Vancouver stationery shops for cards and paper products
In an age of swiping and typing, there’s something so enchanting about the hand-written word. After all, who doesn’t love receiving a personalized message inside an elegant greeting card? Simple and sweet, these Vancouver stationery shops stock pens, paper products and everything you need to keep the lost art of letter writing alive.
The Regional Assembly of Text
3934 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2Been meaning to catch up on your correspondence? Rebecca Dolen and Brandy Fedoruk host intimate letter-writing sessions on the first Thursday of every month at their charming paper emporium in Mount Pleasant, and have curated a eye-catching collection of small-batch stationery supplies to help get you started. It’s no surprise that this neighbourhood shop has earned a cult following among Vancouver’s creative types; shelves are lined with postcards, notepaper, pens, envelopes, stickers and stamps. Be sure to visit the adorable lowercase reading nook (stocked with handmade books and zines) and check out the vintage typewriters on display throughout the store.
Paper-Ya
9-1666 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2This shop can feel like a bit of a tourist trap thanks to its prime location on Granville Island, but you can’t beat the selection of artisanal paper products and accessories. Open for almost 30 years, Paper-Ya carries hundreds of handmade papers from around the world, including beautiful contemporary and traditional origami papers. We love the Japanese Chiyogami papers featuring layers of silkscreened colours and patterns; these versatile papers can be used for a wide variety of creative art projects. Budding calligraphers can also stock up here on instructional books, tools (dipping pens, ink and nibs), cardstock and wax seals.
The Cross Décor & Design
1198 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2X6We’ll forgive you for dropping big bucks on covetable cards and stationery products at this 8,000-square-foot decor emporium in Yaletown. In addition to feminine furnishings and housewares, The Cross is also home to an eye-catching paper shop stocked with Pinterest-worthy products that are both pretty and practical. Deck out your desktop with beautiful appointment calendars, notebooks, day planners, letter openers, and colourful crafting supplies such as patterned washi tape and rubber stamps. The botanical-print wrapping paper and illustrated greeting cards from Rifle Paper Co. are a trendy favourite among in-the-know gift-givers.
Orozco Trading Ltd
1988 4Th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5When the denizens of Kitsilano are in search of creative gifts, they visit this eclectic 4th Avenue boutique to get inspired. Owner Peter Emery has curated a fun mix of well-priced gifts and greeting cards that range from heart-warming to hilarious. The cozy shop is packed to the brim with a broad range of gift-giving swag (bows, bags, ribbons, tags) and stationery products. Feeling stumped on that hard-to-buy-for pal? Peter is usually on hand to help shoppers pick out the perfect card – whether you’re looking for something crude, amorous or sympathetic.
Papyrus
765 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1X6Let’s face it; sometimes a Facebook post just doesn’t cut it. Next time you need to deliver a celebratory message, do it in style. Papyrus specializes in cards for all of life’s important milestones: birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, baby showers, new homes and retirement. You’ll also find festive holiday cards (Halloween, Valentine’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas) and offbeat messages for those just-because moments. The comprehensive stationery shop also stocks boxed notecards, envelopes, writing sheets, elegant pens and pencils, journals and notebooks. The convenient downtown location makes this a great spot to pick up last-minute cards during your lunch break.
The Postcard Place
11-1666 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2You’ll feel inspired to send handwritten notes to your long-distance besties after a quick browse around this iconic postcard shop. Situated among the creative indie shops in the Net Loft on Granville Island, The Postcard Place isn’t just for tourists. The out-of-the-ordinary postcards on display feature a broad range of artistic designs, vintage photography and sentimental messages that go well beyond the traditional tourist fare. These affordable postcards make a great alternative to traditional greeting cards, and are even more cost-effective if you buy in bulk.
Meadow Gifts & Apparel
225 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W4Pretty paper goods abound at this ever-so-whimsical gift shop on Water Street. A true treasure trove of goodies for men, women and kids, the Gastown boutique carries illustrated notebooks, letterpress greeting cards, magnetic memo pads, day planners and decorative wall calendars. We love the vintage-inspired line of paper goods from Quill and Fox (think hand-illustrated cards adorned with images of terrariums and animals), and the always-popular floral cards and art prints from Rifle Paper Co.
Queen & Grace
3688 35th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6N 2N7Those who take their letterhead very seriously will love this stylish stationery shop in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood. Owner and creative director Annabel St. John lives up to her Paper Queen moniker by offering an extensive variety of customized paper products at her bricks-and-mortar boutique and through her online shop. Stylish business cards, stationery sets, gift tags, note cards and invitations can be completely personalized with monograms and illustrations. The made-in-house collection of hand-drawn greeting cards ranges from sassy to sweet with designs that are inspired by Annabel’s own life.
Obsessions
101-595 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5Obsessions is a one-stop shop for last-minute cards and gifts. Visit the Howe Street storefront and you’ll soon be swooning over the limited-edition designer pens (Ferrari-branded fountain pens anyone?), funky wrapping paper, handmade greeting cards and the unique selection of one-of-a-kind gifts. Prices are on the higher end but check back often as the shop hosts regular sales with products marked anywhere from 30 to 80-percent off.
Vancouver Pen Shop Ltd The
555 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2C2The largest pen purveyor in Western Canada, the Vancouver Pen Shop stocks every type of writing utensil and accessory you can imagine: from $3 ballpoints to $3,000 collector’s edition fountain pens. Shop here for international brands such as Lamy, Montblanc, Parker, Kaweco and Waterman, as well as a range of specialty supplies, including ink cartridges, refills, handcrafted paper products, nibs and calligraphy tools. The knowledgeable staff are predictably passionate about pens and are always happy to let customers practice their penmanship with a variety of different models.
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