Finally get organized in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore
The thought of getting organized and managing your time better can seem so overwhelming. I really relate to that feeling because I balance a full-time career as a writer at Avery and a creative side hustle. Things like “time management” and “productivity” sound so boring—especially to creative people. However, the simple truth is they’re vital to success. In this post, I’ll share 33 planner ideas that can help you feel empowered and excited about staying organized, no matter how busy life gets. Many of these ideas are my own personal favorites, and I hope they bring a bit of fun back to your day-to-day planning!
Express your creativity with these planner ideas
Using a planner doesn’t have to be all about rigid schedules and endless to-do lists. In fact, I believe planning can be a lot of fun—especially when you make it your own! With these creative planner ideas, you can design a planner that feels personal and inspiring, helping you stay organized in a way that reflects your unique style. From memory pages to custom stickers, these ideas encourage you to express yourself and enjoy the planning process. And if you’re new to this, don’t worry; these planner ideas for beginners will help you add a special touch to your planner without feeling overwhelmed.
1) Make your own planner stickers
Personalize your planner with DIY stickers. Making your own stickers is a nifty planner design idea that adds a custom feel to every page. I love to make deco stickers this way for my bullet journal using Avery printable sticker paper and my Cricut®. The good thing is that Avery sticker paper totally works with other craft cutting machines or scissors too. Check out this full guide to making DIY planner stickers for more help and tips.
Print this sticker sheet on repositionable sticker paper (53202) using an inkjet printer. Or, order the design on custom-printed removable label sheets.
2) Planner idea for making memory pages
I like to set aside a few planner pages for memory-keeping with photos, ticket stubs, or stickers from local shops. They just bring me joy every time I look back at them.
This is a great example of a memory page layout. It features sticker sheets from our 6785 variety and 6784 student planner sticker packs, as well as tabs and highlighters.
3) Doodle in your bullet journal
Doodling in your bullet journal or planner is such a fun personal touch! Plus, it’s a simple planner idea for beginners who want to start exploring planner design ideas.
Ultra-fine tip markers are fantastic for doodling. The ones in this example are permanent markers, which I personally love to use for doodling on dividers in my bullet journal.
4) Planner idea project inspiration
I find that using a planner as a creative space can be so inspiring. Jot down ideas, sketches, or notes to fuel creativity, and add personal touches by pasting in photos or magazine clippings.
This is an example from my personal bullet journal a couple years ago. I printed inspiration collages from my phone using a mini photo printer and glued them down.
5) To-do list for a rainy day planner idea
The thought of getting things done on a rainy day can feel cozy and motivating, right? I love keeping a special to-do list just for those quiet, rainy moments. For me, it’s the perfect way to tackle tasks I’ve been saving for when things slow down.
This example features sticker sheets from our 6785 variety and 6784 student planner sticker packs, as well as holographic tabs and highlighters.
Planner ideas to help you schedule and plan
The thought of setting up a planner might just be the most intimidating part of getting started, but the right planner set-up ideas can make all the difference! I know that for me, organizing my planner is key to staying on track. These are some of my favorite planner organization ideas, from study schedules to fitness reminders, that help make planning easier and more productive.
6) Add fitness activities to your calendar
The thought of staying consistent with fitness can feel challenging, but here’s a planner tip that makes it easier: add workout reminders to your schedule! I love how this simple step keeps healthy activities front and center, helping you stay balanced and motivated.
I absolutely love themed stickers like this fitness pack for scheduling repeat activities. It’s so quick, easy, and fun.
7) Print DIY fitness planner stickers
When I can’t find the exact planner stickers I want, going the DIY route is my solution. Kraft brown labels are perfect for minimalist designs that you want to stand out on a white background. I also love the natural vibe of Kraft brown labels when I’m going for a “cottage core” aesthetic.
All the designs in the example are available for free in our free online software. I especially have trouble staying hydrated on my own, so I use the water bottle design a lot.
8) Schedule to-do lists, reminders & more
Planner stickers for scheduling make it super easy to quickly mark important tasks, deadlines, and even motivational notes. I find it so helpful to use stickers to keep my plans and reminders visible on calendar pages.
This Avery planner sticker pack is themed for productivity, so it’s perfect to schedule your to-dos, reminders, and appointments in a fun way.
9) Free printable DIY day stickers
Most planners that I know use day stickers in one of two ways: 1) covering days/dates in upcycled planners; 2) bullet journals. The latter one is me. I prefer a bullet journal for planning, and I use day-of-the-week stickers to create weekly calendars with tons more space than a traditional calendar page.
Avery 1″ x 2-5/8″ address labels are the perfect size for me when I’m making day stickers for my BuJo. This example shows matte white, but you can get them in any material we carry if you order them by the sheet or custom printed!
10) Create a study schedule
Set up a study schedule in your planner to track subjects and deadlines—it’s planner 101 for beginners! This simple tip will help you stay organized and on top of schoolwork or anything you need to study.
