Thanks for sharing my planner. The four month section at the front is for future planning so you can write down things that get schedule for the when you are in the book for those first four months in your next book so you can write stuff down without carrying both books. Or when you are in book two and stuff gets scheduled into the next year. On the graph I do want to point out that it was printed darker in our samples but it is something I’m changing for 2026. I will be darkening the grid slightly so it’s easier to see even in a dark coffee shop ☕️ I do want to say that we all source the paper from the same company but Sanzen had consistency issues with their paper they produced for 2025 planners and none of us had control over which batch our paper came from or batches. Sadly the paper has been super inconsistent even in the same book across all brands. But rest assured many of us have been actively working with our manufacturers and Sanzen to improve their QC.
Thank you for sharing your insight into the production process the TRP with Sanzen. You know a lot more about these planners than I do! And I am very grateful you trusted me to share your planner in this video. I can tell a lot of heart and some sweat went into the design. I think you made a fantastic planner....and for a first planner- well it's amazing! thanks for explaining the 4 month section and the grid lines:)
I purchased Just Scribble in the horizontal layout and it’s divine! I put volume 1 in my Coach notebook cover and I can carry it everywhere. So much space to journal, plan the week at a glance and tackle those big focus items. Her trackers are ideal too.
As always, a super thoough video. I loved it! I am already having planner regret and loved seeing these planners side by side. I dont know if i could handle the ghosting, but i can see where I would enjoy this paper for memory keeping. I am sure these videos are a lot of work to put together and i appreciate yoh always bringing such a quality video to your community!❤
This is my second year in the Journey. I love all the trackers, I’m a routine girl and like to keep myself accountable. And I love to decorate, there is plenty of space to do that. I’m pretty sure the Plans by just scribble page you were asking about is a future planner for the following half a year, somewhere you can write down things coming up during those months rather then having to get the other book out and write them. Thank you for your videos, they are always packed with great info!
What a great testimonial! I love hearing from someone who has used the planner day in and day out;) And yes! you are right on that page in the the Plans! Thanks:)
I love the look of Paper Tess Designs and I know they offer a lot of unique layout features. I just haven't had one in my hands yet:) Thanks for sharing how much you love them:)
@@AmandasFavorites Yes, it’s a bit more tricky to get because you have to order from Germany. So it takes a while to get here. That was my hesitation to get it, but it was worth the wait!
I have gotten a few Wonderland 222 to share in past years but they have only made it onto to IG- not RUclips yet;) I agree they are another good option. I didn't know they were still using the original TRP! Thanks for sharing that:)
@BooksAndBigHair Hello I’ve considered it because of the layout but I can’t get past their logo, reminds me of Freddie from nightmare on elm street…creepy
@DesertGal I hated their old logo too!! They must’ve gotten feedback on it bc now it’s teeny tiny on the side and you can barely see it. And it’s easy to cover with a sticker. Once I saw that I tried it out and absolutely love it!
I wish I would have seen this about 4 months ago. I am about to go through bariatric surgery, and will have to keep track of my macros. The Journey Planner by Nisha Fernando is ideal for bariatric patients. The meal planning section is absolutely PERFECT for tracking macros, hydration, and workouts. Plus, I love the monthly trackers at the beginning. I think this planner is going to be my go to in the future.
No need to apologize I love your videos. I decided on the Hemlock and Oak B5 minimalist after your review for my 2025 planner. My first planner a few years ago was an EC because of one of your videos and I have been subscribed since.
I've switched from using the Cousin for three years to Hemlock and Oak on your recommendation. I am already loving it - i now have the separate weekly planner and am using the huge daily as my journal. The prompts have been genuinely useful for my goal and habit setting already. It's like having all the things I loved about the Cousin but with more beautiful paper. Not needing to flick back and forth and keeping my planning separate from my journaling just feels so much more natural.
To be quite honest, I tried Sterling Ink last year, and did not like it. The quality is just not there compared to Hobonichi, the binding, paper stitching doesn't feel the same. I was wondering why I'm trying to replace Hobonichi, like seriously Hobonichi is the best in this. It's not just the paper, but also a true display of art. I love the quirkiness of different pages, the Japanese characters, and random funny quotes. Hobonichi is a blank book that can be used for purposes more than a planner, I seriously did not like the goal oriented pre-set layouts, it feels too confining and demanding to live a productive life. My life book cannot be only about productivity, it needs to be my life book, not someone else's definition of how life should be.
Just a heads up for anyone reading these comments hoping to use the discount code or affiliate link and who has the Honey browser extension -- if you'd genuinely like to support the creator while buying an item you want, best to uninstall or at least disable Honey! This goes for any creator or influencer with an affiliate code. The extension is known to switch out affiliate link URL parameters or codes so that creators won't be properly credited and instead the credit will go to Honey. I'm sure similar extensions do the same thing. Just FYI!
This strengthened my love for Sterling Ink planners. Not only is the quality and format amazing, she actually listens and interacts with people and I support that beyond all else. And the way she made sure this year her planners would still be available well into 2025!
I am one of the many people who ended up not using all of the TRP planners they bought due to the paper issue and yes it has been frustrating and disappointing. However, what I really want to share is that despite that disappointment, in no way do I blame the shops. Many are small businesses and entrepreneurs who have worked hard and taken on personal risk to bring us new and innovative products. The shops I ordered from have amazing customer service. They also had no control over the paper quality issue. If any of you are reading this, please know that I appreciate you and will buy again in the future (and I hope others in the community feel the same)❤
Thank you for this excellent review of the planners. It is extremely detailed and just what I am looking for. I am currently using a Hobonichi "day-free". I've become interested in planners over the last month or two.
This is such a useful video, thank you. I have . . . all of these except the Aura Estelle, because I have planner issues, except I have the horizontal Plans by Just Scribble. I love love love Plans. I’m really enjoying. Hasn’t stopped me from having a bunch of other planners for various things, but the Plans is my main planner.
