My friend, an artist, came over to hang out and asked for some pen and paper to sketch my cat. When I handed her a sheet of yellow legal pad paper and a stubby pencil, she looked at me in horror and asked, “Who raised you?”
Twenty minutes later, we were in a charming stationery store near my place.
To be honest, I found their stationery selection quite lovely. Plus, the smell of fresh paper and ink? Wow.
Shelves were filled with beautiful notebooks, colorful pens, and quirky greeting cards; racks of colorful washi tapes; and stacks of luxurious writing paper. All the things that make a stationery store so enchanting!
After that visit, I got curious and started asking my friends about their favorite stationery stores (turns out they all have one!). So in case inspiration hits you, here are the best stationery stores in Toronto.
How much do stationery supplies cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, basic stationery supplies like notebooks and pens typically start around $2 to $5, while premium brands and specialty items, such as high-quality journals, pens, and artisan paper, can range from $20 to $100.
Factors that may affect the price include the brand, materials used, design, and whether the items are imported or locally made. Shopping at boutique stores versus big-box retailers can also influence the cost.
How We Chose the Best Stationery Stores in Toronto
1. Wonder Pens

Opened in 2013 by Jon and Liz Chan, Wonder Pens is the result of Liz’s rekindled passion for stationery, ignited by a thoughtful fountain pen gift from Jon years ago.
We love their array of fountain pens, inks, and notebooks that will make any pen lover’s heart flutter.
And they stock a variety of paper types, including Japanese, dotted, graph, lined, and plain, making it an excellent spot for architects, engineers, and artists alike.
We also appreciate the pads and pens that are strategically placed around the store, inviting customers to test and doodle to their heart’s content. Many of their products hail from Germany and various Asian countries, where fountain pens are still a staple.
Beyond shopping, Wonder Pens also offers engaging workshops like calligraphy, pouch painting, and apron customization.
For those who prefer shopping online, they offer free shipping on orders over $150, though there have been a few hiccups with missing items in orders.
Pros
- Open in 2013
- Wide range of papers and notebooks
- Carries fountain pens from Asia and Germany
- Hosts creative workshops
- Free shipping on online orders over $150
Cons
- Reports of missing items on shipped orders
BEST STATIONERY STORE!!!
“BEST STATIONERY STORE!!! I can’t believe I hadn’t visited this place sooner, all vibes the moment you step inside. With very kind and helpful (AND funny might I add,) they truly make you comfortable shopping here. The selection of stickers were nothing like I’d seen before, and they have a large variety of pens ranging from more costly to more affordable, each still being quality and also eco-friendly! Honestly the best stationary store I could recommend as an avid stationary enjoyer, definitely the best secret gem around!”
Local Guide, Google Review
Excellent stationery store
“Excellent stationery store, especially if you like Japanese stationary items! Their staff is so friendly and helpful! the Traveler’s Notebook Stamp Caravan event in April was amazing. Plus they have the unique partner shop stamp and the Dinner stamp! 😊”
Jo J, Google Review
2. The Paper Place

Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Art & Design district on West Queen West, The Paper Place has been inspiring customers for over 30 years.
Heather Sauer, who took ownership in 2005, has infused the shop with her love for unique, high-quality paper products. Her mission is to curate a treasure trove of hand-selected items that customers will adore.
We’re very impressed with their collection of over 2,000 types of paper from around the globe, including Japan, Nepal, and Italy.
Whether you’re looking for exquisite origami paper, luxurious leather-bound notebooks, or crepe and wrapping paper, this shop seems to have it all.
The store also offers a wide variety of unique greeting cards, from pop-up and origami styles to hand-painted masterpieces.
Online shopping is available, and they offer the convenience of same-day delivery. However, we heard reports of issues with their online delivery service.
Pros
- Has been open for over 30 years
- Over 2,000 types of paper
- Unique greeting cards
- Dog-friendly
- Online shopping and same-day delivery available
Cons
- Issues with online delivery
Everything they carry is of incredible quality
“This store is beautiful and everything they carry is of incredible quality. I don’t live close to it in Toronto but I’ll bike across they city to visit here, just because I love their journals and the amazing wrapping paper. Doesn’t hurt that it’s also in a beautiful neighborhood.”
Eric Murphy, Google Review
What a fantastic shop with amazing service
“What a fantastic shop with amazing service. I placed an order online and received an email letting me know that one item I ordered was not available but I was offered some very similar substitutes. I placed the order on Tuesday and received it Thursday morning. Also a very classy touch putting a hand written thank you note in with the order. I appreciate the wonderful products and incredible service. Michael Gigl.”
Michael G, Google Review
3. Hanji Gifts

