to feel that shops should maintain a consistent offering of diaries/planners?

[CiaraLiara]

It's that time of the year where I excitedly look for my yearly diary/planner. I am extremely fussy with mine, and like it to be a certain way, with the quality of the paper being extremely important.

Last year I found what I felt was utter perfection in the diary/planner department. From Muji. And it only cost £3.50!! I assumed I'd be able to purchase the exact same one this year, but they don't do it anymore.

This particular planner had everything I value. A5. Spiral, so can open flat. Good quality slightly creamish graph paper, a joy to write on. A monthly 2 page spread for scheduling. A weekly one page spread with graph paper next to it for notes. A good amount of spare graph paper at the back for notes.

I can't stand plain or lined paper to write on. The closest alternative at Muji doesn't have a spiral: https://www.muji.eu/product/2024-vinyl-monthly-planner-monday-start-suede-effect-black-184104103-591.muji

I feel at a loss now (slight exaggeration).

How could the do this to me?

Bullet journal?

I presume the shops know what to stock and what sells when

I feel your pain, I like a page a day A6 diary, really hard to find a nice one. Last one was from paperchase, who I don't think exist anymore.

Ive just looked at the link - that is a nice planner. Totally see what you mean!

@StrictlyAFemaleFemale, it is isn't it? I feel that's going to be the one.

About 4 years ago, I switched to a filofax so I can create my own. I have 2 sections with a 2 page monthly planner (one for dates, one for budgeting), a to do list section, and a lines section all with dividers and completely customisable. Game changer, honestly.

Why the link? Do you work for Muji?

I suspect it's because it's a pretty niche product now, the vast majority of people now use their phones. Little pocket diaries are still available

There are a vast amount of journals, calendars and diaries available online and at all times of the year. I don't think there has ever been so much choice.

Occasionally I buy one, but really just use my phone for everything, though I go through about two notebooks a year, and find a family calendar in the kitchen very useful.

This looks very nice, OP.

https://www.papier.com/le-classique-45153?utm_source=google&utm_cid=18402010065&utm_aid=159376817411&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsburBhCIARIsAExmsu5cy_aCspTRGegA0EAKIfGSb_jS0c2V_puhNc9wwTgjw_HD2-OH3REaAiRXEALw_wcB

Are you part of the planner community? There are lots of groups on Facebook and sellers on Etsy. You'll be able to find what you need I'm sure.

Start with UKPA, though they've had a LOT of drama the last couple of years! You'll still be able to find links to all kinds of planners.

This is also nice:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kokonote-Black-Diary-2023-2024-inches/dp/B0C4P3Y2ZB/ref=asc_df_B0C4P3Y2ZB/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=658682218740&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14270747087792717088&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-2187329614251&psc=1&mcid=3d278f72eee0383598ce3427ce0bbcde&th=1&psc=1

I've just bought a Moleskine A6 weekly diary/notebook in Homesense and they also had A6 page a day diaries. Only £3.99 too.

They also had the A5 version, like the OP is looking for, I think, they definitely had some A5 ones anyway but I'm not 100% sure if they had the notes page. Not spiral bound but they do lie flat according to the Moleskine website

I spent an inordinate amount of time looking at different diaries and planners today when I was supposed to be Xmas shopping for other people.
I can’t decide what I want - I like one small enough to carry, but large enough to actually use. I also like a spiral, month and week planner. I saw so many I liked!

Hi CiaraLiara, I am a fan of the Muji diaries too after many years of planner flipflopping, so feel you pain! I managed to get mine at face price this year but often have to buy it via ebay or Etsy as they sell out so fast on Muji. If it helps there are Muji planners on sale in this Etsy shop just now, though obvs a bit more expensive:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RIKUEXPRESS?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1321149274&from_page=listing

I also can't resist sharing one of my fav planners by the Italian brand Legami in this thread, as I don't think it gets enough attention. It has an unusual stable-gate (can't think how else to describe!) structure, with a weekly spread in the upper half and a week's worth of daily pages inserted in the lower half. It's a lovely bit of paper engineering. I gave it up because I always had to make or buy a separate month-to-view insert for it, which I find essential for forward planning. If only they would add that! https://www.legami.com/en_en/12-month-weekly-daily-diary-large-2024-malachite-green-VAG2412093.html