REMARKABLY helpful. I appreciate the lead work you did to share these with us. SO challenging to choose a planner each year. I end up with too many. I loved the Wonderland 222. I used it for 2 years - one undated version, one dated. I was disappointed that it changed this year just as I got acclimated to it. I'm back in a hobonichi Cousin for my main planner. I do wish they'd drop the time line on the daily pages. Thanks again. Heading over to your 2025 stack video now to see which of these you chose.
Next, I’m going for the aura Estelle. I’ve been wanting one of her planners for a long time and I’m going to add one. I’m just not sure which one yet. They’re gorgeous as well. I never thought I’d be a bound planner girl, I guess I am. I still have my Mo Terme personal rings and I love that too. I used to be into happy planner, but you know what it’s just too immature for me. It’s just doesn’t look professional when I take it out to use it and I feel bad in my heart. I want something to reflect who I am as a woman and happy planner is not dead but I do enjoy your video here. Sharing this and thank you very much.
Hi Amanda, this is such an amazing comparison. I am so loving Plans from Just Scribble in the horizontal. The 4 months next to the 2025 yearly calendar are for forward planning because it is 2 books. So basically the next 4 months after the first book ends. Thanks again for this comparison!
I always think of something else after I hit send-- I've been doing bound book/Tomoe River Paper planning for 3 years now and am hooked on the crinkle of the paper. I have 3 years of Aura Estelle/Annie Plans and Sterling Ink planners, and I think the difference you're seeing in the ghosting is that Just Scribble and Aura Estelle use whiter paper. It's subtle, but I love the white, smoother paper (I think Shivan may have said that they are similar because they both use white.) I also picked up the Twines and Paper hybrid with both a horizontal and vertical weekly, which is working so great for me as a work planner so far. (I did work last week so we are talking about a week and a half...) I also have a Planner Tess Designs B6 daily from last year and her weeks size "weekly notebook" that I'm using as a health planner for a second year. Her paper is creamier somehow, and I love the more structured layout in the weekly. They are all pretty similar feel-wise, and it came down to layout for me this year.
Great video, the most comprehensive TRP comparison. 🙌🏻 I have committed to a TRP for 2025, for the first time. I’m using PaperTess, because of the layout having the bundled month, week and blank dailies. But I see a lot of value in the other layouts which makes this so challenging and fun! Thanks for the print comparison! So important. That’s one of the biggest changes to work through moving from an 80 lb paper planner to TRP.
This is my first year in the Journey planner and I love it! I was looking for a new everyday planner because my old one stopped working for me. (It was a daily spiral and short on space.) Not only does Journey give me the room I need to plan and decorate, the meal tracking section is perfect! This is going to be my everything planner going forward. I'm so excited to have found it in time to preorder one! ETA: The Pilot Juice Up 04 pen is perfection on the TRP paper. I did a lot of experimenting and you do not want to know how many pens I own because of it. 🙂
You really had me laughing at the pen comment! I know I have a juice up...not sure if I have a .4....I bet it's .5. It's never been a fave of mine so I need to dig them out and try it;) And what a great testimonial on the Journey Planner!
The Journey planner is intriguing! My planner this year is the Papertessdesigns Manager’s Notebook (A5) - and I’m loving it so far. It would be another great Hobonichi alternative for those who are looking. Love your videos as always!!
Nothing can beat the hobonichi cousin for me. I really love they've added colour into each spread, it somehow helps my brain get a better visual over the different information being displayed, as well as keeping things interesting by switching colour monthly on the daily pages. The other planners are too grey for me, and I don't like how dark the lines and letters are. I fully agree with you that it's so amazing we have such a great selection to choose from. Thank you for such a thorough comparison!
I’m trying the journey planner after finding planner peace in a hobonichi weeks. Everything I love about the weeks, simple, compact, functional is different from the journey planner besides functional. It’s already built in the journey, no drawing out trackers, meal tracking, goal pages. But it’s almost too much. So much so I’m trying to learn how to use it which is hard to believe. I’m actually using them simultaneously to see which one I’ll stick it out in. Particularly since I spent $78 pre-ordering the journey with a cover. But you are complete right. The planner is gorgeous and so inclusive of anything you’d need.
I loved the Journey planner but was so disappointed that I misunderstood the lay out with the months, weeklies and dailies being in separate sections. I also used Aura Estelle Classic Daily. I loved that the month, weeks and dailies are all together by month. I decided try Sterling Ink this year to see how I like it.
Personally love that there’s so many options! I narrowed mine down to Sterling Ink and Aura Estelle as they offered the size, layout and page setup (ie I wanted all my monthly layouts together, B6, and horizontal weeklies with a fully blank page on the right). Sterling Ink won due to shipping costs to Australia, but I think Aura Estelle would have been fine as well. Anyway, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy with a planner, and now I’m just hoping I stick to it all year!
When I had Hobonichi Cousin, the first months and then weeks layout was driving me crazy. I switched to Aura Estelle, and it's truly planner peace now.
I’m still in my 20s so my eyes are still okay so I actually really enjoy the lighter printing. I find it quite soothing on the eyes. But I can definitely understand someone with hyperopia getting frustrated with the lightly printed grids and layouts. And in more moody lighting I also struggle to see the grid so I found a really amazing clip on reading light that makes a big difference😍 I used a Hobonichi A6 in 2024 and am using an A6 common planner this year and I’m super happy with it 🥰
I purchased a Sterling Ink commonplace planner for the first time this past December. It was my Christmas gift to myself. I ordered the TN1, in the Mulberry, with the gold foiling. I haven’t officially started using it, because I want to do a video about it, but I did take it out of the package to examine it because of what everyone was saying about the covers. My personal planner is beautiful! There was no markings on the cover, there was nothing wrong with the foil on the edges, and the only thing that I saw was the little stitch backs that was along the binding. Those little raised up areas that go up the binding, that was the only thing that I saw. I watched a lot of videos with people on RUclips that had covers that they weren’t happy with, and I get it because you’re paying $50 for something. But at the same time, I felt that Catherine was very transparent about the issues that they were experiencing with the printer. Or with the company that did the covers, I don’t remember exactly what it was. So I already anticipated something being wrong with it and I still purchased it because The planner itself is exactly what I need to organize my life and my business and being a business owner, I understand, that sometimes things don’t always go the way we intended, and we had to move forward. People can either choose to buy or not to buy, but I couldn’t understand why people were choosing to buy and then publicly complaining about it. Anyway, it’s a gorgeous planner in my opinion. I’m gonna be ordering the cover and then her weeks version next. I am a Sterling Ink girl!!
