One of the things that makes Northampton, well, Northampton, is Essentials. I started shopping at Essentials almost twenty years ago, and it's been a staple of my quirky life ever since. It's changed hands twice in my awareness, and just keeps getting better and better with age. This is a design-focused, design-heavy shop, and there are things I can pretty much only get AT Essentials; for instance, they've got a cut-to-custom-length ribbon bar, and some of that ribbon is vintage, and my absolute favorite is the hand-dyed silk. Also, they've got the best collection of Tintin and other European character favorites (like Barbapapa and Babar) this side of the pond. Oh, and the staff is wonderful. Knowledgable, friendly, thoughtful, and creative. Over the years, the cast of characters has changed, but it's always top-shelf. One giant boon: they've helped me put together a gift in no time, saving my bacon on numerous occasions! On a typical day, you can find stationery of all kinds, the indier the better; dishware; rubber stamps; intriguing books (think Chronicle); bath goods; bags of all shapes, sizes, and purposes; clothes and scarves; eight million things for kids, from blankies to onesies to stuffed alligators; jewelry; small home goods; special pens; DIY kits; custom furniture; large sheets of beautiful artisan paper; and a ton of things I'm forgetting. And one other thing about Essentials I am not forgetting, but which I saved for last, because it's my favorite. Essentials has an in-house design and print studio. And they also work with a select group of indie designers and printers who create everything from business cards to party invites. Here is where Colette, the current owner, really freaking shines, in my opinion. There was one thing I wanted when it came time to get married. One. Thing. That one thing was letterpress wedding invitations from Essentials. Colette took us from beautiful nebulous idea to flawlessly-executed product without ever breaking a sweat. I don't know if you've ever worked with people who are about to get married, but we are not always the most poised, cool-headed, or unflappable of people; Colette sat us down in the big comfy chairs and made sketches and phone calls, and really made our family feel like we were the only people in the entire world. Go see what I'm talking about - our invitation is probably still hanging in its golden-framed, green-paper-backed glory. Nearly four thousand miles away now, and I'm still bouncing in my chair as I look forward to my next trip to Essentials, whenever it may be. read more

I like this store and their merchandise. The prices are high, as the merchandise is of a high quality. However their store policies are not up par with many upscale stores. We received a lovely gift of several girls garments, however we have a male child. The store manager, who did not have the courage to call us, rather made a sales associate do their work, informed us without a receipt we can not get a store credit. So wonderful Essentials, you made some money from this sale, but you lost a lot more revenue from this here shopper. read more

I have always thought that Essentials should change its name to Superfluous, an irony which other Yelpers have noted...that said, I do love this adorable store. They have a great selection of stationary, unique gifts, and high-end school supplies. They also sell furniture which I cannot afford, wonderful invitations, and really cute baby and kitchen goods! So here's the deal: whether or not you actually buy anything in Essentials, or think that anything in it is actually essential, it's certainly a spot worth checking out. read more

Essentials is my favorite store in downtown Northampton. They specialize in custom furniture, stationary, and general cuteness. The name is ironic, because while I wouldn't expect to need oilcloth that costs $15/yard, sushi-printed thank you notes, or mod dinner plates, I walk into that store and don't know how I can continue to live my life without them. read more

A delightful array of gifts you'll want to give yourself. Staff is incredibly friendly but not bothersome. There is a playful dog in the shop but he will stay behind the counter unless you want to play. Cards, clothes, bags, jewelry, books, baby items, and odds & ends abound here. A great place to find a gift for that person in your life who is hard to shop for. read more

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The great irony about Essentials is that absolutely nothing they sell is "essential." You don't need $17 French dishtowels or $5 matches that say "Smart Women Light the Way" - you may want them very badly, however, because they are pretty and fun and well-designed. So this is why I end up spending $40 and losing half an hour of my life every time I walk in this place. Be warned: if you like bright colors, quality stationary and unique stuff for your home, this is your store. I dock them a star for the high prices, though... read more

another review said it just right- This is one of those stores that so many of us have to stop in because everything is just so darn cute. And while nothing there is in fact, essential, once you're browsing, you wonder how you managed to live without these things. suddenly all your dishes, towels, pens, stationery, etc seem way too plain. I'm guilty of spending a lot of money in such stores. which means I have a love/hate relationship with them. Essentials is awesome-ly kitschy with an inviting window display and friendly help. merchandise is high quality, somewhat high priced as well. I bought 2 journal notebooks this last visit that weren't too costly. If you have money and like to decorate with kitschy items, you'll be in heaven here for sure. read more

Cute little store with all things stationary, gift/craft items, and all things cute. Apparel, cards, homegoods, smallwares, tote bags, scarves, pens/pencils, DIY stuff -- plenty of adorable stuff to look at. read more

