Mass Street is full of shops & boutiques in which to stop and part with some of your hard-earned money, and Wonder Fair is no different. Well, actually it is, because it's full of cool stuff. Think gift shop + art shop + boutique curio, and maybe that *starts* to describe the space. There are plenty of keepsakes, art supplies, and gift ideas that will run your tab up very quickly. It's all good stuff, mind you, but it's almost like they should have an "I'll take one of everything package". The front of the store is mostly boutique-ish and has a small up and downstairs. You can find gifts for just about anyone, and this is the kind of place where you can stuff stockings or get something unique for that special someone. If you need ideas, then ask one of the staff who are always willing to help. If you need specifics in the art department, then there is a station in the back to help you with various items such as paper types or other supplies. The unique nature of some of the items leads to perhaps some higher prices, but the value is spot on. You're finding gifts, not clipping coupons, so enjoy and shop a little. For everything that you think might be marked a little high, just remind yourself that you probably aren't going to find that in very many other places. And that's the fun of shopping: just browsing when you have the time and maybe the resources, looking at things that you didn't know you were going to find, and in this case, helping a great small business thrive. read more

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This is my kids' favorite store when we visit Lawrence. Mainly to visit the shop cat Dave, but also for the fun craft options upstairs or sticker selections in the back of the store. They also have the haunted bathroom which is fun although I have to say I've never experienced it. If you need a new shop for unique gifts you should definitely check it out. read more

Wonder Fair - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Cute little paper shop with a dedicated colored pencil area that made me swoon. They have merch dedicated to the store cat - amazing - AND you can buy vials of the toilet water from their famous haunted bathroom. I did not buy it. Yet. The staff is friendly but quiet. The store is really fun. read more

Wonder Fair - View from the front of the store. - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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I found wonder fair when I was looking for somewhere that stocks hobonichi but it vastly surpassed expectations. They have every type of writing utensil. Hundreds of stickers. More notebooks than you could fill in a lifetime. And it's all so cute. In some semblance of practicality we had to put some things back, but we can't wait to go back. read more

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If you've ever had the urge to spend your entire paycheck at a stationery store, you'll love Wonder Fair. This little store is so much larger on the inside than it seems, and the selection and variety of goods is fantastic. This is the only place in the greater KC area where you can find an array of stationery from Japan, the UK, and all over the States, as well as whatever pens or art supplies you're looking for. Wonder Fair also has its own unique culture that perfectly fits Lawrence. If you're exploring the city and/or making a day trip out here, you've got to swing by to meet Dave the Wonder Fair cat and see the haunted bathroom. This place is a veritable Lawrence landmark at this point, so be sure to stop by and pick up something cute and quirky on your way out. read more

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Wonder fair is like the holy land for writers and artists! Lawrence has so many fun, creative, and unique shops, and Wonder Fair meets the bill on every level! Tons of journals, planners, art supplies, artwork, stickers, and more. If you're lucky, you might cross paths with Dave the friendly shop cat, and if you're interested in the paranormal, it may be the first haunted bathroom I've run across! The prices are really reasonable, so I highly recommend this shop! read more

This place made my 2 year old daughter cry. All she wanted to do was pet the cat and buy a coloring book and because of their rude employees, we ended up having to leave the store. We were there because the business upstairs recommended we go pet the cat and I figured we should buy something to support local while we were there. Their employees care far more about anything than making the kids day and that's not the sign of a good business. read more

My bestie and I spent an hour or so walking through this lovely shop of hidden goodies! Some of our favorite things were: All things Kansas Local artists cards, clothing, prints, etc Some free political stickers Dave the cat! LGBTQ+ support swag From pencils to beautiful artwork, you're bound to find something you love here! Check 'em out! read more

What a fabulous store! This is a nice little business tucked away on Massachusetts Street. There is a little of everything here for those who love paper, pens, journals. There is quite an abundance of stock here. I was so overwhelmed with the assortment of items on the first floor, I didn't dare peek at the second floor I knew there was much more to entice me. The staff was very helpful and everyone was friendly. The store was very busy when we were there so little interaction. I saw how the staff interacted with customers and they were kind and helpful. I would like to go back when it wasn't so busy. There is so much to see... this store is right up my alley. read more