I am so glad you love yours! I agree...I think when an owner is transparent- people need to not buy if they know they want perfection (which there is no such thing):)
No plans to get one at this time but yours is the first video that made any of the TRP planners even remotely tempting to me. If I had to choose it would be the common planner.
The section at the beginning of the Plans by Just Scribble with a few months and some blank lines next to each month, is for future planning. Since each is a 6 month planner, she gives you a few months after each planner ends for future planning.
I bought the plans in October because I am trying to carry only one planner. I carried 2 from work to home so I was trying to combine everything. So far so good but the paper I am not a fan because last year I used Erin Condren and Sprouted planner for work. So will see how long I last with paper but her layout is awesome 🤩
I understand...you either love the TRP or you don't. The closest planner layouts and look with amazing 80# paper is Hemlock & Oak:) I have a video and discount code on those if you haven't seen t hem yet:)
@ I did watch that video and love them except I like daily pages, too, lol! They would have to make it into 3 books or it’d be too big to pick up 🤣😂Thanks for the input❤️
Hi Amanda! The 2025 version supposedly has the same paper, but my copy of the Cousin has bad bleed through. Compared to 2024, this years paper is hit or miss in terms of quality, I’ve heard. I wish you had a 2025 Cousin to compare because it really is different this year in mine. But thank you so much for your thorough look at these planners! It really helped.
Thanks for the heads up on your 25' paper. I have heard that across the board:( I've heard it from Aura Estelle too. Hopefully next year they can get that fixed with Sanzen. I hope you can still enjoy your cousin this year;)
This video was amazing . I’m new to your channel but this is exactly what I needed to see. If I would like the Tomoe river paper for journaling and memory keeping only does the hobonichi or sterling ink just sell the paper in notebook form only with the monthly and weekly . As I would love that . I don want a true planner also but just curious . You helped me narrow my choices to the cousin and sterling ink too which. Hmmm decisions decisions lol. May I should try a smaller size like the weeks or N1 first
You're right, there are so many great options and that's why it's tough to choose! SI and Hobonichi both have notebook options and so many planner options too. I bet you can find one that will fit what you want for journaling:)And a smaller size is a great way to test it and not feel too much pressure to have a lot of room to fill out. Have fun with it!
Common Planner makes a B5 vertical - that's what I'm loving! None of the other companies make a big planner like that. Question ❓Do you remember where you got that cute house wash tape that is on the bottom of the Sterling Ink January month page in this video? Thanks so much for this review - super helpful as it confirmed my choice for this year.
@@AmandasFavorites I am addicted to your videos as I am always interested in new planners but I'm left handed so binding and pens matter. I am also a perfectionist so I strictly use Frixon pens and markers. I'd love to see you review those more in your pen tests. I've held off with TRP planners because I'm unsure if they would hold up to erasing.
For the Plans planner, said you were asking about the layout with the months and then the lines next to each of them? That’s for you to put down the most important dates for that particular month, I imagine. I’ve seen that other planners. But they have a month with some space for you to write and ululate the things that you know are going to happen in that month.
This was not an exhaustive list;) I have shared Wonderland 222 several past years on IG and I think it's a great planner! Thanks for sharing your love for it!
Yes! I agree Wonderland 222 is great. I've shared it in past years on IG...it hasn't made it in a YT vid yet;) Thanks for watching and sharing with me;)
I really loved using the Wonderland222 planner that has Tomoe River paper in it in 2023. I didn’t buy it in 2024 or 2025 because their colors have been very dull. If they brought back the pretty pastel covers I’d consider it again. Many of these are very similar though.
I love the TR paper even though there will always be ghosting. I love fountain pens, very inky pens, and the markers. Out of these planners, I would choose between the Journey planner and the Sterling Ink because of the print on the vertical columns. I prefer darker lines. Also, if its possible, to check Rosey Life planner. I have the A5 full year in TR paper, they offer 80LB paper planners this year too.
What do you think about the Rosey Life Planner? It is similar to these that you reviewed. I've always wondered about it but not many people have done videos on it.
I have used 2 Muji planners for content planning several years ago and I loved them! I still have one and could pull it out...the paper is much thicker than the TRP and not nearly the ghosting! But I loved the Muji:)
@ I’ve been using the vertical Muji planner for my health, to track what I ate at what time, step count, meds, symptoms etc. I’m on year 3, and it’s helped so much when I have to backtrack before going to medical appts.
This was definitely not an exhaustive list:) Many amazing brands are not here. I have shared Wonderland 222 on IG in past years...It's a great option too:)
Personally I would not be able to use any of these books that you talk about due to the ghosting on the papers. I enjoy using color pens and markers And just could not deal with that showing through . I also noticed that the purple book you showed had a big stain On the upper right hand corner. That makes me think that the cover is not all that Durable. I am trying the Sprouted Planner this year.
I can’t speak for others but I had planned to launch in another paper gsm but had to pivot because the paper wasn’t up to snuff. The only option I had that worked for 2025 as a result was the Sanzen 52gsm TRP. But I’ve been testing other papers for future launches because 1) not everyone likes TRP and 2) Sanzens quality control for the batches made for 2025 planner and notebook production was not good and many of us are dealing with issues that the paper hasn’t had in the past as a result.
