Overview – Bringing Craftsmanship and Thoughtfulness Since 1983
Paper Source, founded in 1983 in Chicago by Sue Lindstrom, began as a vision to bring high-quality, artisanal stationery and paper goods to consumers. After traveling abroad and collecting unique treasures, Lindstrom sought to share her finds through a family-run small business focused on fostering creativity.
In the early days, Paper Source offered specialty papers, custom invitations, and greeting cards handmade by artisans. Today, it has grown to 129 retail locations across 25 states, also shipping to Canada, UK and Australia.
The product selection has also vastly expanded – while premium stationery and paper crafts remain the backbone, you can now find gift wrap, party supplies, personalized gifts, desk accessories and much more.
The brand ethos continues to emphasize thoughtful connections and delightful experiences through creations made sustainably using recycled materials, paper from certified sources, and production in the USA whenever possible.
Let‘s delve into the details in this comprehensive Paper Source review.
Paper Source Product Range
Paper Source prides itself on carrying the most comprehensive range of fine and artisanal stationery products. Here‘s an overview:
Stationery – Notepads, notebooks, journals, planners, portfolios, albums and more, available in a variety of patterns, materials like leather and finishes. All made sustainably using FSC certified paper or recycled materials.
Writing Instruments – Fountain pens, ballpoint pens, pencils, markers from brands like Caran D‘Ache and Staedtler. Refills also available.
Cards & Envelopes – Greeting cards for every occasion made from textured cotton paper or recycled materials, available in singles or sets. Envelopes in 20+ colors to match.
Paper Crafts – DIY craft kits for origami, pop up cards, mobiles, lampshades and more. Also washi tape, vinyl stickers, ribbons, buttons etc.
Wrapping Paper – Over 100 premium gift wrap designs starting at $8 per sheet. Coordinating ribbons, gift toppers, gift bags and boxes also available.
Wedding Suite – Elegant save the date cards, wedding invitations, place cards, signage and decor all fully customizable. Matching envelopes included.
Party Supplies – Cake toppers, banners, balloons, straws, confetti and more to deck out birthdays, baby showers, graduations etc.
Gifts – Candles, barware, frames, desk accessories and small leather goods, many customizable with monogramming.
Books – Selection of specialty books on topics like craft cocktails, National Parks and women authors.
Now that you know what they offer, let‘s look at some top selling items.
Reviews of Best Selling Paper Source Products
1. Runway Stripe Family Birthday Banner
This 26 ft long striped fabric banner comes with 60 pre-cut flags ready for you to write birthday wishes. Made from 100% cotton, it costs $38 but packs a visual punch decorating indoor or outdoor party spaces.
Customers love the classic stripe print that goes with any theme, while the basic flags allow for customization. A few wished there were more flags for larger families or parties. Overall rated 4/5 stars.
2. Medium Pewter Magnet Frame
This simple yet chic 3" x 3.5" steel photo frame has a pewter finish that adds understated glam to memories. The magnetized back is ideal for fridges but it can be wall mounted too.
For just $12, customers are very happy with the high quality and durability, using them for photos, mementos from weddings or vacations, or displaying kids‘ artwork. Rated an impressive 5/5 stars.
3. Custom Pet Silhouette Night Light
Simply upload a photo of your beloved pet and this customized night light with your pet‘s silhouette will be created for $36. The smooth acrylic base has an LED that projects the silhouette onto the wall.
Pet parents love seeing their furry friends before bedtime. The only complaints are around quality of the acrylic base. Overall rated 4/5 stars.
4. Origins Seed Paper Heart confetti
Eco-friendly seeded paper confetti shaped as tiny hearts blooms into wildflowers when planted. Use as regular confetti then bury to see blossoms in a few weeks. 150 hearts per pack for $10.
Customers were very happy with how well the confetti held up at events before being planted. The seed planting results were more mixed but most could see some sprouts at least. Rated 4/5 stars.
