Lots of journals and notebooks, specialty pens and paints and cute gift items. Will be back closer to Christmas for some awesome gifts!

I had a very uncomfortable experience with this vendor at the Boston Pen Show. As I was about to leave, the vendor called me over and asked if I wanted to make/customize a pen. I understood this as an invitation to try a DIY pen activity. He then guided me through choosing different parts, including the nib, and assembled the pen with me. At no point before or during this process was it clearly explained to me that participating meant I was committing to purchase the finished pen, or that it would cost over $50. Only after the pen was completed did he tell me to go pay for it. I told him that I had not realized I was expected to buy it. He then explained that the idea was that you "DIY your own pen and then buy it." He later told me that the price was written on the top of the parts box, but when he opened the box and showed me the components, that information was not something I could reasonably see or notice. I found this sales approach very misleading and uncomfortable. A customer should be clearly told before starting the activity that completing the pen constitutes a purchase and how much it will cost. I would not have participated if that had been made clear beforehand. I'm sharing this so other customers know to ask explicitly about the price and whether participation requires a purchase before agreeing to make anything. I ultimately paid for the pen because, by that point, it had already been assembled specifically for me and I felt put in a position where it was very difficult to refuse. read more

I went in this past Monday and discovered a place of haven for planner, journals and notebook lovers!!! This is such a great traditional stationery spot. Parking can be tricky and hard to find but it's worth the price and time. Service was excellent and patient and what a nice gift shop for out-of-towners. I was so glad they already had 2026 Regional Calendars. They have Campus, Moleskine, Rhodia, LEUCHTTURM1917, Traveler's Company etc. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

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Spent an afternoon in Harvard Square and heard that I should give Boba Slate a visit. I typically try to exercise self control in these type of stationary, cute, journal stores and wanted to just browse around for the vibes. In the end, I noticed the cutest journal and had to get it. The store is "broken" into 2 parts / sections. You can't check out on the right store, so you can browse, grab what you want, and then head over to the left store and pay. The staff were also so cute. This place would be great for gifts for you and/or friends & family! read more

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A wonderful store for anyone who is tired of the digital world. I appreciated their stationary selection.

They have a good selection of pens and replacement cartridges for pens, and other items. But they don't allow dogs in the store, not even a small one carried. I understand not wanting a leg lifter or wet dog that could shake but in dry weather on a short leash it shouldn't be an issue. Coming from Europe I am used to running errands with a well behaved and trained to the nines dog, the dog integrated into daily activities. So will get most things elsewhere. read more

Amazing selection of beautiful notebooks and pens as well as cards for all reasons. I go there every time I visit Cambridge.

Beautiful things. I'm so glad this stationer still exists during the pandemic, and I know that they struggled, but they made it through. Bravo. However, something has to be said about the owner. She is a prickly pear. She is not in a good mood. You have to get on her good side. I made the mistake of going into the store with my miniature schnauzer puppy enclosed in a Sherpa bag. The owner had a conniption. Through her mask, she said, "I'm allergic to dogs." And I go, "But he's inside a Sherpa bag and he's hypoallergenic." To which she responded, "I don't need to spend the rest of the day with bloodshot eyes." And THEN the cashier chimed in, "There is no such thing as hypoallergenic dogs." Which is patently untrue. Here's a list of hypoallergenic dogs by the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/ I understand if you hate dogs, but...you and your staff don't need to be such bitches about it. Also, I'm at your store, which has been struggling through the pandemic, and I am literally shopping and giving you money. Why would you turn me away? read more

Dependable and high quality products that always impress! Their collection of cards is just so good

My daughter received this summer a $30 gift card from a friend from the Harvard Bob Slate store. We went to redeem it in September and they told us that the system was not working and to come back. We came back today (after 2 months) and the owner told us that it is still not possible to redeem the gift card because they haven't resolved the issue yet. At this point I wonder whether they are scamming people. Not to mention that he was extremely rude and confrontational. read more

