When I was younger, I’d spend a couple of weeks every summer with my aunt and cousins. My aunt would take us all to the dollar store on Sunday and let us pick 2 items each. I chose stationery every. single. time. Guess my inner planner girl was strong even back then.

Thanks to the exceptional quality (hello, heavenly paper) and phenomenal customer service, I never hesitate to invest in products from Limelife Planners. However, I don’t have an unlimited budget and it would be easy to get out of control with spending on extra planner supplies. I balance my Etsy sticker shopping habit with less expensive (but equally adorable and functional) options. Here are 10 of my favorite planner supplies to check out at Dollar Tree.

1. Containers & Organizers
I use Dollar Tree containers to organize all over my house and my planner supplies are no exception. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors so there’s always something to fill your needs. There’s usually one large display somewhere in the store, but don’t forget to check endcaps throughout for more options. For $1, they’re better-than-you’d-expect quality! You’re definitely not limited to the regular organizer section. Check out Kristan’s post here on the blog for clever ways other household organizers can be used for your planner supplies.

2. Sticky Notes
Whether you’re using them in your planner or for reminders around the house, a girl can never have too many sticky notes. At least that’s what I tell myself.  Dollar Tree does have a lot of basic square notes in bright colors, but they also have super cute specialty sticky notes. Some even come in a combo pack with coordinating page flags. The stock seems to change pretty frequently so if you see something you love, snag it. You’ll find most of them in the office supply section, but also check the display racks around the checkout lanes for more specialty items. Wouldn’t these hashtag sticky notes be perfect for scheduling social media posts? The coffee and sweet treat themed set is maybe one of my favorite ever Dollar Tree finds.

3. Washi Tape
Washi tape seems to be the unicorn of the Dollar Tree planning world. It’s not always easy to find, but when you do it’s a major score. The prints tend to be super on-trend and I really love the weight and feel of the tape and strength of the adhesive. When I’ve found washi, it’s been on one of those hangy display things (technical term) in the office supply, art supply or teacher supply aisles. NOTE: I didn’t care for the holographic or glitter washi 2-packs I tried from Dollar Tree. The adhesive was more like duct tape than masking tape and too sticky for my taste. The glitter also shed really bad.

4. Pen & Pencil Bags

I have a major pen addiction which I’m pretty sure comes with the territory of planner love. I do some of my planning on the go and I like taking a variety of pens with me when needed. These zip pouches are a great option! I love the variety of prints and solid colors. Some of them even have reinforced holes so they’re easily added to a binder.

5. Paper Clips & Binder Clips
I use several clips in each of my planners to mark pages for easy reference.  Whether you prefer decorative binder clips or more basic options, Dollar Tree has you covered. I love the bright colors of these basic coated paper clips. The cute shapes on the binder clips would make a super fun addition to any planner.

6. Vinyl Decals
These decals are typically used to decorate walls. They also stick really well to laminated surfaces. You can add them to your dashboards and bookmarks for an extra pop or use them to decorate your 7x9 planner covers and interchangeable covers. I love the idea of using the alphabet sets to create a monogram! These are removable if you’re careful.

7. Stickers
The Dollar Tree has a TON of stickers! I don’t typically find a lot that match my planner style, but I can usually find something if I dig enough. I flipped through part of display after taking this picture and found some super cute donut stickers that came home with me. Remember that the puffy or 3D stickers will add bulk to the pages of your planner so if you like things to lay flat, skip those. Looking for something a little more functional? You can also find write-on label stickers in the office supply section. Use them right in your planner or on those containers I mentioned earlier to label your newly-organized planner station.

8. Coupon Organizers
I love these for organizing my coupons and I also use them for planner supplies. They’re great for separating small sticker sheets. They can also be used to get organized for on-the-go planning and planner meetups.

9. Page Flags
The Target page flags definitely seem to be a favorite in the planner world. It seems like there are a lot of people who struggle to find them in their stores. Maybe you just want something a little different. Dollar Tree page flags are another great option. As I mentioned before, some of them come in a set with sticky notes. They also have some adorable page flags in their own packages. Fun + functional = my favorite kind of planner supplies!

10. Planner Bands

I’m constantly amazed at the number of headband options at Dollar Tree.  I’ve never actually worn one on my head, but I recently discovered that they are the perfect size for holding my planner and notebooks neatly closed. As someone who misplaces my planner bands on the regular, I like having a few extras on hand just in case. The headbands with the rubber grippy things (another technical term) on the back are especially good for helping them stay put on your planner or notebook.

How do you use dollar store items in your Limelife planner? Share your pictures with us on social media and tag your posts with #lovemylimelife and #limelifeplanners.

This blog post was written by Katie Clark for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Katie visit her on Instagram @katiedidproductions. Please share this blog entry with your friends!

Watercolor is having a major moment. Make one pass through the planner community feed on Instagram and it will be obvious! There is a reason for all the love...watercolor paints create beautiful designs.

You don't have to be an artist to get the look, either. One of my favorite things about watercolor is how forgiving these paints are. It is super simple to create effortlessly beautiful works of art. I'm serious, anyone can do it.

You don't need fancy supplies either. My paint set is Artist's Loft from Michael's and I'm certain I bought it on clearance about 3 years ago. I use any brush I can find in my mess (keeping it real, things aren't always as tidy as you see on social media!), but the one in the pictures is a Pentel water brush.

