UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed.
Congrats to: Jenny (jpage84@…) and Lyss (lyss.rose@…)
Over the last 3 years, I’ve talked A LOT about planners here on my blog. I LOVE paper planners and calendars!
Although there are a few things Dave and I do digitally via Apple’s iCalendar, we both definitely prefer paper planners so we can see many days and weeks at one time, quickly scratch a couple notes down on a specific day, and vigorously cross off our finished items each day.
For the past 3 years, I’ve used the same planner — and I loved how the inside of the planner was set up. Vertical columns for each day of the week, a full week at a glance, and plenty of blank space at the bottom of each day to jot my notes, make my to-do list, etc.
It was the best planner (for my needs) I had ever found — however, last year the company changed management, their customer service plummeted, and their 2013 planners were not available until well into 2013 (crazy I know). Luckily, I had an extra one from the year before (and the dates aren’t written in so I could make the 2012 version work for 2013) and a friend gave me one as a gift — so I am actually set for planners for a few months yet.
But since I like to be prepared (and since I know the “normal” time to shop for a planner is right about now) I decided to start looking for other planners that had the same set-up as mine. I kept coming up short with many of the different companies and brands I looked into.
And then, a few weeks ago, The Personal Planner company (here is their Facebook page) contacted me about reviewing their planners and doing a giveaway on my blog. They told me I would be able to customize my planner for my personal needs — but I’ll be honest, I was not super optimistic I would be able to implement all my “planner essentials”.
However, after spending 3 or 4 minutes quickly looking through some of the customizable options, I felt fairly confident I could make a planner EXACTLY how I wanted and needed. Plus, I got a little creative and designed my own cover and back (more on this below).
After about 15 minutes (seriously, it didn’t take long at all) I had a planner that looked and functioned almost exactly like my previous planner, and it had several extra bonuses the old planner didn’t have — like extra pages in the back, customizable tabs at the bottoms of each page, and really fun colors and designs to pick from.
I was sold and immediately told the folks at Personal Planner that I would love to promote their planners on my blog!
Here are just a FEW of the customizable options:
- Size / style of the planner
- Color, design, font style of the inside pages
- Front and back cover (you can even create and upload your own custom design like I did)
- Page layout and page design
- Owner information page
- 3 tabbed sections on the bottom of every page (there are so many different options to choose from)
- Various choices for extra pages in the back of the planner
- Optional addition of your our own personal dates (birthdays, anniversaries, school days off, vacations, etc)
- Optional addition of your own addresses so you can have a complete address book included in your planner
- and so much more!
The process is super quick and easy. With just a few clicks here and there, you can totally change the look and design of your planner.
Here’s a TINY sampling of the various sizes, styles, colors, and designs:
One of the things that most attracted me to the Personal Planner is that although there are TONS of awesome pre-designed covers you can choose from (and then customize as desired), you can also upload your own pictures or your own complete design for the front and the back cover.
So you literally can personalize this planner to look exactly like you want. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to do this with any other planner company I’ve worked with — and I’ve tried my fair share of planners over the years 🙂
When I set out to create my planner, I wanted something really unique, and since we have a new baby coming in March, I didn’t want to use a picture that would then be out-dated in just a couple months. So I opted for a quote instead — and I just LOVE how the design turned out 🙂
Here are digital pictures of the actual front and back designs.
Simple, but definitely not something I’ll mind looking at for the next year or so 🙂
The Giveaway:
Today, 2 lucky readers will win a Personal Planner. Winners can completely design their own planner.
How to Enter:
{required} Leave a comment on this post. What do you look for in a planner?
If you are reading this in your email or feed reader, please visit the actual blog post to enter. Email entries, Facebook comments, and Twitter messages will NOT be counted.
Prizes:
(2) Personal Planners as described above.
This giveaway ends at 10:00 pm on Thursday, 11/21/2013 and is open to ANYONE, 18 years or older. I will use And the Winner Is to select the winning comments at random. Winners will be notified by email and noted at the top of this post. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize or I will choose a new winner. Please see my full disclosure policy and contact me with any questions you have. Good luck!
Theresia says
I would love to be able to have space to write. I have tried electronic calendars and they’re fine, but I’m better at organizing my life when I can see it in front of me.
Tara says
I look for large blocks to write things in for each day. With two kids and each having lots of activities, space to write it all is essential.
Sarah says
A planner with lots of room, but doesn’t look so “industrial.” I love pretty colors and fun/inspiring quotes. My husband won’t use an electronic one, so a paper one keeps him from constantly asking what we have planned.
Claire Grohskopf says
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. planner, I already have an itchy “trigger finger” wanting to hold my pencil and fill it with information and tips. I followed your directions to make stromboli, my husband raved about it. Love you site!!
Chris Brown says
I want a planner to be clear, not cluttered, but detailed.
petra says
As a counselor, artist, mom and distributor of essential oils I NEED a planner all the time. I love this one
Stacie Koth says
I currently use 3 separate planners to do my planning for daily activities, my to-do lists, exercise & my menus. My kids are JUST starting school so one of the planners is jam packed (if I ever lost the thing I’d be up a creek!!!) I JUST found out that the bank that had been giving us these planners for Christmas gifts (they were wonderful & completely useful!!!) is cutting back their costs & won’t be giving them this year (major bummer for me!!!) so I’m in the market for SOMETHING new & hopefully something I can consolidate the 3 into 1!!! This sounds like it might just work!!
