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!
Mia says
I love a planner that shows me the whole month at one time. Otherwise I will never remember what I have going on next week and tend to double book….
SPBradley says
I like to have a monthly + weekly planner, with the hour by hour on the weeks. I found one I loved several years ago, but it was produced by a UK company, who did not produce it in the US anymore after that year!! I was so bummed about it. However, the one I found for 2013 was a close second, but I’m still looking for the “perfect” planner for me. Maybe this is it!
Ashton says
Is there a website? I can’t seem to find it!! I NEED this 😀
SPBradley says
I was looking for the website too!! I would love to try out this customizable feature.
April says
I am such a sucker for to-do lists, that I need to have lots of open space to write those down everyday, as well as space for appointments, birthdays, etc. And I”m like you in that I need to see many days or weeks at a time, which is one of the reasons I love paper planners so much more than my electronic calendar. Thanks for the chance to win one of these!
Bonnie says
I’m a hardcore paper planner girl myself! I love having both monthly and weekly layouts!
Amanda says
I love a paper planner! Not only for me, but as a record book for my children to read in the future. I like a planner that has months and week and a place to keep “journal” type notes. We go back and look at my mother’s old calendars every once in a while – it is amazing the memories that flood in while looking at where we were and what we were doing.
Joanna Sporleder says
I am a self-employed business owner and my planner is my life line. I have used the professional planner for years to book my appointments. However, I always find that I have to ‘improve’ what the generic planner. Being able to design and add to a planner would be a God send. Question is, ‘is it affordable?’.
Have a Blessed Day…for this IS the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Deb says
Lots of room for extra stuff, not just little boxes. Thanks for the giveaway!
Reva says
Not to bulky and that lays flat
Vicki says
I definitely love paper planners. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all I need to do. Writing it down, prioritizing gives me the comfort of being in control. I have been kept awake at night with the next day’s appointments and to do’s. If I get up and write them down it leaves my mind clear and I can sleep knowing its all written down and I won’t forget anything. I love your page set up Andrea with schedule on top and room for lists on bottom. Hope I win!
Becky Tegeler says
Love how this can be customized! Perfect idea… I want something that I can bring all my “to do lists” and my calendars into one place- my grocery list, appointments for the kids, working to-do lists, long-term cleaning lists, etc,,,,
Kelly Sharkey says
I like a planner with sections for Month at a Glance, multiple task/project lists, and a notes/reminders section. Thanks for the chance to have my own personally designed planner!
Kelly in Oregon says
I am a computer/phone calendar girl, but my sister can’t live without her paper planner, even on vacation. I would LOVE to be able to gift this to her for Christmas! She would be elated!
Katherine says
Space for both calendar events (doctor appointments) and to do lists is essential.
Sue says
I love planners, especially one that you can customize. For some reason, I look for “cute” planners. Somehow that makes writing down appointments and activities more fun! I have to agree that it is difficult to just use a digital planner when you like to see the bigger picture with a paper planner. I hope I win, but if I don’t I will definitely look into buying one of these. Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas.
Sarah R. says
Although I’ve gone almost 100% digital, I do love a good paper planner. The fact that these can be customized is awesome. Thanks for introducing me to this company!
Angela says
I use a planner now for my daily lists. Since my family has gotten busier, it helps me if I write out (by the hour) everything that we each have to do the night before so I’m prepared that morning when I wake up.
Gwen says
I love the ability to customize it! Having a good area to write my to do list for the day is a great feature.
Karen J says
I really like how you have yours laid out but would want it in a purse size. I write all my appts in mine when they are made and don’t bother with the little appt cards given out since I just lose them.
Sevasti says
I adore planners and the idea of customizing your own seems exciting!can’t wait to try it out!!!
Sommer says
I am totally old school when it comes to planners. Hence I have a giant month at a glance calendar in my kitchen. Although I love seeing the big picture…I can’t take it with me! I love that these planners allow for lots of white space and allow one to see the whole week. A much more viable option for this on-the-go mom. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Mal says
A good planner needs to lay flat, have plenty of white space and fit in my purse. Thanks for the chance to win – I would not have known about this company otherwise.
Birgit says
A worldwide give-away? I’m in!!
I already have a calendar for 2014, but I am not 100% sure about it yet… A planner with a personal touch would be wonderful!!
I want a planer with enough space and a week on 2 pages.
suzyfein says
Something easy to use, small enough to carry in my purse and aesthetically pleasing. 🙂 Will definitely check these out, even if I don’t win.
Kris Snyder says
I have been searching.and searching for the perfect planner. Like month at glance but also like to have room for to do lists, notes, etc.
Rachel says
I like a planner with a weeks glance and enough room to make my to do list.
Looks like a great planner!
DeLayne Oliva says
These look great. The only things I would like to add would be pockets to hold extra items and to make it so I can add pages as I go.
Catherine says
Love planners! These ones look like they can be both useful and fun!! I really like all the customizing options!
Jaclynn says
My planner need to have the full week with time showing for when I wake up to when I go to sleep. It also needs place for notes and to dos on these same pages. But it also needs extra space for extra notes and tidbits and ideas. I also prefer ones that lie flat or in half easily and effortlessly. Would love love love a customizable planner…sounds like a dream!!!
Deanna says
Simple. 🙂 Love the monthly calendar and then daily schedules. Helps me plan in advance and schedule each day.
Jessica K. says
In a planner, I need both a week at a glance and a month at a glance. I will also like a space to write To Do lists in two columns (one for work and one for personal tasks).
I love the fact that you will be able to customize the Personal Planner.
Emily K says
I like vertical columns for the days of the week on the weekly pages. In addition I like to have an extra space for notes. I prefer the year at a glance in one page instead if monthly calendars throughout which I think is repetitive.
Tina says
I go nowhere without my planner…my main requirements: must have an hourly breakdown & a large spot to write to-do’s!
Brenda says
I have a planner for work, but I would love a planner for home too. I can never decide how much personal stuff to write on the work planner. (Does anyone who loks at my desk need to know I have a Dr. Appt.?) If I had 2, that would solve the problem!
Jessie says
I look for a planner that can be customized to my own needs. It just seems wasteful to have space that I don’t utilize! The Personal Planners sound great for this reason. I would love to be able to personally customize my planner to meet my needs.
Kristin says
These planners look amazing! I, too, have a hard time finding a planner that fits my needs. Given that I don’t own a smart phone (I don’t see a real purpose for me to have one yet), my paper planner is extremely valuable.
Lissa says
months at a glance
Jaclynn says
I think this may be the best planner I’ve ever heard of! Would love to win it!!! Thanks Andrea!
Heather says
I have been looking for something like this. Thank you for sharing!
Tammy says
I like a planner that gives you room to write notes, list, etc. But I don’t want it too be too big or bulky so that I can carry it in my purse.