Thanks to a small stamp collection passed down to my mother (& then me) from my grandmother, I became interested in postage stamps & related items when I was a child. I learned early on that the majority of them aren't worth much dollar-wise, but it's a wonderful hobby for anyone who can appreciate the myriad of various ways to collect them. Some are collected by theme. I especially like commemoratives as they are tiny works of art. Others collect by country, era and special ones like those with tiny holes punched in the stamps (perfins - another favorite of mine). I collect all kinds: U.S. or foreign; new or used; on or off cover [the envelope - I also like collecting different postmarks]; "classic" or new; variations of the same looking stamp; postcards new or used; I even enjoy finding & collecting old ephemera related to the hobby. The Packard's shop is my favorite place to shop - they are extremely nice, knowledgeable & helpful & I don't think I've ever left there empty handed. They always have something that I want to add to my collection. I also like "sorting" things. I have a non sports trading card collection & that's when I learned I really enjoyed relaxing by sorting things. Getting large bags of stamps & sorting them - by country, by type, denomination, etc (so many ways to sort these wonderful little pieces of art) is a favorite way of mine to relax. They've been so kind to go out of their way & make up large lots of stamps for me to sort & they charge very reasonable prices. As for the rock side of their business, they have an amazing assortment of rocks! From beads for jewelry making to large cut & polished rocks; natural formations; ones cut into animal & other shapes; fossils & I've even seen dinosaur bones there! I've bought a few rocks for my husband & he's really liked those. Their shop is a wonderful place to visit & look around. They have such a large variety of unique items & get more on a regular basis. I believe there's probably a little (or a lot) for everyone if one looks around long enough. Looking for a special or unique gift for someone? Drop in & look at what the Packard's have to offer. So many lovely & wonderful things at prices my purse hasn't ever balked at. I'm not related to them, just a decades long fan of an awesome small local business that I hope stays open & thriving for many years to come! read more

If you are thinking about going, 100% do so. The people are amazing and if you have any questions they are more than willing to answer. There is so much to look at and the prices aren't overpriced like most places. read more

Packard Stamps & Rocks - Different crystal/rocks, hand made in peru - Hobby Shops Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

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I'm a rock and mineral collector. I've got a degree in geology. I've been going to rock shops since the early 60's. When I walked in the door of Packard's I had high hopes. LOTS or nice mineral specimens, and even a room full of fluorescent minerals (my specialty). When I was a kid, my favorite rock shop was in the basement of a stamp shop. So why only three stars, I hear you say. Two things: price and hospitality. Let's hit the price thing first. The specimens in this shop were (IMHO, as folks say) were wildly overpriced. For example, there was a hunk of bog-standard Sterling Hills willemite in calcite going for around $40 or so. Really? That's like a 5 buck rock at most. (and, yes, I know how to price Franklin/Sterling Hill material. I probably have 200-300 pounds sitting in my yard right now and have sold it for years on eBay and the like). OK looking pieces were probably 30% to 100% over what they should be. Mind you, there were some really, really, nice specimens in there...but the price point was wrong. When I asked "Why the high prices?" I was told "That's based on what the owner paid." I responded, "Well... he paid too high a price!" I've got a feeling that if I spent some time in there I'd probably find some bargains... but it wasn't worth the effort because... Hospitality. Or the lack thereof. The two folks that were minding the shop didn't do to much to help me. They could see I knew what I was about. Heck, not everyone walking in their door carries a portable UV lamp! I was pretty much on my own. Short responses to my questions. No real interaction. None of that "fun" stuff I get at most rock shops. When I did want to see some specimens close up that were in the back of a case, behind a counter I got a brusk "No!... you can't go back there. Too many fragile things." Hey... I'm used to handling $1,000 specimens and I know where to place my feet. When you have someone who wants to look at the top-drawer stuff from the other side of a case, you let them look. If you are a "crystal" person, you might do OK in here. If you are a hard-core mineral collector with money to burn, you'd probably be OK too. If you are a dedicated rock hound like me that's dug rocks out of the ground and built a sizeable collections without breaking the bank, maybe not. This isn't a bad place... it just one that could be a lot better. read more

Best rock shop in the area. We are very lucky to have such a gem in our region with this great of a collection. The people here are fantastic and are interested in talking rocks with you, no matter your level of expertise. They were able to answer all of my questions and I learned a lot for coming. They have great prices and a large variety of different types of rocks and fossils. I took photos of a lot of rocks I enjoyed because of their textures and colors, but didn't write down their names (sorry!). read more

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I've only been here once, but I think about it all the time! I need to plan a trip back. There were so many beautiful pieces there and I learned so much! 10/10 fully recommended for all of your rock needs read more

Firstly WOW this place is THE rock, crystal, fossils, everything shop!! If you're serious about crystals this is where you want to go. The shop-team know every rock in this place, where it comes from and everything you'd want to know about it. The selection is overwhelming and so amazing. read more

This is just a downright fun place to visit. You might think of a rock/ stamp shop as being something for fussy old folks. Well, as a fussy old folk, not true. Got a kid- or a teenager? Millennial? Doddering old coot like myself? Take them to Packards. Small shop stuffed with wonders. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Prices are very reasonable- give a youngster a $20 gift certificate and make their day. If you are a more serious rockhound, you will not be disappointed. Favorite spot to visit. One of the rare things not owned by a foreign investment group! read more

Visiting Packards for me is the equivalent of a child going to Disneyland. It's my happy place. They have such an amazing variety of crystals that it would be close to impossible to see all the things they offer in one trip. You won't find friendlier or more knowledgeable people either. I discover new things and learn so much each time I go. They are the absolute BEST of the best!! read more

nice little family owned shop. the woman in there (didn't get her name, sorry!) helped me a ton and she was very friendly. talked me through everything and never got frustrated with my tons of questions. i'll definitely be back! and the prices are awesome :) read more