So what are you waiting for? Flex your creative muscles and try watercolors the next time you want to try something different. Here's a fun project to get you started.

DIY Watercolor Planner Stickers

MATERIALS

• Full Set With Stamps
• Labels, Flags & Drops
• Hearts & Arrows

Simply pick your favorite colors and get painting!

To create an ombre effect, start at one side of the with a small amount of paint, and drag your brush across without adding more paint. The color will deposit bold at first and start to fade as you drag your brush. If it doesn’t give you the desired effect, you can paint the whole sticker and then add more paint where you want it darker.

To create a blended effect, choose two colors and add a small drop of each to your sticker. Lightly combine them using the tip of your brush.

Allow the stickers to dry completely before using in your planner. You can write or stamp on them too!

Want the lovely watercolor look without all the work? You're in luck! Grab some beautiful watercolor planner stickers in the Limelife shop!

This post was written by Kristan Kremer for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kristan visit her on Instagram @kristankremer. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

We have all drooled over the beautiful crafting and planning spaces that we see on social media. Gorgeous desktops display a plethora of thoughtfully arranged planning supplies. A bounty of different planners neatly grouped on bookshelves. Have you ever thought about setting up a space like that? It can be overwhelming to get everything in the right place, but in this post I’ll share some organizing techniques for planner supplies that will have you drooling over your own pretty planning place.

Caddies

Use caddies and organizers to keep your items in line. The obvious choice for the task would be the desktop caddies found in the office section. I’m using this one to organize my stamping supplies and in view so I remember to use them. The drawers hold the things I don’t use as often, such as extra planner bands and paper clips.

Get creative when searching for something that will work. Here I used an old silverware drawer organizer to keep my pens together in a drawer, but separated so I don’t have to dig for just the right one.

I’ve also used a makeup counter organizer to keep pens, washi, and sticky notes within reach on my desktop. And this little guy is a business card holder, but it has found new life as a sticky note holder since it is the perfect size for the Target Dollar Spot sticky notes.

Baskets

These shallow baskets are just the right size to hold most sticker sheets inside my drawer. I have two, one for functional stickers, and one for fun stickers with others that I don’t use as often below. They’re great because they are small and portable, so I can take them out of the drawer if I want to plan on the patio.

Dishes

If you’re anything like me you have an attraction to cute dishes. There always seems to be a cute bowl in the clearance section. Currently I’m using some of my milk glass collection (I think they might be candy dishes, but I’m not sure) to hold my washi on my desktop. I used to keep the washi in the silverware drawer caddy with my pens, but I like it so much better on display. I also use a vintage milk glass loaf pan to keep note cards and stationery organized.

I hope some of these ideas were helpful. Getting your space organized and ready for planning will help keep your creative juices flowing. What is your favorite organizing tip for planner supplies?

This post was written by Kristan Kremer for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kristan visit her on Instagram @kristankremer. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.

One of the reasons why I love planning is that it gives me a chance to play with the prettiest supplies! I think one thing we planner nerds have in common is that we are obsessed with office supplies. And when it comes to our planners, the prettier the better!

I recently moved into a new office. As I was transferring things into their new homes, I got a chance to go through and pet all my planner supplies. I decided to keep all my favorites within easy reach since I almost always use them in each weekly layout. So what are my favorite planning supplies?

TOP 5 FAVORITE PLANNING SUPPLIES

Washi Tape
Of course, this wouldn’t be a planner supplies post if washi wasn’t included. There are countless varieties of this magical tape, but I love to use solid colored ¼ inch washi. With these skinny strips, I can match any color scheme or create a pattern. One way I use it in my Layout C planner is to outline a column when I have an all day event.

Stamps and Ink

I have just started using stamps and ink in my planner, but I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Stamps are the ultimate supply for the budget conscious because they never run out! Simply clean them after each use and they’ll be ready to go long after your planner gets filled up. I like these Dew Drop inks because they come in such fun colors.

Pssst….word on the street is there are some fantastic new stamps in the Limelife Planners shop that you must see!

Stickers
Ah, stickers. Another planner essential. Like washi, the opportunities for using stickers in your planner are endless! I am a big fan of functional stickers so these Bold & Bright Sticker Sheets will definitely be in my next order!

Pilot Frixion Erasable Pens
Can I just tell you about the most life-changing thing to ever happen to my planner-loving heart?! Three words. COLORFUL. ERASABLE. PENS. If you’re one of those people (like me) that cringes when there’s a mistake in the planner, then you NEED these pens in your life. Plus they’re clicky and who doesn’t love that?!

Sticky Notes
Along with the erasable pens, sticky notes are the next planner supply I use to help me to avoid making mistakes. When I get a note from school or an invitation in the mail, I immediately put the info on a sticky note. Then I put the sticky note on the date of the event. That way if the schedule changes, the planner is still nice and clean. I also keep a sticky note on my current week to take notes without making a mess. Then I can move that note to the next week if needed.

So there you have it, my top 5 favorite planning supplies. Did I miss anything? What are your favorites?

This post was written by Kristan Kremer for the Limelife Planners Media & Creative Team. For more information about Kristan visit her on Instagram @kristankremer. Please share and repost this blog entry with your friends! All we ask is that you give credit to Limelife Planners and the post author.