2025 PLANNERS // What do I need, want and what I'm considering

[@moniques.journal.corner]

I love watching people who are intentional about their choices in what they need. I'm trying to be very intentional for next year because this year the spending was out of control because I wanted them all. Ugggg... I'm glad I have time and no pre-orders to worry about because now that Catherine is offering a horizontal option, I have to think about this... thanks for sharing.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes, I'm excited for all the new choices coming out this year and all the small shops providing options for so many people. But with that, there's sooooo much choice so I need this process to not feel overwhelmed.

[@J3nnbk]

Same here. I ended up either returning and gifting planners. I wish you well on your planner journey.

[@deskofem]

Your year 5 extra notes/gratitude list looks like it could fit along the right-most side of your spread. Just rotate your writing 90* for that year. It will be a long as opposed to wide section, but it could definitely fit and make it so that everything still remains in the same book without adding any bulk. Love my Midori 5-year diary! I’m on year 3 too!!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Ooh that's something to consider for sure. Thank you!

[@Autumnichi]

So great to see an intentional look at future planner use. It seems to make a huge difference for stress-free start to the year and at least reduce, if not eliminate, over-buying 😂 I didn’t want to think about 2025 planners until later in the year, but I unintentionally found my 2025 daily when thinking about a current issue. And then I wrote down all the journals I have & their specific use and suddenly I’m ready for 2025. 😅 Thank you for sharing your thoughts behind your choices.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I'm the type of person who hates having things lying around that are not in use, so overbuying is something I really try to stay away from. And it sounds like your planner found you and vice versa!

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

Never knew I wanted a 5 year journal but I do now.....I am starting a new phase in my life in '25 - and the A6 is just the right size too - forces me to decide what's important to say. There's more I learned too......Thank you for your excellent work

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I love that! Yay!

[@ashcashbadash]

InLOVED how realistic this video was!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@dorothyevans3864]

Just Scribble is launching a planner for 2025 that are bundled that you might want to check out. She’s been showing some early peeks at mock-ups and sample prints in her community pages and should be showing the final product in the next month or so, I think.

[@Claudia_CG_Garza]

FYI - she already posted the videos showing each style of her planners and notebooks. And within the last hour she debuted a new size that she hadn't mentioned previously. I am SOOO excited to try her's out!! Oh - she had a very honest video where she tested 52 gsm STRP vs 58 gsm STRP and the results were quite surprising!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you both! I'll definitely be checking her out.

[@sirjoe88]

Just ordered a planner yesterday. Excited as I have decided it is going to fix everything wrong with my life. Now I wait and see 🤣

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I love this. It's true - we buy planners in hopes that it will fix everything!

[@PlanYourOneLife]

Great way to use your quarterly goal section and habit tracker pages!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks so much!

[@brittanybogle1953]

The B5 SI horizontal is calling me to me. And I have no idea why, it is so big. I have the notebook that I use for school and I love it so much. Thank you for helping me stay centered on what I NEED and will use vs what I want right now.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks for sharing! And that B5 is amazing - I would have loved it for school.

[@Bonnie62563]

I just came across your channel, loving how you are sing your planners. Love the passport one super adorable. I’m considering switching to a common planner from my current planner. Love your explanations.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks so much! 😊 hope this was helpful!

[@heatherbrinkmeier4080]

I think I'm also sticking with the Sterling Ink Common Planner in A5 for my main planner. For my work planner, I've just been using a Leuchtturm notebook where I can label one page for each workday. It's been working great, so I'm probably sticking with that too.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

That's a great option for work! How do you like it with fountain pens and inks?

[@heatherbrinkmeier4080]

@KarynaLovesToPlan I've had great luck with it ! I use mostly medium nibs with shimmer inks in it (work needs a little bit of fun, right?) It's a very different feel than the Sterling Ink since the paper is quite thick, but I haven't had any issues with bleedthrough or anything.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! Another option to think about. And of course, use all the inks for work!

[@Jesus.Coffee.Planning]

This is awesome to reflect on our planners! Thank you for sharing I will do this a reflect on my whys.🙋🏻‍♀️

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanessa6283]

I love how you’re thinking through your needs for 2025. I too have used common planner this year. But I’m excited about Just Scribble.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I have found this so helpful.

