Skip to Content

11 Best Gratitude Journals That Let You Customize Your Daily Practice

Just a few minutes a day is all it takes for a clearer mind and more positive outlook.

By and
hands holding journals and pencilspinterest
Kayla Ramsey

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Getting your thoughts down on a page may sound simple, but you can potentially gain a lot of mental-health benefits by practicing it regularly. Journals are great stress-reduction tools, and they're recommended by many therapists for helping to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. Gratitude journals take things a step further by focusing on mindfulness, reflection, and yes, counting your blessings. Don’t know where to start? As Dr. Bryan E. Robinson, author and psychotherapist tells Best Products, “"Ask not how life is treating you. Ask how you are treating life." That mindset shift is all you need to begin practicing gratitude.

But if it still feels intimidating, picking up a gratitude journal is a great place to start. A dedicated gratitude journal with fill-in prompts can make sticking to the practice even easier.

The Best Gratitude Journals

Why Gratitude Journaling Is Important

Gratitude journals are, in part, geared toward cultivating a reflective and more resilient mindset toward the experiences of our day-to-day lives. Because humans tend to have a strong negativity bias that makes us focus on the bad, a gratitude journal can help guide you toward reframing events in a neutral or even more positive way. If you struggle with rumination, a gratitude journal can offer an alternate way to process the ups and downs of life.

Because gratitude journals come in all different types and formats, we’ve rounded up a few here and explained how they work so you can choose the one that’s best for you. Whether you want to dive deep into your psyche with reflections and words of affirmation, or just want to spend less than 5 minutes getting your thoughts out, one of these 11 journals will be a great guides for you.

1
Best Overall

Rockridge Press ‘The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy’ by Sophia Godkin, Ph.D.

On Sale
‘The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy’ by Sophia Godkin, Ph.D.
1
Best Overall

Rockridge Press ‘The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: Give Thanks, Practice Positivity, Find Joy’ by Sophia Godkin, Ph.D.

Now 17% Off
$10 at Amazon
Pros
  • Daily writing prompts
  • Simple, easy-to-follow prompts
Cons
  • Some repetition of the questions

The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal is an excellent entry point for anyone who's been wanting to start journaling, but doesn't think they have the time. It’s written by psychologist Sophia Goodkin, Ph.D., and offers a streamlined, but effective format for daily journaling.

Each undated entry page presents you with four prompts that are all a little bit different. This helps you get into the writing habit while keeping the thought-starters fresh. And instead of making long lists, each prompt typically focuses on just one positive thing at a time. It’s perfect for anyone who might feel overwhelmed at the idea of sticking to a journaling practice because it only requires you to commit 5 minutes to it.

We’re naming this gratitude journal as the best overall in this guide because of its clean format, straightforward language, and minimal time investment, which feels very compatible with most people’s needs. As one reviewer sums up, “It gets my day started in such a relaxing and positive way.”

More: The Best Goal-Tracking Apps to Start Healthy Habits Anytime

Key Specs

Cover typePaperback
Number of pages132
2
Best For A.M. and P.M. Check-Ins

Papier 'Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal'

'Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal'
2
Best For A.M. and P.M. Check-Ins

Papier 'Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal'

Pros
  • Aesthetically pleasing cover design looks great on a coffee table
  • Encourages quick line-writing, not paragraphs
Cons
  • Higher price point

Make gratitude an all-day practice with the Papier Little Daily Thanks Gratitude Journal.

Each page represents a day of the week, letting you check in morning and night with three things that you're grateful for. This gratitude journal also focuses on setting monthly intentions, so you can shift the focus to areas of your life that could use a little more love.

Although this gratitude journal isn't cheap, we really love this hardcover's playful design and high-quality paper stock — plus, it comes with a ribbon bookmark for holding your place.

Key Specs

Cover typeHardcover
Number of pages192
3
Best For a Meditative Mindset

Mandala Publishing 'Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal'

On Sale
'Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal'
3
Best For a Meditative Mindset

Mandala Publishing 'Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal'

Now 39% Off
Pros
  • Lined, acid-free pages for long-term preservation.
  • Calming illustrations throughout the pages.
Cons
  • Prompts for a.m. and p.m. writing are the same.

If you already make it a point to carve out time to journal or meditate (or both!), let Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection Journal help guide your thoughts toward thankfulness and emotional regulation.

Each undated, two-page spread provides space for morning and nighttime thoughts, and the prompts are the same throughout the journal. These prompts leave you a bit more space to go long with your answers if you tend to dig in deep.

We also like that each nightly page includes a checklist of different emotions to provide nuance to any day that you might otherwise label as simply “good” or “bad.” As one reviewer says, “Writing in this daily has legitimately helped my mental health ... The quality of this is gorgeous and I really love writing in it.”