If you love all things stationary, and you're in Cambridge, MA, this place is a dream. Located in Brattle Square, it's hard to miss on your way to Harvard Yard. They have a particularly nice selection of planners, journals, and writing implements. There were many items I saw in this shop that I have never seen anywhere else. The shop is charming and chock full of goodies. I enjoyed speaking with one of the owners at the check-out. I purchased a monthly/daily planner, large index cards, a 0.7 mechanical pencil, pencil case, and a couple of magnetic list pads. read more

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Just a great store. Have been visiting/shopping here since the early 70s. Found something to buy today. If I were not traveling (I hate adding weight to my bag--even an ounce--I would have spent a lot more money. + Staff was helpful. read more

Placed a phone order about a month ago. The staff were very helpful and courteous and the order went well. I ended up not needing one notebook ordered from them and asked about returning it. They said they aren't taking returns right now. The issue is that during the entire order process (which involved several emails and calls with employees) not one mention of returns not being allowed right now. Other vendors are taking returns right now. read more

Fantastic stationer, at Cambridge prices You'll be hard-pressed to find a better collection of stationary or more knowledgeable stationary staff. But they aren't cheap. The prices are, I would say, mid-range for Cambridge retail. Great for special occasions, less so for day-to-day needs. Wonderful selection of pens and illustration materials as well. read more

Disclaimer: go in on the T or be prepared to pay an absurd amount for parking at the lot down the road. That said, this little corner building has an excellent, stellar stash of stationery for all needs. Just walk in and experience it. Especially loved is their fountain pen corner where you can try one before bringing it home- and you jut can't do that in states without pen shops. There's another pen shop further into Boston itself, but they have almost nothing for paper- and don't let you try pens before buying either. Bob's is earthy; real, tangible, and a shop to experience with your senses. Pricing is reasonable also, but if you're an out of stater like me, stock up and visit once or twice a year. read more

These people are super. I needed a refill for a Moleskin pen. The Mole story in Harvard Sq is closed. I twice ordered refills from Amazon. They twice sent me the wrong size. The guy at Slate found me my refill and tested it in the pen. Slate has a lot of Mole products.I got a daily planner there the same day. read more

Bob Slate Stationer is a magnet for Harvard students--and college students in general. After all, Boston is crammed to the gills with colleges&universities. A stationery store serves a vital need- from pens and paper to postcards and colored pencils. It's also good for souvenirs. Do you need Freud, Sartre or Wittgenstein cards? http://www.philosophersguild.com/Cards This is the place. Bob Slate is the local destination for art supplies&souvenirs from the Athens of the West! read more

In spite of some reports of brusque service from that 'older gentleman" (I know exactly what you mean) -- Bob Slate has been tops for me in carrying quality products that I can't find elsewhere. They also take the time to understand my specific needs and special order for me when needed. Examples: Uniball Deluxe Micro pens that Staples never has; the Sanford 314 Draughting pencil, perfect for field sketching. BUT -- forget about parking, if that's your only reason for coming to the Square. And WHY don't they have a web site to order on-line or at least check out inventory before making the trip in? Really appreciate the alternative to the take-it-or-leave Staples/Walmart/WBMason/ et al read more

Bob Slate carries all kinds of awesome stuff, especially pens and notebooks, that really make me wish I wrote and drew more than I actually do (which is, almost never). Generally if I walk in, I'll walk out having spent $20-$40 more than intended, on fancy notebooks etc. that I may never get around to using. But I just can't help myself. The customer service model can be summarized as "benevolent neglect" in my experience, but forewarned is forearmed, so as long as one goes in to browse rather than to interrogate the staff, you'll be fine. The main gripe I have is that their return policy is rather unforgiving. You better figure out your mistake and make a beeline back ASAP if you want to return anything. (Whether you succeed may also be contingent on who you are dealing with, but that's just a suspicion.) In short, they're not perfect, but Harvard has only so many remaining quirky independent shops these days. If you want to give your money to a faceless corp like Staples, go for it; for those who want to keep independents alive, the aloof customer service is a tolerable price to pay. read more