[@SimplyAubs]

Thank you so much for sharing ALL your planners. Thank you for WRITING OUT your thoughts so you can actually SEE what has worked and not worked for ya. SOOOO important! Sure, it may seem SUPER simple...but...WHOA...WHAT?!?! 🤯Yeah, you just kinda blew my mind! THANKS!!! Cheers!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You are so welcome! Glad this was helpful!

[@ajbee1065]

I got an a6 Stalogy 365 and I’m going to use it as an everything journal. Because I don’t really do anything that needs to be planned, my job is pretty much the same thing everyday and I’m too mentally exhausted after to do anything. So I plan to get date covers and date dots, then I’ll use washi and deco to fill in any empty space or just to decorate. I have a cover for the Stalogy but I think I’m going to need a planner pouch of some kind to hold all the extras because it will be an EDC.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

There are days where I don't have anything that needs planning but it's nice to keep track of things like, shows I've watched, books I've read, walks I went on. The little things in life!

[@amyhamaker7803]

That’s what I’m using right now-it’s perfect if you like to DIY your own.

[@J3nnbk]

Off topic but your handwriting is stunning 😍

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you so much!

[@courtneyruss9122]

Hi Karyna! At least I’m not the only one who is intentional about their planner. I have a couple more years on my current planners (5 year). But I like to keep an eye out on things year to year. Since following you on KZbin one of the things that has stood out to me is the planners you use. Something that will get strong consideration from me because I do like the layout. Considering the cost of a good planner putting some thought into it before purchasing is far from a bad idea. Have a great evening/weekend!!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad this is helpful and I’m not alone! I love all the new choices that come out each year but I also like to look at what is working and if it still works, I don’t change!

[@ZolaneG]

This was and will be so helpful as I consider what planners to purchase for next year. Last year was my “let’s try various sizes” year and I still haven’t found what works best. I would love to find a 5 year, A6 planner that does not have the quotes but so far, no luck. I’m hoping to retire at the end of this academic year, and at this stage of my life, there’s not much else going on, so sometimes even a B6 seems too big. I do love to decorate my planners though. You’ve given me lots to think about! Thanks so much for sharing❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad this was helpful! And it’s okay to not always know what we want and to experiment, if that is part of our journey.

[@lindseyjones8513]

Twines and Paper has a new vertical and horizontal hybrid planner with both spreads in one planner, and it uses Tomoe river paper. I’m excited to try this one. Their pre orders are open till the end of August.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Oooh thank you! I love hearing about new (to me) shops with planners that use TRP!

[@amycampbell2264]

I cannot decide! Omg

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

So many choices!

[@aliciamoore3940]

I've been making my list this week too!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yay! Hope this was helpful!

[@Adventuresover40]

This is great... I did something similar and decided I need three (not including my 5 year). For my EDC/Journal will be the A5 SI common planner. It is working well for me this year. For my health journal I am going with the Plans by Just Scribble. It comes with the trackers and so many other features I am excited for. Now for work.... I am torn. I used a B6 W222 and it was great, but I think I want to try something different..... hmmmm. Thanks for showing us your thought process. It's nice to see how others work all this out.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for sharing! Glad this was helpful. I find talking it through like this helps me figure out what I need, rather than buy things first then figure out how to make it work.

[@Adventuresover40]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan yeah... I sorta overdid it this year and have barely used what I got. So less is what I'm going for next year 😁 Definitely having a plan helps. Thank you.

[@theplannerpincher1928]

Looks so neat, need to improve on my hand writing.👌

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

My writing has definitely improved over the years but it does take practice!

[@toodleloos]

thank you for the video! this is actually the first im hearing of the sterling ink (and i've gone back to watch your unboxing video!) but I think the undated would suit me really well. i got a little a6 hobonichi avec (sort of on accident 😅) for the end of this year and while I do like the pages and the size I'm having a bit of the same problem you had the quotes at the bottom and the color pages. I like that the sterling is more plain like a bullet journal with a little less of the intimidation of having to outline every single month, so I'm eager to try! I wish I had the dedication to use a five year but I'm definitely the type of planner/journal-er that's easily intimidated by "potential" but i liked the advice of outlining for your needs! i have realized i'm more of a "less is more" type, so an undated planner, a regular leuchtturm journal and my little leuchtturm pocketbook should hopefully tide me over for a year! i hope 😂

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

There are so many great options out there but it can be overwhelming trying to choose. It does help outlining what you need and finding what works from that, rather than buying a whole bunch of planners and trying to make your needs fit the planners.

