An Ode to the Paper Planner
Autumn has officially begun, September is on the wane, and the last of the college kids are trickling back to school. What better time to start, or start again, getting organized? Though technology claims most aspects of keeping our lives on track, there are still those of us, myself included, who prefer their schedules to be on paper, in pen and ink.
Every year Island Books orders a variety of planners and calendars. I love unpacking the boxes as each new style of planners arrive, leafing through the pages to see how this company or that lays out their weekly spread. I check out what extras are included like stickers or humorous sayings or motivational lists. Will this planner work better, or be more fun, in keeping me organized than another? When I finally land on that year’s winner, I plunk down my money and start filling in the pages.
For years I had a small Filofax planner, courtesy of my mother and her employment at a pen and stationary shop. She’d get me the refills every year (a week on two pages, thank you very much) and I’d fill in my work shifts and birthdays. I was not an exceptionally busy person, unless you count the number of books I have going at any one time, so a small planner suited me just fine.
Six years ago, when I started working at Island Books, I wanted to try something new, and I certainly had a large variety to choose from. I finally decided to pick a large spiral bound 1Canoe2 planner with big squares for each day, brush stroke quotes, and a notes page at the end of the month which ended up being my fledgling reading journal. I loved it, but the next year I decided I wanted something a little easier to carry, so I picked a softcover Paper Source planner with a glittery pale blush cover. I liked how I could slip a pen in to hold my place, and have a section to take notes on meetings and appointments. But it turns out that picking a light colored planner and shoving it into a bag over and over ends up dinging the cover . For 2021 I chose a hardcover Rifle planner (3 pages of stickers in the back!), not cumbersome to carry around, with lines for each day and boxes to check off. Very satisfying.
For my 2022 planner, I’ve gone back to 1Canoe2, with their smaller sized planner. I’ve been using one of their journals, so I know the paper is luxuriously thick, and I’m a big fan of the built-in pen loop. Plus the cover design manages to be both inspirational and soothing.
For those who are wedded to the ubiquitous August to August calendars, you’ve probably already picked one up, but we still have a good supply in if you want to give them a try. It’s a great choice for students as each day is broken down into hours. For the rest of us, who like their planners to start in January, we’ve got plenty to choose from. A selection of Paperblanks planners in multiple sizes and styles, from the restrained to the whimsical. Classic Leuchtturm planners in a variety of colors, pocket and journal sized. Planners from 1Canoe2, Rifle, and many more. We even have some undated planners, allowing you to start whenever you need to and fill in the days and dates yourself.
Don’t forget accessories! We have slim Leuchtturm Dreghriffle ballpoint pens with a twist mechanism in several fun colors, plus classic white and black. We just got in some very glittery click ballpoints, guaranteed to cheer up even the less fun tasks on your to-do list. For the practical pen user, we have a utility pen from Standard Issue Supply, with a level in the pen, ruler markings down the sides, a mini Phillips head screwdriver, and a stylus. There’s a good selection of washi tape from Girl of All Work, perfect for a decorative touch. And don’t forget to look back in kids, as we recently resupplied with Ooly and have glitter neon highlighters, brush pens, and starter fountain pens, as well as a selection of Pipstickers for those who love to bullet journal. Plus so much more!
With all this talk of planning, I’d be remiss if I didn’t drop a little hint about planning ahead for your holiday gifting. Given the global supply chain issues at the moment, this is more important than ever this year. We love the tradition that so many of you have of giving a book or a calendar to everyone on your list. If you have the ability to start early on these choices, we encourage you to do so. If your heart is set on giving a certain title that ends up not being available, there will be plenty of books in the store that are wonderful alternatives to the hot-but-can’t-get title. Gift certificates are also a great option, allowing the recipient to treat themselves!
However you decide to organize your giving for the holidays, we are always so grateful when you choose to support Island Books with your purchases. It is the reason we are still such a vital part of the community after 48 years. Thank you.
Now start planning!
— Lori