Ginger Stokes says
Love this planner idea. Just discovered you and your blog, facebook page and email feed. I cannot wait to see all of your ideas !!!!!!!!!!!!
Gaile Sentney says
I am looking to get organized more with my stay-at-home Mom schedule, babysitting and house-cleaning jobs I have picked up recently! I need all of my ‘to does’ in one neat place besides a calender on the fridge!
Amy says
I love planners! As a busy mom I definitely use mine constantly. I think being able to customize it would be great!
Stephanie says
I like a planner that has plenty of space to write in all the details I need to remember. I also like my planner to be colorful.
Kelsey says
It needs to have enough vertical space for everything. Monday as the first day of the week is a bonus too. Looks like all this personalizing would make it fit the bill!
brittany says
I have a crazy schedule at work. Some weeks I’m dayshift, some I’m nightshift and some I have off. It changes week by week, month by month. So I would love something that I can put my schedule on and still have room to write things I need to do and have scheduled for my 3 yr old. Im a single mom so its all on me to remember everything!!!
Sue Willman says
Being a business owner and mom to two young girls its hard to keep organized… I have created my own planner based on some tips you shared in the past and know I would LOVE this personalized planner immensely!
Julie S. says
I look for space for not only our daily events, but for meal planning!
Jessica Hanson says
I look for durability and a good amount of writing room
mary blosat says
this would help me so much with all my appts. compact and perfect to fill in notes, appts, things to do, etc. would LOVE one please!!!
Jess G. says
I look for a planner that has plenty of space to keep track of our busy schedules
Thai says
I am a planner — I love planning, planners and making lists. I have many lists on the go(grocery, at home, stuff to buy and always a daily task list) so would definitely appreciate the extra space. Doing it on my phone is just NOT the same – dont get the same satisfaction of scratching off a task.
Jennifer says
I love to plan! I love planners! Iam always making list.
Jenn says
I am always in search of something that I can include all of my planning in. I prefer paper over digital, though I do use a few mobile apps. Our schedules are crazy and with the 3 yo getting more and more involved in things it’s getting crazier to keep things lined up! Would LOVE to have this!
Brenda says
I look for something that has room to write and keep track of everything in one. I also like for one that is broke down in to sections but with a month at a glance as well. I like to enter in the month at a glance my appts. but in the week at a glance have more detail if need be. Happy Holidays!
Terri says
My kids are grown and out of the house, but I still handle their appointments. I look for a calendar that is stylish, practical and well made with ample room for writing.
Julie says
I love, love, love a paper planner & would love a chance to make my own!
Lee Ann says
I have 3 busy boys. Just this week (today in fact!!) I didn’t know they started 5 half-days at school – imagine my surprise!! The district calendar didn’t show these days since they are specific to only one of the schools. I think a Personal Planner would be optimal in keeping our family on track!!
Quynh-Thi Vidal says
I look for a planner that will grow with me and suit my needs. I’ve been trying to come up with one using Excel, but unsuccessful. Look forward to trying this out! Hope I win!
Joyanna Farnsworth says
Looks awesome. I need to find a way to be more organized as I start 2014 as a stay at home mom! 🙂
Pamela Manuel says
I look for a planner that grows with me as my needs change. I am a wife, mother , daughter friend, employee, employer, etc that I need a planner that is flexible enough to allow me to incorporate all these schedules and consolidate them into one hard-copy planner because even technology fails from time to time. In the event of a power outage I need a backup. I also would like something pretty and feminine that reflects my style and personality.
Susanne says
Love this!
Sandi B says
I prefer to use a paper, physical planner over the calendar and notepad on my phone. My schedule is erratic and I have to have a lot of reminders to keep things straight. I like having enough space to write all my notes. Thanks for the review and recommendation!
Pam says
I love a paper planner and would love a place to keep daily activities list by time of day plus a space to keep a daily to-do list as well. Thanks!
Amanda Smith says
I love the look and feel of a paper planner! I have thought of making up my own and getting it bound but these look like just what I need and don’t have to mess with designing my own.
Heather Smith says
I love the idea of making my own planner!!! I definitely need plenty of room for to do lists each day!!!
Donna says
A week at a glance is a must. Love these planners. Can’t wait to get started.
Trista says
I love the idea of customizing it to fit your needs. How brillant! I am always looking for a planner that meets the needs of the me rather than trying to meet the needs of the planner!
Maria says
I love that it’s personalized! this would be very useful to track all of my doctor’s appointments.
Corey says
I think this could be useful for keeping track of everyone in my family.
Michelle says
I would love to use it for planning things like meals! and normal day to day stuff too.
Mel says
I look for a separate monthly calendar page and a week-at-a-glance page that can contain all my to-dos. I also love customizing my planner as soon as I get it, and this planner is already customized! I love it!
Ina says
I would love this planner to help me organize my new year fulled with promises