The Best To-Do List Notepads

Sure, you can use your phone for lists, but some people like to keep it old-school with a paper list where they can cross off tasks as they’re completed.

Buying Guide for To-Do List Notepads

Why buy a to-do list notepad?

Sure, you can use your phone to write lists, but some people like to keep it old-school with a paper list where they can cross off tasks as they’re completed. A physical notepad that’s lined or has prompts for a shopping list can be incredibly helpful. Physically writing things down can help you remember them better as well.

What should you consider when shopping for a to-do list notepad?

• Size: To-do lists can range widely in size. You might prefer a notepad that’s sized like a traditional journal, or something more narrow that can easily be slid into your pant and jacket pockets or an interior pocket in a bag or backpack.
• Lined or Unlined: Lined lists can be ideal if you struggle with keeping your writing neat and orderly. But unlined options can be nice if you want a free-form sheet of paper.
• Subject or Theme: While not a requirement for a to-do list, you can find lists that are catered to grocery shopping, taking care of odds and ends around the house, or a wide range of other essential tasks.
• Page Count: There’s no right or wrong quantity for a to-do list. But unless you want to buy a new to-do list notepad every other week, you’ll want enough pages for the notepad to last more than a week or two.
• Perforated or Tear-Off Pages: There are two options for a to-do list notepad—perforated or tear-off. Perforated can be nice if you have a bound notepad since you won’t be left with shards of paper all over the place when you remove a sheet.

Do you need a notepad to manage a to-do list? 

In theory, no, you don’t. But if you find that you don’t have consistent access to fresh or clean paper and are constantly writing on the backs of envelopes you’ve received in the mail, it might be time to step up your list-writing game with a designated to-do list notepad.

Our Picks for the Best To-Do List Notepads

Pros: If you need a bit of guidance for your to-do lists but also like the idea of incorporating general health goals on a daily basis, this tear-off to-do list notepad is the perfect option. It’s undated and comes with 50 sheets. Along with writing general goals, you can also include water consumption, activity goals, and even a list of potential daily appointments.

Cons: While the idea behind this to-do list notepad is nice, with just 50 sheets, it might be hard for some people to maintain consistency since you’ll need to refill this pick frequently.

Bottom Line: Consolidate professional, personal, and fitness goals in one central location with a stylish tear-off design.

 

Pros: Sometimes you need to see things written down in front of you to know which items to tackle first and which ones can wait a bit later. This fun to-do list features 50 sheets that allow you to delegate when to prioritize certain tasks. But you can also choose from two alternate designs with different formats.

Cons: Depending on your handwriting and the total amount of tasks that you have planned for the day or week, you may find that the 5- by 6-inch size isn’t sufficient for your needs.

Bottom Line: Become a delegation pro by visualizing which tasks are priorities and urgent and which ones can wait just a bit longer to be tackled.

 

Pros: Whether you’re using this two-pack set of weekly to-do lists for yourself or a household full of differing schedules, this is a great way to keep track of all those appointments—especially if you need to figure out carpools along with pickups and drop-offs. Each pad has 50 sheets which are more than enough to get you through a single year. And you’ll also like that the left side panel offers a space to include simple to-do’s and prioritize them for added efficiency.

Cons: Although not a true negative, some households with frequently competing schedules may find that there’s not enough space for all the entries.

Bottom Line: Keep your household organized by gathering all those schedules and appointments in one central location.

 

Pros: If you’re the type who constantly loses a notepad as soon as you lay it on a counter, a version with a magnetic back that can stick to your fridge is a must-have. We also like that this pick comes with a more open-format list design so that you can use it to jot down tasks just as easily as a quick grocery list when the fridge is looking a bit bare.

Cons: While many people may love the flexibility that comes with a more open format list, it might not be effective enough for others.

Bottom Line: Never misplace your to-do list notepad with this fun magnetic option. It’s a great thing to have on your fridge for you to see every day.

 

Pros: If you don’t necessarily need to tear off every sheet in your to-do list, a spiral-bound book can be a better option. This pick features a cute colorful design with space for general lists as well as a prioritization panel. But you’ll like that you get 52 sheets and an undated design that works for any day of the week.

Cons: Although you might not need this every day, the 52-page notepad is a bit limiting for those who do. Frequent users may find that they need to replace this notepad more often than they like.

Final Thoughts

Get and stay organized with a to-do list notepad that keeps all your essential tasks clearly outlined. Whether you want a weekly, daily, or even open design planner, these are the notepads you need.