Whenever I am in town, I am sure to visit this store. They do an excellent job with the square footage they have, with one area focused on notebooks, another on more notebooks and gifts, and a floor for pens, ink and writing utensils. Lots of selection for both the average student who is curious about upgrading their stationary, to the fussy hobbyist like myself. Even when they are packed, the staff are very helpful, knowledgeable and rife with recommendations. The last time I was there, one of their staff guided me through ink selections and helped with with some really specific questions about the densities of the inks. Their prices are quite competitive. You'll enjoy that they have some eccentric gifts and literature that you can't find elsewhere. It helps that it's in a fun area, so it's totally worth stopping by while you are doing other shopping. They also seem attentive to the needs of their cat, Dave. Keep up the great work, Wonder Fair! read more

Love the staff! Very kind, very friendly. Helped me search for a bee print for 20 minutes- I super appreciated that. Dave, the golden tabby, is so sweet. Definitely a must visit place in Lawrence. Get some prints to decorate your home! read more

Wonder Fair - Haunted Bathroom - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Best stationery store I've been to - and better than the ones in big cities like NYC and Chi-town. They truly have stickers, prints, posters catering to anything mentally ill 20 somethings would like as well as foreign stationery on par or better than most other stores of similar genre. Plus, the staff was super knowledgable. read more

Very cool selection of artsy prints, stationery, pens, gifts, etc. A fun place to look around or find some things to treat your creative nerd needs. Be aware that this place is still policing mask-wearing as of December 2022, so if you aren't comfortable wearing masks you will not be welcome in the store, which is disappointing. read more

What a cool place! Even the least creative person would be filled with inspiration after browsing through all the cool offerings. I will try to describe Wonder Fair. It's a stationery store, a gift shop, an art supply, an art space, and a cat haven. I found lots of funky and eccentric (and socially conscious) items. Honestly, if you only have time for one shopping excursion on Mass., stop in here (and maybe the Dusty Bookshelf). read more

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Very homey place, a bit nook-like. The stationary is always on the cheaper side in comparison to some other stores while also not sacrificing the quality in pursuit of price. I always enjoy coming here for more midliners or campus notebooks as I know they have them stocked. A friend of mine recently came here and purchased wax seals for letters and has said nothing but good things about those as well. Overall, for the product being bought the price is good, and the environment in which you shop around in is always nice. (09/22/23) read more

I really enjoyed perusing this local shop, and the staff was friendly as well. I love that town pride is in, whether it's team pride, KC shirts everywhere, Lawrence prints. It's awesome, and we do have a lot of cool things to be proud of. Wonder Fair does a great job of encapsulating that, while also having a large collection of different things to check out. The other reviews do a great job referencing all the different things they have - what I'd recommend to add some value here is to just pop in when you have at least 10 minutes to kill. Aimlessly walking down Mass St. is one of the best parts about being in Larry in general, right? May as well check these guys out. My favorite thing in general were all the cool cards, both from Hammerpress in KC and other local artists. The struggle was real when picking out cards until spots like this came around. Side note: There was some hand-drawn, random E.T. illustrated book that just made me lose it. It was hilarious. read more

Wonder Fair - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Like going to a candy store. Something for every price point. I love this store so much. ‍

It's been 5 hours since I left Wonder Fair and Lawrence and I have metaphorically kicked myself at least 10 times for things I talked myself out of purchasing. The LFK tee-shirt, the "Resist" art print, the It's all f*^#ed up DIY zine, the geographical themed art prints and all the cool as hell greeting cards. I spent $7, talked myself out of spending $70 and could have easily dropped $200. This is going to be the first place I stop on my next LFK day trip and I'm already thinking about Xmas gifts. This store isn't stocked, it's curated! read more

Wonder Fair - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

This used to be such a sweet store and I adore the cat but after a recent visit...I didn't feel it was appropriate to even bring my kid inside. Lots of political stances on abortion and strong leaning left views. I don't like to be bombarded by belief systems, just wanted stationary for my kiddo and stickers. Too bad. read more

Where do I begin? LOVE LOVE LOVE I loved their wonderful selection of goodies; pens, magnets, clutches, patches, pins, handbags, t-shirts, journals, cards, and so much more. Most items are handmade which I love supporting. They even have a cool section for zines. I haven't read a zine in years and enjoyed the variety. The cashier was super friendly. I will definitely return to buy more stuff!!! read more

