Some cool, interesting stuff. Some, but not all, overpriced. They really need to train their Gen Y staff to answer the phone with more than a surprised-sounding "hello" leaving the caller wondering if they got a wrong number and having to ask whether they reached J4F. read more

As a longtime Noe Valley resident, it has been deeply sad to read some of these reviews, talk to my neighbors, and see the stark decline of this local store firsthand. The employees are abrasive to the point of being verbally abusive. I was just berated (in a children's store?!) for asking a simple question about their gift wrapping service. Unfortunately this seems representative of the experiences of many young families I know in the area. It's not enough to say that it's a low-quality store; I wouldn't even feel comfortable bringing kids there, at least until there are major staffing changes. read more

Looking for something and somewhere just for fun in San Francisco ? Summer isn't the only time to have fun in the city. There is a place in Noe Valley in San Francisco which you can find fun things all four seasons and the place is called " Just for fun ". This is the place to pick up last minute gifts. This is a gift shop/ novelty store located on 24th street. There lots of interesting items from books to games inside. Step inside just for fun or just for the fun of it. Noe Valley has good food like Fiorella Noe for pizza with slices of prosciutto and go to Saru for Sushi and Mamahuhu for noodles Walk down 24th street between the carriages and poodles then head inside Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles read more

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This toy store has been a great addition to Fillmore. The woman who owns the store is so nice and helpful. The toys a great and things you can't find anywhere else. read more

Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles - Front of the shop - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

My daughter is a regular customer always going here after school, earlier she was accused of theft!! I am a mom speaking for my daughter and the lady that persisted she was shoplifting didn't even say sorry. My daughter was the one who said sorry out of shock! Im never coming back to this place again, if your trying to get something out of your bag be careful, your gonna get accused. And also the prices of the items in the store are CRAZY! Would not recommend, find some other store to find trinkets from. read more

I love that a variety store like this still exists and it's nice but not overly upscale. Someone like me that doesn't make six figures can step in, find some nice socks and not feel like I dipped into my savings to live my best life. They were very friendly, I would come back again. read more

Their prices are absurd. I totally support and understand some sort of a mark up but this place takes it to a disgusting level. Everything is obscenely more expensive than anywhere else. My daughter picked up a toy that was listed for $126 which just seemed like such a rip off so I checked... $50 on amazon. Don't treat your customers like idiots. Skip this place. The man who walks around the store watching you has creep energy too. Chill, you're a toy store. read more

Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Best store in noe valley, gifts for every occasion, you can just go to see all the cool things they have.

I've always loved this store for gifts, hobbies, and art supplies, and the staff is always very kind and helpful. Yesterday, at the end of a long shopping day, I stopped in to get some gifts for my family. While juggling my finds, a glass ornament fell out of my hands and shattered all over the floor. I could've cried, but not only did the nearby worker tell me not to worry about it, he wouldn't even let me help clean it up. I left the store with some really great and unique gifts, and an even greater appreciation for the kindness of the staff. read more

Wide selection of arts and crafts, gifts for pets, cards, toys, I even saw a Big Wheel and Tonka Toys. Only thing is I started sneezing, my wife said because of the dust inside so I stepped out, my wife is still in there after 30+ minutes since I've been out on a nice weekend morning. read more

This store is absurdly over priced. I got a Christmas ornament for $37. The next day I found the exact same Christmas ornament at a different independently owned neighborhood small business for $17. When I tried to return it, they wouldn't allow me because it was a seasonal item and therefore nonrefundable. I asked for store credit instead of a refund, but they stood by their $20 markup. This place is a complete rip off and has lost my business forever. read more

Last week, a male employee of this store verbally and physically intimidated my 9 year old son, kicking him out of the store in a torrent of abuse, shouting allegations that he was part of some long running Pokemon card gang (or something just as contrite). We sent a follow up email to the store owner to report the incident, but in the return correspondence from the owner, the behaviour of their employee was dismissed as acceptable given the trouble they have been having with their Pokemon card display. I can attest my 9 year old is not part of some Noe Valley Pokemon gang - we have not even been in the store for over 3 months due family illness / travel. He was looking at the Pokemon display that the store has front and centre as I'm sure many kids do and I sympathise to a degree with the problems the store perceives to be having as a supporter of local businesses, but none of this is remotely accountable to the aggressive and threatening behaviour exhibited by their employee. Should there be a continued problem with Pokemon cards within the store, it would be my recommendation to put these behind the counter. Just for fun - we've used you a lot over the years for local birthday gifts, stationary and the like, but no more. Clearly it is not ok to treat any customer in this way, but a 9 year old child! It's beyond the pale. read more

Often come here for gifts for nieces/nephews and friends' kids. Although it is listed as an Art Supply/Craft store, they have a large assortment of general and novelty items and kids toys and games for all ages. The bulk of the general/novelty items are as soon as you walk in, the kids toys/games are in the back and the art supplies are to the left past the cashier. I have only bought a few craft items here, but they seem to have a nice selection of all different types of paints and art supplies. The selection is not huge, but they have a lot of unique/quarky items that you will probably not find in the chain stores. I have always been able to find something, and best of all, they offer free gift wrapping. Perfect for quick gift shopping before heading to a party or get together! The staff has always been friendly/helpful. I do notice however that things are quite expensive (it is Noe Valley), but I suppose that is the price for last minute gift shopping!! Oh, they also have a nice parklet out front where you can enjoy a coffee or quick bite! read more

