I walked by this door too many times before noticing it's an actual stationery store and printer's shop! Just browsing is fun. They have so many different kinds of journals, cards and letter writing supplies. They even have a regular letter writing Meetup. What a great way to get unplugged in a digital world! They also offer printing services. Check their website for the full list of services. read more

Tons of stationery items. You'll find something you like! They have their own screen print studio in the back. Super cool! The owner is a graphic designer so it makes sense. Only bummer is the aisles are kinda narrow so you have to squeeze by a lot of it's super busy but otherwise it's nothing that should keep you from visiting! read more

This shop is a super cute gem in Albany Park. They have a great and unique selection of cards. They are a little on the expensive side, but far better than what you find elsewhere and the options are more fun and uncommon. read more

a. favorite design is a "hidden gem" of Albany Park and Chicago. It is a bespoke card and stationary print store that also has some organizational (calendars, organizers, and other desk items) and Chicago gift goods. These are not run of the mill Hallmark cards. So expect to spend a little more than you might at a drug store, but they are so fun it is worth a purchase for any snail mail enthusiast or for that special someone's special day. It is a small business so I visit regularly when I am out and about because I want them to stay in business. Love this place! read more

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I love card shops, and I love supporting small, independent, woman-owned businesses. Ergo, I love a. favorite design. (The owner's last name is "Favorite.") This wonderful card shop originally began as a wholesale distributor before opening the brick-and-mortar store. All of the cards are original, handmade letterpress designs. There's cards for all occasions, ranging from sweet and sentimental, to fun and cheeky. In addition to cards, there's really cool vintage office supplies, maps, stationery, gift wrap--all unique. I spent a good thirty minutes in here looking at cards and such and chatting with the owner's mom, who was minding the shop that day. It seems this place is very much a family affair, which makes me love it even more. Come check out this terrific little shop and send someone you love (or even like) one of these lovingly handcrafted cards. It's worlds better than a text or an email. This is now my "favorite" new place to buy cards. Come check it out! read more

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Such a find! All who love pens and papers must go there. They carry Chicago themed cards and letter pads along with super cool looking pens and more. It's been so hard to find stores that carry unique cards but not here. I got Christmas themed cards today with Santa flying over Chicago's skylines. So cool. read more

I always get greeting cards from here now - but only for the important people in my life. (I still occasionally get the cheapo card from Walgreens.) Great designs, and top-quality work. They also have a great assortment of pens and other letterpress items, which I can't seem to avoid buying when I pick up the cards. I'm sure this place would be great for larger events (e.g. weddings, family holiday cards). Overall, it's a very welcome (if not slightly bougie) addition to the neighborhood. It's always nice to have a local - and better quality - option other than Walgreens. read more

I ordered my holiday cards from a. favorite design this year, and arranged for in-store pickup. The process to order online was easy, and I felt completely safe during my convenient pickup--there was hand sanitizer for customer use, staff was masked up, and I was in and out in just a few minutes. (Although I had ordered online, I added a few items to my order once I was inside this adorable shop.) They even noticed that I could have gotten a better deal if I had bundled my cards differently, and proactively updated my order and issued a refund. The cards themselves were beautiful, and I was really impressed with the quality. I will definitely be back! read more

been a min. since I visited but popped on my yelp and I wanted to give a holla--always get my dad cards here for fathers day & the punny jokes do not! Disappoint ! ! read more

Wanting to step up my wrapping game, I stopped in here just before the holidays. An obvious jump in quality without a big jump in price. The paper FEELS great and the designs are so much fun. I also came away with a bunch of retro Christmas dead-stock. Weird old Santa stickers, definitely unique. Also a beautiful shop to visit. Will be coming back for all my gift giving/letter writing needs. read more

a. favorite design - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The shop is in my neighborhood in Albany Park. It's so great to walk up to such a charming shop with a charming host! The owner really knows her stuff and I appreciate her recommendations every time I ask. I always go in there for a thoughtful gift and kick ass cards. I really wish they were open more days but I completely understand why that's not possible during these times. read more

I LOVED visiting a. favorite design to buy my Christmas cards and gifts this year. I had weirdly specific questions about pen thickness and how smoothly they write and received amazing recommendations so I was able to find the perfect pen for a friend. Plus the cards were incredibly unique and thoughtfully designed. The shop as a whole is cozy without being cramped and has the perfect variety of products without overwhelming. Will definitely be back! read more

This is a very unique artisanal shop hidden in my own neighborhood! I hope more people discover it. It has amazing treasurers and great greeting cards that are mostly hand printed! These are some dedicated printmakers who know their art very well! I'm always impressed with their merchandise and creativity! You will enjoy it too! read more

I love coming here to get all of my cards and unique gifts. Amber printed my business cards and I get rave reviews from everyone! It's a family run business and they are all super friendly and helpful. Being able to shop here is especially meaningful to me, as my dad was a letterpress printer, and Amber is always happy to have me wax nostalgic about childhood memories watching and "helping" my dad print. a.favorite design is truly a favorite of the neighborhood, as they are quite involved in making sure Albany Park remains a vibrant area to live, shop and visit. read more

I was born and raised in Chicago, but discovered a. favorite design via my local florist here in Los Angeles, where they had some of their cards on display. I always seek out businesses and products made in Chicago, so I checked out a. favorite design's website, and couldn't believe how many selections there were to choose from. There's nothing better than letterpress cards, and each product is so beautifully made. I've placed numerous orders with them online, and the customer service has always been incredible. read more

I love a.favorite's cards--great design, colors, and fonts. Sometimes I buy these to hang on the wall... I usually get them at one of my favorite stores, Paper Boy. There's always a card perfect for the occasion--birthdays, valentine's day, thank you....but I especially love the typewriter postcards! I had a.favorite design my logo and design and print my business cards. They are professional yet funky. I love the rounded corners. Amber also suggested I print some with my name and some without, which I never would have thought about on my own. I've received many compliments on my logo. Thanks! read more

Supporting our local creatives with truly special items not only makes me feel good but everyone loved the gifts I purchased. I especially love the Chicago flag with snowflakes wrapping paper- a real hit. This little store is a treasure. read more

I ordered online for pick-up and later came back to the store to browse. Both experiences were great! The store is small, but packed full with unique items. I especially love the wood-bound Chicago journals and the wooden business card holders. We got all of our holiday wrapping paper from here - so many great options to choose from, from vintage to Chicago-inspired and all supporting a small woman-owned business. Could not speak more highly about it. read more

I popped in this store on a whim a few weeks ago and was blown away. This is my new local shop for cards! I stocked up on cards for housewarmings, babies, birthdays... you name it! I love the charming and nostalgic prints. I recently returned to the store for small business Saturday and was welcomed with treats and a little tour of the press she uses for her creations. I highly recommend checking out A. Favorite Design! read more

a.favorite designed and letterpress printed my business cards and they are amazing! i get so many compliments on them, I will definitely come back for more and keep a.favorite design in mind if I need any other printing or design work. read more