It's been years since I have been to Paper Source and was happy to stumble upon one with my girls. The staff was very welcoming and the selection is great! We loved the ability to test out pens and markers before purchasing them. While many novelties were to be found, there are a lot items that I can use for work. We hope to come back to purchase teacher appreciation gifts for the kids' teachers before the end of the school year. read more

Service staff and selection are excellent. Have had consistently good experiences with this store location and its products over the past several years. read more

Note: This review is written based solely on the experience I had in-store in Chicago last summer. Sending and receiving mail is something that brings me a lot of joy and I've had penpals my whole life. I also really love writing things down, taking notes, making lists, and buying new planners each year. There's just something about physically checking things off a to-do list that's so satisfying! This makes Paper Source an awesome place for me, since it's stocked full of cards, stationery, notebooks, calendars, and planners! I got a little overwhelmed at everything in the store because I could see myself using SO many things there. I could have browsed for an hour, but I ended up buying a cute one sheet-tear off pad that doubles as a planner and to-do list in one. *Swoon* This Paper Source also has a huge selection of wonderful gift items. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely come here for gifts for others and myself often! The employee cashing me out was super helpful and really friendly. Shopping here made me happy and I wish there was a Paper Source closer to where I live. read more

I worked with Nicole Y. to create the perfect gift for our clients. After telling Nicole about the look that we were hoping to achieve, she presented excellent options that were all within our budget. The store is beautifully arranged and easy to shop. It is a one-stop shop for gifts that are unique and in a wide price range. We are thrilled every time we leave this location because we have a unique gift that always gets rave reviews from its recipient. Thanks, Nicole!!! read more

this store always has cool things outside of the stationary you can't go wrong going for

I had a new hobby for about a week last year...scrapbooking. I put lots of time and energy into an amazing scrapbook for my dad's 50th birthday and then decided I was going to make scrapbooks for every special person in my life. Well, I apologize to all of you special people in my life because it didn't happen...this hobby is just way too time consuming for someone with ADD like me! However, for those you patient scrapbookers out there make sure you check out Paper Source. It's not quite as cool as my personal favorite scrapbooking store (& the only other one I've been to), The Scrapbook Source, but I will still impressed and it almost made me want to make another scrapbook....almost. I didn't purchase anything today the Paper Source, but I would go back just for the cute wedding shower and other party invitations. It also looks like they do a beautiful job wrapping gifts here, which is good to know because I'm also way too ADD to wrap presents. read more

Paper Source - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Okay, I feel really really terrible about this 2 star review because the store itself and employees are really wonderful and helpful. My problem is with their workshops. I've been to many paper source locations throughout Chicago, and this is my favorite to browse because the employees are always really helpful and friendly and the vibe is always nice. This location is bigger than most. There are two things that bother me about paper source in general, and this is at a corporate level, so applies to all locations: -the products are WAY overpriced. Seriously, get out your amazon app and scan a bar code and whatever they are selling will be at least half the price online. I would prefer to buy from paper source if they were local, but they are now a corporate chain. I feel no guilt finding the same products for half price when they've got hundreds of locations. -the classes are not worth the price. I have been to two and the instructors have been AMAZING, but corporate obviously doesn't provide them the materials they need to run an effective class. The one I went to today- personalized stationary- had a really friendly and well meaning instructor who got thrown to the wolves. She didn't really know what she was doing and obviously didn't get any training on how to run the class. She did great for what she was handed, but I won't be back to a PS class because I think they just get a one page brief on the course and have to run with it. On top of that, the materials they provide for a ($35) class are leftovers from their demo cart. So there were 8 of us using 2 pairs of blunt scissors, stamp and embossing materials that were out of ink, and an instructor running around because there weren't enough materials to begin with. It was a really disappointing class and definitely not worth the money. It seems like they just gather up scraps and have you make a craft out of it. Apparently this is common across Paper Source stores (I assume they save up their leftover retired demo stuff to squeeze some extra $$ out of customers). I like the store to browse, and everyone is really nice but this is not worth buying anything from. read more

They have wonderful cards and papers and pens. However, I wasn't greeted, no one ever helped me and as the photo shows, the staff just spends time hanging at the cash wrap talking. read more

