10 Best Journals For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Big Life Journal - Second Edition is designed to instill a growth mindset in children aged 7 to 10 through guided activities and prompts. One of its major strengths is its focus on positive psychology, which encourages kids to see challenges as opportunities for growth. This can be particularly beneficial for children as it helps build their confidence and resilience at a young age. The interactive element allows kids to engage with a journal buddy, fostering connections and meaningful conversations, which adds a valuable social component to their journaling experience.

The design and theme of the journal are appealing, featuring a durable hardcover that promises longevity, making it a lovely keepsake for children as they grow. The high-quality paper is another plus, ensuring that kids can express themselves freely without worrying about bleed-through. Additionally, the inclusion of a podcast enhances the experience by providing an auditory learning opportunity, adding variety to how children engage with the content.

On the flip side, while the prompts and structure are well thought out, some children may prefer a more open-ended approach to journaling without specific guidance. For those who thrive on creativity and free expression, the structured prompts might feel limiting. Furthermore, the journal is geared towards a specific age range, meaning older or younger children might not find it as engaging. Lastly, the price point may be higher than other journals aimed at kids, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious families.

The DIY Journal Kit for Girls is a delightful option for children aged 8-14, especially those who enjoy arts and crafts. Its size, measuring 6 x 8 inches, makes it manageable for young hands, while the spiral binding allows it to lie flat, making writing and decorating easy. The kit comes with 70 pages, which is ample space for creative expression, journaling, or scrapbooking.

One of the standout features of this kit is the paper quality; it’s designed to handle various craft materials like glue, tape, and stickers without tearing easily. This durability ensures that the journal can withstand heavy use, which is great for enthusiastic young creators. The vibrant design and theme are appealing to girls, with multicolored patterned papers, decorative pieces, and a charm to personalize their journal. This aspect encourages creativity and makes the journaling experience fun and engaging.

While the kit boasts a multitude of decorative options, some might find the sheer number of supplies overwhelming. Younger children without guidance may struggle to utilize every item effectively and could become frustrated rather than inspired. Additionally, while the contents are tailored for girls, this could limit appeal for boys or those who prefer different themes. The inclusion of prompts and structural elements is absent in this kit, which may leave some kids unsure about what to write or how to start their journaling journey. For those who thrive with structure, this could be a bit of a drawback.

The Harry Potter Secret Diary is a charming and magical option for kids who enjoy writing and expressing their creativity. Its notable features include a lock for privacy, an invisible ink pen for secret messages, and a built-in light to reveal those messages, which adds an element of fun and intrigue. The diary is designed with beautiful illustrations that resonate with young Harry Potter fans, making it appealing for both boys and girls. The lined pages provide ample space for writing and drawing, encouraging children to explore their thoughts and feelings while enhancing their writing skills.

In terms of durability, the hardback cover seems sturdy enough to withstand daily use, which is a plus for energetic kids. The diary is lightweight, making it easy for little hands to carry around, and it’s recommended for children aged three and up, catering to a broad age range.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The diary requires batteries for the light feature, which may need replacing after some time. Additionally, while the invisible ink pen is fun, it can be a novelty that wears off, potentially reducing the long-term engagement with the diary. Parents should also be aware that the lock, while adding a sense of privacy, might not be the most secure, and younger children might find it challenging to operate.