I understand your feelings. And the mark on the Commom planner is just an oil mark from lotion or oils on my hands....unfortunately I think that type of cover might show those things. But I am not that careful with my personal planners because I just like to use them and love them...and this was going to be my personal planner for the year so I spent some time setting things up before this video;)
I'm disappointed in how ghosty all these planners are. I wanted to try a sterling ink and its pretty meh in that sense. i'll be sticking to other brands with thicker /less ghosting papers in the future.
That's how most TRP paper is....unless you find a really thick one. Ive heard Rosey Life Planner has 80gsm TRP....I just learned about this one last week. Hopefully I can try it out sometime;)
What’s Missing for me? A SUNDAY Start 🥰. But Based on what you shared I think Sterling ink is my fave with less ghosting and lighter text than the rest. The Rosey Life Planner is another forerunner to Sterling Ink for me. I like light text to help yet not overpower my pages. I do own Undated Aura Estelle’s and will use at some point. I currently use Paper Tess for daily Scripture reading and thoughts plus quick prayer list. This is my 2nd year a row, and really like so much about it! The only thing I don’t like is the shipping fee, similar to Hobonichi’s at $26 as it comes from the UK. Might be less if less weight. I’m using an A5 Sterling Ink for my budget planner and have turned it into a 4yr so thankfully I don’t have to think about for a while. I use Archer & Olive notebooks for my personal journal, prayer journal and Topical Bible study journal. Last I have an a6 Hobonichi 1 year English planner without all the color yet it does have the wonky quotes I cover up. This is my appointments, daily productivity, to do’s & got it done’s and monthly shopping lists. I’d really love to somehow combine this with my a5 Paper Tess but last year doing it I found having so many personal thoughts and practical stuff together just didn’t work for me. So this year it’s separate. I’m keeping up so far and find it super helpful to compartmentalize. The book I have in front of me is the one I focus on not having access to flip a page and get lost in a different section. Since I stay home I have access to them all at any time unless running errands which is where my a6 comes along. Next year…I’ll use what I have, which is plenty and mostly undated or completely blank and I can copy layouts I like in the order I want to the books I want to use. Thank you so much and yes super helpful in knowing I’m still looking for the perfect one and in the meantime it’s PaperTess 💕
I loved hearing your planner line up and system:) And I've heard so many people love Paper Tess! I am glad you are happy with it too! And I just found Rosey Life Planner last week!
@AmandasFavorites Oh…the adventure has just begun!!! I think her prices are comparable to Sterling ink…largest sticker kit $50 vs $60 but you get more too so it’s pretty fair! 💕 enjoy!
This is such a useful video, thank you. I have . . . all of these except the Aura Estelle, because I have planner issues, except I have the horizontal Plans by Just Scribble. I love love love Plans. I’m really enjoying. Hasn’t stopped me from having a bunch of other planners for various things, but the Plans is my main planner.
Thanks for sharing my planner.
The four month section at the front is for future planning so you can write down things that get schedule for the when you are in the book for those first four months in your next book so you can write stuff down without carrying both books. Or when you are in book two and stuff gets scheduled into the next year.
On the graph I do want to point out that it was printed darker in our samples but it is something I’m changing for 2026. I will be darkening the grid slightly so it’s easier to see even in a dark coffee shop ☕️
I do want to say that we all source the paper from the same company but Sanzen had consistency issues with their paper they produced for 2025 planners and none of us had control over which batch our paper came from or batches. Sadly the paper has been super inconsistent even in the same book across all brands. But rest assured many of us have been actively working with our manufacturers and Sanzen to improve their QC.
Thank you for sharing your insight into the production process the TRP with Sanzen. You know a lot more about these planners than I do! And I am very grateful you trusted me to share your planner in this video. I can tell a lot of heart and some sweat went into the design. I think you made a fantastic planner....and for a first planner- well it's amazing! thanks for explaining the 4 month section and the grid lines:)
@@AmandasFavorites thank you so much for your kind words!!
I purchased Just Scribble in the horizontal layout and it’s divine! I put volume 1 in my Coach notebook cover and I can carry it everywhere. So much space to journal, plan the week at a glance and tackle those big focus items. Her trackers are ideal too.
As always, a super thoough video. I loved it! I am already having planner regret and loved seeing these planners side by side. I dont know if i could handle the ghosting, but i can see where I would enjoy this paper for memory keeping. I am sure these videos are a lot of work to put together and i appreciate yoh always bringing such a quality video to your community!❤
Aw, thank you:) I am glad it was helpful to you!
This is my second year in the Journey. I love all the trackers, I’m a routine girl and like to keep myself accountable. And I love to decorate, there is plenty of space to do that. I’m pretty sure the Plans by just scribble page you were asking about is a future planner for the following half a year, somewhere you can write down things coming up during those months rather then having to get the other book out and write them. Thank you for your videos, they are always packed with great info!
What a great testimonial! I love hearing from someone who has used the planner day in and day out;) And yes! you are right on that page in the the Plans! Thanks:)
Another option is the Papertess Designs Weekly Notebook. It’s similar to Hobonichi, but a bit more structured, which is perfect for me!
I love the look of Paper Tess Designs and I know they offer a lot of unique layout features. I just haven't had one in my hands yet:) Thanks for sharing how much you love them:)
@@AmandasFavorites another with a super cool layout is Twines and Paper Hybrid Weekly
@agapeamar same here, this is my 2nd year in the Paper Tess, got her Sand and Rose Gold a5. So pretty and love the layout.
@@AmandasFavorites Yes, it’s a bit more tricky to get because you have to order from Germany. So it takes a while to get here. That was my hesitation to get it, but it was worth the wait!
Another one is the Wonderland222. It’s the only one that currently still uses the original Tomoe River paper!!