A great gift shop in downtown Northampton. They carry Chronicle Books, ReadyMade magazine (yay!!!), greeting cards, great gift paper, baby gifts, lotions and potions. A store with a little bit of everything for yourself or for friends, unexpected fun in Western Mass. read more

Such a sucker for these novelty shops. A million things i don't need but want to have for the sake of having them! This is exactly what my boyfriend means when he says something is a "marina" thing. read more

I was having a rare few hours of meandering and shopping with a good friend, and Essentials was a highlight. It's the kind of store that introduces you to delightful and surprising things. I went in to buy gifts for others, and came out with gifts for myself, too. My prize was the Rifle Paper Co 2016 Coffee and Tea calendar, which I plan to frame when the year is out. I love the aesthetic of quality, fun design. Everything is carefully chosen and appealingly displayed. The staff member I spoke with was lovely and helpful. It's now on my "essentials" list of places to visit when I'm in Northampton. read more

Such cute, unique stuff! It's amusingly ironic that they're called Essentials, though, because just about none of what they sell is essential. However, it's an absolutely adorable gift/craft type shop that is worth visiting! I could buy so much of that store. read more

This is a great gift shop to browse when you aren't sure what you're looking for: funky greeting cards, pretty candles, affordable and chic glasses and plates, baby clothes and toys, coffee table books, beautiful wrapping paper. read more

Need a creative gift? This is where we go. Eclectic schwag, something for everyone. Friendly folks, too!

Great merchandise, unique and whimsical but, really, does anyone need to spend 18$ on notecards? Items seem more appropriate to buy as a gift. Also, book selection is a plus. read more

Essentials is awesome and their customer service is impeccable. I started working with Colette and her staff in January of this year to design and order wedding invitations. The invitations were made by a stationery company and Colette served as the middleman. I was really glad she did, because the stationery company had trouble following our directions on proofs and Colette made sure they designed the order to our satisfaction. She even had them rush-send reply card envelopes after they sent the wrong size. I was so pleased with my experience that I decided to have her print personalized note cards in-house for my bridesmaids. They are lovely! Colette and the staff of Essentials are really friendly, kind, and helpful. Now that I've established a relationship with them, I will be going there for all my unique gift needs. read more

I had a wonderful experience buying wedding invitations at Essentials. Sydne and Colette spent hours with me, helping me with the design, wording, font, etc. They had a large selection of contemporary and casual as well as classic, more formal wedding invitations. I was very pleased with the result and the cost was less than I had anticipated. I never knew that Essentials had custom invitations for events. They do a great job! read more

Many point out that Essentials carries nothing that is "essential" to life. Yet, it's hand-picked, high-quality items bring such beauty and joy into the humdrum of the day to day. These items, (dare I say it?) make enjoying the little things in life more easy. Dish towels, a necessity. Dishtowels made of beautiful French textiles, a joyful necessity! Who wouldn't want to make drying dishes more joyful? And so, while you may not want to pay over a particular amount for a dish towel for yourself... how wonderful would it be to give as a lovely, yet simple gift? But, what I really adore about Essentials is that there's something for everyone and at every price point. From a timeless pack of 10 simple gift tags for 75 cents and supplies to make your own crafts to custom-made furniture and everything in between. All of that in a tiny, yet beautifully well-organized space is something you'd be lucky to find along the streets of New York City, let alone in sweet nook of Northampton, MA. Where else can you find hard to find treasures your grandmother will adore, and your tween cousin would OMG over in one independently owned and operated shop? Also, they play records. Actual vinyl records. That gives them extra points. Bravo to the friendly owner and staff for making a little bit of worldly flair, and appreciation of the little things, fit together so comfortably within a small town. Not an easy feat. read more

This is a nicely stocked store filled with things you don't need but definitely might like. Right in the center of Northampton, Essentials carries a lot of relatively small and inexpensive gift items with an emphasis on cards, stationary and gifts. They have a small collection of fun books, children's clothes, candles and an assortment of calendars, diaries and Moleskin books. A couple of exceedingly comfortable couches in the middle store are a great place to take a break from an afternoon of walking around and though I didn't buy anything, I did kind of fixate on an official Paris Metro keychain - but at $10, decided to pass. If it had been $5, I might have been forced to get it - as a gift for a friend. Still, there's a nice feminine vibe in the store but it's not over the top. They have something for everyone and if you're looking for an ideal present for an engagement, wedding or shower - this is as good a place to start as any. read more

another great store with super cool household goods that i always must stop in when passing by. but when was the last time i bought something here? still, i stop by just to look. lots of good gifty things. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Whether it is just to browse to see the new things they have or picking up a unique gift they always seem to have such amazing and one of kind things. What also makes this place so enjoyable to shop in is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. They're always very cordial and gracious. read more

BEST STORE in Noho with a convenient location next to GoBerry which currently has NUTELLA and KIWI flavored froyo! :P