Looking for January junk journal prompts to kick-start your creativity and build a consistent journaling habit? You’re in the right place. This list of 31 junk journal prompts for January is designed to help you explore memories, emotions, winter themes, and everyday magic—one page at a time.
Whether you’re new to junk journaling or a seasoned creative, these prompts will give you inspiration for daily junk journal pages, collage spreads, and mixed-media experiments throughout the entire month of January.
Why Use January Junk Journal Prompts?
January is a month of reflection, fresh starts, quiet moments, and winter energy. Using daily junk journal prompts helps you:
Beat creative block
Build a daily journaling routine
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Use up scraps, ephemera, and found papers
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Reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the new one
These prompts are flexible—interpret them visually, with words, or a mix of both.
31 January Junk Journal Prompts
January 1–10: Reflection & Fresh Starts
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A word you want to define this year
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A page about endings and beginnings
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Something you’re leaving behind
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A fresh start (real or imagined)
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Winter morning routine
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Your current mood in colors and textures
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A quote that feels like January
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A memory from last January
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What “slow” looks like to you
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A list of small comforts
January 11–20: Winter Stories & Everyday Life
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Cold hands, warm heart
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A favorite winter drink
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A quiet moment you love
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Something you’re learning right now
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A page made only from scraps
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What you see outside today
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A song that fits the season
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Something that made you smile recently
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An ordinary day, documented
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A texture you associate with winter
January 21–31: Intention, Creativity & Self-Discovery
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What you want more of this year
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A page without overthinking
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Something you’re grateful for today
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A personal mantra or affirmation
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A memory tied to winter weather
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Let intuition choose the materials
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A color you’re drawn to lately
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What rest looks like for you
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A letter to your future self
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Something you’re proud of
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January in one final spread
Tips for Using These Junk Journal Prompts
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Don’t aim for perfection—aim for expression
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Words are optional; visuals tell stories too
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Repeat prompts if one really resonates
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Use found items like receipts, packaging, and scraps
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Let pages be messy, layered, and imperfect
Make January Your Creative Reset
Using 31 January junk journal prompts is a simple way to stay creative during the quieter winter season. You don’t need fancy supplies or hours of free time—just one page a day and the willingness to explore.
Save this list, revisit it whenever you feel stuck, and let your January junk journal become a record of your thoughts, feelings, and creativity as the year begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About January Junk Journal Prompts
What is a junk journal prompt?
A junk journal prompt is a creative idea or theme used to inspire a journal page. Prompts can focus on emotions, memories, colors, textures, or everyday moments and are meant to spark creativity without rules or pressure.
How do I use January junk journal prompts?
You can use one prompt per day, choose prompts randomly, or revisit the same prompt multiple times. Each prompt can be interpreted through collage, writing, drawing, painting, or mixed media—whatever feels right for you.
Do I need special supplies for junk journaling?
No. Junk journaling is all about using what you already have. Paper scraps, old book pages, receipts, packaging, fabric, and magazine cutouts all work perfectly. Fancy supplies are optional, not required.
Are these January junk journal prompts beginner-friendly?
Yes. These January junk journal prompts are designed for beginners and experienced journalers alike. There’s no right or wrong way to respond to a prompt—simple or detailed pages are equally valid.
Can I use these prompts for other types of journaling?
Absolutely. While these are written for junk journals, they also work well for art journals, bullet journals, mixed media journals, and even written daily journals.
How long should a junk journal page take?
A page can take five minutes or an hour—it’s entirely up to you. Some days might be quick and simple, while others invite more layering and exploration. Consistency matters more than time spent.
Can I reuse January junk journal prompts in other months?
Yes. Many of these prompts are timeless and can be reused whenever you feel inspired. You can also adapt them to fit other seasons or moods throughout the year.
What if I miss a day in January?
Missing a day is completely okay. Junk journaling isn’t about perfection or keeping up—it’s about creativity and self-expression. You can always catch up, skip ahead, or combine prompts.
Further reading
You might also like to take a look at my 100 nature journal prompts here. and February prompts here
