If you’ve been in the planner community a while, chances are you’ve heard of the Erin Condren LifePlanner. And you’ve probably also seen the prices. This planner is a favorite of planner fanatics worldwide. But is it worth the cost?
I’m not an affiliate; just a fan! So what you are going to get is my honest feelings about the products.
Table of contents
What is Erin Condren?
Established in 2005, Erin Condren is a lifestyle and stationary brand. They specialize in creating stylish organization products. And the LifePlanner is their flagship product with over 3 million of these planners sold worldwide.
They are primarily an online brand. However, they have a couple of brick and mortar stores in the United States.
Their goal is to use the power of organization to help their customers lead less stressful, more fulfilling lives. This brand is ideal for anyone who loves bright color and matching their stationery accessories to their planner. Check out all they offer here.
What makes an Erin Condren LifePlanner different?
There are three main things that set the Erin Condren LifePlanner apart from its much cheaper competitors: quality, personalization and layout variety.
Let’s start with quality. Each Lifeplanner comes with a set of durable, interchangeable covers. Each set of covers enables customers to remove and replace them, so they can match their planner with their mood. But that doesn’t mean they are flimsy! They create the covers with a sturdy laminate. I have never experienced any damage to my covers in my decade of using ECLPs. And these things see some use! I take my planner with me almost everywhere.
Customers also can customize their planners. Not only can you choose a layout for your Erin Condren Lifeplanner, you can also choose to add your name and sometimes your photos to your cover and choose your coil color. This year, coils are available in platinum, gold, rose gold and multicolor. All coil options other than platinum are an up charge, but personalizing your cover is free!
Layouts are available in horizontal, vertical and hourly. Which is best for you? That really depends on your lifestyle and how you like to plan.
What size do they come in?
Size is another way you can customize! The Erin Condren LifePlanner comes in the classic 7” by 9” size. However, in the past few years, they’ve really expanded their lineup! The coiled LifePlanner is now available in A5, too. But it doesn’t stop there! There are also options for softbound planners in two different sizes, or A5 inserts for a ring agenda.
Related: A great planning routine starts with a great morning routine! Find out how to create your most productive morning ever here.
What’s so great about Erin Condren LifePlanners?
If you were to ask longtime users of the Erin Condren LifePlanner what makes it so great, chances are you will hear a variety of answers. One of the most beloved aspects of the planner is the paper. They use thick, 80lb Mohawk paper. That means each page inside the planner has a quality you can feel. It resists most bleeding and ghosting.
Another answer would be the coil. They use a sturdy metal to make their coils. Often LifePlanner users keep their coils well after the lifespan of their planner so they they can use them to “frankenplan” their next perfect planner or notebook.
But longtime customers also love the designs. Each year, Erin Condren switches up their theme and the LifePlanner and all planner accessories are available in that theme. This year, the themes are Wildflowers, Canvas and Inspire.
Watch a comparison of the 2024 planners in the video below!
Are the Erin Condren LifePlanners worth it?
With a cost of over $60 each, it is fair to wonder what makes the Erin Condren LifePlanner a worthy investment.
I will say that for me, they are. Because I invest so much in my LifePlanners, I’m dedicated to using them every year. Regularly using a planner helps me stay more on top of things in my life. I’m more productive and I rarely miss appointments or other commitments.
Using my Erin Condren LifePlanner gives me peace of mind and helps me feel like I have some control in a world where we don’t really control much. But with my planner, I know I am at least in control of what I write down and what I intend. That may not seem like much, but in 2023, that’s a lot!
But if you are not someone who cares about the quality or look of your planner, this may not be the investment for you. To be honest, every year, more affordable options become available at stores like Target and Staples. You may find a good dupe at half the price!
Should you buy one?
If you are someone new to planning who wants to dedicate yourself to the process, this may be the perfect planner for you to try. But if you are someone who is an experienced planner, who wants to switch up your system and try new things, this may also be for you!
If you are someone who likes to match your planner to your post-its, pens and stickers and keep everything one steady aesthetic, this brand is for you! Every year, Erin Condren releases a ton of accessories in that year’s theme. This year, they had a LifePlanner for everyone. Inspire by designer Etta Vee is a swirl of bright, complimentary colors. Wildflowers provides a floral pastel option. Canvas is the ultimate neutral, a complete blank slate ready for you to add your flare with stickers and kits. Or keep it minimal with highlighters and pens colors. It is really whatever you want it to be!
Want to try the planners but are hesitating because of the cost? Maybe hold off for now. Erin Condren frequently has sales that include everything on the website. They are also very generous with coupons. And they have a rewards program.
Shop all the amazing options here.
Are you going to try the LifePlanner? Let me know in the comments below!
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