Top 5 Must-Have Stationery Gifts for Journal Lovers in 2025
, by ZenPop Japan, 8 min reading time
Looking for the perfect gift for a journal lover? Explore top stationery picks they’ll actually use, plus what to skip.
Looking for the perfect stationery gifts for journal lovers? Whether they’re a bullet journal veteran or just dipping their toes into creative planning, the right stationery can spark joy every time they sit down with their notebook.
This guide highlights meaningful, functional, and beautiful gift ideas that journalers will actually use, along with a few items you might want to skip unless you know their specific taste.
Table of content
1. Zebra Mildliner Sets
Calm, Versatile, and Always Appreciated
Soft, double-ended, and smudge-resistant, Zebra Mildliners are a journaling staple. Their gentle hues help highlight important notes without overwhelming the page. They’re versatile and fun, making them excellent stationery gifts for journal lovers who love both beauty and function.
Gift idea: Zebra Mildliner Yasashisa Mild 5 Colors Set
- Great for minimalists and creatives alike. Pair with a simple notebook for an easy starter gift.
2. Washi Tape Bundles
Add Charm and Personality
Washi tape is more than just decorative, it’s how journalers frame their thoughts, add flair to spreads, and bring stories to life. A curated bundle with floral, seasonal, or soft patterns like these are essential stationery gifts for journal lovers who enjoy adding personality to every page.
Top pick: KOKUYO Bobbin Tape (Masking Tape 3 pcs)
- Choose designs that match their vibe, calm botanicals, playful animals, or vintage-inspired.
3. Japanese Notebooks
A Dream to Write On
A good notebook makes all the difference. Japanese notebooks are prized for their smooth paper, durable binding, and thoughtful layouts. Whether they prefer grid, dot, or blank pages, a high-quality notebook is always appreciated.
Best seller: MIDORI A6 MD Paper Notebook
- Perfect for daily journaling, goal tracking, or long-term planning
- Its thread binding allows it to lay completely flat
- The premium paper resists ink bleed-through
4. Stationery Gift Sets
Effortless and Exciting
Not sure what to choose? Among stationery gifts for journal lovers, a curated stationery box does the hard work for you. Packed with a mix of washi, pens, stickers, and more, it’s a ready-made surprise that’s fun to explore and use.
Subscription Box: ZenPop Stationery Box
- Includes a variety of items with a great unboxing experience, perfect for new and experienced journalers alike.
5. Cute Storage or Pen Cases
Organize in Style
Every journaler needs a reliable place to keep their favorite tools. A well-designed pouch or pencil case helps them stay organized on-the-go or at their desk. Choose soft colors, breathable materials, and a few compartments inside.
Practical & cute: SUNSTAR Silicon Pen Case NoFF
Portable & easy to organize: KINGJIM Flatty Pen Case
- Roomy, lightweight, and easy to tuck into any bag.
Best Stationery Gifts for Journal Lovers: A Curated Wishlist
If you’re still not sure what to get, here’s a peek into what a journal lover (like the ZenPop community!) would truly treasure. Think of it as a wishlist built from experience, tools that spark creativity and elevate every journaling moment.
These items offer both function and joy:
Writing Tools
- Zebra Mildliners
- Pilot Juice Up Gel Pens
- Uni-ball One F
Paper Goods
- Kokuyo Jibun Techo Mini Inserts
- Midori MD Notebooks
- Kamiterior Memoterior
Decorative Supplies
- Limited Edition Washi Tapes (mt, BGM, etc.)
- Mind Wave or Furukawa Paper Stickers
- Stamp Sets with Japanese Motifs
Handy Tools
- Mini Scissors
- Glue Tape or Decoration Tape like Deco Rush
- Clips
Each piece brings a little more magic to the page—and that’s what makes a stationery gift so special.
What to Skip?
Novelty Stationery That’s All Show, No Function
Items that look fun but don’t work well, like poor-quality pens, stickers that won’t stick, or tapes that tear easily, end up collecting dust. Stick with trusted brands known for quality.
Loud Colors or Glitter-Heavy Supplies
Unless you’re sure they love bold, glittery spreads, it’s best to lean toward soft tones and curated color themes. Many journalers prefer calm palettes that don’t overwhelm their layout.
Oversized or Overly Niche Tools
Things like A4 planners, punch systems, or hyper-specific templates might be useful, but only if they’ve mentioned needing them. If not, they may just add bulk or confusion to their setup.
Wrap it with intention
Add a personal touch to your gift with a handwritten note or a small reusable postcard.
Want to go the extra mile? Tuck a single Mildliner or a mini roll of washi tape inside the wrapping, like a sneak peek of the creativity that’s to come.
Finding the right stationery gifts for journal lovers means focusing on tools that inspire creativity and elevate the journaling experience. They don’t need to be complicated. Choose something simple, functional, and beautiful, and you’ll brighten their journaling moments for months to come.