For as long as I can remember, I've documented my life in a series of composition books, leather-bound journals, or digital notebooks on my iPad. You name it, I've probably a) owned it, and b) written some lengthy journal entries in it. I've tried my fair share of analog hobbies, but journaling was the one that started it all for me.
As such, I get served a lot of journaling content on my For You Page, which means my scroll sessions have been inundated by the "journal ecosystem" phenomenon. Everyone from sporadic journalers to budding hobbyists are getting behind the viral trend, so I'm here to spill all of my journaling secrets, including everything you'll need to create a journal ecosystem of your own. (It's so much simpler than it sounds, I promise!)
What is a journal ecosystem?
If the word "ecosystem" sends visions of elementary school science classes and wilderness dioramas floating through your head, I get it. Luckily, a journal ecosystem is a little less STEM-focused (excellent news for me) and a lot more introspective, chronicle-your-life-themed.
Essentially, a journal ecosystem is a collection of the journals, planners, and notebooks you use to keep track of your life.
Your ecosystem can be as simple as one massive journal in which you do everything from jotting down to-do lists or penning long, thoughtful entries. I suggest this one if you go the one-and-done route:
OR it can be a stack of notebooks, each with a distinct purpose. Take this creator's "ecosystem," for example:
So, let's get into the most common types of journals in a full-fledged "ecosystem" like this:
1) traditional diaries
2) logs to keep track of the movies you've watched, books you've read, albums you've listened to
3) a planner that'll organize your busy schedule
4) a traveler's notebook for penning musings from your latest vacays
5) a commonplace notebook, which is essentially a spot to jot down anything and everything that inspires you
Pick one or several—your call! As you can see, a journal ecosystem is fabulously as simple or as complex as you want it to be, making it one of the most budget-friendly hobbies around.
Shop to build your own journal ecosystem
I've tested pretty much every notebook out there and have some clear winners, which I've rounded up for you here–in addition to some specialized journals worth adding to your own ecosystem.
Leuchtturm 1917 Some Lines A Day, Port Red
If you need additional inspo, my current journal ecosystem is comprised of a daily planner (I'm rocking a Papier agenda for the fourth year in a row), the journal that houses all of my deepest darkest secrets (kidding... or am I?), a five-year journal in which I write a line or two each day; and the aforementioned commonplace notebook, which is essentially a physical manifestation of a Pinterest board.
The viral picks
If you're plugged into JournalTok, you've likely seen these two buzziest brands on repeat: Hobonichi and Louise Carmen.
Perhaps best known for its Techno line, Hobonichi is a Japanese brand with quite the cult following. While these are technically planners, plenty of savvy journalers have morphed their Hobonichi agendas into everything from junk journals to spill-your-guts-style diaries.
Here's the difference between the most popular Hobonichi options: The Cousin has a page for each day and an agenda-style page for each week, so it can pull double-duty as a journal and a planner. The Week, on the other hand, is a tall and slim agenda and will add as little weight as possible to your overstuffed bag.
Because Hobonichi is a Japanese-based brand, some of the products are hard to come by in the United States. Not to mention, they tend to sell out faster than tickets to the Eras Tour, but I found some popular Hobonichi styles that are still available. You're welcome.
Hobonichi Techo 2026 Cousin Book
Hobonichi Honey Liliac Techno Cousin Cover
Hobonichi Melon Sorbet Weeks Book
Those with Champagne taste have surely feasted their eyes on the gorgeous Louise Carmen notebooks, which are essentially leather-bound folios complete with charms and embossed details that house a handful of smaller notebooks, each with their own unique use.
While a Louise Carmen is currently at the top of my wishlist, I don't have a spare $400 lying around, nor do I see a trip to Paris to customize my own in the cards for me anytime soon (although I'm adding it to my 2026 vision board), I've seen some savvy DIYers create their own. In case you're tempted but don't know where to start, I've rounded up everything you'll need to make your own Louise Carmen-inspired journal for a fraction of the cost—from the iconic leather cover to charms that'll give your notebook a personalized touch.
AIGUONIU Leather Notebook Cover
ZCZN Colorful Blank Notebooks
Acejoz Charm Kit
Newestor Travelers Notebook Accessories Kit
Finally, about all those fun accessories
While you don't need to spring for an entire lineup of new markers, stickers, and washi tape, having a handful of accessories on hand makes journaling so delightfully colorful, no matter if you're baring your soul or jotting down your grocery list.
If you've gone down the journaling rabbit hole, you've probably seen junk journalers using handy little glue tools or mini printers that can make stickers out of your favorite iPhone snaps. I've tried tons of these gadgets and have compiled a definitive list of the ones actually worth buying.
