10 Best Diaries in the Philippines 2026 | Leuchtturm1917, Limelight, Papernotes, and More

Depending on the diary, there are those with dates on it and those without them. They both have their pros and cons, but it is easier for one to skip on writing if there are no dates, because the owner can adjust the dates however possible. It is important to know which one suits your purpose best.

Diaries are lined differently, like the ruled, which is the most commonly used for wordy entries. Next is the grid and dotted, which you can use for text, graphs, and sketches. The grids and dots serve as guides if you plan to draw in figures, tables, and charts. Last is the blank pages for people who prefer a fully customizable one. 

If you are a newbie, a simple ruled one is best for you to practice writing entries and eventually get the hang of it. The grid, dotted, and blank diaries are for those who might want to be more creative in their diary entries.

There are varying sizes of diaries can choose from. It depends on what you will use it for and where you will store it when not in use. A smaller diary that fits your palm is good for people who write short and concise entries per day. It can also fit into most of your bags, so you can take it out and write in it wherever you are.

Bigger diaries may take up space inside your bag and can be a hassle to bring around if you plan to write in your diary outside your house. Some people love writing in their diaries in a coffee shop, and smaller diaries are recommended in that case. Those who are planning to write all the details down at should opt for a bigger one.

Think about why you are going to write in a diary. There are diaries that are made specifically for a certain goal or purpose, like a maternity diary to keep track of your pregnancy, a fitness diary, an art diary, and many more. 

It is better to have separate diaries for your different goals, but some are also multipurpose if you want an all-in-one diary. Diaries for specific purposes have pre-made templates and categories. 

If you are a beginner, you may get one that has more templates to get an idea of what you should write about. If you do not want to be limited on your entries, then get a basic one with more general or fewer templates. 

Hardbound provide structure and protection, making it more expensive than softbound covers. It can also prevent the diary from being misshapen when stored. You will have an easier time, though, even while standing up, if ever you need to write something right away before you forget it. 

Softbound covers are easier to break in and write in, even if it is new. But you will need a hard surface to place your diary before writing to avoid any mishaps. You should also make sure there are no wet spots that might soil your diary. If you want added protection, then look for a diary with a garter or fastener to keep the pages in place.

Paper thickness is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the number is, the thicker the paper. For you to have an idea, a regular bond paper is about 70 to 80 gsm. You must know the thickness and material of the paper for you to decide and know which writing instruments are suitable. 

For small tip pens and easy drawings, 100gsm will do for you. If you want to use markers and thick pens, you should purchase at least a 180gsm diary so that the paper will not easily tear if you have any erasures. A 300gsm paper is really thick, in which you may even use watercolor or paint.