Hi everyone, it’s Delphine (@delphinesjournal) from the Archer and Olive (@archerandolive) ambassador team. With the new year approaching, now’s the perfect time to start reflecting, get creative and organised… and a bullet journal is the perfect tool to achieve those goals. In today’s blog, you’ll find everything you need to begin your bullet journal journey in 2026!
1. A notebook
A notebook is the most important step in creating your bullet journal starter kit, which is why I recommend getting one from Archer & Olive. The quality of their paper is fantastic; it’s on the thicker side (160 gsm) to prevent ink from bleeding through the page, and the crisp white pages allow you to use a white gel pen as a white out to easily correct mistakes. They also frequently launch the most beautiful collections with different materials and designs of covers; you’ll be sure to find one you love!
There are different formats you can choose from, but to start I would recommend getting an A5 because it is the most versatile. If you’d like something smaller, opt for a Traveler’s notebook or a B6, and if you’d like something bigger, go for a Square (8x8) or a B5.
As always, you can use my affiliate code Delphine10 for 10% off your Archer and Olive order!
2. Basic supplies
Up next, make sure you own a pencil, an eraser and a ruler; these basic supplies can go a long way.
3. Fineliners
I personally believe a fineliner is the most versatile pen you can have to start your bullet journal journey. You can draw the boxes for your week, create designs, write in your journal, or even try faux calligraphy with a single fineliner.
They are often sold in kits, but I would prioritize getting a smaller tip like a 01 with black ink to start, and then you can figure out if you’d like your pen to be bigger or smaller, or if you’d enjoy another color.
Now, you could totally stop here. With a notebook, basic supplies and a fineliner, you already have what you need to start your bullet journal journey in 2026. Remember that you do not have to create extensive themes in order to journal, and even if you do, you can create themes, using only a fineliner.
4. Brush pens
The fourth item I’d recommend to build your bullet journal starter kit are brush pens. They’re great to add some colour to your spreads, for doodling, lettering, headers or highlighting. Archer and Olive’s Calliograph pens have a broader and a smaller brush, which makes them super versatile. They usually come in a kit of 10 pens, and the color selections are always very pretty!
5. Themed planning kits
If you think you’d enjoy creating collages in your journal, you’re going to need different supplies, like pieces of paper, stickers and washi tape. However, if you’re just getting started, you might want to consider getting a themed planning kit from Archer & Olive. In these kits, you’ll find everything you need to create a cohesive theme in your journal, including different sticker sheets, two designs of washi tape and layering paper.
Make sure you have a pair of scissors and double sided tape before you dive in! If you end up liking incorporating collage elements in your journal, consider adding a corner rounder and a paper cutter to your supplies. These are tools that I use pretty much anytime I create a collage theme.
Video & Printable
Watch this video where I go through how to build your bullet journal starter kit!
And don’t forget to download this cute printable too!
If you end up creating your own bullet journal starter kit or gifting one to a loved one, please tag @archerandolive, @archerandolive.community, #AOShare and #archerandolive! You can also read this blog for tips when you’re worried to start your bullet journal.
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