Hey everyone! My book "A year of lunchbox doodles" is out now on amazon! Check it out! 💕
Favourites
*Heads up! This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy something — at no extra cost to you. I only share things I truly use and love. Thanks for supporting my creative little corner!
Welcome to my cozy corner of curated favourites!
Below, you’ll find a collection of tools, supplies, and little treasures I genuinely use in my everyday life as an illustrator, creative mama, and lover of all things whimsical and practical. Whether you’re looking to stock up your art cart, refresh your creative workspace, or find fun tools for family life, I’ve gathered them all here - with mini notes and links to reviews and related videos where I’ve used them in action.
COMING SOON: You’ll also find themed shopping lists a bit further down — curated bundles of my go-to picks for specific projects, age groups, or vibes (like “starter kits,” “marker must-haves,” or “creative gifts for kids”).
Take a scroll, see what sparks joy — and thank you for supporting what I do!
p.s. I have a full list view at the end of this page, but my fancy shmancy storefront style view is currently in the works. It’ll grow as I do reviews, take photos, etc!
p.p.s. This list (and the details I add to it) is ever growing, and I’m always on the lookout to add to it, so throw me any suggestions you may think are worthy of a look! Thank you!
Art & Creative
Dingbats* Notebooks
I’ve been using Dingbats* Notebooks for years, and are a staple in my creative routine. These eco-friendly, high-quality journals come in a variety of colours, sizes, and paper types—perfect for bullet journaling, sketching, or everyday notes. They’re hands-down my favourite notebook brand. I’ve linked a few of my personal favourites below, available both directly from the Dingbats* website (use code SABBYG10 for 10% off!) and on their Amazon storefront for convenience. Whether you’re starting a new habit or just love beautiful paper goods, these are well worth checking out!
Currently Using:
Dingbats – Pro Dotted Large Notebook, Black Bee, B5 – Hardcover -60gsm Ink-Proof Watercolor Paper – Includes Pocket, Elastic Closure & Bookmark
Leuchtturm1917 Notebooks
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks are another longtime favourite of mine—especially for bullet journaling and sketching out new ideas. I actually use one as my go-to sketchbook for all the hand-drawn and inked colouring pages I create. The paper holds up beautifully to fineliners and planning layouts, and the clean design makes it easy to stay organized. I’ve linked a few options from their Amazon storefront as well as my go-to products, in case you’re looking to try one out for yourself.
For BuJo/Planners:
Medium (A5) Hardcover Product line
For Sketching/Art:
Ohuhu Spiral Bound Marker Sketchbook
This Ohuhu sketchbook (8.9" x 8.3") is my go-to for anything marker-related. The thick 200 GSM paper handles alcohol-based markers beautifully, keeping colours vibrant and bleed-through minimal. I love the slightly off-square format—it gives just enough room to play without feeling bulky—and the included protective sheet is a thoughtful touch when working with juicy inks. Whether I’m creating tutorials or just experimenting with blends, this sketchbook is always within reach.
For other Ohuhu products: click here!
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers – Honolulu Series
Ohuhu’s Honolulu Series alcohol markers are a fantastic choice for artists of all levels—offering rich colours, smooth blending, and a dual-tip design featuring a brush tip and a chisel tip. I use them regularly in my own work and feature them often in my online Skillshare classes. Two of my go-to sets are the 48-Colour Brush & Fine Tip Set, perfect for vibrant illustrations and colouring, and the 36-Colour Grayscale Brush & Chisel Set, which I love for tonal work, shading, and layering. Both are available on Amazon and make a solid addition to any marker artist’s collection.
Staedtler Double-Ended Watercolour Brush Pens
I use these Staedtler pens whenever I want to achieve a beautiful watercolour effect in my illustrations. The dual-ended design—with a flexible brush tip on one side and a fine tip on the other—makes them super versatile, perfect not only for art but also for detailed planner work and lettering. I own the 18-pack and love how they add fresh texture and life where alcohol markers sometimes fall short. If you want to see them in action, I did a two-part review on TikTok.
Buy on Amazon:
⭐ See the Review (on TikTok):
4×4 Colourful Softcover Blank Notebooks
Everyday fave alert! These tiny notebooks are a core part of my daily creative routine—I use them every evening during my TikTok lives to draw lunchbox doodles for my girls. Super easy to toss into their lunchboxes, the compact 4×4″ size is also ideal for quick sketches or little bursts of inspiration, and the blank pages offer complete freedom to create. The soft stitched binding makes them easy to flip through, and the colourful covers just make me smile. Simple, cheerful, and super handy—you can grab the 6-pack on Amazon.
