A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your 2025 Planner

[@AmandasFavorites]

The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/amandasfavorites09241

[@kimfields1000]

Layout is probably my top need, then aesthetics close second! Thanks for another great one, Amanda! 💛

[@AmandasFavorites]

Love hearing your top 2 Kim!

[@museumgirl2006]

After using several different planners including Happy Planner, I decided I need a hourly layout AND I need space to write to-dos and notes on that week so I chose to purchase a weekly Passion Planner. I’m finishing this year in my productivity Happy Planner and starting my Passion Planner in January. I’ll miss the aesthetics of HP but I really need a functional planner more.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I completely understand! I hope you can jazz up your passion planner to make it happy too:)

[@susannek4546]

Very helpful video for those who are starting out and those who have been planning for awhile and need to change things due to a change up in their lifestyles right now.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks Susanne:) Have a good week!

[@sharonostrowsky37]

Great video - as always - Amanda! Two things I also consider are if the binding is “lefty friendly” and the font (minimal vs ornate, how dark it is, how large it is).

[@AmandasFavorites]

Oh, really good tips! I agree that I do consider the font for myself too:)

[@jenniferford2481]

This video was very helpful. Thank you. You made me aware of planner brands that I did not know of.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christiS907]

I’ve used planners most of my life. All kinds. The past years have been Erin Condren. I’ve had all those but hourly. Love the thick paper and customizations. Right now I’m in an A5 CV. Also have a pocket planner from day - something. From Office Depot.

[@Dominini]

This is such an awesome video!! Thank you for the content and value!! I desperately need a good planner due to my ADHD and these tips will help me find the right one for my needs. Thank you!! ❤

[@AmandasFavorites]

You are welcome! I am so glad this video was helpful. Enjoy the planning process!

[@ruth7855]

Love you Amanda! Great Video. I started years ago with Law of Attraction Planner from Freedom Mastery and used for 3-4 years (too much work). Then I started watching Amanda's Favorites and learned about Erin Condren which I loved once I discovered their coiled monthly-I used that for 4 years or so until they scripted the dashboard and I lost my creative freedom. Enter Plum Paper. It took a while: it's true that the planner not opening to the calendar is a bit of a pain so I do glue it down. It's also true with the color way tabs that the dashboard page (I glue my calendar page to) is slick if you buy the colors. The neutral is not slick-doesn't matter to me because as I said I glue the calendar page down to the dashboard. I have one more fix. I schlep my planner around in my tote bag and it takes abuse; I record wellness stuff, continuing education, and appointments in it so it is opened frequently. I bought the plastic cover but it chips after a time (I buy a whole year in one coil). Once I lost the plastic cover their trademark cover began to peel. So here is my fix: Clear contact paper. It works great once you get a good application method. Most important to me in a planner is the freedom to make it my own. I don't bullet journal anymore, I just use lined pages for lists and notes (like say for continuing education). Most important: Coiled (no o ring) monthly with quality paper (love EC and Love PP). Layout for dashboard must give me freedom to do what I want and be unscripted. No dashboard is doable. This is my second year with PP and I am trying a tracking page instead of charting some of my wellness stats in a separate mini planner. I am skeptical as I am not a fan of trackers. I feel I have made plum paper mine!!! I must say though I am loving plum paper and so glad they saved me when EC put that scripted dashboard in their monthly planners and left me no option to even rip it out. Sorry this is so long. I dont post to you much so had lots to say-apparently

[@AmandasFavorites]

I love hearing all the background on your decision! I am glad Plum Paper was there to save you! They have so many great options:)

[@dhuratadobbins3001]

Size, layout and customization!!! Obviously my budget keeps me humble lol

[@DonnaPatterson-hi7ev]

I need a weekly planner and prefer a horizontal layout. A pretty cover is super important- the cover designs are what keep me buying simplified. Good quality paper is important.

[@millies.8810]

Size, and Layoout are very important and also visually paper color. I have used Erin Condren and Happy Planner among others. Customization to be able to have everything is the challenge. Great video.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and what you've used in the past:)

[@kericarlson1194]

Wow that plum paper layout book is genius!

[@AmandasFavorites]

It really is a great idea:)

[@pffan10]

Thanks for another great video! One of the needs on my list: type faces and line colors that aren’t too bold. I find things that are dark black or heavy weight font to be visually distracting. Finding the H&O planners with their light gray and light block grid ❤

[@AmandasFavorites]

Really good one to look at! That bothers many people (including me)!

