The printer & paper guide
This is a real receipt printer, the kind you’ve seen at a coffee shop. It was made for a counter, a network, and a bit of configuration. We’re giving it a lovely new job.
It can take some patience to get going. Here’s what to choose, what to check, and how the pieces fit together.
Let’s take it one thing at a time ↓
Your small shopping list
The computer can be
one you already have.
Already have one? Start there. We expect most Epson receipt printers to work, and we’re adding support for more models. Check the exact model and connection with us before buying.
Choose the printer ↓Our choice is phenol-free thermal paper. Match the roll width and diameter to your printer, and look for the supplier’s statement about the paper’s ingredients.
Choose the paper ↓Wi-Fi is lovely for a flexible spot on the counter. Ethernet to your router or USB to a computer can work too, depending on your printer. A computer connects it to Everyday Joy.
See the connection steps ↓The planned companion app will link your printer to your account. Keep its computer awake and online whenever you want to print, including from your phone. It can be a computer you already own.
Meet the Everyday Joy app ↗A growing family of little printers
We love the look of the little white Epson in our photos. But Everyday Joy isn’t tied to that one model. Most Epson receipt printers should work, depending on the model and how it connects. We’re adding support for more printers and will keep this page updated with a confirmed list.
A little white cube we happen to love
Small, simple, and quite happy on a kitchen counter. We chose it for its looks as much as anything. It’s one lovely option, not a requirement.
It comes in different versions, so check whether the exact one you’re considering has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. The model and connection both matter.
Meet this little Epson ↗Epson, or something else entirely
Have a receipt printer already, or one you’d love us to support? Send us the brand, model number, and how it connects. We’d love to help it find a new job.
We’ll share the supported models here as we confirm them. You’re always welcome to ask for another printer to join the family.
Ask us about your printer ↗We’re building out the supported list, so let’s confirm your exact model before you buy anything. Our connection guide explains how the pieces fit together.
A little extra thought for little hands
For the notes they keep.
And the art they make.
A lunchbox surprise. A dinosaur covered in crayon. This paper will spend time in the hands we care about, so we’ve looked closely at what goes into it. Our choice is phenol-free thermal paper, with clear information from the supplier about how it’s made.
Many thermal papers use BPA, BPS, or other phenolic developers to make the print appear. A “BPA-free” or “BPS-free” label alone doesn’t tell the whole story. We look for phenol-free, with confirmation that no BPA, BPS, or other phenolic developers are added.
It’s a more thoughtful choice for the prints we bring home. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency also recommends phenol-free paper when you need thermal prints. Read the guidance behind our choice ↗
A heads-up on quantity: these listings sell boxes of 50 rolls. That’s a lot for a home. Ask about a small sample pack or split a box with a friend. Check that the smaller pack uses the same phenol-free paper.
Roll limits: TM-m30II-H specifications and TM-m30III specifications. The models shown take 80 mm paper with an outside roll diameter up to 83 mm. Other printers may differ. Supplier statements checked September 19, 2026; we have not independently tested the paper’s chemistry. “Phenol-free” describes the developers used, not a guarantee that any paper is completely risk-free.
For pantry and fridge notes, attach the paper to the outside of the container. The dates in our example notes are words you supply, not a food-safety calculation.
From the box to the first little print
Plug in its correct power adapter, load the thermal roll following the printer’s instructions, and leave room for paper to come out. Use the printer’s own self-test to check that it can print before adding Everyday Joy.
For Wi-Fi or Ethernet, connect the printer and the computer that will run Everyday Joy to the same home network. For USB, connect the printer directly to that computer. Follow the manufacturer’s setup steps for your exact model.
Epson TM-m30III setup & support ↗Once the printer is connected, the app will be the place to sign in, pair your printer, and make your first note. It’s coming soon. We’ll walk you through that part when it’s ready.
See what the app will do ↗