This was a completely accidental find thanks to the Instagram algorithm. For one day, I learned and explored the existence of stationary stores among Los Angeles.

Stationary stores are now my absolute go-to places for unique items for myself and possibly for friends. But mostly myself. These stores will contain the core inventory of pens and paper while surrounded by their own curated flavor of unique items that cater to the artists, journalists, collectors, jokesters, and everyone else. These are not items that would be seen in big box stores. The items for the store will reflect the personality of the store owners.

For Stationary Store Day, patrons were encouraged to pick up a blank passport at one of the stores. A stamp would be earned after visiting the store. After six stamps, patrons were eligible to submit the passport to be eligible for a grand prize.

Shout and About

“Paws and Cuteness”

website: www.shoutandabout.com

1547 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

The first stop of the tour was at Shout and About and became the flagship pedestal for the remaining stores. The store is located in Echo Park within an aesthetic sidewalk that glows with a warm neighborhood glow. Just the atmosphere outside the windows of the store encourages one to sit in a cafe and journal away.

Within seconds of entering the store, customers are greeted by the friendly store dog. After a few head pats and praises, begins the many, many cycles around the small store. There is just so much to see.

The store centers alot around cute and critters. Plenty of animal themed products and collectibles. Cat hair clips, marine animal bookmarks, little monkey candle holders. Every shelf is covered by teeny tiny treasures.

The Social Type

“Writing the hip way”

website: The Social Type

3197 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

This location was one of the most difficult to reach due to being on one of the middle of the trendiest streets in Los Angeles. On a Sunday afternoon the Glendale street in Atwater Village features a Farmers market and brunches galore. So parking is an extreme nightmare. Expect to circle blocks multiple times before finding a spot.

Once the challenge of finding a spot has been achieved, strolling along the street can be a pleasant and energertic experience. There is a constant buzz of energy as people stroll about or wait eagerly for their meals. Popping into The Social Type is a welcome break from that buzz as you step into quiet perusing.

The store features stationary goods with a mix of modern and traditional flare. One of the delights was finding the metal wax seals and waxes to seal envelopes. For those who still partake in pen pal fun, this is a great addition to envelope flair.

Side note, pen pals are still a thing and groups such as Geek Girls Pen Pals are keeping it strong. Check it out here: Geek Girl Pen Pals – Where Geeks and Snail Mail Collide.

Shorthand

“Nice and Neat”

website: FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR DESK – Shorthand (shopshorthand.com)

5030 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

For those who enjoy organization and color coordination, then this store is a breath of relief. The shelves contain the same type of items but sorted by color. Personally, the color purple always draws my eyes and that’s where I found my feet walking towards.

Pens and stationary goodies from Japan are prominently featured in the beautiful color palette. It draws the newbie to upgrade their pen game and encourages the experts to keep up on their crafts.

The store is located on York Blvd which is another popular promenade of eateries and trendy spots. For the sake of the passport, this particular street was a double bonus as right across the street Be Nice and Have Fun.

A snippet of the color-coded goodness at Shorthand

Be Nice and Have Fun

“Heal Your Inner Child”

website: Cuteness for the Culture - QTPOC things for everyone in your life – Party Art Community (shopbenicehavefun.com)

5011 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

After walking around York Blvd and probably grabbing a bite to eat (I highly recommend Ramen of York), then meander across the street from Shorthand and right into more colorful world of Be Nice and Have Fun. Just imagine going from organized color palette right into an explosion of color and jokes.

Be Nice and Have Fun is chock full of jokes and funny goodies. Every space is dedicated to celebrating and partying the inner child.

The store is an open space that often features events that uplift and inspire the community. Follow them on their social media for their upcoming events. They tend to sell out fast!

Quirky and fun items at Be Nice and Have Fun.

Parchment Paper

“Cute enough to eat…but don’t!”

website: Parchment Paper Culinary Gifts and Stationery in Eagle Rock Los Angele (parchmentpaperla.com)

5054 1/2 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Culinary and stationary are harmonious pals in this super cute little store in Eagle Rock. On first glance, there is a double take as it appears that you have walked into a kitchen store. Cooking utensils, pizza boxes, and aprons catch the eye. Then upon closer inspection, the cooking utensils are actually pencil pouches, the pizza box is hiding a stuffed dog toy, and the aprons have puns. It a store of clever and cute misdirection.

It was also one of the only stationary stores to showcase a boba and ramen stationary collection on their shelves. Each little section has a little culinary themed around it. The candy bookmarks were a particular delightful treat.

For those who create on paper and in the kitchen, this is a haven of happiness. Even if you’re a lazy cook, like me, then other trinkets such as the pet toys disguised as sushi will bring a smile to the face.

Colorful walls for bright creations at Parchment Store

Baum-Kuchen

“For the love of analogue”

website: https://www.baum-kuchen.net/

2351 Lincoln Ave, Altadena, CA 91001

The final stop for this year’s exploration of Stationary Store Day was not found easily. With no visible signage on the door, it was too easy to walk right by this time capsule of store. Once you do solve the mystery, you are granted into a passage back in time.

Fusing the beauty of Japan and the durability of German goods, Baum-Kuchen is for the traveler. Whether it’s physical travel or travel through the pages, every item calls out to explore. There are beautiful stamps that recall images of stations and planes. Washi tape of nature and flight. Journals lovingly bound in leather waiting to hold words. It’s really hard not to feel the urge to travel and journal the experience every step of the way.