Planners are an excellent resource for keeping all the various responsibilities of the school year organized, as well as an opportunity to go ahead and start getting excited about the return of fall classes. It can also be an important decision and commitment, as it will be the planner that follows you the next eight to ten months. There are lots of options out there, at varying price ranges and styles. Here are some of the favorites I've found for different styles, personalities, and purposes. Use one of these, or use them as inspiration to find the planner that calls to you.
1. Channeling your inner Sue Heck
Nothing screams Sue Heck from "The Middle" like bright colors and motivational phrases. Cliché, possibly, but empowering for those busy weeks? You know it.
9" x 11"
Manufacturer: Unbranded
Retailer: Walmart
Price: $9.58
2. Flowers galore
If florals are your thing, you have a wide array to choose from. Here is one of my favorites from AT-A-GLANCE.
4 7/8" x 8"
Manufacturer: AT-A-GLANCE
Retailer: Staples
Price: $17.49
3. Fancy
This latest simplistic trend goes with any color, yet looks sophisticated enough for the fanciest of tastes.
6" x 8.25"
Manufacturer: Bloom Daily Planners
Price: $16.95
4. Classy
This color-blocked planner has bright purple for your fun side and metallic copper for your classy side. You might as well be Hannah Montana because you get the best of both worlds.
8" x 10"
Manufacturer: Brit + Co
Retailer: Target
Price: $14.99
5. Stereotypically basic - but not
When I think of Lilly Pulitzer, I typically think of the "basic" stereotype (even though I have to admit I love her use of bright colors.) This planner, however, is anything but basic. It has pineapples on it. Pineapples are diametrically opposed to basic. It's basically a rule.
8 ¾" x 11 ¼"
Manufacturer: Lilly Pulitzer
Price: $35
6. Classic
Although it capitalizes on the script trend, the design is very simple and tastefully arranged - a style as timeless as your fashion tastes. (The design may be timeless, but the planner will only last you for a year. Use it while you can.)
6.125" x 8.375"
Manufacturer: FavoriteStory
Retailer: Etsy
Price: $20
7. Artistic
For those whose thoughts are as abstract as the art on the cover. You probably need a planner.
7.75" x 10.25"
Manufacturing: TF Publishing
Retailer: Target
Price: $7.99
8. Procrastinator
Let's be honest, you're the type that would buy a planner and let it just sit on your desk till move-out. If you've gotten this far without a planner, why mess with your methods now?
Price: $0
9. The Philanthropist
This planner is from a group called Passion Planner. Not only do they give away a planner for each planner purchased, but you can pick your planner based on the charity you want to support. Causes include breast cancer, veterans, youth, domestic violence, etc.
5.5" x 8.5"
Manufacturer: Passion Planner
Price: $30
10. Colorful
6.5" x 8"
Manufacturer: Unbranded
Retailer: Walmart
Price: $8.45
11. The Economist / No-Frills
So you just want a planner, minimal monetary damage possible? You got it. Low price, still with a pretty cool design.
4 ¾" x 8"
Manufacturer: AT-A-GLANCE
Retailer: Amazon
Price: $2.88
12. The Teacher
If I've learned anything from attending a school with a substantial education program, it's that teachers do a lot of planning. Here's a little something you teachers could use treat yourself to to keep your planning as stylish and creative as possible.
8.5" x 11"
Manufacturer: me & my BIG ideas (Create 365 The Happy Planner)
Price: $29.99
13. Trendy
Chevron, metallic, pastels, and marble patterns all in one? Nobody said you had to pick just one trend.
8.5" x 11"
Manufacturer: me & my BIG ideas (Create 365 The Happy Planner)
Price: $34.99
14. Fun
Well that's fun. It's an inflatable pink flamingo in shudder shades "rampant on a field of azure." (- Sheldon Cooper)
6" x 8.5"
Manufacturer: Yoobi
Retailer: Target
Price: $4.99
15. Money to blow
For those who enjoy outlandishly priced items for the sheer sake of having outlandishly priced items, and for those who enjoy knowing how expensive items can be, I have included this fancy leather-bound planner.
5 ½" x 8 ½"
Manufacturer: Day-Timer
Retailer: Target
Price: $129.99
16. The Writer
Sometimes five lines is simply not enough space to adequately explain all the things you have to do today. Write on, friend, with this line-friendly planner.
5" x 7 ½"
Manufacturer: AT-A-GLANCE
Retailer: Target
Price: $35.99
17. The Environmentalist
The leather cover is made from recycled material, the pages are made from recycled material, and the cover is as yellow as the sun powering your appliances. You don't have to kill a tree to adequately plan.
4.5" x 6.5"
Manufacturer: Paperthinks
Retailer: Amazon
Price: $7.38 (while supplies last)
18. The Detail-Oriented
If you aren't familiar with the Day Designer planners, they are goal-oriented rather than time-oriented, to help you get each and every task done. They combine innovative page design with stylish covers.
8.5" x 11"
Manufacturer: Day Designer
Price: $12.99
19. The Girl With All The Monograms
In case the monogram on your t-shirt does not adequately convey the idea of who you are, this planner will do the trick. Erin Condren's entire LifePlanner collection is customizable - from the design to your name on the front. Your planner will literally be one-of-a-kind.
7" x 9"
Manufacturer: Erin Condren
Price: $55
20. The Minimalist
Last but not least, this (almost-white) lavender spiral-bound planner with gold lettering is perfect for the minimalist looking for a well-constructed planner to accompany them this upcoming school year.
8.5" x 11"
Manufacturer: AT-A-GLANCE
Retailer: Target
Price: $27.15