Paper Source - Cash wrap - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A pricey but extremely cute store in Lincoln Park that targets to all of your crafty needs. Personally, I love their cards selection. Last time I stopped by for Valentine's card, I ended up leaving with 3 different cards that are very unique and fair trade! If you are looking for a card to any occasion make sure to visit them read more

If I died and went to stationery heaven, I'm pretty sure it would look like Paper Source. I've been here more than a handful of times, and I absolutely love this store! Yes, it's technically a chain, but their selection of paper goods from cards to stationery to party decor is seriously impressive. They even have cute gifts and custom wedding invitations! The rainbow colored wall of envelopes and cards in the basement is straight-up DREAMY. And for all my smaller wedding items, Paper Source has become my go-to (read: cute banners, bridal shower paper goods, and thank you cards). Bonus: the staff are always super friendly. I love supporting small businesses, and cute little card shops are one of my favorite things. But when you need a place that's got it all but still with that cute, curated aesthetic, Paper Source is the spot to visit. Note: they're also dog friendly and have Milkbones behind the checkout counter! read more

Pricey but they have a great selection of cards! Staff was friendly and helpful. They are also a drop off point for Happy returns which is hugely convenient. read more

My fancy stationery happened to come without any way of affixing the back flap to the envelope. I wandered in here for an alternative to the bootleg Scotch tape jobs I'd been MacGyvering...or for the SNL watchers out there, MacGrubering. Normally that would suffice for snail mail, but not when you're assembling "classy", hand-written thank you notes. Paper Source did me one better - they showed me some Lick & Stick. Before your mind takes a dirty turn, it's remoistenable envelope glue. I picked up a tube for $3 and was off on my way, but not before admiring the two floors of paper/crafts supply. I'll be back. read more

Nice selection of wrapping paper and ribbons. Did nice job with wrapping for $8.00 per item. Policy does not allow them or myself to use purchased left over wrapping paper to cover small item while in store without charging additional $8.00 (considered to be "gift wrapping") Appreciate store needs to stay viable post pandemic but this appears to be nickel and dimming. read more

Love Paper Source- they always have amazing items for all your stationery needs. Love their classes and the incredibly cute seasonal items they carry. The staff at this location are very nice and accommodating. Located in the heart of Lincoln Park on Armitage, it's a must to stop in at. read more

Lovely store with a bunch of fun and unique items especially if you're looking for a gift and don't want the same old humdrum department store things. A bit on the pricey side for some things but they have some pretty unique items and customer service is always very good. read more

Stopped at another paper source before and picked up a few cards because I couldn't resist so I was excited to see that there was one located closer to where I live. They have a extremely wide variety of cards that are cute, fun, and/or punny, candles, mugs, wrapping papers, and more! As soon as I walked an employee greeted me! All of the employees were super kind and willing to help! The one con is simply that some of the things they sell are quite pricey, read more

There's some really cute items here but this review is mostly for the classes that they offer to help you get crafting. A group of 4 of us signed up for this handmade card class on a Thursday night, 6-8pm. The class was going to cover making 4 custom cards that the instructor (Paper Source team member) had designed and made ahead of time. So there was an example card for each design that we would be making. The class itself was nice because everything was provided from the card stock to the tools needed so you just had to show up. The 8pm finish time is a set deadline as the store closes at that time. We only made it through 3 of the 4 cards since there was about 7 participants in the class, and we had to share certain tools and items. Our instructor gave us the material for the 4th card, but it's difficult to construct the card when you don't have the same tools at home. The class was kinda pricey at $30, but my friend received a discount when booking online and it ended up being $27. However, another friend spotted a sign inside the store that said classes were $26 while we were taking our class. Not sure what is up with the inconsistent pricing. I'd pass on taking another class here. read more

Came to this location for xmas gifts and they did not disappoint! They have a lot of cute knick knacks that I found for $15 or less. I bought the world's smallest leaf blower and the world's smallest vacuum as stocking stuffers and they were a hit. They have a downstairs with a lot of paper stock options and customize options. I enjoy coming in to this store. The people are always nice and there are so many cute things! read more

Love this shop for cards and beautiful small gifts for both men and women! They do wedding invitations; head downstairs and take a gander at their book selection. Staff is super helpful. Browsing/shopping here is fun. read more

