They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and one quick stroll around London's fab stationery shops is enough to make you believe it. Pop into these papeteries and inspire your inner creative.
LessPresent & Correct is the stationery shop that makes you feel your life could change with any purchase: a 2021 paperback agenda will suddenly make you organised, an Ace ballpoint pen will inspire that bestselling book you know you have inside you, and a Block Shape stamp set will elevate craft time with your toddler to a Picasso-worthy art project. Everything is irresistible, and this shop has it all, whether you need funky metal paper clips or a book on the aesthetic of coffee table lids.
Lead Tin is a stationery store and workspace that sells everything from Sennelier oil pastels and Viarco pencils to Hahnemühle artist papers to inspire every budding writer and artist you know. They have what it takes to satisfy the customer looking for handmade card or wrap, or the parent wandering in with a school-kid (there are plenty of sub-£5 treats). lt also has a backroom that's used for a variety of classes and workshops including yoga for kids and adults, music, and life drawings.
While not strictly a stationery store - Labour & Wait has all manner of household goods from kitchen essentials to stylish takes on items like toolboxes - the offerings here won't fail to impress. Everything is minimalist and beautifully made, and you can stock up on chalk from Kreiden, Germany's oldest chalk factory (est: 1870), waxed paper envelopes, fountain pens, rotary pencil sharpeners, exercise books and even salami string - a great alternative to ribbon for wrapping presents.
This is a great shop to know about for funky diaries, notebooks, journals and accessories, as well as stationery essentials, from pen sets to tape dispensers. Most items come in a soothing and covetable pastel and rose gold palette, making it ideal for gifts for tween/teen girls and new mums who want to keep a log of those heady baby days. Bonus: you can personalise items like diaries for an extra special gift.
Notebooks and diaries and decorative papers, oh my! From glass paperweights with dried flowers to watercolour sets, ceramic pen pots to rice starch glue, Choosing Keeping is a treasure trove of stationery goodies for the poet, illustrator and architect in your life. You'll find a present for everyone on your list here.