I have gotten a few Wonderland 222 to share in past years but they have only made it onto to IG- not RUclips yet;) I agree they are another good option. I didn't know they were still using the original TRP! Thanks for sharing that:)
@BooksAndBigHair Hello I’ve considered it because of the layout but I can’t get past their logo, reminds me of Freddie from nightmare on elm street…creepy
@DesertGal I hated their old logo too!! They must’ve gotten feedback on it bc now it’s teeny tiny on the side and you can barely see it. And it’s easy to cover with a sticker. Once I saw that I tried it out and absolutely love it!
@AmandasFavorites you’re welcome! I think you may like that one :)
@BooksAndBigHair Oh good to know!!!! Okay I’ll check them out again thanks for letting me know 🥰
I wish I would have seen this about 4 months ago. I am about to go through bariatric surgery, and will have to keep track of my macros. The Journey Planner by Nisha Fernando is ideal for bariatric patients. The meal planning section is absolutely PERFECT for tracking macros, hydration, and workouts. Plus, I love the monthly trackers at the beginning. I think this planner is going to be my go to in the future.
I feel the same way. I already bought my planner for 2025 last week. I’m interested in getting the journey planner for 2026.
I am sorry this didn't come out in time to help you! Maybe it's #1 on your list for next year;)
No need to apologize I love your videos. I decided on the Hemlock and Oak B5 minimalist after your review for my 2025 planner. My first planner a few years ago was an EC because of one of your videos and I have been subscribed since.
I've switched from using the Cousin for three years to Hemlock and Oak on your recommendation. I am already loving it - i now have the separate weekly planner and am using the huge daily as my journal. The prompts have been genuinely useful for my goal and habit setting already. It's like having all the things I loved about the Cousin but with more beautiful paper. Not needing to flick back and forth and keeping my planning separate from my journaling just feels so much more natural.
I love h+o too ❤
Oh good! I am so glad you love your new H & O system already:) It is pretty amazing!
To be quite honest, I tried Sterling Ink last year, and did not like it. The quality is just not there compared to Hobonichi, the binding, paper stitching doesn't feel the same. I was wondering why I'm trying to replace Hobonichi, like seriously Hobonichi is the best in this. It's not just the paper, but also a true display of art. I love the quirkiness of different pages, the Japanese characters, and random funny quotes. Hobonichi is a blank book that can be used for purposes more than a planner, I seriously did not like the goal oriented pre-set layouts, it feels too confining and demanding to live a productive life. My life book cannot be only about productivity, it needs to be my life book, not someone else's definition of how life should be.
I loved hearing your honest thoughts on these TRP planners;) Thanks for watching and taking time to share;)
Thanks so much for this video Amanda! You're right there are so many unique features even in planners that are very similar to each other!
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Just a heads up for anyone reading these comments hoping to use the discount code or affiliate link and who has the Honey browser extension -- if you'd genuinely like to support the creator while buying an item you want, best to uninstall or at least disable Honey! This goes for any creator or influencer with an affiliate code. The extension is known to switch out affiliate link URL parameters or codes so that creators won't be properly credited and instead the credit will go to Honey. I'm sure similar extensions do the same thing. Just FYI!
Thank you so much for sharing that. Affiliate links are a huge part of keeping my channel up and going. xxx
Thank you, for doing this comparison. So helpful.
You are so welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
This strengthened my love for Sterling Ink planners. Not only is the quality and format amazing, she actually listens and interacts with people and I support that beyond all else. And the way she made sure this year her planners would still be available well into 2025!
Several of us do all of this 😉
Thanks for sharing your thoughts:) I am so glad you love your Common Planner:)
I agree with you!
I am one of the many people who ended up not using all of the TRP planners they bought due to the paper issue and yes it has been frustrating and disappointing. However, what I really want to share is that despite that disappointment, in no way do I blame the shops. Many are small businesses and entrepreneurs who have worked hard and taken on personal risk to bring us new and innovative products. The shops I ordered from have amazing customer service. They also had no control over the paper quality issue. If any of you are reading this, please know that I appreciate you and will buy again in the future (and I hope others in the community feel the same)❤
Thank you for sharing that Cheri! I agree with you 100%!
Thank you for this excellent review of the planners. It is extremely detailed and just what I am looking for. I am currently using a Hobonichi "day-free". I've become interested in planners over the last month or two.
Welcome to the planner world! So glad this was helpful:)
Rosey life planner!! It’s if hobonichi and sterling ink had a baby.
I just found the Rosey Life Planner last week:) And now several people have mentioned it on this video. I would love to get it in my hands:)
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review!
Thanks for watching:) I hope it was helpful:) Happy New year:)
This is such a useful video, thank you. I have . . . all of these except the Aura Estelle, because I have planner issues, except I have the horizontal Plans by Just Scribble. I love love love Plans. I’m really enjoying. Hasn’t stopped me from having a bunch of other planners for various things, but the Plans is my main planner.
REMARKABLY helpful. I appreciate the lead work you did to share these with us. SO challenging to choose a planner each year. I end up with too many. I loved the Wonderland 222. I used it for 2 years - one undated version, one dated. I was disappointed that it changed this year just as I got acclimated to it. I'm back in a hobonichi Cousin for my main planner. I do wish they'd drop the time line on the daily pages. Thanks again. Heading over to your 2025 stack video now to see which of these you chose.
Thanks for sharing your experience in both those planners;) I hear you on the time line...I don't use it either and it just clutters the page more;)
As always a super detailed video thanks.
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Next, I’m going for the aura Estelle. I’ve been wanting one of her planners for a long time and I’m going to add one. I’m just not sure which one yet. They’re gorgeous as well. I never thought I’d be a bound planner girl, I guess I am. I still have my Mo Terme personal rings and I love that too. I used to be into happy planner, but you know what it’s just too immature for me. It’s just doesn’t look professional when I take it out to use it and I feel bad in my heart. I want something to reflect who I am as a woman and happy planner is not dead but I do enjoy your video here. Sharing this and thank you very much.
I am glad this video was helpful:)
Hi Amanda, this is such an amazing comparison. I am so loving Plans from Just Scribble in the horizontal. The 4 months next to the 2025 yearly calendar are for forward planning because it is 2 books. So basically the next 4 months after the first book ends. Thanks again for this comparison!
