Between iCal, Google Calendar and a million productivity apps, it's never been easier to stay organized. But for all the good that online organization does, there is something appealing about putting pen to paper and jotting down your goals. According to Scientific American, writing by hand is better for memory and learning. Citing a study from Frontiers in Psychology, the publication explains that handwriting connects patterns in our brains, therefore helping us better retain information. So if you have a hard time remembering your to-do list when typed out in your notes app, a creatively designed planner may be what you need! Whether you like to jot down every detail of your day, or if you prefer to freestyle your thoughts, we’ve curated our top five favorite planners that are functional (and aesthetically pleasing) enough to help you meet your goals.

Shop our favorite planners:

1. Ink & Volt Planner, $55.00

This planner is one of our all-time favorites! It has layouts that help you set yearly, monthly, and weekly goals with a flexible system to move you forward toward achieving them. And for those who are into bullet journaling, there are weekly journal prompts for inspiration, and plenty of blank space so you can adapt the planner to fit your needs.

2. Erin Condren Life Planner, $55.00

Erin Condren makes the most beautiful and colorful planners that allows you to customize almost everything in it. You have your choice from hourly, weekly and, monthly views as well as a place to jot down your goals, inspirational quotes, pictures, stickers, and so much more.

3. Hobonichi Techo Planner, $47

Striking a unique balance between organization and artistic freedom, this planner has earned its devoted following by refusing to fit into just one box. It's the perfect stepping stone for anyone intrigued by bullet journaling but wary of starting from scratch. The thoughtfully designed pages provide a foundation for both daily planning and creative expression, giving you permission to be both structured and spontaneous.

4. Plum Paper ME Planner, starting at $32.00

What's so great about these beautifully designed planners is that you can customize it with sections such as blog, wedding, baby, fitness, and budget planning. You can even add on pages such as checklists, to-do lists, behavior tracking, party planning, etc. Add stickers, customize the cover page and you're good to go.

5. Moleskin 12-Month Vertical Weekly Taskmaster, $25

There's something to be said about using the same type of notebook that Picasso and Hemingway once used. Moleskin is a classic and is as durable as it is practical. It's lightweight and not burdensome to carry around; it's also easy to write in with its 180 degree lie-flat opening. A definite must for the serious note taker.

Tell us, what are your go-to planners?

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