I love everything about this store. When I came in yesterday, a young lady was right up at the front greeting you (of course, she was checking for pandemic masks She had some wonderful items there, including a five year Japanese diary/calendar which I have got to have! I purchased a lovely birthday book for a sweet young lady which is all about Maya Angelou :-) and stickers, of course!! Everyone was helpful and cheerful- wonderful to shop here, as usual! It's my go-to in Lawrence, KS. read more

What a wonderful place to explore with beautiful and fun art and stationary items all around. They have greeting cards, all the journaling supplies, a wide array of professional-grade markers, pens, and pencils, and art prints galore. Their stock changes frequently enough that there is always new items to see (and impulsively buy because you NEED it). read more

I would give this store 0 star if I can. For my birthday my son bought me a Fountain pen from this store. It did not work. I went to store in order to exchange it. First, the sale person told me that everything is fine with my pen and I don't know how to use it. I am from Europe and I used this kind of pens all my life and in school and in university. So I asked this person to try to write with this pen. She wasn't able to write. Thus, she admitted that something wrong with this particular pen.Even though, the pen was in original box and even in the original store bag, she said that she would not exchange this pen because I don't have a receipt. I just wasted my time and was left with notworking product. My son who made donations to this store before that he never would again to support them. They should not have such an attitude towards their customers. read more

Holy cats! My prediction is that in the next year I will spend 20-30 hours in Wonder Fair browsing products, several hundred dollars buying stationery and pens, and will lust over another thousand dollars of products. Wonder Fair hits me squarely in my wheelhouse (and pocketbook). With full self-deprecation acknowledged, I am a nerdy librarian-type (with a degree that agrees with that) who loves paper, pens, ink, and art and creative supplies. Wonder Fair hits that nail so solidly on the head that it drives it completely through the board. Not only is there a wealth of notebooks and sketch books (lined! squared! dotted!), pens, fountain pens, and a rainbow of inks, but there is also a sizable supply of paints, block-printing supplies, and esoteric supplies for creative expression. One of the many remarkable things about Wonder Fair is that it is a store that is in constant motion. There are some semi-permanent displays, but there is also gallery space and rotating displays that will always present something new for those that step in to explore. My only lament is that there is so much beautiful stationery at Wonder Fair that I keep shopping and acquiring it faster than I can use it, so I'm already on the back-up of the back-up of the back-up of what I'm working on right now, but the trade-off is that this drive to keep using it all up is pushing me to put literal pen-to-paper to write notes, letters, and journals. read more

If you are a bullet journal fan, you will LOVE this store. Micron, Tombow, Stabilo, water colors, journals, the works. And, the staff is exceptionally nice and helpful. read more

I just like this place. They have cool paper things. And the folks that work here wear matching coveralls. I'm sad that I waited so long before deciding to come in. read more

I really like that there's an adorable and super friendly kitty here. This is really what drew me into the store. Also like that they are open a little earlier than most stores on Sunday. read more

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My favorite place in Lawrence! This social justice minded art gallery and shop curates a thoughtful selection of cards, stationery, t-shirts, pins, prints, art supplies, and original art. They also do a wonderful job stocking children's picture books - and I'm a professional! Friendly, helpful staff and awesome events make this place an asset to the community. read more

Wonder Fair - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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I love looking around at Wonder Fair. They are one of the only reliable places I know of in this town to pick up zines. They sell prints, postcards and other stationary, screenprinted tees, gifts, etc. made by small designers. There are many other things that cannot be explained on this here review. The folk that run it are very friendly and they frequently change displays. Grab an organic apple on your way down the stairs and enjoy. Or not. But mostly do. read more

Wonder Fair - When you see this sign on the sidewalk, you know they're open! - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Pretty dope, Wonder Fair. Pretty dope, indeed. Unique and unexpected, this teeny-tiny upstairs gallery is pretty much a thesis statement on "why I love downtown Lawrence." I am a self-proclaimed art fan, and judging by my apartment I am particularly fond of smaller works done on paper. In that regard, it was like Wonder Fair was made especially for me. The gallery is crammed full of varying works that share the medium but beyond that vary widely in style. They are displayed with minimal information about the artists, which in some light could be considered a negative, but I think it's cool that the works have to speak for themselves. That gut instinct of whether you like something or not, you have to rely on it at Wonder Fair. Additionally, the prices are more than reasonable. They also serve a great selection of small gifts that I believe to be locally produced. I was infatuated with a scarf that looked like a fox (though to be sure was made of yarn and not a fox) that is pretty fun and oh-so-hip. More hip than me, probably. Regardless, I found many things that I'd love to give to people I love. In the back room was a special exhibit. I forget the name of it, but basically it was a commentary on the commodification of art, applying arbitrary values to works based on a formula considering factors such as what color was used, how messy it was produce and so forth. While the pieces didn't blow me away, the entire experiment was quite thought provoking. I will 100% be back on my next visit to Lawrence, and I look forward to seeing what they're up to. read more