Opened in 2011 by Hyun Suk and Catherine Choi, Hanji Gifts—named after the Korean word for handmade mulberry paper—brings the beauty of Korean design to Canada. Since then, it has blossomed, offering giftware, papers, stationery, and more.
While the majority of items at Hanji Gifts are imported from South Korea, the couple has also made it a point to support local artists by featuring handmade products.
Their collection even includes handmade ceramic mugs, jewelry, candles, and premium teas from Korea. In response to customer demand, they also developed their own line of Toronto-themed cards.
We like that they offer free shipping on all Canadian orders over $75, a generous offer compared to the typical $150 threshold at other stores.
Unfortunately, we heard some reports of a rude cashier.
Pros
- Opened in 2011
- Most items imported from South Korea
- Has handmade products of local artists
- Also carries gift items and Toronto-themed cards
- Free Canada shipping on orders over $75
Cons
- Reports of a rude cashier
Beautiful stationery store!
“Beautiful stationery store! Plenty of cards for various occasions as labeled in the store. Lots of stickers and washi tape. Must visit if you’re into stationary! They have incense and adorable incense holders which are great gifts! They also have some Korean skincare products, Korean ceramics, Korean hand drawn fans, Korean pearl jewelry boxes and mirrors, beautiful hanji, etc. I loved that their mystery scrap paper bags are hand drawn, so cute! We got one of the mystery bags that are wrapped and ended with some cute stickers and a notebook. Staff were helpful and friendly.”
Young Lee, Google Review
Oh I am in love with this place!!
“Oh I am in love with this place!! Their amazing collection of postcards compelled me to start send them to my friends! They have many small knick knacks that are absolutely adorable! I end up walking through this place every time i am in the area and have stumbled upon many many cute little keepsakes that currently adorn my overpopulated work desk! Definitely worth checking out!”
Akta Jadeja Thakkar, Google Review
4. Laywine’s

Since 1987, Laywine’s has become Toronto’s go-to destination for aficionados of fine stationery and writing instruments. Family-owned and operated, this shop is run by people who share the same passion for quality stationery as their customers.
They predominantly sell leather Travellers Journals but also stock leather Cahier and Burghley Journals in various colors, along with a range of paper refill booklets. Don’t miss their beautiful Japanese journals!
We’re also wowed by their comprehensive inventory of notebooks, which includes brands like Moleskine, Leuchtturm, Field Notes, Apica, and many more.
Longtime favorites like Clairefontaine and Rhodia are staples here, with an impressive array that includes everything from tiny jotters to the mighty A3-sized No. 38.
As a bonus, their beautiful fountain pens and stationery items from all over the world are competitively priced.
However, it’s worth noting that some customers have reported feeling ignored in-store.
Pros
- Over 30 years of experience
- Wide range of journals
- Comprehensive inventory of notebooks
- Carries fountain pens
- Competitively-priced
Cons
- Reports of customers feeling ignored
I absolutely love this store
“I absolutely love this store. They have the best price and selection of Rhodia pads and the most wonderful customer service. The store itself is beautiful and feels meticulously curated. Such a gem!”
Tiffany Lee, Google Review
Notebooks you cannot find anywhere else in Canada
“Just purchased from Laywine’s online store. Highly recommend. They have my favourite notebooks you cannot find anywhere else in Canada. I used to buy from my college (UBC Vancouver) and they don’t sell them anymore. I discovered that Laywine’s had them at an even cheaper price, including the shipping fees?! When I need something I’ll always search here first before looking anywhere else!”
Harran Shi, Google Review
5. Paper Plus Cloth

Paper Plus Cloth is brimming with unique paper goods and art supplies from around the world. Founded by Rowena, it started as an e-commerce business specializing in Japanese stationery and has grown into a charming Parkdale stationery store.
If you’re a fan of Japanese stationery, you’ll feel right at home here—80% of the stock comes from Japan. But you’ll also find treasures from Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, the US, Germany, and Canada.
We’re floored by their selection of notebooks and writing pads, featuring calligrapher-friendly brands like Rhodia and the popular Traveler’s Company notebooks.
Fountain pen lovers will also appreciate their selection from Tokyo brand Pilot.
Plus, the store is packed with over 1,000 styles of tiny art stickers from Japan, Taiwan, and China.
Beyond being a store, they offer workshops and meetups on creative topics like Journaling, French Roundhand, and Gothic Calligraphy.
The only downside we saw is that it can be a bit pricey.
Pros
- 80% of the stock comes from Japan
- Wide range of calligrapher-friendly notebooks
- Also carries fountain pens
- Has art stickers from Japan, Taiwan, and China
- Hosts workshops and meetups
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey
A lovely Japanese stationery store!!
“A lovely Japanese stationery store!! The owner has a whole collection of limited editions Traveler’s Notebooks on display. It is nice to have a chance to actually see those products, the Tokyo Station cover is so pretty. The owner and their staff is so friendly and helpful with excellent customer service! Went there for Traveler’s Notebook Stamp Caravan event.”
Jo J, Google Review
EVERYTHING you could think of for all your stationery needs!!
“Staff are knowledgeable, super friendly, and quite inviting, the people are usually my reason to review! Good people always make me want to spread more goodness around 🥰❤️ Also, their shop has EVERYTHING you could possibly think of for all your stationary needs!!! I’m 100% going to sign up for their calligraphy course this fall. I absolutely LOVE this shop and I hope they expand to open more locations. Wishing this business the utmost success and prosperity.”
Paulina Chan, Google Review