[@darlenewashington9570]

GREAT VIDEO!!!! It helped me think of what I need for work and home. Since July I’ve been using the one planner. It’s working ok but I’d prefer them be 2 separate planners. Thanks for sharing your ideas and helping me look at my needs for 2025 planner.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks Darlene!! Glad this was helpful!

[@user-wd8df4lw9b]

Maybe a grid kraft paper washi tape will do the trick for your five-year journal

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Ooh that is a great idea. It would thicken up that area though. We’ll see!

[@TheSeatedView]

I really love the Sterling Ink B6 common planner (split in two books) that I've used for the last two years, even though I've been off planning for a while (except for my Google Calendar and Google Keep). I'll go back to that, as well as the Hobonichi Weekly for work. I bought a few different options 2024 last year and ended up using none of them, so back to the system that works! Which I decided as I was watching your video, so thanks for the inspiration!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad this was helpful, Lene! I don't want to ever go buy a bunch of stuff without knowing what I'll use it for - I'm not a fan of things going to waste or not being used.

[@baumhausization]

I will use a 5-year Hobonichi (A5) like a Midori Hibino, which is only A6. So I have two pages for one day for 2025.😊

[@sophie-vw2pg]

What a great idea. I will think about it. I used two A5 book for the year, now I might choose this option. Thank you!!!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

That's lovely! So much space!

[@cgorda07]

Hi Karyna, have you ever tried the Nisha Fernando planner? I found her in the last month and bought a 2024 to see how the fountains pens hold up in there. I like the meal plan set up and list pre-setup in the daily’s. If you get a HON, hopefully it holds up better than mine. In the first month it started coming apart. If you see it now, it is chunky and the spine is not holding up. The AuraEstelle pocket booklets are cute but they bleed through with normal pens. You also have to dedicate time to placing the stickers down for the months, days and time slots. I love it though!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I have not tried the Nisha Fernando planner but I'm adding to the list for consideration. If I do get the HON, I won't be decorating it as it will be for work. Fingers crossed it holds up well. And thanks for the info about the Aura Estele booklets. Good to know.

[@akirakitana5847]

Your nails are amazing

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you so much!

[@FountainPenDiaries]

Can’t wait to start my first 5-year next year. I plan on using it very similar to you, just recording my everyday things.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yay! it's so fun to look back on once you start your second year.

[@chocolatedoclet]

This was my first year in a Hobonichi Cousin and I’ve used it as a catch all for work and personal. I journal in another book when I feel like it. I really like the Hobonichi but I’m not the biggest fan of the paper. I know Sterling Ink uses the same paper and I feel like your book deals with ink way better than mine. I’m wondering if it is a batch issue. I didn’t want to go with Sterling Ink initially because it was undated but I see she’ll have a dated one now. So that throws me off 😂 I’m also interested in Just Scribble’s Plans book as it has slightly thicker TR paper but it’s a 2 book system, which I’m not really a fan of (I live in South Africa and we don’t have a break/new start in July). I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out in the coming weeks/months. Glad to hear you’re mostly happy with your system! ✨

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The 2nd book starting in July is the halfway point in the year rather than an actual break but I get where you are coming from. Good luck deciding!

[@margkre]

Check out the new planner from just scribble, love the horizontal layout 😊

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! Will check her out.

[@vanessa6283]

I love the vertical layout. Neat concept

[@ZayaPlans]

love my aura estelles

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I have looked at their planners and even considered them at one time!

[@Teachmond]

I’m so grateful to have found your video. I’m having a hard time between 2 sizes . I have a Moterm personal and pocket. I want to use the pocket as a wallet and the pocket as quick high light note for the day so I can put it in journal . I don’t want to by an other cover😞.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I understand that dilemma. You could always try the sell Personal to fund another Pocket so you don't have a cover that's not being used?

[@Teachmond]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan Thanks I think that’s what I will have to do 😞

[@SouLovelyRoses]

Do you have a video where you Hoover your 5 year techo? Love it

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@SouLovelyRoses what do you mean hoover?

[@ChappyPlans]

Whatever you choose will be great and I’m here for it all. I make similar lists lol

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Haha thank you, my friend!

