The joy of finding a notebook-diary to plan the new year

Whether you plan every hour of the day or just enjoy doodling, these diaries are just what you need to start 2025

- Shalini Umachandran

planner? In general, daily planners that have a page for each day are best suited for those with lots of daily tasks. Planners also come in a range of sizes, so pick what works best for you. If you commute a lot, a compact, light, softcover one is best. Heavier hardback planners are great if you're mostly at your desk. Pocket diaries are good if you're listing meetings and things to do.

Overall, if you want to carry just one notebook-diary that combines scheduling with note-taking and general planning, a softcover A5 diary is what you need—and we've picked out a selection for you.

THE LEGACY OF GURU DUTT: 2025 DIARY This might not be the most functional diary, but Nasreen Munni Kabir's tribute to Guru Dutt—by making sure you learn a factoid about the filmmaker every day of 2025, his centenary year—is a keepsake. Friends, colleagues and family members remember Dutt's best and worst moments, sharing anecdotes and photographs with Kabir. These are laid out alongside the pages of a daily planner, helping you make memories while remembering a great