I always think of something else after I hit send-- I've been doing bound book/Tomoe River Paper planning for 3 years now and am hooked on the crinkle of the paper. I have 3 years of Aura Estelle/Annie Plans and Sterling Ink planners, and I think the difference you're seeing in the ghosting is that Just Scribble and Aura Estelle use whiter paper. It's subtle, but I love the white, smoother paper (I think Shivan may have said that they are similar because they both use white.) I also picked up the Twines and Paper hybrid with both a horizontal and vertical weekly, which is working so great for me as a work planner so far. (I did work last week so we are talking about a week and a half...) I also have a Planner Tess Designs B6 daily from last year and her weeks size "weekly notebook" that I'm using as a health planner for a second year. Her paper is creamier somehow, and I love the more structured layout in the weekly. They are all pretty similar feel-wise, and it came down to layout for me this year.
Thanks for the shout out 💗
I’m so glad you liked the comparison. Thanks for chiming in on the 4 months;)
Thank you for chiming in with experience in all those planners! That makes sense about the white paper vs a little cream in it.
Great video, the most comprehensive TRP comparison. 🙌🏻 I have committed to a TRP for 2025, for the first time. I’m using PaperTess, because of the layout having the bundled month, week and blank dailies. But I see a lot of value in the other layouts which makes this so challenging and fun! Thanks for the print comparison! So important. That’s one of the biggest changes to work through moving from an 80 lb paper planner to TRP.
I've had so many people tell me they are loving their Paper Tess Designs!
This is my first year in the Journey planner and I love it! I was looking for a new everyday planner because my old one stopped working for me. (It was a daily spiral and short on space.) Not only does Journey give me the room I need to plan and decorate, the meal tracking section is perfect! This is going to be my everything planner going forward. I'm so excited to have found it in time to preorder one!
ETA: The Pilot Juice Up 04 pen is perfection on the TRP paper. I did a lot of experimenting and you do not want to know how many pens I own because of it. 🙂
You really had me laughing at the pen comment! I know I have a juice up...not sure if I have a .4....I bet it's .5. It's never been a fave of mine so I need to dig them out and try it;) And what a great testimonial on the Journey Planner!
The Journey planner is intriguing! My planner this year is the Papertessdesigns Manager’s Notebook (A5) - and I’m loving it so far. It would be another great Hobonichi alternative for those who are looking. Love your videos as always!!
I've heard of so many people loving their Paper Tess Designs!
Also there’s 30 notes pages in the back with notes pages also in between every month and week as well in plans. I use the horizontal
Thank you for pointing that out! It's a great planner and I love hearing from someone who uses it;)
Nothing can beat the hobonichi cousin for me. I really love they've added colour into each spread, it somehow helps my brain get a better visual over the different information being displayed, as well as keeping things interesting by switching colour monthly on the daily pages. The other planners are too grey for me, and I don't like how dark the lines and letters are. I fully agree with you that it's so amazing we have such a great selection to choose from. Thank you for such a thorough comparison!
Thanks for chiming in on why you love Hobonichi best:)
I’m trying the journey planner after finding planner peace in a hobonichi weeks. Everything I love about the weeks, simple, compact, functional is different from the journey planner besides functional. It’s already built in the journey, no drawing out trackers, meal tracking, goal pages. But it’s almost too much. So much so I’m trying to learn how to use it which is hard to believe. I’m actually using them simultaneously to see which one I’ll stick it out in. Particularly since I spent $78 pre-ordering the journey with a cover. But you are complete right. The planner is gorgeous and so inclusive of anything you’d need.
It’s interesting to hear about your journey planner experience; It would be a BIG change from Hobonichi Weeks for sure! I hope it works out for you:)
I loved the Journey planner but was so disappointed that I misunderstood the lay out with the months, weeklies and dailies being in separate sections. I also used Aura Estelle Classic Daily. I loved that the month, weeks and dailies are all together by month. I decided try Sterling Ink this year to see how I like it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. I hope the Sterling Ink works out for you this year;)
Personally love that there’s so many options! I narrowed mine down to Sterling Ink and Aura Estelle as they offered the size, layout and page setup (ie I wanted all my monthly layouts together, B6, and horizontal weeklies with a fully blank page on the right). Sterling Ink won due to shipping costs to Australia, but I think Aura Estelle would have been fine as well.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy with a planner, and now I’m just hoping I stick to it all year!
Yay! I am so glad you already love the Common Planner you picked;)
I have the Aura Estelle daily. I like that the week and daily pages follow the month view. I don’t care for all the months being clumped together.
When I had Hobonichi Cousin, the first months and then weeks layout was driving me crazy.
I switched to Aura Estelle, and it's truly planner peace now.
I love how there are so many companies giving us different options!
I’m still in my 20s so my eyes are still okay so I actually really enjoy the lighter printing. I find it quite soothing on the eyes. But I can definitely understand someone with hyperopia getting frustrated with the lightly printed grids and layouts. And in more moody lighting I also struggle to see the grid so I found a really amazing clip on reading light that makes a big difference😍 I used a Hobonichi A6 in 2024 and am using an A6 common planner this year and I’m super happy with it 🥰
Thank you for sharing the reading light hack! I never thought of using one for planning! Great idea:)
This was super helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was;) Thanks!
Great video! Really informative and really helpful. Ty
I purchased a Sterling Ink commonplace planner for the first time this past December. It was my Christmas gift to myself. I ordered the TN1, in the Mulberry, with the gold foiling.
I haven’t officially started using it, because I want to do a video about it, but I did take it out of the package to examine it because of what everyone was saying about the covers.
My personal planner is beautiful! There was no markings on the cover, there was nothing wrong with the foil on the edges, and the only thing that I saw was the little stitch backs that was along the binding. Those little raised up areas that go up the binding, that was the only thing that I saw.