I came in looking for a Parker fountain pen, specifically a Vector. A young lady named Jen helped me, offering all different pens for me to try, sharing her expertise, and sharing in my enthusiasm for fountain pens (which was very nice of her - I often feel like a weirdo for how much I love fountain pens). I was a bit disappointed that they couldn't order a refillable cartridge for me, but whatever, I can get one online. The pen was the most important thing, and they had exactly what I wanted at a very, very decent price. The four star instead of five star rating goes to the older man who rang up our order. "Surly" doesn't even touch this guy. He was very unfriendly and acted like we were a huge burden on him just by being in the store. Talk about a shock after Jen's welcoming attitude! We completed our order and scooted out as fast as we could. I'll hesitate to go back for fear of having to deal with this man. In short: great little store, great location, needs to work on the customer service for everyone over the age of 30. It's a shop - make it welcoming or folks will find somewhere else to go. read more

I just took a five minute break to run over there and buy some watercolor postcards. Awesome. Now I am counting the seconds til close, and very much looking forward to the activity that will accompany my wine tonight. I like art stuff. I like making collages and smearing ink, and graphite. I am interested in how the color red looks in various media on the same piece of paper. And I can't get enough of those mushy eraser/smearer thingys! Tactile interaction with art and equipment is my release from the stresses of job/school/neighbors fighting. Bob Slate is a store that has many of these wonderful things that make me so so happy. And they're back in Harvard Square, so convenient to my job. Yay, art therapy! Wa-hoo for Bob Slate back in business! read more

Bob Slate (the Store) Lives! Yes, the older locations did close. And, the Slates finally got to retire. However, a new Bob Slate store has opened with a new owner on Brattle St.. Stop in -- visit with the same kind & helpful staff as the before, same great service, same great stuff. This is the place - and there is no other. Shop local, shop small: you'll be happier. And, you'll have beautiful note cards, lovely pens, and the best selection of the most useful pocket calendars anywhere (far better than electronic). And, of course, there are other things such as paper, envelopes, and, um, staples. read more

Oh my gawd, this little stationary store blew my mind. I was on vacation (visiting from Chicago) and was just meandering around the area looking for some interesting souvenirs to bring back for my family. I stumbled into this store just 15 minutes before closing, and I wished that I'd gotten there an hour earlier! I managed to get some really cool stuff - a colored pencil that had 6 COLORS IN ONE, a mini sketchbook, drawing pencils, a lovely Moleskine 2010 planner and would have purchased even more if it wasn't closing time. If you're the kind of person who drools over journals, fancy pens and markers, and adorable paper clips, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Bob Slate. It's a good thing I don't live in Cambridge because I would probably spend my entire paycheck on stationary and art supplies each month. read more

Great spot for notebooks, picture frames, art supplies and more. They have some nice notebook brands like Clairefontaine that have beautiful quality paper. I've also gotten nice pens and marker sets as gifts here. Great assortment of unique birthday and holiday cards, too. read more

I'd been into the old location, many many, years ago. If I'd had more time I would have spent more time browsing the various paper products but I was in need of a specific pen refill asap. While they didn't carry the exact type of refill I wanted I was able to find several substitutes on a spinner rack in the back. Prices were substantially more expensive on the refills than if I were to order from Amazon or even online pen stores. But after factoring in shipping, well, never mind, Bob Slate's was still more expensive. Customer service was okay. I wasn't blown away but I wasn't summarily dismissed either. I wish I'd had more time to look at the pens at the pen counter but alas I am short on cash and I was short on time. The location is VERY cramped, I generally carry a massive backpack with me for school, and today had my smaller bag, thankfully. Even with the smaller bag I was afraid of knocking crap over. While cramped the location is neat, well organized, and clean. One of these days I'll I end up looking over the paper products. It's likely I'll end up spending more cash than I should. They have a $10 minimum on credit cards, none on debit cards. Which is about the most asinine policy ever. It's not like you'll go in and not spend over $10, but still, dumb. (which is why I detracted a star, otherwise it's a 4 star kinda place.) read more

