Comparing... Planners
by Christine Vick

People sleep next to their Blackberries, can't put down their Palm Pilots, and are addicted to their iPhones. But for those who prefer organizers that don't beep, a book-style planner is still the way to go. Our favorite planners-shown here-are fun and functional throwbacks to the days when the only way to keep track of what you needed to know was to put pen to paper.

1 - MOM AGENDA:
Here's a jazzy number sure to keep mom on track. Dates are aligned with the school year (beginning in August), so mom's in sync with the kids' schedules. Monthly and weekly calendars are included, with sections for everyone's activities. There's also a built-in address book and a party planner.  Size: 7" x 9" x 1" ($42, momagenda.com)

2 - MOM'S PLAN-IT:
Staff-tested, mother-approved, this planner keeps several Organize moms sorted out. Calendaring starts in August and goes until the following December (17 months). There are detachable grocery and menu lists, space for to dos and stickers for charting important events. Size: 11" x 12" ($13.99, calendars.com)

3 - TRULY MOM:
Available in a stylish variety of linen and mock-leather covers, the tri-fold planner is dressed up with a pretty grosgrain ribbon. A monthly calendar is set in the middle with notepads on either side to help you plan your day, make lists and take notes. Size: 9" x 6" x 1½" ($55, trulymom.com)

4 - LAUREL DENISE:
Sophisticated enough to take to a business meeting, this slim, pale blue volume is savvy enough to keep your whole life together. It's designed so you can see your month, week, to do list and reminder notes all at once. Size: 9½" x 12" ($30, laureldenise.com)

5 - RUSSELL+HAZEL MINI-BINDER:
It's small but it takes organizing seriously.
The linen cover (available in eight colors) makes a statement while the dry-erase interior makes perfect sense. Outfit it with index tabs, pocket folders, weekly calendar pages and brightly colored, self-adhesive to-do lists. Size: not listed on website  ($56, russellandhazel.com)

6 - HER POINT OF VIEW:
The red leather and gold buckle on FranklinCovey's stylish planner make quite a statement, but don't be fooled by this uptown girl's fashionista looks-she's smart, too. Pick and choose from all the day-planner options: built-in calculator, three-hole punch, tabbed dividers and tear away pages for notes and lists. Size: 7½" x 6" ($49.95, franklincovey.com)

7 - REDWOOD DATEBOOK, 54 WEEKS IN THE RAINFOREST:
Artsy and environmentally friendly (recycled paper, vegetable-based inks), Jill Bliss's little notebook organizes, too. The spreads display one week at a time. Because you write in the dates yourself, the planner can be put into use anytime during the year. Size: 5½" x 7" ($15, blissen.com)

8 - WEEKDATE:
Their mantra is "only write it once," and from what we can tell, Weekdate Weekly keeps its promise. The tri-fold system tracks your permanent monthly and weekly obligations, and it has ample space for day-to-day activities. The planner is available in six different covers, including bright polka dots. Size: 9½" x 13½" ($29.95, weekdate.com)

9 - BUSYBODYBOOK:
Cute inside and out, this planner is available in four cheery patterns. The weekly calendar displays as a grid, so you can track a school or family schedule. There's also a full page for your to do list and helpful reminders (buy flowers for your mother-in-law, change your smoke alarm batteries) to keep you well liked and well organized. Size: 7" x 10" ($16.95, busybodybook.com)

10 - AT-A-GLANCE EXECUTIVE WEEKLY DESK TENT CALENDAR:
After setting up the "desk tent" with a simple fold and snap, you can see your whole week, as the brand says, at a glance. Fold it back together, and the planner is ready to go where you go. Size: 10½" x 5¼" ($22.59, ataglance.com)

Christine Vick

Christine Vick is a Senior Editor at Organize.