[@sharelleshobbies]

This is super helpful! I realized that I need something I can be messy in- so something super pretty won’t work for me because I can’t bring myself to write in it. I also found out that I don’t like coils- a bound book is better because it doesn’t get in the way.

[@AmandasFavorites]

So good that you know what you need and like:)

[@chrissiedcohen]

Thanks for a great video, it is so informative! What do you have your washi tapes stored in?

[@AmandasFavorites]

They are washi tape drawers I got from the Michael's craft store in person years ago. If you can't make it to a store- I am sure you can get them online at Michael's or Amazon:) Just type in "washi tape drawers". Sorry I don't have an exact link to mine.

[@chrissiedcohen]

@ Thanks so much for the reply and the information.

[@savedraven5096]

Thank you so very much for this most informative video, it was a great help for sooooo many reasons! Raven❤🙏🏻

[@AmandasFavorites]

Oh, good! I love hearing that:)

[@montystepura3689]

My criteria include Size (B5), paper weight (100lb or 150gsm) and monthly/weekly format. I’m trying the new B5 Hemlock & Oak for 2025. I’m also considering getting a 2025 Sprouted once I see the covers.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Oh, Hemlock makes such great quality planners! I can't wait to have some of their 2025 line in hand! I just got my Sprouted box and was allowed to post the video early for my Patreons. It will come out to KZbin on Sept.24th:)

[@montystepura3689]

@@AmandasFavorites I love your videos Amanda. I’d like to join your Patreon.

[@yvonnebulson7006]

Great as always! Would love to see a review of Aura Estelle!

[@AmandasFavorites]

I actually have 3 Aura Estelle's coming to me:) I will share on IG when they come in...not sure when they will make it on KZbin.

[@sarahwilcox4044]

Really helpful video, thank you 😊

[@AmandasFavorites]

You’re welcome 😊

[@tsheps1228]

Hi Amanda! I can’t seem to figure out what type of planner I am. I love daily and weekly. But I don’t want two planners. And I like bringing my planner on the go with me. Do you have any ideas of a planner with the best of both worlds? Thank you!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Sounds like you need a daily with a weekly overview page or one you can customize and build yourself. Here are a few to look at: Sprouted Daily, Erin Condren Daily Duo, Golden Coil, Plum Paper, Hobonichi Cousin, Common planner, Plans by Just Scribble. A ring bound you can build with daily + weekly pages and ring bound is very portable too. xxx

[@tsheps1228]

@@AmandasFavorites thank you so much Amanda! I will look at these. I appreciate you!

[@readysetdemo]

I am an accidental bullet journaler - in an Erin monthly. It’s simply the best paper for me and I don’t mind setting up my weeks. Pre-2020 I used an Erin vertical but as my needs changed I wanted a weekly task list.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I hear from many people using the EC monthly as a Bujo...I love the idea! Great paper, colors, fonts and you choose your weekly layout;) Not sure if they offer the pages in between months in dot grid....I should go look that up!

[@Babylandy1]

I’m looking for a Daily,weekly and monthly planner. I want it to have goals, habit, meals, to do lists. What I’m reading/watching and a password keeper. Any ideas

[@AmandasFavorites]

I’d say that the only one that holds daily pages along with your weekly pages are the Tomoe River Paper planners. because of the thinner bible like paper they can fit all that in one book and not have it be too thick. I just did a comparison video on 5 of the TRP planners. I think the Journey Planner would be the best fit for you because it has a dedicated meal tracking system- none of the others do. here is the video to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ3QaYewr62maq8

[@karenchrist4155]

Extremely helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@AmandasFavorites]

You're very welcome!

[@jonr6680]

Great to see the differences between the various companies all in the same video. One changing criterion for me is a terrible compromise I need to make now, I love small planners but my handwriting & eyesight just don't agree with that anymore... Personally also hung up over corner protectors, I hate being stabbed so would prioritise rounded corners!

[@AmandasFavorites]

We have eyesight, handwriting, and the rounded corners all in common!

[@sherwinrice9077]

This was helpful. Layout is most important for me. I use the At A Glance Elevation medium size planner. Unfortunately its been discontinued so I’m looking for something similar.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I am sorry your favorite planner is discontinued and you have to find a new one. Good luck with the hunt;)

[@lisacannon9229]

Thank you for giving us the information

[@AmandasFavorites]

You bet!