I really don't like leaving negative reviews, but I feel it is warranted this time. I love the selection at Bob Slate and love browsing for notebooks, stationery, and pens. However, they have a really stupid policy of not allowing customers to try fountain pens. I mean, how can someone get an idea of how the pen will write when they can't dip it in ink? They give some stupid excuse that they have to sell the nibs in unused condition - even though they've already been used in the factories for QC - and that they don't want the gold nibs to be worn in in any way. Honestly, when they charge full retail and don't allow you to dip fountain pens in ink to try, it's just not worth it to give this store your money. It's much better to just go to Bromfield Pens. read more

Miss you guys already :(

I'm a big proponent of shopping local + small, so I'm overjoyed to have found Bob Slate! As much I love you Paperchase/Papersource/Papyrus, we have to bid adieu~ Bob Slate is hidden by steep stairs in the heart of Harvard Sq. It borders a quiet luggage shop, so it's easy to miss the store. However, don't be deceived; as a stationary junkie, this is the place to be. This store shines in their selection of paper goods sourced from classic brands like Pomegranate cards to smaller independent artist cards to even imports like Japanese cult fav Midori. The staff has always been friendly and available to help whenever I'm here. I'll definitely be on the lookout in this shop for next year's holiday cards. I think a downside of this store is that it's not quite clear where certain items are; I'd also like to see them expand into things like scrapbooks as they do have guestbooks. Additionally, the hours are a little constrained if you're looking to shop outside of the 9-5. Most days the store is closed at ~6 or ~6:30 which can be hard to make last minute card runs after work! Still highly recommended. read more

We travel from New York to Cambridge every so often, for a week's vacation as a respite from the hectic pace of New York City. One of the high points of our visit to Cambridge every time is to visit Bob slates wonderful stationary store. We always buy some notebooks and some writing tools and spend at least an hour looking at things in his store. Bob Slate's store is a gem. We LOVE it! It is a national treasure. God bless Bob Slate! read more

I'll admit that they do have a very solid selection of paper, notebooks etc., but I won't buy anything in there. I waited for literally 15 minutes (yes, I timed it) by the pen case in the back while the guy working there literally ignored me the whole time. Seriously, not even a "Hello." He was reorganizing some ink, but still. If he's really so busy that he can't spare a moment for a customer, why not call someone else over to help? Why didn't someone else see me waiting and come over? They do work in a shop after all, and they weren't very busy. I walked out and then came back in and told the guy at the front desk while I'll be buying the rest of my pens at Bromfield Pen Shop or online. Not wasting my time with Bob Slate after being treated like this! read more

Oh Bob Slate, how many of my undergraduate days were spent wandering the aisles of your stores buying packages of notecards and fancy pens? To this day, the smell of your store - slightly musty - calms me down. I love your selection of notebooks of all sizes, photo albums, stationery, and pens of all colors and styles. I still don't quite understand how you manage to have so much in a modest size store (nor do I understand how you manage to maintain two stores in Harvard Square and one in Porter), but I sincerely hope that when I come back to visit this city, your store will still be there going strong. read more

This is a fantastic, fantastic little local business. Great selection of pens (especially Pilot pens) and lots of notebooks, cards, wrapping papers... I only interacted with the staff in the pens department, who were incredibly helpful and didn't pressure me to buy anything. When you buy stationery, you really need to be able to try it out, feel the paper, feel the way the nib catches...things you can't do at Amazon. A local business worth supporting. read more