Uni NanoDia Colour Mechanical Pencil Leads – 0.5mm, 7-Colour Set
I originally bought the mechanical pencils that go with these Uni NanoDia coloured leads and absolutely loved how smooth and vibrant they were. While those exact pencils aren’t available anymore, the leads themselves work perfectly with any standard 0.5mm mechanical pencil body. If you’re looking for a similar pencil, brands like Pentel and Pilot offer great options that pair well with these leads. The 7-colour set is perfect for adding fine, colourful details to sketches, shading, or note-taking.
Alternative pencils:
SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliners – Set of 10 (Black Ink)
An absolute essential in my toolkit! I use these Sakura Pigma Micron pens for all my line work—especially when inking my hand-drawn colouring pages. This set includes ten different point sizes, from super fine to bold, giving you total control over detail and weight. The archival-quality black ink is waterproof, fade-resistant, and doesn’t bleed through most papers, making it ideal for illustrations, journalling, and mixed media. Whether I’m sketching, outlining, or finalising a piece, these pens never let me down.
Sakura Gelly Roll Classic 08 (White) – 3 Pack
These Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pens are staples in my creative toolkit for adding highlights, details, and little pops of brightness to my illustrations. The medium 0.8 mm tip delivers smooth, consistent ink that stands out beautifully on darker papers or over marker layers. I use them frequently for fine accents, lettering, and texture effects, and their archival-quality ink won’t fade over time. This 3-pack is perfect for artists, planners, and anyone looking to add crisp white details with ease.
Faber-Castell Kneaded Erasers – 4-Pack
A good kneaded eraser is a must for any sketching toolkit, and these ones from Faber-Castell are my personal favourite. I use them constantly for lifting pencil lines in my colouring page sketches and fine-tuning details without damaging the paper. They’re soft, pliable, and great for precise adjustments or gentle lightening—plus, they come in fun assorted colours, which is always a bonus!
Buy on Amazon (4-pack)
Buy on Amazon (1-pack)
Canon Photo Paper Plus Matte – 8.5″ x 11″
For crisp, vibrant prints with a smooth matte finish, I turn to Canon’s Photo Paper Plus Matte. This 8.5 x 11-inch paper is perfect for printing high-quality illustrations, colouring pages, and photos without glare. The matte surface gives a professional look and handles ink beautifully, making it ideal for both display and gifting. Whether you’re printing your own art or special projects, this paper consistently delivers great results.
Buy on Amazon (50-sheet pack)
More coming soon!
Lifestyle
Kicking Horse Coffee 🇨🇦
If you’re like me and rely on a good cup of coffee to fuel your creativity, Canadian brand Kicking Horse Coffee is a must-try. Known for their bold flavours and commitment to organic and fair-trade beans, they offer a variety of roasts to suit every taste—from rich dark blends to smooth medium roasts. My personal favourites are the Grizzly Claw and Three Sisters blends, which never fail to keep me inspired during long creative sessions. Whether you brew with a French press, drip machine, or espresso maker, their coffee consistently delivers a satisfying, fresh cup.
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker
For flexibility and convenience in my coffee routine, I rely on the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker. It lets you brew a single cup or a full pot, so whether I’m grabbing a quick solo cup or making enough for company, it’s got me covered. Compatible with both ground coffee and K-Cup pods, it’s easy to use and clean—perfect for busy mornings or relaxed creative afternoons. If you want a versatile coffee maker that adapts to your needs, this one is a solid choice.
More coming soon!
Kids & Family
Fairy Magic Potions Kit for Kids
Looking for a magical gift that sparks creativity? The Weidrtily Fairy Magic Potions Kit is perfect for kids aged 6 to 10 who love colourful, imaginative play. This set comes with charming little bottles and everything needed to create fun “potions” that double as festive decorations or creative art projects. It’s a fantastic way to encourage hands-on crafting and storytelling—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a rainy day activity.
More coming soon!