I’m no longer in school, but I still have training, skill development, and new technologies that I need to stay on top of. I love Avery 6784 student and 6781 teacher sticker packs for stuff like that!
11) Planner idea for making a spread for weekly tasks
A weekly task spread is perfect for seeing everything you need to accomplish at a glance. I consistently use this simple layout to keep my weekly priorities clear and organized. And I love using Avery Ultra Tabs® to navigate weeks and flag important information.
Do you want to know a secret? Everyone I work with is obsessed with Ultra Tabs too! They are hands down the favorite office product of all my coworkers, and I can’t argue; they’re a must-have for my personal bullet journal.
12) Customize your monthly overview page
Adding personal touches to your monthly overview with goals and special dates is such a fun way to make your planner feel uniquely yours. For me, this page has to be color-drenched and vibrant so that it feels exciting and stands out.
13) Keep track of assignments
Set aside a section to track assignments and due dates. It’s a must-have planner organization idea for students or busy professionals to stay organized. Below is a great example of a spread to track school assignments using Avery student and teacher planner stickers. However, I like using them to help track due dates for things like booth sign-up fees and forms, campaign launches, etc.
Use fun colors to make information easy to scan
Adding color to your planner is a nifty planner design trick that can help you categorize and emphasize different sections. I really recommend trying these planner ideas because they make it easy to spot important information at a glance. They also bring a little extra fun to your planning routine. Whether I’m color-coding or using coordinating highlighters, these simple additions make staying organized feel more vibrant and creative.
14) Planner idea for color-coding your business activities
I am a huge fan of color-coding tasks for my business so that I can easily see what needs attention. It’s a simple planner set-up idea that really enhances productivity and focus.
If your printer supports 4″ x 6″ sheets, then I recommend Avery 5474 round neon labels. Not every printer can work with the small sheets, but I love them because it’s so easy to print just one week or month’s worth of labels at a time.
15) Coordinate highlighters & tabs
There is something about matching highlighters and tabs that I find so satisfying! But this planner tip also keeps everything organized and easy to navigate.
I like to use two Ultra Tabs products: the 74762 and 74763 mini tabs, to achieve the full rainbow of neon colors shown here.
16) Index your BuJo months with tabs
The example below is my real-life planner from a previous year! Since it was a significant year, I indulged in a beautiful hand-bound journal from Citrus Book Bindery. I chose this planner design idea because it made it easy to flip through my journal without sacrificing style.
To achieve this specific look, I used colors from several different packs of Ultra Tabs and added the months with clear stickers. You can add your own text to most of the regular-sized ultra tabs with 1/2″ x 1-3/4″ clear labels sold by the sheet (94203).
Planner ideas to help you reach your goals
Your planner can be such a powerful tool for reaching your goals! I know mine has definitely helped me stay laser-focused on what I want to achieve. In this next section, you’ll find planner tips and ideas to structure your planner to do just that. With everything from habit trackers to goal-setting stickers, these suggestions make staying on track feel both manageable and rewarding. You can also read more about how to use a goal planner right here on the blog.
17) Use SMART goals
One of my absolute favorite strategies for achieving goals is to use the SMART goal system. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Seriously, this is one of the best planner tips for productivity.
Create your own SMART goals planner stickers! Print this sticker sheet on repositionable sticker paper (53202) using an inkjet printer. Or, order the design on custom-printed removable label sheets.
18) Decorate with motivational stickers
I really believe you should never discount the value of staying motivated—even if it’s a small pick-me-up like cute motivational stickers. They’re just a great way to keep your goals front and center and a nifty planner design idea that adds inspiration to each page.
The Avery® x Amy Tangerine® collaborative collection is full of fun, bright planners and supplies. They’re really great when you want your planner to be full of color and personality.
19) Print your own goal tracker sticker
Goal tracker stickers are another one of my personal favorites because it’s a quick visual representation of where you’ve been and where you’ll go. This planner idea is ideal for beginners looking to improve their goal-setting process.
Print this goal tracker design yourself on 3-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ matte white paper labels by the package (6878). Or order them by the sheet (94254).
20) Plan ahead to reach your financial goals
Maybe it’s just me, but there is nothing more daunting than budgeting and saving. However, using my planner, these tasks feel more manageable, and I’ve actually reached a few of my financial goals already. By mapping out your financial goals in advance, you’ll have a clear roadmap to keep you focused and motivated along the way.
Specifically, I like adding finance pages to my BuJo—it’s a great way to track spending, set monthly savings targets, and celebrate little wins. This budget-themed planner sticker pack is perfect for that.
21) Track habits that support goals
From my experience, adding a habit tracker to your planner is a great ‘Planner 101 for beginners’ approach. It’s an easy way to build positive habits and reach your goals one step at a time, especially if you feel overwhelmed.
Print this habit tracker design yourself on 3-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ matte white paper labels by the package (6878). Or order them by the sheet (94254).
