Start the year right with these analog planners, each built to suit every need and organization style.
January is in full swing, which means it’s time to turn over a new leaf—or should we say, new page? People are rediscovering and embracing the beauty of analog mediums in all their forms, and that includes planners (unless you never stopped using them, in which case, business as usual). Planner systems aren’t a one-size-fits-all, though. Some suit our needs better than others, but the fun part of starting each year is trying out a different system or refreshing a tried-and-tested formula. Either way, it gives you a chance to start 2026 on a high note, hopefully more efficient and organized than ever.
If you’re searching for the right planner to kick things off and keep you company throughout the year, here’s a list of beloved stationery brands that offer just that. And because we like being a little extra, we’ve ensured each option in this list can accommodate all kinds of writing instruments: from thicker gel pens to fountain pens.
READ ALSO: How To Start A “Commonplace Book”
Traveler’s Company 2026 Diary
Traveler’s Company is a beloved Japanese brand best known for its collection of customizable leather-cover notebook “systems,” made to last a lifetime and look better with age. A Traveler’s Notebook is a great choice for those who appreciate an old-school, vintage aesthetic: classy, a little rugged, and deeply personal.
Its leather covers come in different shades, ready to collate your choice of “refill” notebooks. These notebooks can be replaced, switched, and combined to create a system that works for every user. Accessories like kraft folders, card files, and zip cases keep things extra handy.
Notebook refills come in different paper types and have various uses, but if you’re searching for a formal planner, purchase the pre-dated 2026 Diary refills, available in weekly and monthly formats. The brand also produces undated weekly and monthly refills if you need a little more flexibility, or don’t like wasting paper during less eventful days or weeks.
As its name suggests, these notebooks are designed in a specific way for the on-the-go scribbler. The “Regular” Traveler’s Notebook is ideal for fitting maps, plane tickets, and brochures due to its unique lengthwise size. Meanwhile, the “Passport” sized Traveler’s Notebook is extra pocketable, named after its design that allows it to fit your passport, making it a versatile companion.
Traveler’s Company Notebooks are available in Scribe and Analog stores, as well as Everything Calligraphy, with different refills available in select branches.
Hobonichi Techo Weeks
Hobonichi Techo has gained quite the following over the years, both in Japan and beyond, and for good reason. Made with ultra-thin, silky smooth, yet versatile Tomoe River paper, its notebooks can handle a variety of writing instruments, including fountain pens. If you don’t mind some slight ghosting (pen marks visible on the next page, depending on what writing tool you use), the brand’s products are incredibly light and portable.
The Hobonichi Weeks planner is a popular choice when it comes to organizing the year, and comes in a vast assortment of designs, from plain colors to collaborations with talented artists or pop culture titles. It’s this writer’s go-to planner system: super light, easy to toss into any bag or purse, long like a receipt (list-lovers rejoice), and comprehensive enough to give both monthly and weekly agenda overviews. Flexible and intuitive, subtle details like dot guides and grey grids allow users to create systems that best fit their needs.
Order the Hobonichi Techo Weeks through the brand’s official website, or find them in select Scribe and Analog stores.
Midori Pocket Diary
Midori is another trusted Japanese stationery brand with a roster of fantastic notebooks to fit every lifestyle. If you’re a fan of all things cute and don’t want to lug around a gigantic planner wherever you go, consider its yearly “Pocket Diary.” The brand releases a line-up of fresh designs annually, which come in different compact sizes, every page embellished with adorable illustrations for those who appreciate pops of color and whimsy. The “Mini” and “Slim” sizes function as portable monthly calendars, while the bigger A6 sizes have additional weekly spreads. The 2026 editions don’t disappoint, with “Dog” and “Cat” designs featuring the recognizably cute drawings of illustrators Natsumi Teraoka and Sayo Koizumi, respectively.
The Midori Pocket Diary is available in select Scribe and Analog stores.
Leuchtturm 1917
Sometimes, you just want it plain, simple, and practical. Germany stands next to Japan when it comes to creating some of the world’s finest, most precise stationery and writing instruments. Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks are proof of that, capable of taking on all kinds of marks thanks to thick, high-quality paper and straightforward systems. They produce the kinds of planners you’d probably give your dad or tito: no nonsense, streamlined, and distinguished-looking enough to blend in while still signaling impeccable taste. If you use inky writing instruments or fountain pens, choose this over Moleskine. While the latter is still a decent brand, it tends to produce thinner, pulpier paper that’s prone to feathering and bleeding.
Leuchtturm 1917 is available in daily, weekly, and monthly planners, all of which include the brand’s signature expandable pockets, calendar overviews, and perforated notes sections, so you always have space to store and jot down the essentials as needed.
Leuchtturm 1917 is available in select National Bookstore, Scribe, and Analog stores.
Ana Tomy Custom Planners
Last but not least is a planner option for the fickle and extra discerning. Sometimes, you just need a system that’s very, very specific. So specific, you’ll want to make a whole planner from scratch. Born in Malaysia, but now available across various malls in Manila, the personalized stationery and gifts brand Ana Tomy scratches that “okay-but-it-needs-to-be-a-certain-way-or-nothing-at-all” itch by offering an on-the-spot planner creation service, giving customers full control over everything from cover design to the color of their notebook’s elastic and ribbon bookmarks.
What’s amazing about the brand–besides their sturdy, fountain-pen-friendly paper—is the sheer care and attention to detail present in all their products. Covers are available in cloth-bound or leather-bound options, plain or decorated with gorgeous designs from various artists (they also collaborate with pop culture names like Peanuts). Every planner package comes with a detachable ruler that also functions as a bookmark, an expandable pocket, an adjustable penholder, label stickers, and yes, even a complimentary foil monogram of a user’s name or initials on the cover.
Peruse their various “spreads” or planner page options, choose ones that fit your needs, and even decide where to place or position them before the staff start binding your creation. One thing to note, however, is that most spreads come undated. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a freeing option for those who like to take full control of their systems. The paper package that every planner comes with also functions as an “archival” box where you can store your refills or notebook for safekeeping.
Ana Tomy is available for order online, or through its three physical stores in SM Megamall, Powerplant Mall, and SM Aura Premier.