Key Specs

Cover typePaperback
Number of pages184
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Minimalist Cover Design

Intelligent Change 'Guided: The Five Minute Journal'

'Guided: The Five Minute Journal'
4
Best Minimalist Cover Design

Intelligent Change 'Guided: The Five Minute Journal'

Pros
  • Includes affirmations
  • Plastic-free journal
Cons
  • Eco-friendly adhesive is not as sturdy

The minimalist design of this gratitude journal allows it to rest on any surface of your home without calling too much attention. Want to keep it in the kitchen? Great, it’ll blend in. Want it on the coffee table? It looks just as chic next to your fashion books.

Since this book is made from 100% plastic-free packaging, it’s the perfect gift for the eco-friendly person in your life. Each page features a positive and inspirational quote and includes prompts for both morning and night to list what you’re grateful for, and space to write your own daily affirmation. Since you can write in the dates on the top of the pages it’s okay to skip a few days; you won’t be wasting any precious pages.

Key Specs

Cover TypeHardcover
Number of Pages262
5
Gratitude With Attitude

Rockridge Press 'Everything Sucks: A Gratitude Journal for People Who Have Been Through Some Sh*t'

'Everything Sucks: A Gratitude Journal for People Who Have Been Through Some Sh*t'
5
Gratitude With Attitude

Rockridge Press 'Everything Sucks: A Gratitude Journal for People Who Have Been Through Some Sh*t'

Pros
  • Incorporates humor
  • Allows you to express both gratitude and forgiveness
Cons
  • Allows for more freedom; if you want regimented gratitude journaling this may not be for you.

We get it: If you’re not used to looking on the bright side, trying to start a gratitude practice can feel a little too “live, laugh, love” for your liking.

So, lean in! Everything Sucks: A Gratitude Journal for People Who Have Been Through Some Sh*t can help you redefine gratitude — with as many F-bombs as you need. This gratitude journal has fun, varied prompts throughout that range from list-making to free-writing, and it focuses not just on what you're grateful for, but what makes you feel happy and relaxed.

The language and quotes throughout are raw and real, and that seems to be what resonates the most with reviewers. As one person says, “Loved this journal! It’s not full of irrelevant fluff that I can’t relate to. This one IS me! I love the prompts, feels like questions my friends would actually ask!”

Key Specs

Cover typePaperback
Number of pages178
6
Best No-Frills Journal

Free People Hardcover Gratitude Journal

Hardcover Gratitude Journal
6
Best No-Frills Journal

Free People Hardcover Gratitude Journal

Pros
  • Efficient
  • Simple
  • Can last 3 years
  • Allows you to reflect on your growth
Cons
  • No prompts

With 368 blank pages divided into 3 days per page, this journal has the capacity to last you 3 years. How? At the top of each page is a date with no year, for example, July 8. Underneath are three lines repeated three times with the opportunity to fill in the year at the top. Doodle three things you’re grateful for that day, and come back the next year and the next to see how your gratitude has evolved over time. It’s a great way to remember who you were, what you were thinking, and where you were in life in any given year and reflect on your growth.

Key Specs

Cover TypeHardcover
Number of Pages368
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Design

Idyll Gratitude Journal

Gratitude Journal
7
Best Design

Idyll Gratitude Journal

Pros
  • Stunning cover design blends in, looks like a real book
  • High quality paper and pages
Cons
  • Only has space for 5 months of entries

Each page features two spaces to write down what you’re grateful for in the morning and the evening of each day. The affirmation at the top of the page is simple, clear, and easy to repeat to yourself a few times out loud or in front of a mirror so you can start each day on a positive note. If you don’t want your gratitude journal to stick out with a kitschy design, this elevated cover look is perfect for you.

If you need even more help turning around your negative thought process, there are easy prompt pages that allow you to write out a situation, your response to it, and space to reframe the thought into a positive action. This will not only help you practice gratitude; but will help quell anxiety and usher in the practice of natural positive thinking.

Key Specs

Cover TypeHardcover
Number of Pages96
8
Best Motivating Journal

Harry N. Abrams 'Do It For Yourself (Guided Journal): A Motivational Journal'

On Sale
'Do It For Yourself (Guided Journal): A Motivational Journal'
8
Best Motivating Journal

Harry N. Abrams 'Do It For Yourself (Guided Journal): A Motivational Journal'

Now 14% Off
Pros
  • Thought-provoking prompts
  • Features different stages or journaling/gratitude so your work will stay moving forward
Cons
  • Requires thought/effort

For some people, it might feel easier to be in touch with gratitude if you can find ways to feel good about yourself and where you’re at in your life. This motivating journal is perfect for reminding you that planting the seeds for success is half the battle. It encourages you to check in with yourself, your intuition, and shares little ways you can start planting the seeds for the life that you want. Along the way, you can reflect on small feelings of gratitude that grow bigger over time.

