Update on Sept. 30, 2014: Although this post features 2010 calendars, most of the companies noted have 2015 versions available now; the links have been updated to point to the new calendars.
Talk about a market niche that's exploded! I wrote about Agendas for a Mom back in 2007, but there are a huge number of products targeted at mothers now. (Note: They all use the words mom or family, never dad or parents. Hmm.) Calendars.com has a whole category dedicated to calendars for moms - and there are a number that the site doesn't have, too! So let's take a look at some of what's out there - calendars and planners that are specifically designed to track multiple family members
1. I've always liked Sandra Boynton's work - so I'll start with her calendar. This is the wall calendar; she also has a desk planner. And if you're in the U.K., you can get a version that says Mum's Family Calendar. [image from calendars.com]
2. I've written about the BusyBodyBook before - and it still looks like a great option, with room to track five people's schedules. You have your choice of formats, too: a spiral-bound planner, a weekly grid pad, or a wall calendar. Update on Sept. 30, 2014: It seems these products are no longer in production.
3. The Mom's Manager wall calendar has a large grid; it's intended for families of up to six people. [image from calendars.com]
4. The Family Facts wall calendar has large boxes and color-coded rows. The company also has a spiral-bound planner. [via OrgJunkie]
5. The Mom's Plan-It calendar accommodates up to five family members. [image from calendars.com]
6. The Time Too family trackers look very nice. The wall calendar for 2009-2010 is already sold out, but the monthly portfolio planner is still available. [via Cool Mom Picks]
7. MomAgenda is another company I've written about before - and it's worth another mention.
8. Organised Mum has a number of family calendars, with columns to accommodate six family members.
9. Another option is the whoMi color-coded family wall calendar. Update on Sept. 30, 2014: It seems this calendar is no longer being produced.
10. Graphique de France has the Kim Parker Family Organizer - as well as the Peanuts Family Calendar. Update on Sept. 30, 2014: Graphique de France is no longer publishing family calendars or organizers.
11. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also has a family organizer wall calendar; while there's no picture of the interior, the museum says it has five columns for each day. Update on Sept. 30. 2014: The museum is not longer publishing a family organizer.
12. And from Australia we have the Steve Parish family organiser calendar. Update on Oct. 28, 2010: Steve Parish has many calendars, but I don't see a family calendar for 2011.
13. Amnesty International also sells a 5-column family calendar.
14. BrownTrout makes a lot of calendars - including this family organizer for moms.
And here are a couple calendars that don't specifically have room for multiple people, but accommodate families in other ways.
15. A product called simply The Family Planner leaves you lots of room for dinner planning - and other things.
16. The More Time Moms wall calendar has large squares and comes with lots of stickers for special events. [via OrgJunkie]
11 comments:
great collection - one fantastic family organizer you missed is Amy Knapp. http://www.familyorganizer.com/home.aspx
i used it once to great effect. It is not available in Australia and I did not want to kep ordering from overseas etc (so now just use a pocket size Moleskin planner - fab!)
Deb, I almost included the Amy Knapp product - but I kept getting warning messages about the site:
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Safari can't verify the identity of the website "www.familyorganizer.com."
The certificate for this website was signed by an unknown certifying authority. You may be connecting to a site that is pretending to be www.familyorganizer.com", which could put your confidential information at risk.
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However, if anyone is interested, this is another one sold by calendars.com.
Calendars.com Free Shipping Code - FS2308 (use at checkout) There is no minimum to get the discount, and right now you can also get 15% off if you spend $20 or more.
Thanks, Kris. At least one site is saying that code expires Feb. 2010 - so there's still plenty of time to use it.
Great launching point for considering schedule organizing tools for the family. I've always wanted to find a calendar that can 1) be attached to the side of the fridge, 2) can have a wipe off marker feature, and 3) is large enough to accomodate a family schedule.
If you ever run into such a product I would love to hear about it.
Jason, you might be interested in this: http://www.calendars.com/Moms-Family-Wall/Family-Plan-It-Message-Board-2010-Wall-Calendar/prod121676/?categoryId=cat00152
Jason, I hope you saw my post with a number of options that seem to fit your requirements.
I have used the More Time Moms calendars for 3 or 4 years now and love it. The spiral bound means it doesn't fall apart or lose months. It is a perfect size to carry around the house if needed. The pocket in the back is great for storing tickets to events or other date related items so I can find them. The calendar has LOTS of room for writing and has lines in the squares so it is easy to keep things neat. I love it!
Gigi, I'm glad you've found a calendar that works so well for you!
The Amy Knapp products are also sold on Amazon if you want to see them.
We have used the Met Museum of Art Family Calendar for years. It is sturdy and has a big pocket at the bottom for holding invitations, etc. It is no longer shown in their catalog, but you can order it online or via phone.
We are looking to switch to a different layout, however. One that looks more like a regular wall calendar. I will follow up on some of your recommendations.
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