French General

One of my favorite stores in all of LA! I've visited innumerable times, and every visit is like a…read morebig shot of serotonin. The store has the cutest, most creative gifts. They offer clothing with beautiful graphics, red envelopes, stickers, mugs, prints, postcards, keychains, and so much more. One of my favorite parts of this store is that they frequently change their theme and release related merch. I never know what theme I'll get to explore when I visit. For instance, their theme right now is "mooncake diner," and they have a whole collection of diner graphics! I vividly remember when they launched their space theme and hung up "planet" lanterns with mini astronauts floating around the store ceiling. In the past, I've come for art galleries here. The store not only has their own adorable merch but also supports local artists, which is incredible. If you're looking for the most unique and thoughtful trinkets or gifts, you need to visit Chunky!

super cute shop nestled inside the red lantern area of chinatown! the ppl who run the store are…read moreattentive and kind. they have adorable chunky ohtani and dodgers themed stickers, sweatshirts, t-shirts and stadium bags. the stickers are high quality and great for water bottles. i also love their chunky sailor moon line. their red envelope collection is soooo LA. my sister has gotten me some over the years and i was amazed at the collection they have, very clever and creative designs.

3.7 mi•Little Tokyo, Downtown

Post cards

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Pinku DIY Studio

4.8(41 reviews)

This is a cool spot in Little Tokyo where you can come in and make something unique to yourself…read more This place has many different items with which you can decorate your phone cases, hair clips, accessories, and even bags. Everything is on their website, and you would need to schedule a time and date to come in to reserve a spot in the studio. If you can't pick anything from here you can also bring in an item and they can tell you how much it would be to design it. The design process involves this type of gel with different colors that the studio provides. I picked a picture frame and also an accessory box from the studio to design. It turns out super cute and you can pick a variety of charms to put on top of the gel!

Very cute studio with good offerings and decent prices. I made an eyeglasses case, which they had…read moresome size options that could fit my larger frames. Tutorial was short but handy enough to get started. I liked their charms which fit the vibe I was going for. They didn't have a metallic blue which I would have wanted at the time, so you have to be a little flexible. They package your item in a carry case to be safe to take home. Clean studio and was a good rainy day activity!

"Sweet tooth"

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Asian Treasure Art & Craft

4.4(8 reviews)

•$

I used to be a regular here, but not anymore. They sold me an old, broken camera and refused to…read moregive me a refund. Also many of their "antiques" are fake. Really disappointed with their customer service. Shop anywhere but here.

This is a great business hidden on the West Side of Chinatown. What this business offers is books,…read morerecords, cameras, and a whole lot of other trinkets that you can find nowhere else. This place is fairly well hidden. But, all you have to do is know where to look, open your eyes, and you will see it. They have a nice little bookshelf out front with vinyl records on the side of it. You see that, and you're there. Once there, you walk down this narrow flight of stairs. Walking into the actual business, you'll be met by the owner and your eyes will be showered with a variety of unique items that are offered for sale. This is truly one of those businesses that you never know what you're going to find. This is a great place to find that unique gift, or to go in and look for a great book, or that rare piece of vinyl that you remember from your childhood. Overall, this is a great and very fun business. Anytime you're in Chinatown, it is well worth walking over to the West Side, walking down the stairs, and seeing what is being offered.

Downstairs

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The front door

Paper Plant

4.4(28 reviews)

If I could leave negative stars I would…read more I've been a regular customer at Paper Plant for a while, but my last experience was incredibly frustrating. On my recent visit, I picked out several items and was ready to check out when I asked if I could purchase the paper vase and flower that were on display. It seemed like a simple request--especially since I was already buying multiple things and was clearly a paying customer. Instead of trying to help, the staff asked three different managers, and every single one just said "no." No explanation, no attempt to offer an alternative, and no effort to make the sale. It felt less like customer service and more like rigid rule-following for the sake of saying no. What makes it even more frustrating is that everything in the store is already very expensive. When customers are willing to spend that kind of money, you would expect at least a little flexibility or effort to accommodate a reasonable request. Retail should be about helping customers and making sales, not turning away people who are literally trying to buy your products. Walking out after that interaction was frustrating and disappointing. After that experience, I won't be coming back. Blocked.

Cute selection of stationary, pens and stickers!…read more I love picking up coffee next door and buying my essentials from here. Including any last minute gifts. They will wrap it for you!

Welcome to STATIONERY.

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Stickers.