Packard Stamps & Rocks - my finds of the day - Hobby Shops Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

Do you have an "apatite" for rock collecting? My kids and I have been here several times! This store is a diamond in the rough! It's a small little shop that you may just pass by if you didn't know it was there, but don't take it for "granite"! Mosey on in! What a great selection of rocks and gems for the geologist in your family! Or just to browse and learn about the treasures in the earth. The staff is informative and helpful. We had an educational and fun experience while adding to our underground hobby! This place really rocks! Of quartz, it does!! read more

Awesome place. The store is crammed full of beautiful geological specimens from literally every location you can imagine. There's also tons of vintage stamps you can view or buy in the 2nd room. The staff were super friendly and nice and helped me with exactly what I needed as soon as I got there. Its so unique and I've honestly never seen a cool little store as neat as this one. Definitely a "diamond in the rough" [pun intended] and worth a visit if you're into stones, stamps, or just passing through. It's a small building on Midlothian Turnpike that can be easy to miss so keep an eye out for the sign! read more

Packard Stamps & Rocks - Beautiful sample of stones... just a few of thousands!!! - Hobby Shops Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

All around great store, great staff, great energy. I think I worked with Dave, but he was well versed in not only crystals and such, but the "metaphysical" benefits. Super great store I highly recommend! read more

A fun place to go and visit even if you're not a stamp or rock collector. Lots of interesting items and the staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Love this place. The staff is very friendly and helpful and will help you find what you're looking for or identify anything you pick up in the shop. Could not recommend this place enough! read more

Packards Stamp and Rocks is a wonderful shop for anyone who has ever held a desire to learn, discover and explore the many different kinds of stamps, minerals, fossils, crystals and local geology. While it may look small and quaint on the outside, you will be shocked among entering when you cant figure out where to start looking at! From floor to celling, back to front, thousands of stamps can be looked through semi-organized by letter, date and image. Fossils are displayed from every prehistoric age. Local minerals, beaded jewelry, collecting books can also be found. If you cant find something or have a question, just ask and you will learn more then you already know! Great place for kids and passionate collectors. read more

Packard Stamps & Rocks - Sign outside of shop. - Hobby Shops Near Me - Midlothian, Virginia

Best place ever to shop . Friendly , knowledgable and unbeatable selection . If you have started beading go here FIRST! Competitive prices for real stones. Awesome customer service. read more

This is the GO-to shop for serious rock hounds, jewelry crafters and stamp fanatics. Allow yourself time to browse because there is so much cool stuff. Dennis Packard is a serious gemologist and a font of wisdom. read more

I absolutely love this place. The owners are one funny and customer oriented family. Everyone that works there is willing to drop whatever they're doing to help you. If you don't know what something is they will tell you. You can even bring in a stone, crystal or rock and they will tell you what it is. They also have/sell stamps. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is a collector and loves rocks, crystals, fossils and stamps. read more

Being a well educated and avid Rock Hound I expect a lot when it comes to rock shops and their owner's/employees. With that said, Packard's Stamps and Rocks beats my expectations every time I stop by. Their selection is great and always rotating and David (the owner) really knows his stuff. I've cut several Cabochons for him so you can trust his word when he says somethings locally made or found because I'm not only a long time customer of his but also a source of some of his inventory. Over the years I've watched him keep the same great customer service and honest pricing that's paved the way for his shop to become the go to spot for any rock hound, jewelry maker, or stamp collector in and around the greater Richmond area. Thanks for everything David and Mark. Here's to many many more years of Packards Stamps and Rocks! read more

Great place, he has everything and knows everything!! Very entertaining and educational. Wish I had more time to spend there. You don't see places like this anymore, it is a rare gem. read more

Awesome little store! Don't let the outside push you away because the inside is a wondrous little marvel. There are 1000's of different rocks and fossils to choose from. Not to mention the proprietor is extremely knowledgeable on his products and can tell you all about what they have. There are plenty of museum quality pieces and prices can range from a couple pennies to a couple thousand dollars depending on what it is you're looking for. All gems are real and you can even buy elements in the raw. I love coming here every other weekend and picking up something new! read more

This is the best place to find crystals and rocks south side of the river. To give you an idea, it has been in business for over 50 years. Mr. Packard is always willing to answer any question with enthusiasm. You can tell he actually loves his job. He makes you want to learn and constantly gives crash courses on mineralogy. He has a nice selection that constantly surprises me new with pieces. Don't be afraid to ask for specific rocks or crystals if you can't them. He will happily bring out the cases that aren't on display or guide you to the right display case. Awesome customer service! read more

first time coming to this store and absolutely loved it! everyone here was very nice and super helpful! good prices and definitely cool stuff, go check it out! read more

I always find what I come looking for, and Mr. Packard and his employees are always glad to help and are full of knowledge and advice! Best place on Earth... A rare shop that I hope will always will be around. read more

My young kids started going here with our nanny to look at and buy rocks. I had never been but drove by it a million times. My kids also starting collecting unique rocks they found outside. I read up on rock tumblers and thought it would be a fun gift for the kids. They had some good professional type models on amazon but i decided first to go by this rock store to see what they had. If the price is close I prefer to buy local. Well, they had the exact same model kit as the one on Amazon but for $5 LESS! So based on price alone you should go to this store. He also sold the supply kits for less than amazon. What a great way to get people into the hobby and returning to his store! The service was also top notch. The owner explained to me how it worked, showed me how his tumbler operated and explained how he can do repairs down the road - free under warranty. It is actually a very interesting store - has been there since 1962! I was also surprised at how many people were shopping. I will be back for sure. read more