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Top Planners for 2016

If you are one of those people for whom it matters to have beautiful, well-thought-out and cleverly designed things to hand, then this overview of next year's planners might be useful to you. I searched for a long time and have finally found my own - a businesslike one, pleasant to the touch, very slim, lightweight and with plenty of space for notes.

1. ISSP planner

International Summer School of Photography planner for 2016, featuring 53 works by international young photographers. Small (non-standard), compact, with rounded corners, a non-scuff cover, eye-catching fonts, and note pages at the end. In Latvian, but without name days or public holidays. Print run of 1,200 copies (Jelgava printing house). Available online and in Manilla store (Baznīcas iela 37, Riga) for €12.50, while Paviljons store (Domina shopping centre) charges over €17. I was put off by the price difference and didn't buy it.

www.issp.lv

2. SVINĒT DZĪVI (Celebrate Life) planner

Not as widely advertised as the previous one, but also a local product (which is pleasing). Made by Piparmētra. Available in two variants: PANTONE 333c - mint green and PANTONE 433c - calm grey. Standard A5 size. Includes insights and quotes. At the launch event it was possible to buy for €20, currently slightly more expensive at €23. Subjectively - not my colours, but hats off to the execution.

www.piparmetra.com

3. Rifle Paper Co. planner

Foreign product, covering 17 months (from August 2015 to December 2016), with very colourful floral covers, non-standard size 210×172 mm (close to square), costs $34 USD in the manufacturer's online store.

www.riflepaperco.com

4. Leuchtturm1917 planner

Also foreign, standard 12 months for the coming year, considerably more restrained and businesslike, available in three sizes - A4, A5 and A7. I like that there is such a wide colour choice and an elastic closure for convenience when the planner frequently has to travel between bags. There is space for daily task planning by date, monthly overview plans, and space for more detailed notes. Lined pages. At Manilla the standard A5 format 12-month planner can be purchased for €17.50. Unfortunately only available in black, yellow, and green and blue shades (my desired orange is not available).

www.manilla.lv

5. Moleskine planner

It seems this Italian company specialises mainly in notebook manufacturing. However, planners are also widely represented in terms of size, colour and design. There are businesslike options, bright colourful ones, and thematic ones such as the StarWars and Le Petit Prince collections. With an elastic closure and a paper pocket at the back.

At Manilla currently available for 18 months (with 30% discount) and 12 months, but unfortunately only in black. Pleasantly slim and businesslike. The A5 format 12-month planner can be purchased for €17.97. A pocket at the back, elastic closure and stickers (symbols) for marking the most important events, meetings or occasions.

6. TREND planner

Our very own Balta EKO collection TREND calendars have also stepped outside the stereotypical notions of planners. Strictly black or grey cardboard covers with black screen-printed design. Slim, lightweight, don't take up much space. The only question is how durable the covers themselves are for year-long "wear". The price is very attractive - €5.02. Available in office supply online stores and "Valters un Rapa" bookshops.

www.balta-eko.lv

7. ISTABA Diary-Planner

It contains all this year's art exhibitions at Istaba, including the 10th birthday exhibition and the 160 artists who participated in it. Photography by Didzis Grodzs, design by Linda Lūse. Classic layout - weekday planner on one page, a painting photo on the other. Price unknown.