ASK FOR RENEE. I had a calligraphy project and no clue what to do about it. I called and Renee answered so I drove across town to get her help. She is a working artist that understands concept development, project implementation, color, and the store's product line. She's the real deal. Thank you. read more

A rainbow of colors along the wall to assist in inspiration for a big ole lesbian wedding! You can have too much fun in here! Though not one to venture onto Armitage much, the one thing that beckons is Paper Source. This is the best one in the city for many reasons. *OPEN layout downstairs so you can spread out your choices and start the decision making process. *perfectly laid out and well marked. There's hardly an opportunity to ask where something is! Just read the tags. *pretty much fully stocked - if it wasn't on the shelf, ask - it's more than likely in the back *well lit so you feel confident in your choice *friendly staff that doesn't constantly bug you. Just occasionally makes sure you're okay while you're playing with paper! They let you be creative on your own and do their own thing while you're doing yours *affordable! I think we budgeted double what we thought we would spend here - nice surprise!! Couple things I don't like: -no prices on papers - apparently a new thing. You can occasionally find old tags on some things, but otherwise you have to ask. I would assume a selling technique -would like more ranges of colors. They have the basics, but perhaps be able to get some others ordered? (with samples?) There were a couple of times we wanted 'that color but darker' but alas... All-in-all, this is the location to hit up! (see my Chicago/Franklin Paper Source review for one example as to why) After this wedding, I'm going to be sad and looking for another excuse to visit!! Let your creativity soar! read more

This is my favorite Paper Source in all of the Chicagoland area. They have two floors crammed with paper and DIY ideas. I haven't been crafty in a really long time so when I received an email blast from them announcing that they were going to host an arts and crafts GNO entitled "Indian Summer," I registered right away. I thought it would be a great way to get back to my artistic roots and meet other crafty girls, which was right on. Plus, in keeping with the Indian Summer theme they provided Hors d'oeuvres of spicy salsa and naan, hummus and pita chips and to drink we had mango papaya Grey Goose spritzer. As for our artistic endeavours, we all completed the following crafts: 1. Paper lanterns out of brightly patterned paper. They look complex, but our instructor explained the cutting and assemblage in such a way that it turned out to be easier I thought. 2. Embossing on stationary, learning how to line envelopes and making a stationary box. These projects were a lot of fun and I've come to find out that embossing is highly addictive because it looks classy and is pretty easy to do. 3. Envelope making and rubber stamp stationary. It's amazing how creative you can get with a few rubber stamps, pads of different colored ink, some colorful stationary and a pattern. I got so into making envelopes that I ended up buying the envelope patterns at the store and now I'm going to turn all of my paper products that I have lying around into envelopes. Plus, after we finished our crafts they let us shop around and answered all of our questions. I ended up buying some rubber stamps, ink, envelope patterns to make my own envelopes, liners and some lick & stick..."you've got to lick it before you stick it!" Ok now you all can get your heads out of the gutter because it's just a glue product that you put on the finished envelopes so it looks professional. I've also come to learn that double sided tape is a fabulous thing too. read more

As I click the 4th star it says on my screen "Yay! I'm a fan." This is how far things have gone? Seriously? I am now a fan of a stationary store? (hangs head slighty and exhales) I am a fan of a stationary store. I needed several small, high quality, heavy boxes for Christmas gifts. A friend suggested I check out Paper Source. They had exactly what I needed. The staff was very helpful and directed me to sturdy but good looking boxes that were perfect. As it turns out and unbeknownst to me, I also had tissue paper needs. They were happily able to help me with this also. When I checked out I signed up for their email mailing list. I'm glad I did. I left something very important on the counter. They took the time to email me and let me know they had it. Good service, good people. They're a little expensive but you clearly get what you pay for. Once a decade when i need some sassy paper products they're definitely my go to. read more

I love going to Paper Source because it's so soothing and inspiring. Think of the scrapbooks could make! The cards I could create! The millions of other little projects I could do! Except, I don't scrapbook. Oh, and I don't make cards either. Hmm. Why am I here? Oh, right - because it's soothing and inspiring. Also, occasionally I do find some cute cards (like the ones printed on heavy cardstock in lovely font that simply say "Sh*t." at the top) or some special wrapping paper. They don't have gift boxes, though - just an FYI. If you ARE into making your own paper crafts then you've found heaven, although as others have mentioned, PS is not cheap. read more