I am not sure what is going on over there. I have been fiercely loyal to Bob Slate for my stationary needs but today I was very disappointed. In the past they have been super helpful. Today, not so much. I came to get a specific 2017 date book and was told that the company no longer makes the date book in my favorite color. "They have really narrowed their color choices this year..." The current available colors were even listed for me by the sales associate. I looked through the other calendar choices and decided to hold off for now. Just for kicks I checked Amazon when I got home. SURPRISE! There is the date book I want in the color I want. Mmh, something is not quite adding up with the story I was told at the store. I think you just lost a customer because you went out of your way to lie to me. Additionally the owner was unnecessarily snippy with me today when I was making friendly conversation. I did not really care for that either. I guess you don't want my business anymore. I can get the things you have elsewhere for a better price and with much better customer service. read more

Need to plan your life away? For the past three years, I've gone to Bob Slate's to pick up my Quo Vadis planner. They've got a great selection, and I've sent a number of friends their way too... And yes, I'm a little OCD about my planner. Other than that, they've got great knick knacks for offices, teachers, desks, etc... journals, pens, highlighters, folders, paper, ribbons... all in a teeny-tiny store. Their sales people have always been super friendly and helpful, I love going here! read more

This is a wonderful shop! Every time I visit Cambridge/Harvard Square, I make a point to shop here. They have a wonderful selection of stationary, cards, pens, binders, journals, (paper)notepads/tablets, even wrapping paper. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. For those who appreciate good paper, writing materials and supplies, this is the store for you! read more

I'm a huge fan of a comeback story, and I had high hopes for Bob Slate's. My partner and I have been back twice now since Bob Slate reopened, and each time the service ranged from surly and disinterested to downright rude. The newspaper articles surrounding their relaunch suggested that they were going to spiff up their merchandise, but that's not the case. I would say 95% of it appears to be items that were at the old stores (and the unsalable items at that). Their inventory looks tired. For instance, how many people do you think need labels for 5 1/4" floppy disks? They are never going to sell them, so why not just count them as a loss and reclaim that shelf space? Other outdated products also remained on the shelves, covered in dust even after changing locations. My love of independent shops makes me willing to overlook their dismal selection, but what really upset me was how we were treated on both of our visits. The first time, I was willing to drum it up to being the male salesperson having a bad day and thus being very flippant. But just this past week, when purchasing Christmas cards, we weren't even greeted when we approached the register. I said hello to the cashier, and she didn't even respond. That's right, I said, "Hello!" and she said nothing. She merely said, "That will be such-and-such dollars," and that was it. She didn't even thank us for stopping in. Days later, I'm still surprised. I know that customer service is hard work. My last job was a retail job and it sucked. But if you want customers to return, you have to work hard to create a warm environment, and that includes in bad weather, when you're sick, and even when you're exhausted. Unfortunately, all Bob Slate's seems to serve for is as an example of how not to run one's business. read more

Great and well curated selection of goods (I purchased some archival ink 0.35 mm pens from Japan, an Exacompta poly folio from France, and thicker stock laser paper that they sell in packages of a 100 so you don't have to buy a full ream if you don't need it). They have quality products here but if I wanted more standard office supplies, I'd probably head over to a chain office supply store b/c of the price point. Very helpful service. I'll be back for sure though, a lot of their stuff I just haven't been able to find elsewhere including big box stores. p.s. Street parking is a nightmare, take the T (it's walking distance anyway) or lose your sanity circling like a vulture. read more

Need a knick knack for your home office/regular office? Want to traipse through the narrow aisles of binders, folders, cool pens and highlighters. Need a journal, a bag, a REALLY PRETTY AND INEXPENSIVE UMBRELLA? Want to meet some of the nicest workers around, they don't make these people like they used to. If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, then what are you doing here? GO. Go on, they'll be waiting for you! read more

Shop has a great selection of fountains pens. The customer service is pretty sketchy and the items are way overpriced. I go there when I need something quick. If you can practice self control then I suggest getting your items online. I bought the prera fountain for $75. It's normally around $57-60. read more

This store has the most unique array of stationary of anything I have seen in the Boston area. I recommend you get a block of time to peruse what they have, quite a treat! read more