The Best Planners of 2023

(Image via Unsplash)

Can I let you in on a little secret? I used to be the queen of chaos. I was constantly juggling tasks (sometimes unsuccessfully), forgetting appointments (it was becoming embarrassing), and losing important notes in the Bermuda Triangle of my desk. It seemed like every day was a flurry of “don’t forget to” and “remember to” until I decided the method I had wasn’t working.

I’ve changed my ways with a little help from only the best planners on the market (yes, I’ve tried them all). No matter what level of organized life you lead, you will benefit from one of these planners; you just have to choose the one that’s right for you! Let’s dive into a quick roundup of the top planners for 2023 that will turn you into the master of your schedule and life.

1. Panda Planner

Life can get pretty overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose sight of what truly makes us passionate amidst all the chaos. No worries, because the Panda Planner is here to be your trusty sidekick in this crazy journey! It’s not just a planner – it’s a powerful tool designed to help you reclaim control over your life, rediscover your happiness, and thrive like never before. The best part? No gimmicks, just practical solutions for a more balanced and satisfying life.

Imagine a planner that’s not just about checking boxes and going through the motions, but one that’s your partner in boosting productivity, finding joy, and smashing your goals. That’s exactly what the Panda Planner is all about. It’s not your average planner; it’s a personalized roadmap to a more fulfilling life. Dive into its pages and you’ll discover sections tailored to your daily, weekly, and monthly needs. Plus, there’s space for gratitude and moments of reflection – because life’s not just about rushing through, it’s about savoring the journey too.

When you grab a Panda Planner, you’re not just getting a physical tool – you’re unlocking a treasure trove of wisdom. Think 11 free eBooks that cover topics like How to Get Your Shit Together in Under 60 Minutes and The Keys to a Happy & Productive Life. We’re not kidding around when we say this planner is like your personal guide to mastering life’s challenges.

Every day, you’ll kick things off with a morning review, jot down your schedule, tasks, and notes, pinpoint your top 3-5 priorities, and wrap up with an end-of-day review. And that’s just the beginning! Your weekly section gives you the chance to reflect on the past week, dive into projects, plan out the next one, and set some game-changing goals. Meanwhile, the monthly section helps you lay out your month, focus on your daily habits, and look back to see how far you’ve come.

It’s not just about chasing distant dreams; the Panda Planner encourages you to set achievable short-term goals. And you don’t need to wait for a specific date – this planner is ready to roll whenever you are. Plus, it’s packed with mini-routines that nurture a positive growth mindset, because becoming the best version of yourself is a journey that deserves all the support it can get.

The Panda Planner Pro, your ticket to a more vibrant life, is available for just $33.97. But hey, we get it – everyone’s different. That’s why they offer not one, but two other amazing options: the Weekly Planner and the Classic Planner. It’s all about finding the perfect fit for your unique journey.

Check out the full Panda Planner Review here!

2. Erin Condren LifePlanner

When it comes to curating the ultimate planner lineup, the Erin Condren LifePlanner is undoubtedly the crown jewel that completes the list. It’s like the culmination of all your planner dreams into one elegant package. This weekly planner arrives in three versatile formats: horizontal, vertical, and vertical hourly. This flexibility is a game-changer, ensuring that your planner style aligns perfectly with your unique preferences. And what’s more, it’s loaded with all the delightful tools and accessories that the Erin Condren brand is famous for. This isn’t just a planner; it’s a personalized planning universe.

But what sets the Erin Condren LifePlanner apart is its distinct appeal to those who prefer a broader perspective, an aerial view of life. It’s tailor-made for those who appreciate simplicity, where the bigger picture matters more than micromanaging every minuscule detail. If you’re the kind of person who resonates with the Type-A personality traits while cherishing a fluid and unburdened approach, this planner is your kindred spirit.

If you’re looking for a planner with intricate goal-setting pages or meticulous budget tracking, the Erin Condren LifePlanner might not be your complete match. Its forte lies in offering a space that encourages broad strokes of planning brilliance, keeping the intricate nitty-gritty at bay.

If you’re craving the same quality, charm, and utility in a more compact form, enter the Erin Condren A5 LifePlanner. It’s like the condensed essence of the original LifePlanner, packed into a sleeker design. It’s all the planner love you cherish, now in a pint-sized companion. And the best part? The starting price for this compact marvel is as low as $46+. A steal, right?

So, when you’re ready to embrace a planner that provides both an expansive view of your journey and a simplified approach to planning, the Erin Condren LifePlanner stands as your beacon, starting at $60.50. And for those who adore quality in a smaller package, the A5 LifePlanner is your pocket-sized portal to organization and inspiration.

Read the full Erin Condren LifePlanner Review here!

3. Passion Planner

The Passion Planner is hitting a whopping 10 years old this year! And let’s be real, it’s not just any planner – it’s a total superstar with a massive fan club of happy users. They’ve got something special going on, and one big reason is that they’re totally in tune with the broke college kid vibes. They’ve got a free downloadable version that you can print out without emptying your wallet. It’s like they’re speaking our language!