[@eeustace78]

Such a good thought out video !! This is what I need to do lol , a little off topic what color are you nails ? I love them ❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

My nails are by my salon. It's a nude base with a white chrome finish.

[@Dreblueskies]

So great you stuck with your 5 year, I got one and completely failed 😞

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I know of someone who has missed quite a bit in their first year, but then got right back into it in the 2nd year. Or they changed the years around so they could still use it! It's not lost forever and is not a failure at all.

[@micskraftykorner9234]

I love the colors of your notes. What fo you use to make your notes? Do the pens bleed through the paper?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@micskraftykorner9234 I use fountain pens and different colours of fountain pen ink. There is some shadowing but no bleed through. This planner uses Sanzen Tomoe River Paper.

[@froufou100]

I will come back to this, I have an impeding deadline. I am still new to analog planning and also reflecting on what I need for next year. Would love to exchange notes with you ❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Good luck with your decisions!

[@Journalesq]

I’m am definitely changing my planner for 2025 from a horizontal to vertical weekly layout. I want to stick with the b6 size although a5 may be the better size. We’ll see. Nisha Fernando designs seems to have a planner similar To the common planner but with more pages. Still investigating but that may be my planner for 2025.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I saw Nisha Fernando just closed their pre-orders on Aug 9th so I'll have to wait and see if there are any left to figure out if it's what I need!

[@richardlees5303]

Common Planner is coming out with a horizontal this year with grid on both sides and staying with numbered pages. Might work for you.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I see that! I'm waiting for Sterling Ink's other videos to come out to fully figure out what I need.

[@richardlees5303]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan You clearly think things through and presented your ideas well. Thanks for the effort.

[@followyourbrush]

Great suggestions!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks for watching!

[@followyourbrush]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan I love it. I fell down this ink/fountain pen and paper hole in January! Whew! What a ride! ❤️

[@stephaniewagner5433]

There is also the Wonderland 222. Both dated & undated, stacked & and unstacked. Also what about some of the Aura Estelle planners?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes I have looked at Aura Estelle too! So many options!

[@amycampbell2264]

Yes so happy ur sticking to sterling a5! Omg I just decided to use priories page for currently as well! Are you going to try this year to experiment?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I'm not much of an experimenter when it comes to planners. I find what works and stick to it. The main year I experimented was 2021, when I went from The Happy Planner to Hemlock & Oak then to Hobonichi. That was the most experimentation I did in a short amount of time!

[@Ashley-y3s]

Have you seen / considered the Twines & Paper hybrid A5 for 2025?! Its such a perfect layout! But it's only on preorder until end of August 😬

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! It’s a great layout but I don’t think it will work for me.

[@ItsjustmeAR]

It IS only August but the school year throws me off every year. I don’t have my next year planner to put all the important dates in at the beginning of said school year. I don’t want an 18 month planner, but having the next one lined up is turning into a thing. Add to that, these doctors offices are making appointments months out (because nothing is available in the short term) and I would prefer getting those appointments written in asap. It’s definitely a planner girl problem.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I can totally understand where you are coming from with the school year and putting appointments in for next year already!

[@mariafernandateles433]

would you link this 5 year diary you’re using?? i’m definitely feeling like buying it right now

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@mariafernandateles433 it is the Hobonichi five year diary and Hobonichi is releasing their new one on Sep 1.

[@donnadipity7305]

Can you tell me where your A5 cover with the snaps is from? Loved your video and your nails!☀️

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The A6 cover with the snaps is from MarketLeatherOneBC on Etsy!

[@donnadipity7305]

Oops, A6 5 year with the snaps. I cant find a link.

[@donnadipity7305]

Thank you so much!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Sorry - here is their Etsy www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LeatherMarketOneBC

[@polishedandpoisedplanner]

I think I may add a 5yr journal. Its already time to buy new stuff

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes! Hobonichi is coming out with their five year journal on Sep 1!

[@SilverSeaOT7]

Are any of these Tomoe River planners hardcover? When I have a soft planner I feel I need a sturdy planner case. (Which is more expensive.) if I have a hardcover, I don’t feel a need to buy a cover.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@SilverSeaOT7 the ones I have are all soft cover. I buy the clear Midori covers from Amazon.

