Are you familiar with bullet journaling? This popular method for organising life has been making waves on social media, but if you haven't caught onto the trend yet, don't worry! We've compiled all the essentials and reviewed some of the finest bullet journals available in 2024.
With nearly five years of experience in bullet journaling, I've tested numerous journals, pens, and mediums. Now, I'm using my expertise to pinpoint the best of the best. I've put various brands through rigorous testing with a variety of writing and art tools, sparing you the effort.
Hand-selecting five standout journals, I've conducted thorough evaluations, considering factors like construction, features, and value for money. Today, our spotlight is on the Scribbles & Dot Bullet Planner. Stay tuned to find out if it secures its place among the top contenders for the best bullet journals!
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner review
- Where to buy Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner
- Our verdict: should you buy the Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner
- Looking for more bullet journals?
Summary
This was my personal favourite among all the journals tested. With plenty of pages of high-quality 160gsm paper, plenty of features, and a cushioned cover that feels like it should come with a high-end price tag, all packaged at a fantastically affordable price, I believe we've found our winner.
- Buy now from Amazon (£14.95 | $13.95), Etsy (£17.95 | $23.72), Not on The High Street (£24.95)
How we tested
Five points were allocated across five critical categories: construction, writing tools, art tools, features, and value for money.
I tested each bullet journal with an array of writing tools, including fine liners, gel pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens, and more. I also tested various art mediums, such as watercolour, gouache, acrylic, and paint pens.
I considered factors like binding style, available sizes, cover material, and the number of pages. I also looked at internal elements like an index page, key, and page numbering.
Lastly, I took into account the price and overall value for money of each journal to determine the final score.
Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner review
Key features
- Paper gsm: 160
- Number of pages: 162
- Size: A5
- RRP: £17.95
Construction - 5/5
The Scribble & Dot bullet journal wins gold medal when it comes to construction, in my books (pardon the pun). The cushioned A5 cover is crafted from a deep green fabric, embossed with a gold foil monstera leaf motif. You can choose from a variety of different colours and motifs.
It's made up of 160 pages of 160gsm paper, and features two satin ribbon page markers, an elastic closure, and a pocket at the back for storing paper and stickers.
Like all the journals on test, its constructed with a sewn binding, and lays flat when opened at any page.
My favourite thing about this journal is the cover - the mottled-effect fabric means any scratches or wear goes unnoticed (although I haven't noticed any signs of wear yet, and I've been carrying it for a few weeks!). I also love the feeling of the cushioned cover and embossed motif, which makes it seem much more expensive than it is.
Writing tools - 5/5
Most of the pens I tested performed well, with the exception of the alcohol-based markers, which I included primarily for comparison.
The Staedtler fine liners, Pentel gel pens, rollerballs, and fountain pens displayed no feathering, ghosting, or bleeding. If you're not familiar with these terms, take a look at our buyers' guide.
The Pentel water-based brush pen did show slight ghosting on the opposite side of the page, but this was minimal compared to the significant bleed-through of the Sharpie and Promarker alcohol-based markers.
It's worth noting that bleeding and ghosting depends on how you use the pen. If you draw in clean swoops and swift marks, you're likely to avoid bleeding. However, if you linger in one place for too long and allow the ink to saturate, you're likely to encounter bleed-through.
Art tools - 5/5
I was thoroughly impressed with the results of the art mediums I tested, including watercolour, gouache, acrylic, and paint pens.
None of the paints exhibited bleeding, ghosting, or feathering, and even when heavily diluted with water, there was only minimal paper degradation.
Features - 4/5
The Scribble & Dot journal features a belongs to page, key, index, and pen test page. There's page numbers, which is handy, but no centre marks for finding the middle of the page easily.
Scribble & Dot also offer a pre-made dotted journal which includes a pre-drawn future log, habit trackers, mood trackers, weekly spreads, and more. This is fantastic value and would be a great option for those who aren't interested in spending lots of time designing spreads.
Value for money - 5/5
Although its cushioned hardback cover feels luxurious and expensive, effectively preventing marks or signs of wear, it’s one of the cheapest of the bunch! With the most pages among journals featuring 160gsm paper, it offers an abundance of features, and it arrives packaged in a box with gift paper, so would make an excellent gift choice.
It's the second cheapest bullet journal tested, and the most affordable option with 160gsm paper, making it a clear winner for value for money.
Where to buy Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner
- Buy now from Amazon (£14.95 | $13.95), Etsy (£17.95 | $23.72), Not on The High Street (£24.95)
Our verdict: should you buy Scribble & Dot Bullet Planner
I've been using this as my personal journal for the last few weeks - I picked it out of the others for its cushioned hardback cover which feels luxurious and expensive, and has no marks or signs of wear despite me lugging it all the way to Seville, and daily to the office. However, its the cheapest of the bunch!
I also like that the grid dots are fainter than the others on test, so its less obvious they're there when looking from a distance. However, I would appreciate a grid guide, and a key.
It comes nestled and tissue wrapped in a Scribble & Dot presentation box, so would be ideal for a gift, and it's my personal favourite.
Looking for more bullet journals?
If you're still browsing for bullet journals, check out our comprehensive guide to the best bullet journals for a full list of the journals on test.