5. Custom Return Address Stamp
This custom address stamp allows you to permanently ink your return info onto envelopes or packaging so they make their way back to you everytime. A variety of font, size and ink color options for $20-$30 based on size.
Business owners love the convenience of quickly addressing shipments without rewriting. Occasional issues with fading ink but Paper Source is quick to rectify. Overall rated 5/5.
There you have it – some of the unique and uber-useful products that make Paper Source extra special. Let‘s get into more buyer details now.
Who is Paper Source For?
Paper Source began catering to paper and stationery aficionados who appreciate quality craftsmanship applied creatively. Over the years, product expansion means you can now find something for most interests and budgets.
Here are the key customer profiles who will enjoy Paper Source:
- Stationery Lovers – Those who still send handwritten cards and letters will delight at the range here
- Paper Crafters – If making cards, art prints or origami is your thing, tons of materials here
- Eco Warriors – Efforts towards sustainability means responsible shoppers approve
- Celebrators – Parties, weddings, baby showers – this is your go-to for invites and decor
- Personalizers – Monogramming, custom stamps and more make great bespoke gifts
- Gifting Gurus – For unique gift wrap, cards, candy jars, barware and more
The common thread is appreciating creativity combined with quality. Paper Source allows anyone to tap into their inner artisan, with all products extremely giftable even for tough buyers.
Paper Source Reviews From Buyers
Scouring online reviews is the best way to determine what real life customers think. Here‘s a quick pulse check of ratings:
- Yelp – 3.5/5 stars (29 reviews)
- Wedding Wire – 4.1/5 stars (476 reviews)
- SiteJabber – 1.39/5 stars (59 reviews)
The most opinions are for wedding stationery, where couples seem very happy with the end result and customer service. One bride shares:
"Loved my invite and personalizing it was incredibly easy. We changed fonts and colors and printing methods. Really at ease and invitations came fast with no mistakes – staff was nice to work with.”
Yelp praises the uniqueness of the products, with a shopper writing:
“It‘s the cutest craft store filled with every colored paper/card/envelope you could ever think of… Paper Source is filled with stationary, crafting pens, stamps, embossers and Knick knacks that will satisfy any creative mind.”
Even lower rated SiteJabber has some positive experiences like this one:
“I had an issue with one of the Paper Source stores. It was dealt with immediately & equitably with no questions asked. The manager was pleasant & understanding. I am very happy with the resolution.”
So quality control issues do crop up but Paper Source handles them swiftly. Overall, boutique paper goods fans are very pleased while casual shoppers may find the products pricey.
Paper Source Discount Codes
Paper Source invests in artisanal materials and production, so costs can add up. Here are some current deals you can redeem during checkout:
- 20% OFF stationery – Code: STATIONARY20
- Up to 60% OFF planners/calendars – No code needed
- 50% OFF clearance items – Access sale section
- 10% OFF all orders – For email subscribers
You can also get free standard shipping by spending over $60 in one order.
Paper Source vs. Competitors
Let’s see how Paper Source fares when compared with similar stationery brands:
Clearly, Paper Source edges out the competition on most criteria like product variety, quality and customization range.
It does fall short when it comes to average order value though – more budget conscious buyers may want to try Papier or MintLoft first.
Is Paper Source Worth The Money?
Paper Source has certainly pioneered the premium paper goods and stationery market over 30+ years. The reasons it continues to have a cult following across all generations are:
- Unparalleled range across various stationery categories
- Investment in responsibility – recycled materials, American manufacturing etc.
- Customization options allow personalization
- Ease of Shopping online or in-store
While the average order value is on the higher side, remember you are paying for craftsmanship and quality. Much better value than mass produced mall brands.
For papercraft purists or to make an impression celebrating big events, Paper Source undoubtedly delivers. More casual buyers can cherry pick deals on clearance items.
Overall, if you appreciate creativity and consciously made products, Paper Source brings it all together beautifully!
I hope you enjoyed this detailed Paper Source review. Please share your comments or questions below, I‘m happy to help!