While their products are great and unique, every time I have gone in, the staff is cold, unfriendly, and seem annoyed when I asked questions. They are especially unfriendly when I come in with my child (she's a very quiet infant who sleeps the whole time), giving the vibe that families are not welcome there, even though many of the crafts and toys they carry are geared toward children. The place is also not handicap accessible or stroller accessible, and they give you rude looks as you struggle to get the stroller up or down the stairs by yourself. And if you leave the stroller near the door because you can't carry it up their non-ramped stairs, they give you even colder looks. As a mother (and not a bride looking for wedding invitations), I felt like a second class citizen. I can't imagine what it would be like if I were in a wheelchair or had children who could walk on their own and touch things. I give them 2 stars because their products are very nice, but their staff is very cold. read more

I have never once left a review before but feel this one is warranted. My family loves Paper Source but we will not be returning to this location. We walked in with six excited but well-behaved kids, all over 7-years-old, who know how to behave in stores (including two teenage girls that shop often!). I was so incredibly disappointed that, from a store that has small toy and gift sections, we were greeted as though we had brought lions in with us to shop. My husband and I were with the youngest two to make sure anything they looked at was put back in place and orderly. Despite this, the staff was not welcoming, made us feel so uncomfortable, and one clerk was incredibly rude to the point that I asked her if children were not allowed in the store, given her reaction. Please do better - the kids are the reason we make purchases at Paper Source, so if you can't appropriately interact with them, please at least don't treat them like piranhas. read more

I ordered 4 boxes of cards and a couple of small items 2 weeks ago. I had to check my order status multiple times only to see it was "processing" endlessly. I get it. We are in a pandemic. I send two messages to customer service. No one EVER responded to me. Today I noticed that all of the boxes of cards are cancelled. No one sent me a message to tell me this. I have not experienced customer service this terrible in a long time. I am all done with this company. read more

My fiance and I wanted to send a teeny save the date but found out the envelopes were too small for the US postal service. So we came here for a solution. Seeing as how this is an industry where creativity thrives we thought maybe they would have some fun and creative ways to solve our dilemma. Instead the guy looked on the computer to tell us if they had some of the envelopes in our wedding colors and then kinda left us. IT WAS NOT BUSY THERE. There was one other customer. To our amazment we went upstairs for some ideas and there was like 2 or 3 more employees up there and none of them even aknowledged us! It's like I'm sorry did you not want our hundreds of dollars here? I told him its for our wedding and trust me a graphic design student getting married is not going cheaply on the stationary. Oh well business lost. read more

Renee is a hidden gem in this company. She's friendly, knowledgeable and funny. Paper Soutce don't let this employee get away!

I was a bit disappointed in this place after going. I went because of a few scrapbook reviews I saw here on Yelp. I was surprised to find that this is not a scrapbook store at all. Be ware :) However, this is a cute little store for other needs such as wrapping paper, stationary, etc. read more

I'm trying REALLY hard to be in the Christmas spirit this year and the Paper Source's glittery wrapping paper isn't helping!!! Tape doesn't stick to it, not even packing tape! I LOVE wrapping and was really excited about wrapping presents, but right now, I'm giving it a big thumbs down. So that gives the Paper Source a negative two for selling something so frustrating to work with. Snarl! Otherwise the Paper Source is nice. Expensive, but nice. The bags I purchased are super cute, so I'm happy with those. And its cards are super cute. If you're going to go there, just don't purchase any glitter paper yelpers... read more

A great line of paper at this store. The PS Collection is really top notch and the ladies working are oh so creative and helpful. I love the envelopes: converted from a nice weight paper with a deep Euro-flap, very nice. And the colors are on point. Check out: Night and Khakis and the 310 gsm Luxe in Glass read more