The first few pages of this planner are like your own personal guide on how to rock it like a pro. They’re not just giving you a planner; they’re handing you the keys to unlocking your full potential. And there’s this thing called the “Passion Roadmap” – it’s like your dream board come to life, giving you a clear picture of where you’re headed.

Speaking of the monthly layout, it’s not your run-of-the-mill calendar. Sure, it’s got the dates and the task list, but they’re like, “Hey, we know you’ve got more going on!” So, they throw in space for projects, plans, and whatever else is floating your boat that month. It’s all about helping you stick to that Passion Plan you’ve got brewing.

Now, the weekly setup? It’s a thing of beauty. They took every square inch and made it count. From 6 in the morning to 10:30 at night, in neat 30-minute blocks – they’ve got you covered. Missed appointments? Forget about it! Whether it’s a serious sit-down or just meeting your buddies for dinner, the Passion Planner is the ultimate wingman.

But hold the phone – they’ve got a surprise for you too. Each week comes with a challenge that you can totally take on. Think being a bit early to meetings or conquering those top three tasks that’ve been staring you down. It’s like a dose of self-improvement sprinkled into your daily routine.

Got a thing for classy vibes? The Passion Planner offers a leather-bound version for just $38.24. But hey, if you’re looking to save some cash (more money for coffee, right?), remember that they’ve got that awesome free download too. So here’s to planning your way to greatness with the Passion Planner – because who said planning can’t be seriously fun? 

Check out the full Passion Planner review here!

4. The Happy Planner

Meet The Happy Planner – and let me tell you, the name fits like a glove. It’s not just a planner; it’s a happiness beacon. From the lively cover to the vibrant pages, you can practically feel the joy radiating from it. It’s like a mini shot of excitement every time you pick it up. But beyond its infectious cheerfulness, this planner packs a punch in the functionality department too.

The moment you lay eyes on it, you’re greeted by a unique coil setup that’s disk-bound, not your regular metal loop. These plastic, gold disks create an adaptable track for your pages and cover. You can pop pages in and out with ease, making customization a breeze.

Speaking of customization, the cover game is strong. Choose from various designs, like the Hello Life cover with its gold dots on a white background – it’s like New Year’s confetti in a planner. But it’s not just about looks; the color scheme you choose shapes the whole planner experience. The Happy Planner is all about color, with decorative dividers, quotes, and hearts sprinkled throughout. Tabs keep the color scheme rhythm going.

And oh, the monthly setup – it’s a game-changer for goal-setters. A mini roadmap for the month kicks things off, with spots for things like reading, watching, planning, and even dreaming. It’s a mix of productivity and personal joy, encouraging a balanced lifestyle.

The heart of this planner? The weekly vertical format, similar to the Erin Condren LifePlanner. Each day’s column is split into three sections, and the weekends pop in vibrant color, just like in the monthly view. There’s ample room for notes, tasks, and reminders, while the clear design maintains a delicate-yet-bold aesthetic.

Price-wise, The Happy Planner is a gem. At $24.49 for the Classic version, it’s quite the deal considering its quality – sturdy construction, lamination, and thoughtful layout. The Happy Planner isn’t just about planning; it’s about embracing happiness with style.

Read the full The Happy Planner Review here!

(Image via Day Designer, Day Designer)

5. Day Designer Planner

Get ready to fall head over heels for the Day Designer planner – it’s like a life coach, personal assistant, and style icon all rolled into one! Ever since Terra introduced us to this gem back in 2015, it’s been a game-changer, especially for us Type B folks striving to level up our lives.

At $68 (plus shipping), the price might raise an eyebrow, but when you break it down, that’s just about $0.25 a day – less than your daily caffeine fix. Choosing the right planner is like finding a soulmate for your schedule, and the Day Designer is a commitment you won’t regret.

For those who want in on the Day Designer magic without the price tag, there’s the mini edition for $58. It’s a bit more compact but still packs a punch. There’s also the Today & To-Do at $39 – an undated planner perfect for hopping back on the planning train. With a sleek, minimalist look, it’s great for on-the-go planning.

So, why do we adore the Day Designer? Let’s break it down:

• Today’s Top Three: Starting the day with three key tasks keeps you focused and on track, even when your to-do list feels miles long.
• Daily Schedule: Time blocking from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. means you’ll never miss a beat, whether it’s meetings or soccer games.
• Daily Gratitude: Jotting down something good that happened each day boosts positivity and makes for a fun year-end review.
• Self Assessment & Goals: Worksheets at the front help you assess your priorities and set actionable goals.
• Ideal Month/Week: Turn yearly goals into manageable weekly and daily steps, ensuring progress and accountability.
• Other Features: Handy boxes for due dates, dinner plans, dollars, and don’t forgets, plus a nifty pocket inside the cover.
• Beautiful, Durable Design: Not only is it chic and Instagram-worthy, but it’s also durable enough to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle.

Whether you’re a Type A planner extraordinaire or a Type B trying to adult better, the Day Designer is your secret weapon for keeping life stylishly on track.

Read the Full Day Designer Planner review here!

Final Thoughts

In choosing one of these planners, you’re choosing to better your life in more than one way. Not only are you avoiding falling back into bad habits, you aren’t settling for a mediocre planner that may not help you reach your full potential. These are the best planners on the market in 2023 and they will rock your world.