[@lisacannon9229]

How do you find the layout book on plum planner site?

[@StickerShenanigans]

I was looking for this too, but the link is bringing me to a blank page. I tried searching for it on Plum Paper's website, but no luck. Then I saw this question in their FAQ: Q: Do you offer a layout guide so I can find the best layout for me? A: We are currently working on a revamped Layout Guide. Please check back in late August/early September! Hopefully we'll see it in the next week or two? Fingers crossed.

[@lisacannon9229]

@@StickerShenanigans it's September 10. Haha.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Thanks for doing that research for me everyone! I hope they have a new one soon! That product is seriously something I wish every company would sell!

[@mhcpa0628]

I was looking too. I have used Plum Paper priorities for a few years but was wanting to try out the layout book before I order this year.

[@scand100]

Thank you for this - great video! I'm loving my Erin Condren Softbound vertical hourly and then think I need to add in an undated slim Daily for those days when I need extra planning (not every day). Do you know when the 2025 Jan start EC planners will be released? I'm a bit surprised they aren't already...

[@susannek4546]

I saw them responding next week in a post where someone else asked the same question.

[@scand100]

@@susannek4546Thanks!

[@AmandasFavorites]

They usually release by October. I don't have any information on their release...I know many people are waiting to see those!

[@ericaisles2731]

Thank you for this excellent informative video! I have the Erin Condren hourly planner and love it. However, 8-5 is work so the majority of my planner has that time blocked off. Work related tasks in outlook. I’m willing to change planner type and have 1 or 2 time related activities a couple times per day outside of work. I like personal lists but do want time related activities to be at the top of the planner section for the day for am activities or end of planner section day. For example: 739 am- exercise, pay bills, call x, 539 pm meeting church. That might be all I need because 8-5 is work. I would approach any recommendations. Thank you

[@AmandasFavorites]

I would look at Colibri, Passion Planner, Hemlock and Oak, Season by Season weekly Planner by Cultivate what matters....those are few off the top of my head;) Good luck!

[@erinsincissen9623]

What size are the drawers with the tip ins?

[@AmandasFavorites]

I have the drawers linked in this video description: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKCUgoKke9imi6c

[@Greatsoprano12]

Which planner do you think is the easies to read? Us old folks hate to keep looking for our "readers" when we want to use our planner. So many companies make the print way too small...

[@AmandasFavorites]

Good question! I am in the same boat. I am not at home right now to look in every planner and make a list for you...but off the top of my head...ones that I never have issues with are Erin Condren, Passion Planner, MomAgenda...I know there are more that have good fonts and print. But I am just not in my office to check that out right now;)

[@Greatsoprano12]

Thanks so much! If you find anything else feel free to respond on this video.

[@marcelagray36]

Hi Amanda, thank you for posting all these videos. I have a question for you…. I am looking for a planner A5 size softbound similar to the Erin concern weekly vertical layout. If you know any please let me know.

[@AmandasFavorites]

Commit 30, & Passion Planner are the closest thing I know to that. I think Leuchtturm on Amazon might have a similar vertical but I think it's a hard cover. I wish more companies made that type of planner!

[@ManaTea86]

I love this and find it super helpful, but I'm curious, so you not care for disk bound planner systems like happy planner? They definitely allow you to change things up throughout the year if it's not working for you or if you just need a change. I just hate how disks move around 🤣😅. Feel is more important than people realize!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Discbound is not my personal fave- but I see how amazing it is for versatility. And I have reviewed some of them:) I don't only review planners that work for me...because there are so many good planners out there! thanks for watching and chiming in.

[@margoriebrodie2303]

Thank you I think I will try the bujo course---could use a refresher. As for the croissants, I leave that to you:). I recently had an aha about paper: when it comes to a coiled-bound planner, I can't handle less than 80#; But with a bound planner it doesn't bother me (even leauchttrum which is so thin ). So weird our little preferences. Now that I realized this- I could consider, forex, a MomAgenda- I love the layout but had avoided it because of the paperweight. I guess something comes from trying a gazillion planners. lol. xo Carla

[@margoriebrodie2303]

not sure why half got crossed out-

[@AmandasFavorites]

Hey Carla:) Don't worry about the cross out:) That is so interesting about bound vs coiled and paperweight! I actually think there is something to that! And I really loved the bujo course! I am not sure if I will master croissants....but it was fun to learn anyway. If I devoted more time to it I could! Maybe in another season of life?!