Holy crap, I love this store. I will never buy a Hallmark card again. This is the place to go for unique, beautiful cards with more creative sentiments. It is beyond compare. Don't you dare buy a card at a drugstore if you live near this store. They also have a great assortment of knicknacks, gift wrap, calendars, silly books, journals, invitations, thank you notes, etc. My boyfriend bought a hilarious book, The Star Trek Book of Opposites. You kind of just have to see it. This store will encourage your creativity, and has so many products that are a wonderful way to show somebody that you care. It inserted a little beauty into my day! read more

Paper Source, oh Paper Source, what would I have done without you for my wedding?!? When I was planning my wedding, I wanted it to be unique and I started with the invitations. I got some great ideas from the website, brought my ideas into Paper Source and worked with some of the staff to make it happen. I love the Paper Source for their creativity, for their awesome products and for their great, knowledgeable staff. Whenever I am in the area, I always make sure to check out Paper Source. My favorite time for Paper Source is the holidays, I make the most awesome holiday cards, of course, with the help of my local Paper Source store and staff. Paper Source also holds classes at many of their locations: paper making, invitations, calligraphy, playing with polaroids, etc. The quality of the products, the friendlieness and informative staff make this place the best shop around. read more

My NYE invite drama continues....where oh where can i find A7 envelopes??? That's right...Paper Source!! Their entire basement is practically full of every color imaginable including matte plus shimmery. BOOM! Ok, but they get 5 stars b/c they have adorable items in here and I'm not just talking about stationary. Great gift ideas and arts/crafts for the little ones. And, the staff! Holy smokes. Every single person that approached me was smiling and nice and helpful and more importantly they were not annoying. Yea! This is the place to go for great invite ideas or creative gifts! read more

I don't know, maybe I just don't "get" Paper Source. If I'm in the neighborhood, I'll stop in, but I'm never very excited about what's there. Maybe I'm just not their target market, as I don't swoon over a great card stock, amazing wrapping paper or engraved envelopes. The stuff I'm looking for, I can find better elsewhere. It has cards (but, I can get funnier/cooler ones at Paper Boy), it has scrapbooking stuff (but, Windy City Scrapbooking has sooo much more), and it has a small selection of gifts and trinkets (but, I'd rather go to one of the 6 gift shops on Roscoe for a decent selection for those). read more

Finally came here since my friend who works for PS needed to pick some stuff up. This is the type of place that tends to make me feel bad about myself because everything is so pretty, cute and crafty. I end up berating myself for never thinking to add specially designed stickers to all my cards or stamping cards myself. The place is beautiful and I would have a field day buying things here 1) if I had lots of money to spend and 2) if I wasn't sure the stuff I bought would end up sitting in a corner for years before I ever used it. Le sigh. I guess I'll just have to settle with stopping in and admiring the many beautiful things while buying a kickass card or six. read more

I love this store. It is so inspiring and pretty and friendly and I could spend waaaaay to much money here. Oh and way too much time as well... but that would be ok bc I would be thoroughly enjoying that time. The store is really well organized and the staff is helpful. I have found this store overall to be incredibly helpful with my the paper project for my wedding and for making things like holiday cards. I am not an incredibly crafty person but for the little projects that I do I found Paper Source to be a wonderful resource. Oh and I love that I can take my dogs in here with me... read more

I'm mostly writing this as a review of the Ladies' Night Out event I attended on Thursday July 24. It was seriously fun, and well worth every penny we paid for it. I don't think it was even that expensive, for what it was--small finger foods, wine, and three fun crafty things. I don't know anything about being crafty with paper. I mean, seriously nothing. I was nervous about this, too, but the people demo'ing the crafts were helpful and did a great job of making it easy for beginners. It made me want to craft more! The few things I have bought here are fun things, and I always have a good time looking around the store. Later this fall, my sis, Mom and I are going to do one of their workshops--I guess that's how you can tell I enjoyed the craftiness so much! read more

When i walked in my first impression was "wow!"... but as i was looking around ... I was expecting more. They just had standard selection of paper. It was really basic - no printed stuff... no funky cool stationery. I mean - I know that the whole idea is for you to be the creative one so everything is a blank canvas... but come on - it's okay to have creative selection as well. Too prissy for my taste... not to mention the prices... 20-something $ for a tiny basic planner... not cool. Well - at least I know where to go if I need a basic "whatever". read more