paper.
One of my favorite things to include in my reading journal is little book covers to go along with my reviews. It makes each spread feel a little more personalized, and I love being able to look back at the books I’ve read.
I use a basic Canon inkjet printer and this sticker paper. I print the covers, cut them out by hand, and add them right to my journal. It’s simple, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to do it!
Organizer.
If you’re anything like me, your collection of pens, highlighters, stickers, and other supplies can get a little out of hand. Having an organizer to keep everything together makes such a difference!
I love using a plastic caddy to store all my supplies. It’s easy to move around the house, and I can grab everything I need without digging through drawers.
If you prefer something a little more compact that you can take with you, this fabric organizer is another great option!
Other.
A few more things I reach for regularly while journaling:
- Good scissors. For cutting out book covers, stickers, and any other little additions to my spreads.
- White-out. Mistakes happen, and I use this ALL THE TIME. It’s a must-have for keeping my pages looking clean.
- Pencils + a good eraser. I like sketching out designs and layouts before committing to pen or marker. It saves me from making a few mistakes along the way!
You definitely don’t need every single one of these supplies to start a reading journal. A notebook and a few pens are more than enough! These are just the things I’ve found myself reaching for most often and that make journaling even more fun for me. The best part is making your journal your own.
You can shop my reading journal essentials on my Amazon list here!
Keep turning pages & falling in love. Happy reading! 💕
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you buy something through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and allowing me to share the books I love!
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