It is almost Christmas break and you are thinking about finding a new planner for the new year (or the new school year). I have come up with the five best planners on the market right now and have researched each and every one. There is no specific order, but I have saved my favorite for last.
Erin Condren Life Planner
(Price Range: $50-$70)
Erin Condren is famous for the personalization of her products. If you want to add pictures or specific logos on your planner, then this is the one for you. The laminated cover is waterproof and replaceable. There are lots of add-ons like personalized stickers that you can use as labels for the year. I have seen some of the best EC planners covered in stickers that indicate exams, assignments, doctor's appointments and vacation days. There are also insertable folders, pen holders and bookmarks. The best feature is the option to order matching business cards, journals and notepads. Erin Condren is definitely aesthetically cohesive.
The two-page weekly view of the planner has each day segmented into morning, day and night to help sort out your tasks. This is excellent if your social or event schedule is heavy. Each week has a "goals and notes" area lining the side of the left page and a lined area lining the bottom of both pages.
The one downfall to this planner is the space to write, with only one-sixth of the space dedicated to each day.
Lilly Pulitzer Agenda
(Price: ~$30)
This is probably the most popular agenda amongst college students. It is very basic with a weekly view and artistic designs throughout. The two-page weekly view allows each day to have a third of the page which allows much room for writing. It is made of paper and cardboard, so it is a little less damage-proof. The tabs for each month are not laminated, so they tend to bend and rip very easily.
Sakroots Daily Agenda
(Price: $20)
This planner is set up almost exactly like the Lilly planner without the overused, popular designs. I used this one for a while because I did not want my planner to get mixed up with those of other organized friends.
Kate Spade Agenda
(Price: $25-$35)
This is a very simple planner with no flair or embellishments. It feels like a Moleskin journal, so it is very flexible and slim. It has plenty of room for writing on the weekly view and monthly view. Since the inside is a creme color, it makes color-coordinating your tasks and events easy and distinguishable.
Whitney English Day Designer
(Price: $50)
This is my personal favorite and current planner. There is nothing else like it. I personalized mine (pictured above) by adding a few vinyl decals and a peel-and-stick lamination sheet. This planner is very intense and much different from the others. Each day has its own page, making the planner quite thick. Each daily page has a lined schedule from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a page-long to-do list. There are also designated areas for Top Three To-Dos, Dinner, Don't Forget and Due Today. The monthly view is two pages long and has a very sturdy, laminated tab.
One special feature that sets the Day Designer apart from the others is the life planning section in the first few pages. The "Core" allows you to list out your short and long term goals and dreams then gives you a timeline-based chart to follow for the next year. The only downfall to this planner is that it is sold on Etsy only once every couple of weeks because it sells out quick. Luckily, many local retailers sell them as well. Nevertheless, this is, hands down, the best planner I have ever used.
Good luck planner hunting. Please leave comments for any questions about any of the planners mentioned.