I watched a lot of videos with people on RUclips that had covers that they weren’t happy with, and I get it because you’re paying $50 for something.
But at the same time, I felt that Catherine was very transparent about the issues that they were experiencing with the printer. Or with the company that did the covers, I don’t remember exactly what it was. So I already anticipated something being wrong with it and I still purchased it because The planner itself is exactly what I need to organize my life and my business and being a business owner, I understand, that sometimes things don’t always go the way we intended, and we had to move forward. People can either choose to buy or not to buy, but I couldn’t understand why people were choosing to buy and then publicly complaining about it.
Anyway, it’s a gorgeous planner in my opinion. I’m gonna be ordering the cover and then her weeks version next. I am a Sterling Ink girl!!
I am so glad you love yours! I agree...I think when an owner is transparent- people need to not buy if they know they want perfection (which there is no such thing):)
No plans to get one at this time but yours is the first video that made any of the TRP planners even remotely tempting to me. If I had to choose it would be the common planner.
Oh, wow:) I am so happy my video was helpful for you.
The section at the beginning of the Plans by Just Scribble with a few months and some blank lines next to each month, is for future planning. Since each is a 6 month planner, she gives you a few months after each planner ends for future planning.
Thank you:)
I bought the plans in October because I am trying to carry only one planner. I carried 2 from work to home so I was trying to combine everything. So far so good but the paper I am not a fan because last year I used Erin Condren and Sprouted planner for work. So will see how long I last with paper but her layout is awesome 🤩
Thank you 😊
I’m glad you are enjoying it. I am looking at other paper options for future releases that you might like a little better. 💗
I would love that, especially abnone ghosting type of paper@JustScribble
I agree her layout is great:) And people either love or don't love the TRP;)
Have you looked at the Take A Note planner? I really like the looks of that one
I have a review up on it here:) It's awesome:)
@ Ooh - I’ll go check it out!
Great video, very helpful! I wish they came with regular paper! tfs❤
I understand...you either love the TRP or you don't. The closest planner layouts and look with amazing 80# paper is Hemlock & Oak:) I have a video and discount code on those if you haven't seen t hem yet:)
@ I did watch that video and love them except I like daily pages, too, lol! They would have to make it into 3 books or it’d be too big to pick up 🤣😂Thanks for the input❤️
Hi Amanda! The 2025 version supposedly has the same paper, but my copy of the Cousin has bad bleed through. Compared to 2024, this years paper is hit or miss in terms of quality, I’ve heard. I wish you had a 2025 Cousin to compare because it really is different this year in mine. But thank you so much for your thorough look at these planners! It really helped.
Thanks for the heads up on your 25' paper. I have heard that across the board:( I've heard it from Aura Estelle too. Hopefully next year they can get that fixed with Sanzen. I hope you can still enjoy your cousin this year;)
This video was amazing . I’m new to your channel but this is exactly what I needed to see. If I would like the Tomoe river paper for journaling and memory keeping only does the hobonichi or sterling ink just sell the paper in notebook form only with the monthly and weekly . As I would love that . I don want a true planner also but just curious . You helped me narrow my choices to the cousin and sterling ink too which. Hmmm decisions decisions lol. May I should try a smaller size like the weeks or N1 first
You're right, there are so many great options and that's why it's tough to choose! SI and Hobonichi both have notebook options and so many planner options too. I bet you can find one that will fit what you want for journaling:)And a smaller size is a great way to test it and not feel too much pressure to have a lot of room to fill out. Have fun with it!
Common Planner makes a B5 vertical - that's what I'm loving! None of the other companies make a big planner like that. Question ❓Do you remember where you got that cute house wash tape that is on the bottom of the Sterling Ink January month page in this video? Thanks so much for this review - super helpful as it confirmed my choice for this year.
Yes B5 is Awesome! The house washi I am 99% sure is from London Gifties...I don't have a discount code for her shop.
Could you use Frixion pens with this paper?
Came to ask this same thing!
Yes 😊 they write really well and not as much ghosting
Good question- you can...I should have thought to share that.
@@AmandasFavorites I am addicted to your videos as I am always interested in new planners but I'm left handed so binding and pens matter. I am also a perfectionist so I strictly use Frixon pens and markers. I'd love to see you review those more in your pen tests. I've held off with TRP planners because I'm unsure if they would hold up to erasing.
For the Plans planner, said you were asking about the layout with the months and then the lines next to each of them? That’s for you to put down the most important dates for that particular month, I imagine. I’ve seen that other planners. But they have a month with some space for you to write and ululate the things that you know are going to happen in that month.
Thank you:) I am not sure why my brain wasn't working there when I recorded this video:)
Have you tried Take a note planner? Their A5 and A6 have 68 gsm TRP paper.
I have! I have a review video up on one:) I love their paper;)
Would love to hear your thoughts on the owl paper journal b6!
I haven't reviewed that one yet:) Thanks for letting me know you want to see it;)
You forgot the WONDERLAND222❤
This was not an exhaustive list;) I have shared Wonderland 222 several past years on IG and I think it's a great planner! Thanks for sharing your love for it!
Wonderland 222 makes a similar one also.
Yes! I agree Wonderland 222 is great. I've shared it in past years on IG...it hasn't made it in a YT vid yet;) Thanks for watching and sharing with me;)
I really loved using the Wonderland222 planner that has Tomoe River paper in it in 2023. I didn’t buy it in 2024 or 2025 because their colors have been very dull. If they brought back the pretty pastel covers I’d consider it again. Many of these are very similar though.
I've had 2 sets of Wonderland 222 Planners and only shared them on IG in past years...I hear you on covers. We love a pretty cover!!
I love the TR paper even though there will always be ghosting. I love fountain pens, very inky pens, and the markers. Out of these planners, I would choose between the Journey planner and the Sterling Ink because of the print on the vertical columns. I prefer darker lines. Also, if its possible, to check Rosey Life planner. I have the A5 full year in TR paper, they offer 80LB paper planners this year too.
