Five Paper Goods Stores to Find Your Valentines
Rugg Road Paper Company
What started in Allston as a tiny stationery studio in 1984 has turned into a quaint Charles Street store filled with handmade cards, journals, invitations, and gifts. In addition to engraving, letterpress, and printing services, at Rugg Road, you can find quirky quotes on quality cards and ribbons of every hue.
105 Charles Street, ruggroadpaper.com.
Photograph courtesy of Rugg Road Paper Company
Black Ink
A few steps down from Rugg Road in Beacon Hill, and on Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Black Ink is a shop filled with paper goods and trinkets galore. If simply a card is too cliche, Black Ink’s assortment of “unexpected necessities” (as they’re referred to) are cute and curious enough additions to an envelope. A Valentine with a fox illustration + a mini flora and fauna calendar = a charming present.
5 Brattle Street, Cambridge, and 101 Charles Street, Boston, blackinkboston.squarespace.com.
Lovepop
Lovepop’s unique 3D pop-up cards are here to step up your Valentine game. There are nearly 20 designs, including lovers swinging under a dogwood tree (with a same-sex version available), a box with a diamond ring, a bouquet of roses, and even a martini glass for a girls night out. The masterminds behind the cards are Wombi Rose and John Wise, two former naval architects who use cutting-edge ship design software to lovingly craft these stunning paper creations. —By Mariya Manzhos
Kiosks in Faneuil Hall, South Station, the Prudential Center and the Natick Mall, lovepopcards.com.
Photograph courtesy of Lovepop
Loyal Supply Co.
A self-described retailer of objects that “exemplify craftsmanship and design,” Loyal Supply Co. is your best bet for non-traditional tokens of love. From a card featuring an artichoke heart sketch (It reads “It’s all about the heart.”) to striking minimalist jewelry, this Union Square store could be a one-stop shop.
21 Union Square, Somerville, loyalsupplyco.com.
Photograph courtesy of Loyal Supply Co.
Bob Slate Stationer
Everything you’ve ever wanted out of a stationery store exists in Bob Slate Stationer, where greeting cards, gift wrap, and all of the most beautiful things made from trees line the shelves. They’ve offered stationery and paper products since 1930 and can even appeal to the old school, DIY Valentine crafters. Bob Slate has a selection of “do it yourself” products with blank, colorful cardstock and envelopes.
30 Brattle Street, Cambridge, bobslatestationer.com.