22) Map out steps to achieve your goals
I find it really useful to break down big goals into smaller steps in my planner. This structured planner idea keeps you motivated by showing progress along the way.
This particular example features mini Ultra Tabs and pen-style Hi-Liters® that go perfectly together.
23) Track your fitness habits
Your planner is a great place to track your workouts and fitness goals too. It’s a productive and encouraging planner tip for those focused on health.
For health-related planner spreads, I recommend the Avery fitness-themed sticker pack (6787).
24) Keep goals visible with stickers
Here’s a great planner design idea to help you maintain focus throughout the month. I have pages dedicated to goals, but I also like to place goal stickers on my weekly and monthly pages to be reminded of my priorities.
1-1/2″ square labels are fantastic for DIY goal stickers because they fit the boxes in many popular planners. To make these stickers yourself, print the free design on the Avery 22805 labels shown in this example.
Planner ideas for gratitude and mindfulness
Using your planner to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness can make your planning experience more positive overall. These are some of my go-to planner ideas that help me feel more grounded and positive each day. From gratitude journals to mood trackers, these suggestions make it easy to incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine.
25) Make a gratitude journal
Some folks like to dedicate a section of their planner to recording things they’re grateful for, myself included. Others find it more helpful to create a separate gratitude journal. Whichever you choose, this planner idea encourages a positive mindset.
Clear sticker paper is great for creating DIY things where the design looks printed on. Try printing this free design on our clear sticker paper and decorating a divider in your planner or a notebook cover.
26) Practice gratitude regularly
Like anything, you’ll get better at practicing gratitude if you do it regularly. When I first started, I would simply write down something I was thankful for each day in my planner. It’s a simple yet powerful planner tip for improving mental well-being.
Let your creativity flow and decorate your gratitude pages with stickers, pictures, and doodles.
27) Make a themed mood tracker
Adding a mood tracker to my planner really helped me to monitor my emotions. This planner design idea is perfect for beginners wanting to build self-awareness.
This example of a plant-themed mood tracker features ultra-fine markers, vibrant highlighters, and cool metallic tabs.
28) Create a bunting banner mood tracker
If you track your moods every month, it can be fun to change up the theme. I think this bunting banner design is such a cute concept.
This mood tracker idea features ultra-fine markers, vibrant highlighters, and a variety of Ultra Tabs for a very colorful look.
Celebrate with these planner ideas
One of the quickest ways to make your planner feel more fun is to lean into holidays and seasons. It’s easy because you already know when these things happen, so you don’t have to think about it too much. I just find so much joy in adding seasonal or holiday touches to my planner. From Christmas decor to Women’s Day stickers, these planner ideas add a festive flair to your planner.
29) Decorate Christmas planner pages
If you celebrate Christmas, what’s more joyous than that? Decorating your planner pages for Christmas is a creative planner design idea that brings instant joy to your planning.
This planner sticker pack with holidays and seasons is perfect for channeling your Christmas spirit.
30) Free DIY Christmas deco stickers
As I mentioned earlier in this article, I’m pretty picky when it comes to my planner aesthetic. Seasonal pages are one of those things I always have a specific vision for, so DIY planner stickers are the perfect solution! Check out this article full of free, printable Christmas planner stickers you can print as-is or personalize.
Print this sticker sheet on repositionable sticker paper (53202) using an inkjet printer. Or, order the design on custom-printed removable label sheets.
31) Make a Christmas playlist
Christmas music might just be my favorite thing about the season. Why not create a holiday playlist page in your planner? This planner idea is perfect for setting the mood and celebrating the season.
This layout example would be amazing for creating different playlists for different vibes or occasions, like Christmas Day with family versus a party with friends. Or an upbeat list for putting up decorations and a cozy chill vibe for sipping cocoa under twinkling lights.
32) Free DIY Women’s Day Stickers
International Women’s Day is one of my favorite springtime celebrations. Use our free design template to create DIY planner stickers for the occasion. It’s a small way to add more personality to your planner.
Print this sticker sheet on repositionable sticker paper (53202) using an inkjet printer. Or, order the design on custom-printed removable label sheets.
33) Plan an awesome summer
There are so many things to love about summer! Maybe your kids are off school so your family can take a vacation. For me, my birthday basically kicks off summer, and I have a lot of teacher friends with summers off, so I really look forward to it.
The Avery holiday and seasons planner sticker pack has a lot of really cute summer stickers!
Make getting organized fun: creative planner ideas anyone can try
As you can see, staying organized doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With these 33 planner ideas, you can transform your planner into a personal space that not only keeps you on track but also sparks joy and creativity. From colorful goal trackers to cozy rainy day lists, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re new to planning or a seasoned pro, I hope these ideas inspire you to make planning feel less like a task and more like a daily ritual you look forward to.
So grab your stickers, tabs, and markers, and have fun making organization both productive and enjoyable. For more organization ideas, follow us on TikTok and Instagram. Or check out our helpful organization board on Pinterest. Want to chat with me about planners? Leave a comment!