Thank you for chiming in:) I just found Rosey Life planner a few days ago:) I'd love to try one in the future!
What do you think about the Rosey Life Planner? It is similar to these that you reviewed. I've always wondered about it but not many people have done videos on it.
I just found that planner myself about 2 weeks ago:) It looks like a great option to me...I just don't know too much about it.
Hi Amanda, have you tried a dated Muji planner? Not sure of what the paper is, but it’s so smooth to the touch. And not too thick
I have used 2 Muji planners for content planning several years ago and I loved them! I still have one and could pull it out...the paper is much thicker than the TRP and not nearly the ghosting! But I loved the Muji:)
@ I’ve been using the vertical Muji planner for my health, to track what I ate at what time, step count, meds, symptoms etc. I’m on year 3, and it’s helped so much when I have to backtrack before going to medical appts.
That page with of the year - and then the months of July thru October… that’s to put future 2025 plans in because that planner only goes until June.
Thank you:)
Liked and subscribed!
😊
yay! thank you & welcome:)
You left out wonderland 222 :)
This was definitely not an exhaustive list:) Many amazing brands are not here. I have shared Wonderland 222 on IG in past years...It's a great option too:)
Starting 2025 with B6 Common Planner. So far so good.
Awesome! I hope it serves you well all year;)
It’s the 1st 4 months of the next book
Thanks for teaching me!
@ no problem.
One note. The 2025 hobo hon paper quality is hit or miss. The 2024 hobo hon was so much better 😢
I've heard that about the 2025 paper issues:(
Personally I would not be able to use any of these books that you talk about due to the ghosting on the papers. I enjoy using color pens and markers And just could not deal with that showing through .
I also noticed that the purple book you showed had a big stain On the upper right hand corner. That makes me think that the cover is not all that Durable.
I am trying the Sprouted Planner this year.
I can’t speak for others but I had planned to launch in another paper gsm but had to pivot because the paper wasn’t up to snuff. The only option I had that worked for 2025 as a result was the Sanzen 52gsm TRP. But I’ve been testing other papers for future launches because 1) not everyone likes TRP and 2) Sanzens quality control for the batches made for 2025 planner and notebook production was not good and many of us are dealing with issues that the paper hasn’t had in the past as a result.
I understand your feelings. And the mark on the Commom planner is just an oil mark from lotion or oils on my hands....unfortunately I think that type of cover might show those things. But I am not that careful with my personal planners because I just like to use them and love them...and this was going to be my personal planner for the year so I spent some time setting things up before this video;)
@JustScribble i really liked the layout of your planner- this was my first time seeing it!
Im using Sprouted as well this year- my first year to try this planner. I'm missing the bound book inused last year and not liking such a large coil.🫠
Plans....The 2025 July -December is for future plans for your next book, since they are not all together
Thank you!
You forgot Kinbor.
I was looking for this comment. I love my a6 techo and A5 vertical ❤
Your the first one to mention that brand! I haven[t reviewed it yet. And this definitely wasn't an exhaustive list:)
I'm disappointed in how ghosty all these planners are. I wanted to try a sterling ink and its pretty meh in that sense. i'll be sticking to other brands with thicker /less ghosting papers in the future.
Just Scribble was supposed to get thicker paper this year but the manufacturing didn't work out. She will hopefully try again next year.
That's how most TRP paper is....unless you find a really thick one. Ive heard Rosey Life Planner has 80gsm TRP....I just learned about this one last week. Hopefully I can try it out sometime;)
What’s Missing for me? A SUNDAY Start 🥰.
But Based on what you shared I think Sterling ink is my fave with less ghosting and lighter text than the rest. The Rosey Life Planner is another forerunner to Sterling Ink for me.
I like light text to help yet not overpower my pages.
I do own Undated Aura Estelle’s and will use at some point.
I currently use Paper Tess for daily Scripture reading and thoughts plus quick prayer list. This is my 2nd year a row, and really like so much about it! The only thing I don’t like is the shipping fee, similar to Hobonichi’s at $26 as it comes from the UK. Might be less if less weight.
I’m using an A5 Sterling Ink for my budget planner and have turned it into a 4yr so thankfully I don’t have to think about for a while.
I use Archer & Olive notebooks for my personal journal, prayer journal and Topical Bible study journal.
Last I have an a6 Hobonichi 1 year English planner without all the color yet it does have the wonky quotes I cover up. This is my appointments, daily productivity, to do’s & got it done’s and monthly shopping lists.
I’d really love to somehow combine this with my a5 Paper Tess but last year doing it I found having so many personal thoughts and practical stuff together just didn’t work for me. So this year it’s separate.
I’m keeping up so far and find it super helpful to compartmentalize. The book I have in front of me is the one I focus on not having access to flip a page and get lost in a different section.
Since I stay home I have access to them all at any time unless running errands which is where my a6 comes along.
Next year…I’ll use what I have, which is plenty and mostly undated or completely blank and I can copy layouts I like in the order I want to the books I want to use.
Thank you so much and yes super helpful in knowing I’m still looking for the perfect one and in the meantime it’s PaperTess 💕
I loved hearing your planner line up and system:) And I've heard so many people love Paper Tess! I am glad you are happy with it too! And I just found Rosey Life Planner last week!
@AmandasFavorites
Oh…the adventure has just begun!!!
I think her prices are comparable to Sterling ink…largest sticker kit $50 vs $60 but you get more too so it’s pretty fair! 💕 enjoy!
You spoiled me in 2017 with EC. I am now a paper snob. Wouldn't consider anything else.
I understand:)
This is such a useful video, thank you. I have . . . all of these except the Aura Estelle, because I have planner issues, except I have the horizontal Plans by Just Scribble. I love love love Plans. I’m really enjoying. Hasn’t stopped me from having a bunch of other planners for various things, but the Plans is my main planner.
Great to hear from a user of the Plans:)
Thank you, for doing this comparison. So helpful.
You are welcome:)