July 23, 2020  

My Absolute Favorite Pens For Planning, Journaling & Note Taking


Planning is so much more fun when you’re writing with the perfect pen. I’m breaking down my list of the best pens you can buy, and why they make small wins like list writing, journaling, and goal setting even greater. Check out which one tops my list of favorites!

desk drawer with organizing bins full of colorful pens and office supplies

I can talk about pens any day of the week, I don’t care how nerdy my husband says that is! I know I’m not the only one. Opening a new pack of pens makes me giddy – it’s like opening a new planner, or a fresh bar of soap.

Not only do these pens write beautifully, but they are also bright and fun, and make my desk drawer look like a dream. Did you see those fun colors up there!?

If you’re looking for the best pens for planning, journaling, and note-taking, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favorites!

Check out these blog posts for more planning and organizing ideas:

<<PIN THE IMAGE BELOW FOR LATER!>>

handful of colorful pens

My Favorite Planner Pens

It’s so hard to narrow down my favorite pens for planning, but I recently sorted through my pencil pouches and desk drawers to find my all-time favorites. These are the pens I reach to again and again for all things planning!

Instagram Stories Pen Tour

I love planning and pens so much and am constantly asked what my favorite pens are. You can watch my Instagram stories for the full pen tour to nerd out with me on all of my favorite pens. Who knew I had so much to say about pens?!

>> Click here to watch my pen tour on Instagram <<

gif of Emily Counts talking about favorite pens for planners

Criteria For A Great Planner Pen

Before I get into the best planner pens out there, I’ve got three criteria for what makes me melt over the perfect pen:

  1. Color – Pens must be available in a wide array of colors, and have very vivid, saturated color.
  2. Ink – The ink must flow smoothly so the page catches everything I write, no exceptions.
  3. No smudging – They must dry fast so there are no smears in my notes.

Easy enough, right? Having the right pen makes writing fun.

colorful pens flatlay

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.

10 Best Pens For Planning

Planning is so much more fun with the perfect pen. Check out these top picks for the best pens for planning, journaling, and note-taking.


Looking for more planning inspiration? Take a look at these blog posts:

Have a fantastic day!

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