I couldn't believe how hard it was to find an office supplies/papers store in the Brussels area!…read moreNormally, back in the US, I'd just go to Staples or Office Max and be good to go but here they seem to have everything online. Thanks to Yelp I came across Papeterie NIAS! This place has everything--paper (regular computer and fancier paper), labels, pens, pencils, binders, agendas, cards, bookbags, and so on. Sometimes, I find it important to see things in person instead of ordering online....only thing is that the items are all a bit pricey.

Loved it so much, made sure to visit twice during my brief stay…read more A charming, whimsical gift store, where mostly everything, if not everything, is made from local artists/companies. You can find knickknacks, houseware, jewelry, shirts and sweaters with cute sayings on them (I got one with a cute little man on it that said "Muscles from Brussels"), stationary, art, baby things, and the list goes on. If you don't pick anything up from here whilst spending any time in Brussels, you've failed on the shopping front/bringing something home you can't find anywhere else!

Great bookstore for those who want to read in English. The place was recently renovated, so it's…read moregot a great feel to it, with lots of light (perfect to read even the smallest fonts while browsing the shelves). The store's pretty big considering it caters to the English-speaking population, with two floors, and plenty of variety in terms of books. The staff is extremely helpful and will help you find any book you want and even recommend you new ones (to that effect they also have a blog which they regularly update with events, such as book signings, and the latest book recommendations they have: http://waterstonesbru.blogspot.com/). They also have a great rewards card system, which I recommend to anyone who's planning on being a regular customer there. In addition, they have a fun selection of additional tchotchkes towards the entrance/exit, such as notebooks, pens, boardgames, etc, which reminds me of the Barnes and Noble bookstores you find in the US. So if you want to read books in English, don't hesitate to check the place out!

If you're British and home sick, it's the best place in Brussels to feel like home. They welcome…read moreyou with a British accent and sell a few British specialities (e.g. they have Marmite). You'll find a big range of books from novels to history books and travel guides. The place is nice and I love those big stairs in the back, so charming. A bit expensive because they have to import all those books but so nice to find them in a place like this!