With so many digital platforms to keep your memories in, you may wonder if it’s still worth your time to keep them in scrapbook journals. The answer is a definitive yes. Granted, scrapbooking may not be as popular as it once was, but there are plenty of things that are better off keeping in a scrapbook than on a digital space like Facebook.
Whether it’s an important photo, a treasured magazine cover, a page from your favorite book or even just whimsical thoughts and ideas, scrapbook journals give you a place for non-digital items. The best part is you don’t have to be an artist or even be good at crafting if at all, to start scrapbooking. All you need is your style and a little guidance to make a unique and attractive scrapbook journal, whether for yourself or someone special.
However, if you don’t have the time to make one, there are plenty of highly-rated and gorgeous scrapbook journals that you can buy online. For this article, we’ve picked some of the most appealing ones that you can check out.
But before we present our picks, let’s first get you acquainted with what a scrapbook journal is.
What is a scrapbook journal?
A scrapbook journal is a mix between a normal journal, which you use to jot down your intimate thoughts, memories or even just basic information, and a scrapbook, wherein you can showcase your creative artistry with crafts. A scrapbook journal combines these two concepts and gives you a place to express things or ideas that you aren’t comfortable sharing with other people. You can then imprint your style by embellishing the pages with drawings, photos, pictures or whatever you feel would best express your message.
What is the difference between a journal and a scrapbook?
People usually interchange the words but for the sake of clarity, we’re going to define the two. A journal is a book or even a notebook where you could write about major life events or just generic reflective thoughts or ideas. It is similar to a diary where you could recount your thoughts about the day’s happenings. A scrapbook, on the other hand, is different since they’re usually focused on embellishments such as pictures, photos, or mementos. Another primary difference between the two is that while scrapbooks are usually shared with other people, a journal is mostly kept private.
FOR JOURNALING ARTICLES SEE:
- On Being Your Own Mentor: Documenting Your Past for a Better Future >
- Your Life Story Can Take Many Shapes and Sizes >
- Writing Your Legacy: Bestselling Author Marion Roach Smith Says, “Write What You Know!” >
What are junk journals?
Another type of journal that has gained plenty of traction is junk journals. While similar to a scrapbook journal, the junk journal stands out because it uses recycled materials. You can design your junk journal with stickers, washi tape, stationery, or whatever it is you think would let you keep track of projects or even just the grocery list. This is also a great excuse to use paper ephemera such as birthday cards, anniversary cards, ticket stubs, and whatnot.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what scrapbook journals are, we’ve finally come to the best part: our picks for the best scrapbook journals for 2021!
Best Scrapbook Journals
1) Grandmother’s Journal: Memories and Keepsakes for My Grandchild
This journal is the perfect gift for your grandmother as it is designed to capture and preserve lots of memories — from her childhood to the moments she shares with her grandchild. It is very high quality, hardcover, and contains plenty of pages. There are also a lot of questions and room to write things down. There isn’t plenty of room for pictures except for a pouch in the back. The graphics in it are beautiful, the questions meaningful, and the book itself is well made and covers many memories a grandmother would want to pass on to her grandchild.
2. Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal To Share Her Life & Her Love
Mom I Want to Hear Your Story is a great way to help your mother share the joys and triumphs of her life while also documenting her legacy. It is neat, well laid-out and will give your mother lots of topics to cover. However, some of the sections don’t have as much room to write while others leave way more than necessary. But overall, it’s a valuable tool for documenting all those precious memories that you never want to lose.
3. 52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy
This journal is a fantastic book for anyone of any age or gender. It has an attractive hardcover design, is laid out beautifully, and has action steps for each list you do. It’s a great exercise for anyone who is trying to practice gratitude and mindfulness, or for someone who is just looking to have fun with lists around self-discovery. The topics are fantastic and the book also includes a built-in bookmark ribbon to help you keep track of where you last left off.
4) Wonderland Keepsake Baby Memory Book
This book has adorable pages to write memories you wouldn’t even think of writing down or remembering. It is simple, well put together and has plenty of beautiful illustrations. It asks lots of great questions and provides ample space to put photos in. There is even a decent-sized pocket in the back to put any extra photos. Overall, it’s a stunning baby book with thoughtful pages to fill-in.
5) The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day
This journal can help you focus on the positive and become more mindful. It has a beautiful cover as well as a thorough explanation of the science behind the carefully chosen daily prompts. There are also excellent quotes at the top of each day that are carefully selected and truly motivational. The best thing about this journal is that if you follow it the way it is intended — filling it out upon waking and before going to bed every day — it will re-center you and provide balance and positivity to your life.
6) Let That Sh*t Go (Zen as F*ck Journals)
In this journal, you’ll find moments of profanity-laced catharsis and joy through journaling activities and positive reinforcement. There are great writing prompts and hilarious inspirational quips to help you replace those negative thoughts. It’s very liberating to just let go of all the bad vibes that happened throughout the day. This book will really help you if you want to start living a more carefree life.
7) Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal To Share His Life & His Love
This book is the perfect way to get to know your dad. It has lots of questions and prompts, that will assist him in sharing the stories from his childhood, teens, and adult years. This book will open the door for your dad to share more personal information about his life, his feelings, and his experiences growing up. Best of all, it encourages great conversations.
8) Memories for My Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember
9) Mom’s Journal: A Keepsake of What I Want You to Know About Me and My Life
Wonderfully designed, this book is a distinctive place for mothers of any age to record the most significant reflections and remembrances of their lives. It has thought-provoking prompts that make it easy to get the writing going. The design is exceptional and the pages are plenty, beautiful and made of high-quality material.
Conclusion
Scrapbook journals are a great way to not only document your thoughts, ideas, and memories but also give you a medium where you can showcase your unique flair and artistry. Whether you try to make one of your own or pick up any of our recommendations, keeping a scrapbook journal is sure to be fun and fulfilling.
What is a scrapbook journal? Learn what exactly is a scrapbook journal and what you can use it for.
What is the difference between a journal and a scrapbook? Learn the distinct differences between a journal and a scrapbook.
What are junk journals? Find out why this type of journal is so popular.
Best scrapbook journals: See what our picks are for the best scrapbook journals for 2021.
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