Looking for ways to fill up empty notebooks you have laying around your house? I got you (also, same).
If you’re reading this, I already know one thing about you: you’re a fellow notebook addict. Welcome!
You spot a pretty notebook in a store, your heart skips a beat, and before you know it, it’s in your shopping bag. Never mind that you already have ten empty ones sitting at home — each one just feels like it’s destined for something special.
But here’s the problem… those “special somethings” never seem to happen, and the notebooks just sit there looking beautiful but empty.
I’ve been there — and trust me, you’re not alone.
That’s why I’ve put together this massive list of 30 creative ways to fill up your notebooks. Whether you want something practical, artistic, or just plain fun, you’ll find the perfect idea here to put pen to paper and bring those notebooks to life.
30 Ways To Fill Up Empty Notebooks
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1. Commonplace Book
Think of this as your personal library of knowledge. In a commonplace book, you jot down quotes, facts, ideas, and bits of wisdom you come across in books, podcasts, or everyday life.
Example: You’re reading a self-help book and find a sentence that really hits you — write it down, add your own thoughts, and maybe even sketch something to go with it.
2. Book Summaries
If you read a lot, dedicate a notebook to summarizing the books you finish. Include the main ideas, favorite quotes, and lessons learned.
Tip: Divide each page into sections — “Summary,” “Key Takeaways,” and “How I’ll Apply This.”
3. Movie & TV Show Reviews
Rate the last movie you watched, jot down your favorite lines, and note what you loved (or hated) about it.
This is especially fun if you binge-watch series — you can track characters, plot twists, and your theories.
4. Running Task List
Turn one notebook into your master to-do list. Instead of sticky notes everywhere, keep everything in one place.
Idea: Use bullet journal symbols (• for tasks, ✗ for completed, → for migrated tasks) to stay organized.
5. Gift Planner
Keep track of gift ideas for friends and family throughout the year.
Include birthdays, anniversaries, and a running list of things people have mentioned they’d love.
6. Plant Tracking Notebook
Whether you have a jungle in your living room or just a couple of succulents, keep a log of watering schedules, repotting dates, and growth notes.
Extra: Add photos of your plants to see their progress over time.
7. Pet Tracking Notebook
Record vet visits, vaccinations, grooming dates, and cute moments.
Bonus: Add a page for funny nicknames you call your pet — you’ll laugh reading it later.
8. Recipe Journal
Instead of relying on random scraps of paper, keep your favorite recipes in one place.
Tip: Leave space for notes so you can tweak recipes over time.
9. Workout Planning
Plan your weekly workouts, track your progress, and note how you felt after each session.
This makes it easier to stay motivated and see your improvement.
10. Diet Tracking
Track your meals, water intake, and how different foods make you feel.
You might notice patterns — like that you always feel more energetic after a protein-packed breakfast.
11. Prayer Journal
If you’re spiritual, use your notebook to write down prayers, reflections, and moments of gratitude.
12. Scrapbook
Glue in tickets, postcards, and photos, and add little notes about each memory.
This works great for vacations, but also for everyday life moments.
13. Dream Journal
Keep your notebook by your bed and jot down dreams as soon as you wake up.
Over time, you might spot recurring themes or symbols.
14. Vocabulary Journal
Perfect if you’re learning a new language or just love words.
Write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences.
15. Quotes Journal
Dedicate a notebook to inspiring, funny, or thought-provoking quotes.
You can group them by theme — motivation, love, humor, etc.
16. Project Planner
Planning a big project? Break it down into steps, set deadlines, and brainstorm ideas in one place.
17. Mind Map Notebook
Use mind maps to brainstorm ideas for work, hobbies, or personal goals.
It’s a great way to visually organize your thoughts.
18. Affirmations
Write down daily positive affirmations to boost your mood and confidence.
Example: “I am capable of handling anything that comes my way.”
19. Goal Planner
Turn your notebook into a space for setting and tracking your goals — monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Add checklists, progress trackers, and reward ideas.
20. Address Book
Yes, even in the digital age, having a physical record of addresses is handy.
It’s especially useful for sending cards and invitations.
21. Fashion Journal
Document outfit ideas, style inspiration, and clothing wishlists.
You can also track what you wore to events so you don’t accidentally repeat outfits too soon.
22. Wedding Planner
If you’re engaged (or just love planning), keep all your wedding ideas, budget breakdowns, and vendor contacts in one place.
23. Pregnancy Diary
Track milestones, appointments, cravings, and feelings throughout your pregnancy.
It becomes a beautiful keepsake later.
24. Prompt Journal
Fill your notebook using daily or weekly prompts.
Example: “Describe your perfect morning” or “Write about a moment you felt proud.”
25. Meal Planner
Plan your weekly meals, make shopping lists, and note which recipes were hits (or misses).
26. One Sentence a Day
Every day, write one sentence about what happened or how you felt.
It’s simple but powerful — and fun to look back on after a year.
27. Gratitude Journal
Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Studies show this can boost happiness and reduce stress.
28. Home Renovation Notebook
If you’re renovating, track measurements, paint colors, budgets, and before/after photos.
29. Family Health Journal
Keep track of doctor appointments, vaccinations, and health milestones for everyone in your household.
30. Finance Notebook
Record your income, expenses, savings goals, and debt payoff progress.
You can also track no-spend challenges or side hustle earnings.
Extra Ideas to Take It Further
Because I couldn’t stop at just 30:
- Travel Journal: Document your trips with itineraries, packing lists, and memories.
- Hobby Journal: Track progress in a hobby like photography, knitting, or painting.
- Learning Notebook: Take notes from online courses or YouTube tutorials.
- Event Planning Notebook: For parties, holidays, or family gatherings.
- Morning Pages: A stream-of-consciousness writing exercise to clear your head.
shop notebooks
Final Tip
The key to actually using your notebooks is to pick one idea per notebook instead of mixing too many in the same one. This makes them easier to use and way more satisfying to look back on.
And remember — your notebooks are for you. They don’t have to be pretty, perfect, or Instagram-worthy. They just have to be used.
So grab one of those gorgeous empty notebooks, choose an idea from this list, and start writing today.
If you liked this post, you might also like:
- 24 Ways To Fill Up Your Empty Notebooks
- The Ultimate Guide To Weekly Planning The right way
- How To Create The Perfect Monthly Reset Routine
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