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If you’re looking for cheap journaling supplies for kids that make writing fun, the good news is that many of the best tools are simple and affordable. Items like colorful pens, stickers, pencils, and decorative tape can turn a plain notebook into a creative space where kids enjoy writing, drawing, and expressing their ideas.
If you’re just starting this habit with your child, you might also enjoy reading Why Journaling Is Good for Kids (And How to Get Them Started), where we share the benefits of journaling and simple ways to help kids begin.
1. Colorful Gel Pens
Gel pens are one of the most popular journaling tools for kids.
Children love using bright colors to write titles, decorate journal pages, or highlight their favorite memories. Many kids also enjoy erasable gel pens, which allow them to fix mistakes easily and experiment with writing without worrying about getting it perfect.
Why kids love them
bright and vibrant colors
smooth writing
erasable options available
perfect for decorating journal pages
👉 See popular gel pen sets on Amazon
2. Washi Tape Sets
Washi tape is a decorative paper tape that kids can use to design their journal pages.
It comes in many fun patterns like animals, stars, flowers, and pastel colors.
Kids often use washi tape to frame drawings, create borders, or decorate their journal entries.
Why kids love it
easy to use
no mess
instantly makes pages more creative
👉 Browse popular washi tape sets
3. Cute Sticker Packs
Stickers are one of the easiest ways to make journaling fun.
Kids love decorating their pages with animals, stars, hearts, and cute characters.
Sticker packs can turn journaling into a creative craft activity.
Why kids love them
endless variety
quick decoration for pages
encourages creativity
👉 See cute sticker packs for kids
4. Drawing Stencils
Some kids feel like they “can’t draw,” and that can make journaling feel intimidating.
Drawing stencils make things much easier.
They help kids create shapes, banners, arrows, and fun icons that look neat and creative.
Why they’re helpful
makes drawing easier
builds confidence
great for decorating journal pages
👉 See journaling stencil sets
5. Dual Tip Brush Markers
Dual tip markers are great for both writing and drawing.
One side has a fine tip for writing, while the other side has a brush tip for coloring or creative lettering.
Kids often use them for:
doodling
drawing
decorating journal titles
👉 See popular brush marker sets
6. Mini Stamp Sets
Stamp sets add a fun element to journaling.
Kids can stamp small icons like stars, hearts, smiley faces, or animals on their journal pages.
Many children love stamping symbols next to their daily entries.
👉 Browse fun mini stamp sets
7. Glitter Pens
Glitter pens instantly make journaling more exciting.
Kids love using them for titles, stars, borders, or sparkly decorations.
Even simple journal entries feel more special with a little sparkle.
👉 See glitter pen sets
8. Cute Sticky Notes
Sticky notes can add fun layers to journal pages.
Kids often use them to:
write quick thoughts
add small drawings
mark favorite pages
They also come in many fun shapes and colors.
👉 See fun sticky note sets
9. Colored Pencils for Sketching
Some kids prefer to sketch their ideas before writing.
Colored pencils are perfect for drawing, shading, and adding small illustrations to journal pages.
They’re especially great for kids who enjoy doodling or drawing scenes from their imagination.
👉 Browse colored pencil sets
10. Writing Pencils (HB or 2B)
Some kids prefer to sketch or plan their ideas with a simple pencil before writing in their journal.
Regular graphite pencils like HB or 2B are great for both writing and light sketching. HB pencils are commonly used for everyday writing, while slightly softer pencils like 2B create darker lines that are perfect for doodling and quick sketches.
Using a pencil can also help kids feel more relaxed about making mistakes since they can easily erase and try again.
👉 Browse HB and 2B pencil sets for kids
11. Cute Erasers
A good eraser can make journaling feel much more relaxed.
When kids know they can easily erase mistakes, they feel more confident trying new ideas or drawings.
Fun erasers shaped like animals, food, or stars can also make journaling more enjoyable.
👉 See fun erasers for kids
12. Erasable Pens
Some kids worry about making mistakes when writing in pen.
Erasable pens solve that problem.
They write like normal pens but can be erased easily, which helps kids feel more confident experimenting with their writing and ideas.
Many erasable pen sets also come in bright colors, making journaling even more fun.
👉 See popular erasable pen sets
Simple Journaling Starter Kit for Kids
If your child is new to journaling, you don’t need a lot of supplies.
A simple journaling kit can include:
a creative kids journal
colorful gel pens
sticker packs
washi tape
colored pencils for sketching
erasable pens for worry-free writing
These simple tools can turn a plain notebook into a creative space where kids enjoy writing, drawing, and expressing their ideas.
Many parents notice that when kids have fun supplies to use, they become much more excited to journal regularly.
Ready-Made Journaling Kit (Gift Idea)
A ready-made journaling kit can be a fun and convenient option for kids who enjoy writing and decorating their journal pages. These kits also make great gifts for birthdays or holidays, especially for kids ages 7 and up. Even older kids and teenagers often enjoy personalizing their journals.
Most journaling kits include several creative supplies in one box, such as:
a journal or notebook
sticker packs
cute sticky notes
colorful pens or markers
Because everything comes together in one set, kids can start writing, drawing, and decorating their journal right away.
👉 Browse ready-made journaling kits on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Journaling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Often, the smallest supplies — colorful pens, pencils, stickers, or decorative tape — are enough to spark creativity and make journaling enjoyable.
With a few fun tools and a simple notebook, kids can create a space where they write stories, draw ideas, reflect on their day, and express their thoughts in their own way.
✅ Tip for parents:
Let kids choose their own journaling supplies. When children pick their favorite pens, stickers, or decorations, they’re usually much more excited to open their journal and start creating.