[@kerryhoward-kramer218]

Loved your thoughts. I'm struggling so much on what to do. Hobo Cousin vs. SI Common. I picked up a Common Planner for the second half of this year and found that the ink bled through the pages pretty badly sometimes. Everything I found says the paper is the same. What to do what to do...

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The paper should be Sanzen TRP for both so not sure why one would be different from another. But I am noticing a bit more shadowing in Book 2 of my A5 SI. I'm not too bothered by it at the moment.

[@DesertGal]

Hello! I have a 5 year Monthly Journal of my prayer time & scripture reading. I really like it…but I think I would live a 5 Yt for daily journaling…can definitely make use of my Archer & Olive Notebooks! Possibly in b5 🤔. Have you seen The Rosey Life Planner? She has all different sizes with TR paper. She also has Sticker if you take a look please let me know what you think 💕. Melissa

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I have not checked out Rosey Life but certainly will now! Thank you!

[@DesertGal]

You are so welcome! I’d love to know what you think if you have time. 🥰

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@DesertGal the format is nice but I am not sure about the weekly lines. I see the two book option for A5. Something I will think about in the future.

[@DesertGal]

Oh good point…well whatever you do get I’ll be looking forward to your set up. 🤗

[@aprillong6313]

I am pretty sure I’m going to stick with the Hobonichi Cousin for 2025 which is my everything planner. This year my EDC is Hobo A6 that I cut down to passport size and used tape runner to adhere the weekly supplement pages to my daily pages. I would have used SI passport for this year, but the dates were too light for me. I plan to look at the SI passport for 2025 to see if dates are dark enough for me so I can use it for 2025 EDC.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks for sharing, April! Definitely check out the SI Passport options - I've loved it this year.

[@emiliaEr]

Catherine made the dates darker for 2025 - just to let you know :)

[@kathleenschmidt1489]

I used the Hon in 2024. Because I decorate and add pictures, it’s pretty chunky by now. I’ve decided 2025 will be Avec again. I really like the Sterling A5, but I need dates on my daily pages. It’s a process every year. 🤔

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Kathleen! I just found out that Sterling Ink's daily pages will have dates on them! And they're not as big and bold as the dates in the Hobonichi. I am definitely thinking of a HON for work, and since I don't decorate it, it should be okay!

[@kathleenschmidt1489]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan that’s a game changer. Sterling will be my 2025 planner 🥳

[@Shelbz71]

What size notebook or planner will fit into that brown leather cover?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The smaller brown leather cover was for an A6 five year journal.

[@tracocorderosa]

Adorei! ❤ Abraços daqui do Brasil! 😊

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you!

[@mrsrilling]

Where do you get your tabs?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@mrsrilling those tabs are from my shop! shopkarynalovestoplan.com/products/planner-tabs

[@fayemeyers8938]

Would you mind sharing specifically which Galen Leather cover you use? TIA

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@fayemeyers8938 do you mean to hold my Passport? It is the Weeks cover that I use as a wallet

[@fayemeyers8938]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan oh, I thought you had one for your A5 Common Planner.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@fayemeyers8938 oh that one is from BujoPlanner!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@fayemeyers8938 the one for work is from BujoPlanner. The white one is from Hobonichi

[@jodydiou]

Where did you get your 5 year planner?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@jodydiou that was from Hobonichi 😊

[@jodydiou]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan Thank you for letting me know

[@onyourraedar]

25 common planner lineup has been released!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I saw! I'm waiting for the individual videos for more detail.

[@dorothyevans3864]

I think I’m probably sticking with the Sterling Ink monthly booklet and notebook for my goals and journal - loving how I don’t need to swap out the notebook every year 😊. I’m finishing work in September, so only need an EDC in A6 size. I’m hoping Catherine is putting out a horizontal A6, but in case not I’m dusting off this year’s A6 vertical to give it a proper test over the last part of this year to see if I can stick with it for 2025. One decision I have made is that I am only buying one edc, one booklet and a new notebook only when I need it.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you've found what works for you and that's part of the struggle!

[@mannagrynet]

I've really enjoyed using a travellers notebook as my daily planner and will continue with that. I love midori paper and being able to add or change inserts let me focus on different stuff each month! 5 year (or maybe 3 year to start) journals seem like such a nice thing to look back on, but haven't seen any new ones pop up as part of the 2025 releases.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I know Sterling Ink had a five year journal, and Hobonichi, but I believe others may have them too. I think Midori but don't quote me on that.