Top Stationery Stores In Philadelphia

Email. Texting. Facebook. Twitter. These are the methods most people use to communicate these days. Heck, even the phone is primarily used as a camera. But - as old-fashioned as it may sound - there are still those who can appreciate a lovely handwritten note. For those of you who just love the feel of paper and pen, you can shop a beautiful and diverse variety of note paper, blank cards, invitations and more for all of your note-dropping needs at these Philadelphia stores.

The Papery
57 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1500
www.paperyofphilly.com

This classy stationer and engraver, located on Merchants' Row in Old City, specializes in wedding and party invitations, greeting cards, journals, calendars and great gifts. It's a little pricy at times (you generally can't leave without spending at least $5 on a birthday card), but the items are unique and beautiful. Brides choosing custom wedding or shower invitations will adore the attentiveness and professionalism of the staff here. This is also an ideal stop for last-minute gift needs.

Paper Source
1628 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-2324
www.paper-source.com

This cheery and whimsical store in the heart of Rittenhouse is full of fun and funky - and, oftentimes, off-color - cards and gifts. It also has an extensive selection of wrapping paper and ribbon in a huge assortment of great colors and patterns. What's super cool is that it offers instructive workshops along with how-to crafting classes for even the most un-crafty of persons. Of course, it also does custom printing for any variety of party invitations, but it's the hilarious card selection that will keep you returning each time a friend, relative or co-worker has a birthday.

Paper on Pine
115 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 625-0100
www.paperonpine.com

Paper on Pine is the type of place that you go in to purchase one gift and wind up leaving with 20. There are just way too many cute items in here! Yes, it carries cards and invitations for any holiday or festive occasion. That even includes an exclusive line of greeting cards inspired by Philadelphia itself, with things like "Philly" written in a quirky soft pretzel script or "City of Brotherly Love" all capriciously curly-cued up.

Related:Brotherly Love: "Operation Write Home" Makes Cards For Troops

Casa Papel
804 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 761-9149
casapapel.com

At this Northern Liberties boutique, which literally translates to "paper house" in Spanish, you'll find a more eclectic and sophisticated selection of international paper items from countries such as Spain, Italy, Japan, India and more. It's a sleek-looking store filled with unique writing accessories. A cool feature this shop offers is bookbinding, so you can create a truly personalized book for yourself -- right down to the paper.

Papyrus
211 S. 17th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-2680
www.papyrusonline.com

This place is a writer's paradise. It's filled with books, journals, boxed and individual cards, and more with which to wax poetic on any occasion. Yes, it does awesome custom invitations for weddings and showers, but it also has a super cute selection of baby gifts. Items can run a little expensive here, so look for its special "under $20" section to stock up on all of your favorites without blowing your budget.

Related: High-Tech Greeting Cards

Pamela Dollak is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.