Journaling can do wonders for your mental health, and these local shops have everything you could need to sustain or create the habit. So reflect on the day, document a special moment, or “brain dump” all those bothersome thoughts with a book or notebook that inspires.
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Golden Gems’ (3108 Locust) goods are for all who aspire to live boldly and embrace life’s messy moments. Let it all out in a journal that represents your spirit, with notebooks in a variety of sizes, colors, and themes. Golden Gems designed its mantra journals to inspire lovers, dreamers, masterminds, and all “unapologetic baddies.” For those taking each challenge in stride, consider the mini journals that fit in a pocket or purse.
Step inside St. Louis’ largest independently owned full-line bookstore (399 N. Euclid) to discover a number of blank journals and an extensive collection of guided journals. For those longing to be in literature classes again, pick up “This Wild and Precious Life: A Journal” by Mary Oliver, whose poetry asks questions that serve as writing prompts, or “Maya Angelou: A Writer’s Journal.”
In this women-owned and -operated independent bookstore (7905 Big Bend), you’ll find meditative journals like “Two Minute Evenings: A Journal to Wind Down Your Day with Intention” by Neil Pasricha and Leslie Richardson, and “Wellness: A Day and Night Reflection Journal” published by Insights–plus beautiful blank canvases for your ruminations, like the artfully designed Flame Tree Notebooks. To redirect your thoughts and focus on a recent read or vacation, try the Travel Journal published by DK or “My Book Journal: A Reading Diary for Bibliophiles” published by Union Square & Co.
The daughter-father duo behind Papillon Press (8130 Big Bend) named their business after the French word for “butterfly” as a symbol of realized potential. They craft notebooks intentionally, describing their commitment to sustainable practices. Options include wire-bound, stapled, or stitched notebooks in colorful patterns as well as muted, ornamental designs. Writing instruments come in many forms and colors, and accessories like the Midori clip ruler bring structure and artistry to any entry.
This bright and mellow shop (3189 S. Grand) only stocks items that reflect its values of sustainability, social justice, and self care. Blank and guided journals come in a variety of designs and themes, with a particular focus on self-care. The “Pre and Post Therapy Journal” by local illustrator and author Caitlin Metz provides 52 pages of therapy reflection prompts to help you get the most out of your sessions and track progress. Also consider the shop’s inventory of Therapy Notebooks, a line of expert-informed guided journals for dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles.
St. Louis Art Supply (4011 Papin) stands out with its high-quality and sometimes rare items, stocking a myriad of unique notebooks, pens, and pencils. Blank pages abound in notebooks without lines or dots, perfect for the free-flowing thinker who might incorporate a sketch or doodle. Analytical thinkers will appreciate the Oasis Notebook by Japanese stationery brand Itoya with its versatile, bleed-resistant pages featuring a hybrid line-grid format for writing, diagrams, or graphs. For a more structured journal, check out the minimalist LIFE notebooks or sophisticated Midori hardback diaries–both made with paper suitable for fountain pens, rollerballs, and pencils.
This cozy storefront (8157 Big Bend) can put anyone in the mood for self-care. Select a notebook inspired by earth patterns with lined pages or a bright strawberry-pattern journal with dotted pages–both of which offer a blank space for decluttering your mind. For a guided approach, embark on a self-reflective journey with the “100 Days Journal” by Dana Cattani. First, answer 50 questions about yourself, and then choose one thing to journal about each day. After a mindful 100 days, answer those same 50 questions and look back to see how you might’ve changed.
