When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Paper Source
Why Paper Source is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Paper Source is a distinguished American stationery and gift retailer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1983 by Susan Lindstrom, inspired by a refined Japanese stationery tradition, it has grown from a single store in Chicago's River North neighborhood showcasing handcrafted papers to over 165 locations across the United States. Paper Source offers an extensive and curated selection of fine and artisanal papers, custom invitations and announcements, personalized and off-the-shelf stationery, gift wrap, greeting cards, unique gifts, party supplies, and crafting kits. This diverse product range makes it an ideal place for people to come together to celebrate special occasions, express creativity, or find the perfect gift or card. The retailer fosters a vibrant and creative atmosphere, promoting the motto "Do Something Creative Every Day," which is also supported by in-store workshops that encourage guests to engage in crafts and personal expression. The Chicago headquarters drives the company’s product innovation, national retail operations, and brand consistency, making Paper Source a dynamic and inspiring environment for creativity and connection. Whether for everyday creativity, celebrations, or correspondence, Paper Source offers a rich experience for friends and family to meet, create, and celebrate together.
Here's what people think of Paper Source
As of recent, Paper Source holds a 4.3-star rating based on 45 reviews.
User reviews of Paper Source generally commend the store for its unique and beautiful selection of stationery and gift items, praising the variety and quality of the papers, custom invitations, and crafting supplies. Positive feedback applauds the inspiring creativity encouraged by the brand, the friendly and helpful staff, and the fun, workshop-driven shopping experience that makes it more than just a retail store—it’s also a community hub for crafting enthusiasts. Customers highlight the personalized service, the availability of unique products for special occasions, and the overall inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and creativity. On the other hand, some negative reviews touch on challenges such as occasional inconsistencies in customer service, pricing concerns for boutique-quality items, and the difficulty in navigating some stores when busy. A few customers have noted limitations in inventory availability or delays in custom orders. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus appreciates Paper Source’s dedication to quality, creative inspiration, and community engagement. The reviews collectively paint a picture of a beloved specialty retailer that strives to blend artistry with useful products, inviting customers to celebrate creativity in their everyday lives.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Armand Urb
Super cool cards around the whole perimeter of the store and in the middle are well displayed board games or Christmas ornaments and lots of other cool stuff all well placed! Lots of lights to brighten up the store, clear floors, except near the register as they are restocking certain areas and friendly staff.
Lyndavegandoyle
This store is amazing. There are so many unique items. The store is stuffed with a lot of Christmas items. Also interesting books and games too. Plenty of gift items. I especially liked the Tiny Baking Set. And of course a nice selection of paper goods. The staff is very friendly and warm.
Rosemarie Chan
Love the store! Beej is the best. Beautiful heart of kindness and such a great presence. Humble as well. Learned that he is a professional dancer and currently working with Shakespeare in the Park.
Erick Collado
Amazing customer service! While visiting NYC we spotted a few items we wanted to bring home but ended up forgetting to go back to the store and buy them before heading to the airport. The items we wanted weren't available on the website, so we gave the store a call and they put everything together and shipped it to us the same day (and we called at like 5:30 PM). Super friendly and awesome staff.
Shoko Sobata
Paper Source is just one of my favorite shops so please do note that I’m biased and will probably sound extra nice. The staff are friendly and would welcome you in immediately (i feel like this happens at all paper source stores so high five to the general manager!) which feels great. The crafts, cards and items they have are just all very cute, love it!
How to reach Paper Source
None
Website: None
Why Paper Source may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Paper Source with your friends? Paper Source is much more than just a paper store—it’s a vibrant creative haven that offers a unique blend of inspiration, craft, and personalized service, making it an ideal destination for a fun and memorable meetup. When you gather your friends here, you step into a world filled with color, textures, and endless creative possibilities that encourage everybody to engage, create, and connect. The atmosphere invites guests to explore artisanal papers, custom invitations, and a range of distinctive stationery that can spark conversations and collaborative projects. With its thoughtful curation of gift wrap, crafting kits, and decorating supplies, Paper Source invites groups to dive into hands-on activities together, providing a perfect way to bond over artistic expression and shared discoveries. Since it caters to people of all ages—from seasoned crafters to those just looking for a creative outlet—meeting at Paper Source offers a relaxing yet stimulating environment where friends can unwind, learn new skills, and celebrate life’s moments collectively.
What activities can you enjoy at Paper Source that make it perfect for group meetups? At Paper Source, the fun extends beyond shopping, embracing hands-on creativity that will captivate any group. One of the key activities is participating in craft workshops and DIY kits offered in-store. These sessions, which often include making personalized cards, gift embellishments, or seasonal decorations, are designed to be accessible and collaborative, making them a favorite for friend groups looking to try something new together. The store’s rich assortment of scrapbooking materials, stamps, and colorful papers invites group projects where everyone can contribute their unique touch. For those planning special occasions—birthdays, weddings, or baby showers—Paper Source offers custom invitation design services and personalized stationery that friends can work on collectively, lending a meaningful, creative vibe to event preparation. The shopping experience itself is interactive: members of your group can exchange gift wrapping ideas or indulge in selecting fashionable accessories and spa essentials available at the store, turning a simple meetup into a multifaceted social outing filled with inspiration and creativity.
