At a time when we’re so glued to our phones (I bet that’s how you’re reading this right now), it’s good to slow down, put pen to paper, and get creative.
Whether you’re looking to send some snail mail or start a new journal, Pittsburgh has some ink-credible small businesses to fulfill all of your stationery needs.
1. DooBoo
East Liberty’s newest shop, DooBoo, is as cute as its name. The stationery store sells goods made by Asian artists and small businesses — fun colored pens and highlighters, stamps of all shapes and sizes, notebooks for writing and drawing, greeting cards, art prints, stickers, and more. I circled the store at least a dozen times and found something new to admire on every lap. Keep tabs on their Instagram for special events like mystery bag sales and matcha pop-ups.
Maybe I’d actually complete my to-do list if it was written on one of these notepads from Sapling & Sons. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
2. Sapling & Sons
Inside Sapling & Sons’ stationery and gift store in Mt. Lebanon, you’ll find a wall lined with unique cards for all kinds of celebrations, funky note pads and pens, desk calendars, and journals of all colors. Plus, they carry a bunch of other gift items like puzzles, mugs, books, and candles. The store owner also operates Sapling Press, a local letterpress company that designs and prints greeting cards.
Don’t skip the Pittsburgh card section to send some yinzer love. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
3. Wildcard
You could spend all day perusing the massive wall of greeting cards, racks of stationery and journals, and tons of cute writing materials at Wildcard in Lawrenceville — and that’s just a small section of what they carry. Check out tables stacked with Pittsburgh-themed decor and gifts like neighborhood pennants, art prints with the three rivers, and an Andy Warhol soup can puzzle.
Pittsburgh stickers, cards, mugs, and other delights at More Than Words. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
4. More Than Words
Like the name suggests, More Than Words carries everything you need to send a love note … and more! This paper shop along Carnegie’s business district has cards, notepads, wrapping material, and a variety of kitschy goods that make easy gifts. Don’t skip the big display of pencils with fun phrases like “Someone in Pittsburgh loves you.”
Tip: This shop is right by Pigeon Bagel. Stop by for a treat before you cross over into the “sketchbook zone.” (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
5. Artist & Craftsman Supply
Can’t find what you need at a card shop? Artist & Craftsman Supply in Squirrel Hill has all the tools for paper crafters: fine paper, notebooks, sketchpads, every type writing or drawing utensil, blockprinting materials, and more. The staff is super knowledgeable and can help you find what you need — or what you didn’t know you needed!
