If you ask me what I hoard more, postcards or journals—the answer might just depend on the day. I’ve had a journal in my life since I was nine years old (yes, I still have my lock-and-key diary). Over the years, my journals have held everything from heartbreak and hope to bucket lists and doodles.
And let’s be real. Kids need an outlet too. Whether they’re budding bookworms, mini creatives, or just figuring out their big feelings, a journal can be a best friend in disguise.
So, I went treasure hunting to find the best journals for kids in 2025. These aren’t your basic, blank-paged notebooks. Nope, these are colorful, inspiring, prompt-filled gems that make writing irresistible.
Let’s take a look.
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1. Happy LolliME Journal Kit for Girls
🧁 Best for Creative Tweens Who Love All Things Cute
Ages: 8–14
Price: ~$29.90
This one’s got glow-up energy. The Happy LolliME Journal Kit is packed with 300+ pieces of journal magic—think fluffy lockable diary, washi tape, pom-pom pens, glittery stickers, and pages that prompt self-expression like “What’s your dream job?” or “Write a letter to your future self.” It’s a journal/scrapbook/sparkle-fest combo that invites tweens to get creative and confident, one page at a time.
✨ Bonus: Comes pre-packaged in a gift-ready, sparkly box.
2. Question a Day Journal for Kids
🧠 Best for Reluctant Writers (Even the Chatty Ones)
Ages: 8–12
No pressure, no essays—just one fun, thoughtful question a day. This best selling daily journal is a perfect entry point for kids who don’t think they like journaling. Questions like “What superpower would you want?” or “What’s your favorite sound?” spark reflection and fun without feeling like homework. Great for both boys and girls, especially those dipping their toes into self-expression.
✨ Easy to stick with and super satisfying to fill out all year long.
3. One Question a Day for Kids (Ages 6–9)
🌈 Best Intro Journal for Littles with Big Feelings
Ages: 6–9
This version is just right for younger writers. With kid-friendly prompts, sweet affirmations, and a splash of self-discovery, it’s like training wheels for personal writing. Questions such as “What do you look forward to each day?” gently guide kids toward mindfulness and gratitude, without being overly complex.
✨ Pro tip: It’s undated, so they can skip a day (or week) and pick up right where they left off.
4. Reading Log: A Book Review Journal for Kids
📚 Best for Bookworms & Budding Reviewers
Ages: 7–12
Part journal, part reading tracker, this unicorn-covered cutie is perfect for the child who’s already devouring books or just starting to love reading. Each review includes sections for plot thoughts, favorite characters, doodles, and even a star-rating system. Bonus points for the “Books I Want to Read” wish list and fun “Book Awards” section. Adorable and productive? Yes, please.
✨ Great gift for kids in reading programs or summer book clubs.
5. For the Love of Books (Hardcover)
📖 Best for Older Readers with Big Book Goals
Ages: 8–13
This one’s for the serious reader who wants to track their literary journey. Hardcover, colorful, and beautifully laid out, it includes space for 52 book reviews, favorite quotes, a daily reading tracker, and even a section for library loans.
✨ It’s a perfect balance of fun and function—plus it looks gorgeous on a bookshelf.
6. My Emotions Journal
💖 Best for Sensitive Souls Learning to Navigate Feelings
Ages: 6–12
This one’s all heart. With mood tracking sections, drawing prompts, and places to reflect on daily highs and lows, it’s a safe space for kids to recognize and release their feelings—without judgment. It’s especially helpful for kids with anxiety, ADHD, or neurodivergent tendencies.
✨ Pages are undated, so there’s no pressure to fill it daily—just when they need it.
7. My Thoughts & Feelings Journal
🌟 Best for Building Confidence Through Gratitude & Mindfulness
Ages: 7–12
Mood check-ins, acts of kindness, fun memories, and simple affirmations make this journal a powerhouse of emotional growth. Kids will enjoy the playful format while quietly learning skills like gratitude, self-regulation, and compassion.
✨ It’s the kind of journal that feels more like a game than a lesson—and that’s the magic.
8. Happy, Confident Me: Life Skills Journal
🚀 Best for Tween Leaders-in-Training
Ages: 10–14
Equal parts vibrant and wise, this journal is filled with 60 engaging activities that teach 10 core life skills—think resilience, creativity, self-awareness, and kindness. Developed by a psychologist and parenting expert, it’s a must-have for raising emotionally intelligent humans.