[@carollicrafts]

Thank you for your detailed videos comparing the different planners. Do you have any plans to feature the Erin Condren Inspired Collection of Planners which are available from Joanns/Amazon. I would be interested to hear how they compare in terms of paper quality/pen tests results given how budget friendly these planners are.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I wasn't even aware of these. I will put it on my list to try and check out;)

[@carollicrafts]

@@AmandasFavorites Thank you. 💕

[@T_O_C_TOWN_EXPRESS]

I clicked on the general link, yet I did not see the layout book link for Plum Planner. Thank you for offering such rich content.

[@AmandasFavorites]

It looks like the layout book isn't available right now...it says they are working on a new one right now...so hopefully soon they will come out with a new one;)

[@T_O_C_TOWN_EXPRESS]

@@AmandasFavorites okay, thanks so much.

[@yasruu1123]

@@AmandasFavorites is there a full review video on it? I’d like to know more about it

[@vickiec181]

Paper, size, and layout are the most important characteristics for me.

[@AmandasFavorites]

I agree those are top of the list:)

[@brandigarcia9823]

Im seriously making a list for 2025. Trying to figure out what i do and dont want. Ive changed it up multiple times this year! Ive honestly been an EC hourly girl for my work for years. The paper is so amazing. But i honestly really love the size of the classic skinny from HP but i dont like the paper or the disc bound system. Do you have any recommendations for that? Some good alternatives to consider maybe?

[@AmandasFavorites]

Maybe a common Planner. they have narrow TN sizes that have hourly vertical...That's the only thing that came to mind based on what you mentioned. Aura Estelle might also have something similar. Good luck!

[@shyviolet45]

Does anyone know of a weekly planner that has notes pages with each week?

[@AmandasFavorites]

Some options are Makselife (one of those is outlined for goals but one is blank), OR Golden Coil you can add a notes page spread to go in every week and you get to choose the page...could be just lined or list tick off boxes or many others to choose from also;) Agendio might offer this option...I can't remember. Season by Season weekly planner by Cultivate what matters also has a 2 pages notes spread per week.Oh, and Colibri has a notes page per week too. I have reviews on all of them except Colibri isn't up yet on KZbin I've only shared that one on Instagram reels so far;)

[@shyviolet45]

@@AmandasFavorites thank you so much!!!

[@Sarahbear2000]

I remember when Pierce was taking this thumbnail photo! Haha… I really wish golden coil made their paper a little smaller than the cover. I don’t care about not having tabs, but the paper all the way to the edge really bugged me! I’m currently in my bound book era. Not sure it will last until 2025 though 😂

[@Sarahbear2000]

You know, I change planners so much maybe I should just get a bunch of the plum paper try it books to use a year hahaha. I’m actually thinking about the undated passion planner daily now.. would be great for note taking at work and all my meetings. And then maybe a weekly something for appointments…

[@AmandasFavorites]

I love that you remembered this photo from IG Sarah! That is interesting about Golden Coil paper. I love the way the design goes to the edge! LOL! We are all so different;) That's what makes the world go round right?!

[@AmandasFavorites]

Plum Paper is making a new test book right now...so I think it's a bit longer before they are in stock again. I can't wait to hear how you like Passion daily.

[@ColetteStanley]

Why did you not include disc bound planners?

[@AmandasFavorites]

I could have brought in a discbound- I have some. I just didn't think of it. I didn't show every binding possible....just bringing ideas to mind to think about;)

[@adriannefluet5980]

Im not looking for a planner but a perfict journal that has everything i feel it could be anyone els having a difficult time ??

[@AmandasFavorites]

I have a few videos on favorite journals that might help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enyanKSZdq16nrs That's my top 5 favorite journals for 2025. And here is another one from a previous year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYbGcmerma6Afrc I also have a top journals playlist. I hope you find what you are looking for!

[@juliejones2991]

My name is Louisa Jones my favorite is notebook take me with my day

[@WayneSurdam]

Have you ever heard of planbold planner ?

[@AmandasFavorites]

I have:) I hope to review them one day;)

[@EdelweisSusie]

I just use my Filofax.