The Best Notebooks for Daily Pages

Discover why any notebook works for Daily Pages, and learn about my favorite picks for all creative styles.

Hi Friends!

Looking for your next Daily Pages notebook? Here are some tips that I’ve learned over the years to help you find one that matches your creative style and needs. Spoiler: Any notebook will do, but I'll share a few of my favorites and why they work for me!

Any Notebook Will Do

Any notebook you have will work just fine. There’s no perfect notebook, and you don’t need anything fancy to start your Daily Pages. Using something you already own is a great way to remove any pressure of finding ‘the perfect one’ (that’s not a thing). Whether it's an old notebook from a drawer or one you pick up at the store, the key is to just start. The most important part is getting your creative routine going.

• Use what you have: Don’t feel pressured to buy something new.

• Smaller is often more approachable, but any size will do.

• The most important thing is to begin. This is how you learn and get better.

My Favorite Notebooks (And Why)

I have a few favorite different notebooks that I love to use for Daily Pages. Each of these has its own unique features that make it perfect for different styles of creativity. For example, I love Field Notes notebooks (my most-used notebook) because they’re compact, easy to carry around, and great for collaging without getting too bulky. Everyday Explorers Co notebooks are wonderful if you're into stamping, while composition books are great if you want something inexpensive with lots of room to play. If you enjoy mixed media, DIY notebooks give you complete control over paper type and binding.

• Field Notes: I love the size, and they have just the right number of pages for a project.

• Everyday Explorers Co: These notebooks have great thicker paper, ideal for stamping and markers.

• Composition Books: Affordable, easy to find, and perfect if you want to spread out with your pages.

• DIY Notebooks: Making your own notebook allows you to choose the best paper and binding for your needs.

Size & Binding

Size and binding are personal preferences, and there’s no wrong choice here. My #1 tip is to try different notebooks out and see what works for you. Smaller notebooks, like passport or pocket-sized, tend to be more approachable, are easier to complete, and generally what I recommend to beginners. But if you love big, open spaces, go for a larger notebook that gives you all the room you need. As for binding, spiral, stitched, or tape-bound—whatever feels good to you will work just fine. Once you work your way through a few notebooks, you'll start to learn what you like, and what works for your personal routine.

• Pocket-Sized Notebooks: Smaller pages are easy to complete, and they’re easier to carry and store.

• Larger Notebooks: Ideal if you like having plenty of room to spread out your creativity.

• Binding Options: Spirals lay flat, while stitched notebooks have no center spacing and offer a nice, finished look.

Paper Types

Let’s talk about paper quality next. It’s something you might eventually want to think about, but it’s not crucial for your first notebook. If you’re just getting started, don’t stress about it—any paper will do. However, if you have specific needs, there are a few things to consider. If you like to work with wet media like paint, look for thicker paper that can handle it. If you love collaging, thinner paper can actually be great because it helps keep the notebook from getting too bulky.

• Experiment Freely: Your first notebook doesn’t need the exact right paper—exploring is an essential part of the process.

• Wet Media Considerations: Thicker paper will prevent bleed-through if you plan to paint or use markers.

• Collage-Friendly: Thinner paper is excellent for collaging without making the notebook too bulky.

Also, choosing your paper background—blank, lined, grids, etc.—depends on how you like to create. Personally, I find lined notebooks distracting, especially when I’m adding collage elements. I love dot grids because they offer structure without being overwhelming, giving me freedom while still providing guidance. Blank pages are perfect if you enjoy total creative freedom, like doodling or making big, expressive splashes. Pick the style that makes you feel most comfortable.

What About You?

Think about what you already have and what you like. Do you have a favorite notebook or type of paper that makes you feel excited to create? The best notebook for Daily Pages is the one that feels inviting and makes you want to put pen to paper. There’s truly no wrong choice—just the one that helps you get started.

• Reflect on Your Style: Are there notebooks that you’ve had success with in the past?

• Consider Accessibility: Which notebook is easiest for you to access and use on a regular basis?

• Follow Your Excitement: If you’ve got a little voice in your head saying “maybe I should use this one”; definitely go for it.

I’d love to hear about your favorite notebooks. What are you using for your Daily Pages? Drop a comment and let’s chat all things notebook.