Books
Hickory's New Home
by Memory Grems
Hickory’s New Home holds a special place in my heart—not only is it a magical twist on the classic “Hickory Dickory Dock” nursery rhyme, but it was also the very first book I ever illustrated. The story follows Hickory the wood mouse as he discovers an old grandfather clock and lovingly transforms it into a cozy new home, learning about courage, creativity, and belonging along the way. I had so much fun bringing this sweet tale to life with soft, nature-inspired illustrations. It’s a perfect read for young children who love a bit of clockwork magic.
Cute Chibi Animals: Learn How to Draw 75 Cuddly Creatures
This how-to drawing book is a fantastically adorable resource for anyone who loves cute characters and playful art. Phoebe Im breaks down 75 chibi-style animals into simple, step-by-step tutorials that are easy to follow whether you’re a beginner or just looking for some creative fun. From axolotls to narwhals, each creature is full of charm—and the book also includes tips for colouring, adding accessories, and making each one your own. It’s a sweet addition to any art shelf and a fun gift for creative kids and adults alike.
The Gwelf Series
by Larry MacDougall
I really enjoy the Gwelf series—it feels like stepping into a whimsical fantasy world full of quirky characters and heartwarming adventures. The first book, Gwelf: The Survival Guide, almost reads like a travel guide to this magical land, full of cultural insights and fascinating details. Then Gwelf: Into the Hinterlands takes you deeper into the story, with new challenges and even more magic. The beautiful, whimsical illustrations really bring the whole world to life. If you love fantasy with charm and gorgeous art, these books are definitely worth a look.
Goddesses & Heroines, and other Mythology
Jean Menzies’ mythology series is a fantastic introduction to legendary tales for kids aged 7 and up. From Goddesses and Heroines to Norse Myths, Greek Myths, Myths of China and Egyptian Myths, each book shares timeless stories in a way that’s honest about their origins—without being overwhelming for younger readers. The writing is clear and engaging, and the illustrations are just beautiful. Norse Myths was the book that first introduced my eldest to Norse mythology—and it sparked a huge passion for Viking culture that’s still going strong! If you’ve got curious young readers at home, this series is a wonderful place to start.
Dinotopia
by James Gurney
This stunningly illustrated book by James Gurney is part storybook, part art treasure. Presented as a lost explorer’s journal, it tells the tale of a father and son shipwrecked on Dinotopia—a hidden island where humans and dinosaurs live together in harmony. The worldbuilding is rich, the story is gentle and thoughtful, and the artwork is absolutely breathtaking. My kids and I love reading it together and getting lost in the illustrations, imagining what it would be like if we really did coexist with dinosaurs. It’s a true classic for art lovers, fantasy readers, and dinosaur fans alike.
Faeries of the Faultlines
by Iris Compiet
This enchanting art book reads like a beautifully illustrated field guide, taking you deep into the Faultlines—those mysterious places where the veil between our world and the faerie realm grows wispy and thin. Iris Compiet’s lush watercolour paintings and delicate sketches bring creatures both familiar and utterly new to life. The layout feels like a naturalist’s journal, full of personal observations and magic woven into every page. As a wildlife biologist, I found it especially fun to explore—a whimsical twist on fieldwork that made me smile at every turn. It’s a visually stunning escape—perfect for art lovers, faerie fans, and anyone who delights in dreamy, mysterious worlds.
More coming soon!
Shopping Lists, Etc.
Coming soon!
Full List View
*More info available in the gallery view, this is just a simple “quick look” option
Art & Creative Supplies
📗 Dingbats Notebooks
One of my favourite notebook brands. And they’re eco friendly!
Buy through their website with a 10% discount through me: https://ca.dingbats-notebooks.com/discount/SABBYG10?ref=sabbygimagery
Dingbats Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/45Ls2Yt
Personal fave A5 Notebook, “Glicine Arctic”: https://amzn.to/4kplEL7
Personal fave B5 Pro Notebook, “Black Bee”: https://amzn.to/4kRPlUT
📘 Leuchtturm1917 Notebooks
My other favourite notebook brand. A classic in the planner community!
Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4dQYafx
My go-to A5 Sketchbook (120gsm paper): https://amzn.to/4dQHTah
Medium (A5) Hardcover Product line: https://amzn.to/4jX6pIt
🌈 Ohuhu
My-go brand for inexpensive alcohol-based markers and marker-friendly sketchbooks. They have a LOT of products, not just markers!
Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4kVvzYO
Ohuhu Markers Honolulu Series (dual tipped: brush and chisel): https://amzn.to/4mPkAlh
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers Brush Tip 48 Colors (a good starter set): https://amzn.to/4jz8ZE5
Ohuhu 36-set Grayscale Alcohol Markers (all the greys you need!): https://amzn.to/4kPqlgV
Alcohol Marker Paper, Ohuhu 8.9×8.3 inch Portable Square Marker Sketchbook (I use it for pro illustrations): https://amzn.to/43QZkD8
🎨 Other Art Supplies
Staedtler Double-Ended Watercolour Brush Pens
https://amzn.to/3FB0Z7L (18-pack)
https://amzn.to/4kucZH9 (36-pack)
Mini Notebooks (these are the ones I use daily for my girls’ lunchbox doodles featured on my socials!)
https://amzn.to/3SC0gWP (4 x 4″, green yellow pink orange navy purple 48 pack)
https://amzn.to/4jFzSX5 (4 x 4″, green blue purple pink red yellow, 48 pack)
https://amzn.to/4dPnkuO (4 x 4″, kraft cover, 100 pack)
Very strong, little magnets for crafts (including fridge magnets): https://amzn.to/3FIuTXH
Sakura Gelly Roll
https://amzn.to/45Hnu5p (08 MEDIUM point, 3 pack, white) – My go-to for final illustration highlights
Derwent Coloursoft Pencils
https://amzn.to/43NmSbV (24 count)
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
https://amzn.to/3FGoLPO (set of 8)
Sakura Pigma Micron, Set of 10 assorted (my go-to for use with alcohol-based markers and what I use for my lunchbox doodles)
Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser
https://amzn.to/3Fuddz3 (4 pack colours)
https://amzn.to/45InPEW (1-pack)
PILOT Color Eno 0.7mm Automatic Mechanical Pencil 8 Color Set
Uni NanoDia Color Mechanical Pencil Leads 0.5mm 7 Color Set, 7 Pack/total 140 Leads
Tombow Mono Knock Eraser (retractable eraser stick)
https://amzn.to/4jLtnlJ (blue 2-pack)
https://amzn.to/4n8jf9w (green 2-pack)
📝Production-Based Supplies
Koala Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper Matte White
100 Sheets White Cardstock 8.5 x 11 Thick Paper, Goefun 80lb Card Stock Printer Paper for Invitations, Menus, Crafts, DIY Cards
Canon 7981A004 Photo Paper Plus, Matte, 8-1/2 x 11 (Pack of 50 Sheets)
Epson S042180 Premium Presentation Paper Matte, Letter, 100 Sheets Ink – Black
32 Sheets Holographic Sticker Paper
🗃️Storage ‘n Stuff
TRANSON Art Portfolio Case Artist Backpack Canvas Bag Large 26” x 19.5”
ArtBin 6815AG Mini Sidekick Storage Box Art/Craft Supply Storage Container
Lifestyle
☕ Kicking Horse Coffee 🍁
Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4kTZDUs
Grizzly Claw & Three Sisters 2-pack: https://amzn.to/4mWn8OO (great tester option!)
🍳 Food, Drink & Related
Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker
🏠 Misc
Bissell PowerClean Hand Vacuum
https://amzn.to/4jDjia8 (filter refills)
Kasa Smart Plug Mini by TP-Link (HS103) – Smart Home WiFi Outlet
ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide, SPF 30
Kids & Family
📚 Books
Hickory’s New Home (illustrated by me!)
Goddesses & Heroines
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
Starport TTRPG for Kids
📌 Misc.
Kids School Backpack: Pink Dinosaur Print (my absolute fave, it’s SO cute)
Misc.
📚 Books
Gwelf Series (very pretty art/fantasy world with animals)
Gwelf: https://amzn.to/4mHm15c
Gwelf: Into the Hinterlands https://amzn.to/43wPkQt
Chibi Art Class: A Complete Course in Drawing Chibi Cuties and Beasties (for all levels, even kiddos!): https://amzn.to/3HtEiTy
Cute Chibi Animals: Learn How to Draw 75 Cuddly Creatures: https://amzn.to/4jJ0N4m
Faeries of the Faultlines: Expanded, Edited Edition: https://amzn.to/3TbQAT3
Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter (Volume 2) by James Gurney: https://amzn.to/4kOlBJb
Dinotopia, A Land Apart from Time: 20th Anniversary Edition by James Gurney: https://amzn.to/4kYry5V