How does Paper Source’s product variety enhance your group experience? The extensive and curated product range at Paper Source ensures that there’s something to appeal to every member of your group, fueling excitement and engagement throughout your visit. From exclusive paper collections in artistic textures and vibrant patterns to an expansive selection of greeting cards and decorative envelopes, every item invites tactile exploration and inspiration. This diversity allows groups to tailor their experience—whether that means focusing on creating beautiful customized invitations or simply enjoying the process of picking out unique stationery and gifts. Jewelry, fashion accessories, and health and beauty products add another layer of browsing pleasure, providing a broader experience beyond paper crafts. The availability of gift wrap, ribbons, and embellishments inspires spontaneous crafting sessions or thoughtful gift preparations during your meetup. This broad assortment transforms Paper Source from a typical store into a creative playground where group members can share interests, inspire each other’s choices, and discover new favorite items together, which greatly enriches the social experience.
What makes Paper Source’s atmosphere conducive to group gatherings? The welcoming, colorful, and thoughtfully arranged layout of Paper Source creates an environment that naturally draws groups together. Brightly lit aisles lined with beautifully displayed papers, cards, and crafting supplies set a festive and creative tone. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist, enhancing the visit by offering personalized advice and craft project ideas tailored to your group’s interests and skill levels. The balance between shopping and interactive elements like workshops encourages groups to linger, converse, and collaborate without feeling rushed. Many locations provide convenient parking and accessible hours, making it easy to plan a meetup without logistical hassles. The store’s commitment to creativity means its ambiance supports both quiet concentration during crafting and lively chatter during social moments. This blend of comfort, inspiration, and assistance makes Paper Source a special venue for friends or family to come together, socialize, and nurture their creative sides in a relaxed setting.
Why is Paper Source ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends? Paper Source uniquely caters to the creative needs of celebrations, giving your group the tools and inspiration to make milestones and everyday moments truly personal and memorable. Whether you’re planning a shower, wedding, birthday, or any festive event, the store’s custom invitation and card services allow your group to collaborate on thoughtful designs that perfectly capture the spirit of the occasion. Beyond printed materials, the extensive selection of decorative accents and gift wrap ensures that every package and envelope is wrapped with style and care. Crafting workshops provide an engaging pre-event activity where your group can make personalized favors or decorations together, adding an emotional and handmade quality to your celebrations. This participatory approach elevates typical event preparation into a shared creative journey, strengthening bonds and fostering meaningful memories. Paper Source’s reputation for exceptional customer support during special orders and the wide variety of options available solidify its position as a go-to place for groups looking to celebrate with creativity and style.
How does Paper Source support creativity for all skill levels in a group? Paper Source understands that groups often include individuals with a wide range of crafting experience, and the store is designed to support everyone from beginners to advanced artists. Its workshops and project kits are carefully tailored to be accessible while inspiring creativity, ensuring that no one feels excluded or overwhelmed. The staff is trained to guide attendees with different levels of expertise, providing step-by-step assistance and ideas to help each person succeed and enjoy the activity. The store’s wide product range includes basic tools and materials for novices as well as unique, artisanal items for more experienced crafters, striking a perfect balance within the group dynamic. This inclusivity encourages sharing of skills and collaborative learning, which enriches the social fabric of the meetup. By fostering an environment where experimenting and learning happen naturally, Paper Source ensures that every member feels confident and excited to participate, making group meetups creative, rewarding, and fun.
What practical amenities does Paper Source offer for group convenience? When planning a meetup, practical conveniences matter, and Paper Source delivers on these with ample store hours, central locations, and friendly customer service geared toward an inviting experience. Most stores, for example, stay open late on weekdays and weekends, accommodating various group schedules whether it’s a weekday afternoon or a weekend hangout. Locations are often housed in easily accessible shopping centers or commercial districts with nearby parking garages or public transit options, minimizing stress related to commuting or parking. The spacious store layout accommodates multiple guests at once, allowing group members to browse, shop, or craft side by side comfortably. Staff are available to assist with bulk orders or group customizations, streamlining the experience for any special projects or events. These practical features ensure that hosting a group at Paper Source is smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on socializing and crafting without logistical distractions.
How does Paper Source inspire long-term creative habits for groups? Beyond just being a one-time meetup spot, Paper Source encourages groups to foster ongoing creativity together through projects that extend beyond the store visit. With an array of take-home kits, scrapbooking supplies, and crafting tools, friends can continue working on collaborative projects even after leaving. The store’s vibrant range of stationery and personalized products offers continual opportunities for creative exchange through handwritten notes, custom invitations, or unique gift packaging. Regular workshops and seasonal events hosted by Paper Source also provide recurring occasions for groups to reunite and share new creative experiences. By cultivating these habits, Paper Source serves as a hub that not only strengthens immediate social bonds but also builds a supportive creative community for the future. This ongoing engagement adds lasting value to any group’s connection and shared passion for artistry and craft.
Where can you find a Paper Source near you and plan your meetup? Paper Source operates many stores across the United States, including locations in major cities such as Rochester, NY; Columbus, OH; Raleigh, NC; and Glendale, WI. Each location offers a similar creative atmosphere, comprehensive product selections, and the option to participate in in-store workshops tailored to local community interests. Finding a nearby store is easy, with most locations situated in convenient shopping districts with ample parking and accessible hours. Before planning your visit, it’s recommended to check the specific store hours, as some locations have extended hours during weekends or holiday seasons. You can contact the store directly or visit their website to inquire about group scheduling, workshop availability, and special orders. Conveniently located stores make it effortless to rally your friends or family for a unique and enjoyable meetup filled with creativity and connection.
By choosing Paper Source as your meeting spot, your group enjoys a refreshing blend of shopping, crafting, learning, and socializing that transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary experience. This creative retreat invites you to explore and celebrate your collective artistic spirit in an inspiring space designed for connection and fun. Whether you’re looking to craft personalized projects, plan special events, or simply enjoy a lively day out with friends, Paper Source offers the perfect backdrop for group gatherings that leave lasting impressions.