Cute items, but instead of sorting by use they sort by brand. I've bought from here before, but only a $15 picture book so don't come in thinking you can find something for cheap. It's a cool store to browse in and they have a great art collection in the back! read more

Always has super friendly employees and a fun environment! Plus one of the few spots in Lawrence that has imported art supplies and extensive calligraphy materials! read more

This is such a cute shop with high quality cards, art supplies, and unique offerings. It's like urban outfitters but less pretentious and authentic. Super artsy. Fun cards! They even have zines. read more

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This place has such cool stuff! Try the Hunted Bathroom if you can! The service is super friendly! Plus, they have a cute cat!

Awesome experience. Jenny went out of her way to provide a personalized service that is sometimes rare. Also enjoyed the haunted bathroom - need to give souvenir key chains to buy read more

I've been meaning to update my Wonder Fair review since I'm more familiar with the place now. I love them even more. Still my favorite shop in Mass St, and maybe in all of Lawrence! I stand my everything I said before, they sell mostly paper goods, with some other crafts. Some local artists, and some from farther away. One thing I really love about WF is that the owners really care about their artists. They only sell stuff by artists they feel strongly about and when I buy something (even just a birthday card), they usually can tell me all about that particular artist. Their artists are often new/upcoming and the artists set their own prices I believe. Speaking of cards, this is the ONLY place I will buy wedding cards for people. None of that awful cheesy "on your special day..." crap, they sell actual FUN wedding cards! Wonder Fair really cares about the Lawrence community. They do fun Final Fridays and sometimes collaborate with other LFK businesses to do something bigger. In 2013, they set up a few Kickstarter-funded letterboxes (kind of like old school geocaching) around Lawrence and KC. Wonder Fair is so awesome and it's worth the trip up the stairs if only to see their unique goods and whatever art is on display in their back gallery that month! read more

So much fun stuff to look at. They have a nice selection of greeting cards. There staff is always nice and welcoming. This place is one of the reasons I love Lawrence. read more

This is my favorite store in Lawrence! They have a gorgeous selection of writing and drawing materials - including all kinds of pens. They had a plentiful selection of fountain pens and notebooks, which I loved. In addition, they have a lot of witty books, art and cards. It's a place you enter and then walk out a few hours later wondering where time went! The salespeople are super helpful (with one exception) and I love how they have curated boxes with gifts of mixed gifts. You can try out many of the pens which feels very much like a treasure hunt. I can't recommend the place enough and will be returning to it soon! read more

I love this tiny little gallery & store full of amazingness and fun! It's an adventure every time you walk up those stairs. read more

Wonder Fair - Art Galleries Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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I love coming here and love their selection of journals and seeing the sweet cat Dave. After today I feel uncomfortable going back for the way I was berated for simply using the bathroom. They had the bathroom door wide open and I guess there was a sign on the door saying the bathroom was not open to the public..but since the door was wide open i didn't see the sign. I had a personal devastating medical emergency today and came here to cheer myself up but I had to go to the bathroom pretty badly due to my circumstances (I'm aware that it's not their responsibility to have a public bathroom but that bathroom is typically open so I thought nothing of it). Anyway, after using the bathroom I came out and was immediately confronted by an employee who asked "did you just use our bathroom?" I said yes and she then began to tell me that it is not open to the public and "not to do that again" I apologized profusely and instead of that being the end of the conversation she condescendingly told me how "that's what all the signs are for" and just repeatedly told me how the public is not allowed to use the bathroom at the moment etc etc. and even then it wouldn't have been that big of a deal but she was practically shouting in the tiny store to where EVERYONE could hear her. It was completely humiliating for someone who struggles with anxiety. I simply felt humiliated after already having one of the hardest days of my life, so thanks for that. oh and not to mention I still spent a pretty penny during my visit. read more