Jadetime E Gifts

4.6(26 reviews)

2.5 mi•Chinatown

•$

Love this store for decorations and party favors! Everything is reasonably priced and they have so…read moremany options to choose from. The store is well organized and easy to find what you need, whether you're shopping for a party, celebration, or gifts. The staff was also very helpful and made the experience even better. Definitely one of my go-to spots for affordable decorations and favors!

Excellent selection at super low prices. Discovered one of the lanterns had a small tear when I got…read morehome and Mary let me bring it in to exchange and swap sizes, no issue.

3.4 mi•Little Tokyo, Downtown

Wholesale Paper Lanterns and Parasols. Other Asian style gift items.

24" size

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Mix of 14" and 16" lanterns

Nellita's Craft

5.0(6 reviews)

Visited Nellita's Craft a short while back and loved the local arts and craft shop. The owner…read moreRosalyn was there, and she was very friendly. I originally learned of the store from Rosalyn's mother whom we both volunteered at the LTSC not too far away in Little Tokyo. Great arts store in Little Tokyo with lots of fun goodies. I would recommend if you are in the area.

Love this local craft shop and workshop/event space! The owner Rosalyn is the sweetest and so…read moresupportive of the Little Tokyo community and local artists. I've hosted polymer clay and beading workshops here and shopped for the cutest stationary and goodies all made by local artists. Go check it out and support this awesome addition to Little Tokyo!!

So many cute stickers

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Embroidery kits from Japan :)

The Jade Tree

5.0(2 reviews)

•$$$

At the heart of Downtown LA's Chinatown, Chung King Road is predictably lined with stores filled…read morewith antiques or cheap souvenirs, and sometimes unfortunately, a mishmash of both. No harm done--if you're the average tourist, looking for some more or less "Oriental" knickknack to take home to the kids or add some kitsch to your home decor. But if it's high-quality, genuine Chinese antiques in excellent condition you're after, The Jade Tree may be your best bet. Not only are their items simply beautiful--ranging from whimsical jewelry to rosewood furniture to marble and jade carved statuettes--but also rich with history, which the store owners themselves--the Lees, a Chinese immigrant family who've been in the US for at least 50 years--will sometimes have lived through and will readily recount in true narrative fashion. Last time I stopped in, owner Ken regaled me with a tale of intrigue, laced with international dignitaries and blindfolded car rides before dawn, just the latest and smallest chapter in the life of a gold and jade brooch. I ended up going with something else--a tiny Monkey King figurine crafted out of brightly colored feathers--but I considered my afternoon well-spent. Run by a family whose love and devotion to recovering China's history ensures the highest standards for their exquisite collection of antiques, The Jade Tree is Chinatown's best-kept secret. The items run on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for: beauty, history, and well-kept rarity. Unassuming behind its modest storefront and mod lettering, it's one treasure trove I can't wait to visit again.

Charming antique store in the heart of Chinatown. When I lived in Los Angeles, it was one of my…read morefavorites. Kenneth and Sue Lee are friendly, warm people and will help you find just the right thing. The finest in antiques and decorative items are there....or perhaps just souvenirs, Christmas cards and note paper. Always worth a visit, the Lees will also keep you up to date on good places to eat. This is one store you will want to return to as often as possible.

America's Favors

4.8(8 reviews)

3.7 mi•Downtown

If you're looking for components to make your own party favors - this is the place! Everything…read morefrom pre-made bows, boxes, flowers, ribbons and custom decals. A tiny bit of a language barrier with the owners, but they do their best to find you what you need. And the prices are great - comparable to anything you'll find on Amazon, but you get to see it up close before you buy. Parking can be a pain, but there are plenty of paid parking lots around. If you go early you might even find available meter parking. There are also a lot of other cool shops in the area, so if you're going to pick up party favors for a kids' party, hit up the other toy stores on the same street.

Great sele tion of good quality products…read more They have a very good display of good ideas. They have available for sale ready made favors or, if you wish, materials if you want to do it yourself. But if there is something you cannot find, they can create a customized favor just for you.

Large backdrop name sign cut up to 48" wide!

Burlap flowers for vintage party decor

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Custom wooden backdrop

Books Kinokuniya

4.4(397 reviews)

3.6 mi•Downtown

Everything was great! Service was nice. Selection is good on anything stationary. Quality is also…read moregood as well

When I travel, I can't resist popping into a new book store to see if they have anything…read moreinteresting. I can tell you that KinoKuniya is checked the "interesting" box. This store is all things Anime - Manga and more. It also puzzles, stationary, small character related collectibles, and a fairly extensive pen/fountain pen collection. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. Pricing was reasonable for DTLA. I would definitely visit this store again.