There are 75 thought-provoking prompts that will help you get in touch with what you want, stop comparing yourself to other people, and stay in touch with gratitude along the way.

Key Specs

Cover TypePaperback
Number of Pages144
9
Simplest Format

CreateSpace 'Good Days Start With Gratitude 'Journal

'Good Days Start With Gratitude 'Journal
9
Simplest Format

CreateSpace 'Good Days Start With Gratitude 'Journal

Pros
  • Contains inspirational quotes
  • Simple, easy-to-follow prompts
Cons
  • Reviewers noted page quality is a bit thin/flimsy

Want to keep your gratitude journaling super simple? The Good Days Start With Gratitude journal is the one you should get.

This journal has a two-page weekly layout, offering three lines per day for you to fill in the prompt, “Today I am thankful for...” Each week also greets you with a quote at the very top and wraps up with a prompt for you to list the highlights of your week.

This is one of the best-selling gratitude journals on Amazon, and although some people say that having the same prompt every single day can feel repetitive, others love that it keeps things short and sweet. As one reviewer says, “This gratitude journal is great, especially for the price. I love that it doesn’t take up too much of my time, but it helps me pause for a few minutes each day to reflect and remember all that I have to be grateful for.”

Key Specs

Cover typePaperback
Number of pages118
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
For Gratitude on the Go

Clever Fox Undated Planner

Undated Planner
10
For Gratitude on the Go

Clever Fox Undated Planner

Pros
  • Can customize in different cover colors
  • Doubles as a planner
Cons
  • Planner is not numbered or labeled so you must add your own.

How often does a daily planner encourage you to look back at your week? The Clever Fox planner is great for the productivity-minded, but it also leaves plenty of room for setting intentions and celebrating achievements.

This planner is undated for your convenience and features 54 weekly spreads. Your 7 days are planned out all on one page with the opposite functioning as a goal-setting hub, keeping to-dos, habit tracking, and monthly priorities at the forefront. It also comes with an elastic closure, inner pocket, pen loop, and six sheets of stickers (!), because why not?

Reviewers who love planning out every area of their life adore the layout and also the quality of this planner, with one person saying, “It’s very sturdy, but not stiff ... The pages don’t bleed with heavy ink. I take A LOT of notes and I never filled the pages up. And it’s so stinking cute. I really love this planner.”

Key Specs

Cover typeHardcover
Number of pagesNot listed
11
Feel-Good Reflection

Green Inspired 'Today With Intention: A Guided Journal for Reflection, Mindfulness, and Self-Care'

'Today With Intention: A Guided Journal for Reflection, Mindfulness, and Self-Care'
11
Feel-Good Reflection

Green Inspired 'Today With Intention: A Guided Journal for Reflection, Mindfulness, and Self-Care'

Pros
  • Allows you to reflect on today and tomorrow for deeper intention-setting.
  • Blank pages for journaling, reflection
Cons
  • Straight forward questions might be helpful to some, but not for people looking for a creative endeavor

Gratitude is an ongoing practice, much like self-care. If making lists isn't your style, and you prefer open-ended prompts that allow you to reflect on today and set yourself up for a successful tomorrow, check out the Today With Intention gratitude journal.

Taking a more holistic approach, it aims to integrate gratitude into the positive mindset that you're trying to cultivate. And even if the prompts are the same throughout, each day builds on the last, helping to build momentum in a healthy direction.

Says one reviewer, “I’m about to purchase my third journal! It gave me stability, allowed me to only focus on the positive parts of my day, set intentions for tomorrow, and provided simple prompts easy to write about in like 5 minutes a day.”

Key Specs

Cover typeSoftcover
Number of pages128
Headshot of Brittany Leitner
Brittany Leitner
Freelancer

Brittany Leitner is a journalist and poet based in New York City and originally from San Antonio, Texas. She was previously the senior lifestyle editor at Elite Daily and the managing editor at The Dr. Oz Show. Her work in digital journalism earned her a Digital Health Award in 2019, and her writing has been published in Bustle, Cosmopolitan, Oprah Daily, Shape, and elsewhere. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Palette Poetry, Gasher, Cutthroat, and New York Quarterly.

Headshot of Melanie Yates
Melanie Yates
Senior Service Editor

Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.

Watch Next
 
preview for HDM All sections playlist - Best Products
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Lifestyle

eras tour concert movie world premiere taylor swift gifts for swifties

The 32 Best Taylor Swift Gifts to Celebrate TTPD

taylor swift vinyl

This Amazon Taylor Swift Vinyl is a No-Brainer Buy

best gifts for musicians

27 Gifts for Musicians

love you mom vases, lollia bubble bath, printable family portrait

31 Mother-in-Law Gifts She’ll Treasure

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below