Our Favorite Planners and Journals for 2026
Did you catch our segment on WKYT Everyday Kentucky? Read on for more great planning tips!The new year is here…and whether that means a new you or the same you, you’re probably feeling the annual urge to get organized and reflective. Look no further because we’re sharing our top picks for the planners and journals that will get any version of you through 2026!
Our Top Planner Pick: Mantra Weekly Planner
It’s no wonder this 2026 Planner, Daily Journal & Gratitude Journal All-In-One has earned a top spot on our list - it truly has everything. It’s the perfect size to carry everywhere, and every page is designed to keep life organized without feeling overwhelming. From daily to-do lists, habit trackers, self-care prompts, to space for gratitude reflections, it’s like having multiple planners rolled into one. Whether you’re mapping out your week, jotting down thoughts, or checking in on your goals, this planner effortlessly blends productivity with mindfulness, making it an instant favorite for busy, intentional moms.
2026 Planner Honorable Mention: Day Designer Planners
With the option of either a daily or weekly planner, staying organized has never been easier with the Day Designer planner! You’ll love the stunning cover designs, daily inspirational quotes, and goal-setting worksheets! This high-quality planner comes in two different sizes for added versatility! A perfect planner for busy moms!
Our Top Journal Pick: Intelligent Change’s Five Minute Journal
This is the journal we keep coming back to, especially in seasons when life feels full. The Five-Minute Journal is designed for moms who want the benefits of reflection without the pressure of long, time-consuming entries. With just a few intentional prompts in the morning and evening, it encourages gratitude, mindfulness, and a gentle pause in the day. What we love most is how realistic it feels - it meets you where you are, even on the busiest days. Simple, approachable, and easy to stick with, it’s no surprise this one earns our top spot.
2026 Journal Honorable Mention: Hobonichi Planners
If this is the year you want planning to feel fun again (and not like another chore), the Hobonichi planner might just be your new favorite thing. It’s all over Pinterest and TikTok for a reason, people love the beautiful paper, flexible layouts, and the freedom to make it their own. Some use it to keep family schedules straight, others turn it into a creative outlet with stickers, doodles, and memory-keeping moments. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who loves a fully decorated page, the Hobonichi makes planning feel personal, joyful, and something you actually look forward to opening each day.
And because choosing just one can feel impossible, we picked our top three favorite designs to make it easier to find one you’ll actually love using.
If florals are your thing, the Hobonichi Techo HON A5 in Liberty Fabrics’ Sasha Kiora is a pure planner eye-candy.
This Bow & Tie: Galloping Horses Hobonichi Weeks is equal parts practical and playful.
If clean lines and minimal design make your heart skip, this Hobonichi Graph Notebook (A5) is an instant classic.
LOOKING FOR MORE PLANNER TIPS?
Chief Mom Jeanine chatted with Living Local 15 host Jessica Williams about some tools and tricks to organize your planner for the new year. Watch now!
2026 Journal Honorable Mention: Gratitude Journal by Sugar Paper
Sugar Paper’s Gratitude Journal turns the little everyday wins into something tangible, and maybe even a little fun. Did the toddler nap for more than thirty minutes? Coffee stayed warm? Laundry got folded? Write it down. It’s a playful reminder that joy doesn’t have to be big or elaborate; sometimes noticing the small stuff is enough to shift your whole day.
If your kitchen notes are scattered across sticky tabs, random screenshots, and your phone’s camera roll, then settling down with the Lobster Gingham Recipe Journal by Papier feels like a breath of fresh air. Each page invites you to finally record the recipes you actually make, from family favorites, weeknight dinners, holiday classics, to those experimental dishes that might just become staples. With room for ingredients, method, personal ratings, and even your go‑to pairings, this journal turns kitchen chaos into a thoughtful collection you’ll actually return to again and again.
Let the first gift you give yourself in 2026 be one that gives all year long. Did your fave make the list? Tell us!
Psst… theCityMoms are an Amazon affiliate. We use affiliate links to support our staff and work through commissions, but our opinions are our own. We only share items we use and love.
