Starting the Year Off Right: 10 Daily Planners for 2023

After a significant job change in 2022 (which ultimately led to me writing this column!), I’m feeling the need to completely reorganize how I structure my day. My old rhythms and routines just aren’t quite right anymore. But as Newton’s first law tells us, objects in motion tend to stay in motion and it’s challenging to break old habits and move in a new direction. So perhaps a bit of outside force in the form of a new daily planner might help.

Years ago, before I got an iPhone and completely handed over my schedule to it, I meticulously recorded all deadlines, due dates, appointments, plans and various other ephemera into a physical daily agenda. Perhaps it’s rose–colored glasses, but I do feel like I was better organized when I did. There was something about applying pen to paper that made the deadlines more real. In this era of digital overload, it may be an excellent time to go back to analog solutions.

When it comes to a daily appointment book, I prefer something aesthetically pleasing. Those small, beautiful touches become even more important everyday things you encounter. While it’s true you can find a planner almost anywhere, from big box stores to the local office supply, in the spirit of everyday delight, I believe it’s worth spending a little extra on a more premium daybook. As with many things, you get what you pay for, and you’ll find the pricier planners on this list have details such as silk linings, gold foil, and complementary bookmarks. As you and I both know, a bit of silk or hint of gold is all it takes to elevate a mundane experience into something exceptional.

With that in mind, here are the best daily planners according to me (and one unlined notebook for those who will always prefer to stay outside the lines).

I’ll still keep a backup calendar on my phone. After all, that’s where the map and the alarm clock live. But I’m also going to try a daily diary this year and we’ll see how it works out.

Papier Gold Crane Planner, $37.00 - Why this one: Cranes symbolize good fortune, something we all hope for at the beginning of the year. A flock of golden cranes on the cover of a book meant to capture the year is the perfect manifestation of that intention.

Hermes Globe-Trotter Annual Agenda Refill 2023, $110.00 - Why this one: With an irreverent spirit reminiscent of some of its silk scarves, Hermes Day Planner is playfully chic, breezy and carefree in the most delightfully French way, even if you’re recording serious notes inside.

Dolce & Gabbana Small Blank Textile Notebook Cover, $100 - Why this one: There’s something to be said for keeping the days a little more freehand. Perhaps you prefer to sketch or doodle or write notes that are less beholden to particular days of the week. Blank pages behind an Italian tile inspired hardcover will let your flights of fancy carry you where they may.

Smythson 2023 SoHo Agenda in Mara, $295.00 - Why this one: Silk lined, covered in crocodile-embossed calf leather and made in England, this is the ultimate in elegant daily agendas. Though available in a handful of sharp, crisp colors, this bright blue reminds me of clear, sunny skies.

Alter Planning Co. 2023 Annual, $33.00 - Why this one: If you’d like to support a small business and keep track of your daily events in a planner that feels more like a journal than a calendar, Alter Planning Co.’s “The Annual” offers an earthy elegance complete with quarterly project planning, budget tracking and habit tracking.

Rifle Paper Co. Mayfair 2023 Softcover Spiral Planner, $30.00 - Why this one: With their celebratory patterns and vivid prints, everything Rifle Paper Co. touches turns to gold and rightfully so. Keep track of everything that matters to you with this surprisingly sturdy planner that shouts “Good vibes only.”

Trapper Keeper 2023 Monthly Planner in Glitter Galaxy, $25.00 - Why this one: Feeling a little nostalgic for the Trapper Keeper notebooks that held all the details of your life in your backpack? Fear not because Mead is here to make your teenage dreams come true (again) with their throwback style monthly day planner.

Missoni Planner 2023 by Moleskine, $56.00 - Why this one: The quintessential notebook company joins with the quintessential knit company. Missoni’s elegant knits have kept me entranced for over 20 years. I can’t think of anything better than having one of their bold, graphic designs with me at all times.

The Met Museum Art of Asia Deluxe Engagement Calendar 2023, $20.00 - Why this one: For something you’ll carry and use everyday, the ideal planner will be beautiful enough to make you happy to see it but also sturdy - and dare I say, disposable? - enough that it won’t be a total catastrophe if something happens to it. The Met’s deluxe engagement calendar fulfills both criteria admirably.

The Completionist London Orchard 2023 Daily Planner Book, $44.07 - Why this one: The Completionist’s abstract designs have taken Instagram by storm and now you can experience their art for yourself in the form of this daily book. Made in England from music sheet paper and with a matching bookmark, this is an agenda for artists at heart. It’s also been specially designed for ease of use with left-handers as well.

The Commit30 Daily Planner, $50.00 - Why this one: Research suggests it takes around 2 months for new behaviors to become a habit. The Commit30 Planner can help you meet those goals with built-in tools like vision mapping, daily action steps, and motivational quotes. For those who like the look of leather, but without the animal component, their faux leather covers are vegan.

Erin Condren Metallic Watercolor Astrology Monthly Paper, $47.00 - Why this one: Let your sign guide you with this sturdy, made in the USA daily agenda containing two sticker sheets, productivity note pages, and space for monthly notes. Erin Condren also offers custom personalization so you have a truly unique planner for the rest of the year.