✨ Parents love how it invites meaningful conversations; kids love how it feels like a personal adventure.
9. The 3-Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids
⏳ Best for Quick Daily Reflections
Ages: 5–9
This one’s short and sweet. Just three minutes a day to list what they’re thankful for, who brought them joy, and how their day felt. Simple but powerful in shaping a child’s mindset toward appreciation and positivity.
✨ A beautiful bedtime ritual or morning starter that sets the tone for a joyful day.
10. Time Capsule: A Guided Journal for Kids & Teens
🕰️ Best for Future Memory Keepers & Creative Spirits
Ages: 8+
Messy, funny, emotional, and imaginative—this journal is like a time machine disguised as a notebook. Kids get to reflect on their now (favorite songs, weird dreams, current obsessions) while preserving memories they’ll cherish later.
✨ Prompts like “How to have the best day ever” and “My top 3 inventions” make this one wildly engaging.
Final Thoughts
Whether your kid dreams in doodles, vents in scribbles, or writes their next epic tale under the covers with a flashlight, the right journal makes all the difference. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to feel like theirs. If one of these journals gets them to put pen to paper and let a little magic out, then mission accomplished.
Let’s Keep the Writing Magic Going
📬 I’d love to hear from you—does your child already journal? Which one from this list do you think they’d fall in love with (or maybe borrow from your stash)? Drop your favorite in the comments and let’s swap notes.
📌 And stay tuned! I’ll be sharing more themed lists soon, including:
- Journals to Help Kids Through Grief
- Best Art Journals for Little Creators
- Gratitude Journals Tweens Actually Love
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Hi JarieLyn
What a joyful and thoughtful roundup of kids’ journals! It’s refreshing to see such a variety of options that not only appeal to different ages and interests but also support emotional growth and self-expression. The Happy LolliME Journal Kit especially stands out—300+ pieces of journaling fun in one sparkly box? That’s the kind of creative explosion every tween dreams of! I love that it includes prompts like “Write a letter to your future self,” encouraging deeper reflection while still keeping it playful. How might parents choose between a creative scrapbook-style journal and one focused on emotional wellness? And for kids who are new to journaling, would a prompt-based option like the Question a Day Journal be more effective than a freeform one? Either way, this list makes finding the right journal an exciting and meaningful choice for every child.
Thanks, Ravin, for your thoughtful comment. there are so many amazing journals on the market for kids. I wish these journal kits would have been available when I was a kid. I think I would have filled up my diary pages with beautiful stickers and colorful decorations. Kids can have fun while writing down their thoughts and top secrets.
This is a very thought out list! I love the comparisons and seeing what’s actually out there without having to search myself! Great article!
Thanks for reading, Melissa. You should see my own collection of journals.
I love these awesome journals, and I also haven’t seen anything like them around.
I am going to look for the journal that gives a thoughtful question for the day. I think my daughter would enjoy this, and it is a good reason to open your journal and remember to use it daily. The Happy confident me journal also looks like fun, but what is the youngest age that will appreciate this one? You say 10 – 14 but I am wondering if an eight year old will appreciate it?
Hi Michel, I love the Happy Confident Me journal and although the age range states 10-14, I think an 8 year old would be able to appreciate and enjoy it as well. Kids at that age love creating and expressing their ideas so I would just go with your gut on this.
I just love your logo — it’s warm, welcoming, and instantly gives your site a heartfelt vibe. This article was a joy to read, too! You’ve created a list that feels both fun and meaningful — something kids (and the adults buying for them) will actually get excited about.
Question for you and readers: Have you noticed whether certain types of journals—like interactive vs. blank—tend to encourage kids to write more consistently? I’d love to hear what parents have seen in action.
Thanks again for such a thoughtful and beautifully presented article!
— Mike G
Hi Mike,
Thanks so much for your kind words about my logo! I don’t have kids myself, but I truly believe that journals with prompts, colors, or playful designs can really ignite a child’s creativity—way more than a stack of blank white pages. As for other parents, I’d love to hear their take too—everyone’s got their own journaling philosophy!