Have y’all noticed how many paper planners are out there? Weekly or Daily, Large or Small, Spiral or Flat Lay, Simple or Custom? I find it hard to choose a planner and really wanted to nail it for 2022. While this is all personal preference and what fits YOU, I thought I would put together a full analysis of a few popular planners to help you pick the best planner for YOU!

For each planner I share all the different characteristics because I think it makes it easier to choose one that is right for you. Here is what I looked at for each planner to make sure you had EVERYTHING you need to make a decision:

• Can I write my shopping list in it?

• Does it have space for a to-do list?

• Will it fit in my purse?

• How much does it cost?

• What does it look like?

• How many pages are delegated for each day?

Here is a high level summary of the distinguishing characteristics of each of the planners I reviewed. And then below that, I went into detail about each planner! Pin this for reference later.

1. Emily Ley Simplified

A fan-favorite, I love the classic and preppy exterior design of this planner. I bought and used the Target version of this planner for 2021 and loved it. Its super simple and has everything I could want in a planner. I always look for spiral binding and this actually has a flat-lay and spiral option depending on your preference. True to its “simplified” calling, this is a straightforward planner. I really like the to-do list next to each weekday as well. The price point for the Simplified planner is on the high side at $50-$75 BUT there are versions available at Target, Office Depot and Amazon that cost less (and have fewer features).

• The Daily version of the Simplified planner has one page per day, is spiral bound and is “tote-worthy” or medium sized. It comes in both a professional and lively bright aesthetic (note Happy Stripe below!). One of the great things about the Emily Ley series is her tips to stay organized throughout the year and this has prompts throughout.

• The Weekly Version has 7 days on 2 pages, is flat-lay “book-style” binding and purse-worthy. It also has both professional or classic, as well as “Happy Stripe” aesthetic.

2. Day Designer

I have historically used a version of this planner. Like the Emily Ley planner, this one also has a daily and a weekly version. For purposes of this review, I ONLY looked at the “flagship” versions of the planner which are in the $50-$75 range (just like the Simplified). Also like Emily Ley, there are less expensive versions at other stores.

Both the DAILY + WEEKLY versions of the Day Designer are spiral bound, come in two sizes and two prints. With both an original and a mini size, you can decide whether you want it on your desk or in your purse (or both!).

• The Weekly Version has 7 days on 2 pages and the to-do list boxes next to each day.

• The Daily version has one page per day, comes equipped with a to-do list box for each day and a meal planning or “dinner” section PLUS there is ample room to write.

3. Emily Condren

If you want to customize your planner, I recommend this one . For the Erin Codren Lifeplanner there are so many options. It comes in 3 sizes. This year they added the A5 size which is the pocketbook size that I love so much. It also comes in a variety of colors and designs – including vegan leather. I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t be able to find something you like. Once you decide on the size and cover, you can personalize it to your liking. The planners are coiled so they lay flat and you even get to choose your coil cover.

For the layout, there are options for horizontal, vertical and hourly. Within the planner there are also monthly productivity pages to document your goals and to-dos. It also comes with stickers and a double sided storage pocket.

4. At-A-GLANCE

If you are looking for a tried-and-true planner at an affordable price, then this is exactly what I recommend. Of course, there are more options from At A Glance than you will see here. I wanted to keep it apples to apples and compare some favorite weekly planners. The basic planner comes in three sizes and has a flexible professional and plain cover. It also lays flat because or the spiral binding. And even though there are not any designated list spots, there is plenty of room to write in each day’s box. There are no frills to this planner and it does exactly what it says – gives you a space to plan your week.

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Which one will you chose?

xx

Caroline