Junk journaling: the latest trend taking over every corner of my For You Page. As someone with a long-standing addiction to buying pretty notebooks—and filling them until they explode—this hobby feels like it was made for me.
I’ve always loved flipping through old journals and photo albums. There’s something about holding a physical, thoughtfully curated memory book that feels so much more meaningful than endlessly scrolling through a camera roll or Instagram highlights.
And after watching hundreds of TikToks on the topic, one thing became very clear: everyone has their own way of doing it.
Some people keep it simple and only use whatever they find throughout the day—receipts, takeout bags, movie stubs, concert wristbands, the little sticker that comes on apples. If it exists in their vicinity, it’s getting glued down.
Then there are the maximalists with full art arsenals. I’m talking lace, stickers, decorative paper, little scissors shaped like birds, stamps that look like they were smuggled out of a Victorian apothecary.
But no matter which direction you lean, every version of junk journaling boils down to one thing: a tangible, creative memory book you’ll actually want to open.
You get to choose the aesthetic, the degree of messiness, the theme and the vibe. It can hold memories from vacations, weekend trips, girls’ days or date nights. Or maybe you just need a place to unleash your inner chaotic creative goblin—rip paper, glue random objects, make something that’s half scrapbook, half diary and fully you.
There are no rules. No wrong ways. Just glue sticks, good vibes and a hobby that will have you saving every receipt like it’s historical evidence for the Smithsonian.
Must Haves
- Journal
Choose one with thick, durable pages that can handle glue, layering and heavy materials without bleeding through. Your notebook will end up chunky, so the cover should be able to handle that.
- Glue Stick
Elmer’s works best since it dries clear and won’t wrinkle your pages like liquid glue.
What to put in your junk journal
- Photos
Print your pictures, use photo strips or glue in tiny envelopes to store mementos you don’t want to commit to gluing.
- Logos & Packaging
Takeout bags, coffee sleeves, clothing tags—anything branded adds instant color and aesthetic.
- Decorative Paper
Great for backgrounds, layering and filling empty space.
- Writing
Journal entries, one-liners, quotes, captions, dates—anything that adds context and personality.
- Receipts, Tickets, Wristbands, Confetti
If it sparks a memory, save it. These little pieces of “junk” become time capsules.
- Postcards, Stamps, Envelopes
Instant nostalgia. Envelopes are also perfect for hiding tiny keepsakes.
- Magazine Clippings
Use them for collages, color, texture or entire themed spreads.
- Dried Flowers & Leaves
Press flowers from a date or just a pretty walk outside.
- Maps & Brochures
Essential for travel spreads.
- Your Own Doodles
This is what makes your journal uniquely yours—your handwriting, your sketches, your quirks.
THe heart of it all
Junk Journaling is your physical evidence that you’ve stayed off your phone and lived outside of your curated feed. It’s a museum about you! Collect “junk” and stick it into your journals.
Remember: it’s an extension of your personality, so there is no wrong way to start or a wrong way to continue.