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*This review is based on an unproductive conversation with a member of the staff after objectively and candidly sharing my opinion. A "controversial" one, perhaps. Which could explain why he got very defensive and verbally aggressive.* Every year for the last ten years this store has been renting rescued reindeer (from http://www.californiareindeerrentals.com/) to provide entertainment to shoppers and passersby. It costs approximately $2,500 to rent the reindeer for three hours. I walked by the other night where two sad-looking reindeer were huddled together in the rain behind a small, enclosed fenced-in area of the sidewalk aka the "parklet". The area in front of the shop felt claustrophobic and chaotic as people filed in and out of the store ("Santa" was also there), colliding with others collecting around the reindeer fence. Kids seemed surprised and excited and I overheard other adults sharing mixed emotions, but as someone who is passionate about the ethical treatment of all animals, I can't help but feel this is exploitive and I walked away feeling extremely upset. Today, I returned to the store for the first time to purchase some holiday cards and used it as an opportunity to suggest the store owners rethink how they 'spread joy in the community' without using animals. I shared that I thought it was unkind and unnecessary and instead of renting rescued reindeer to stand outside for people's amusement, they donate those funds to an organization supporting animals. (Or hey, how about a gift to those reindeer for all of their service after all of these years? What if we got them some organic artisanal moss, new blankets, or mineral blocks to lick?) My suggestion was immediately met with defensiveness, closed-mindedness, and, ultimately rejection. The man behind the counter got red in the face, shook his head, and claimed, "It's only three hours and it's not exploitation!". I finished my transaction and repeated that as a member of the community and regular shopper, I feel it's important to share (and hear other) opinions. He did not agree. He may be correct in saying that 'thousands of people have enjoyed it over the years', and maybe many years ago, I would have been one of those people as well. But today, it's a different story and I can't standby and watch the cruel treatment of sentient creatures occur in my community without offering an alternative way. I hope other neighbors and patrons of the store read this, and, reevaluate their own relationship with the store's custom and respectfully voice their concerns with the leadership at Just For Fun. I shop here regularly and want to continue but will find it harder to do so if they continue this inhumane holiday tradition. Even more so if their response to composed, constructive criticism is met with a lack of compassion and understanding. If you also love animals and want to spend time with them in their comfortable environments, check out www.ranchocompasion.org or sweetfarm.org read more

Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles - photo from http://noevalleysf.blogspot.com/ - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

Owner's response to my review on FB, sums up my experience with customer service at this store. There are at least a dozen reviews here that mirror mine, please read on: "Yelp sucks. Always has. Tries to bribe retailers to buy out reviews, ask any retailer. You are the one that used the Person Of Color trump card. Shame on you. We are the most progressive and financially interactive towards inclusion and fairness in Noe. End or I report you as harassment. I asked nicely so stop it and don't exploit your heritage, it's disgusting." . . . I've been shopping here for awhile. Imagine my surprise, when the last two times I drop in, I encounter some majorly rude attitude from the tallest dude that works there. Male pattern baldness, gray hair, 60s. Dude, you work here, it's your job to answer questions. How'd you lose sight of that? And to cop attitude while I have my toddler with me? Last time, playboy. Last time. I'll take my cash elsewhere. No wonder you're now a 3-star shop on Yelp. And that's generous. Here's the interesting part. You be the judge. I'm a POC, speaking Spanish to my daughter, because the mother tongue is a blessing. Dude dishes out attitude. White woman checks out, m*er is sweet as pie. Microaggression, much? I'll be hitting up Folio Books or Charlie's, down the street, for gifts, cards, and stuffed animals. Def not this joint. read more

I've been going here for years but was very disappointed in my last transaction. I purchased a gift for a friend, and later found out she already had it. When I checked my receipt, I saw it said no refunds on cash or credit card purchases, store credit only. My only issue with this is that they had no sign posted at the register to this effect, nor did the cashier state this at time of purchase (which is California law if you don't give refunds ). I did email the store politely, twice, and received no response at all. read more

Be careful buying here if you care about returns. My daughter bought something here and didn't like it, especially for the high price. They refused to accept a return for store credit, citing a reason that doesn't appear anywhere in their return policy. We will not be returning to this store. read more

Only store I found that had the specific painting tools I needed. Staff was very quick finding my item over the phone & extremely courteous & helpful when I came in to visit. (I was actually surprised with how small the shop was inside) But don't let it's size fool you because soon as you step in, they have a wide selection of artist products and more! It's almost overwhelming (but in a good/I will spend too much WAY). Lol Out of more than 8-9 stores I called in SF, they were the ones who had what I needed. I highly recommend this store for your arts & crafts needs! Thank you to both staff members who helped me find my supplies. Will definitely come back and visit. read more

Super cool artsy store that sells art supplies and crafts. Also a toy store and kitchen supply store. The items they sell seem to be carefully curated and well thought out. Not the usual stuff you can get in the more touristy areas of SF. I could spend hours here! They also have 3 resident border collies that walk around the store, in case you need help :-) Check them out! read more

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I went in looking for laminating paper, and I asked the guy behind the desk if they had any. He was very nice, asked someone else, got a "no," I figured that was the end of it. But three other employees got involved - two of them went out and checked the shelves and actually found what I needed! They couldn't have been nicer, and I really appreciated their help and humor, it made my whole week! Thanks!! read more

I went there with my child, as you can tell by the pictures lots of children go there so you would think the shelves would be safe for little kids to grab their items, my husband had cancer and he used to bring my daughter to that store and that year he couldn't so I brought her, she couldn't reach her pens and as I was looking for a gift for my other daughter she climbed the shelf, now you would think their sturdy, but they collapsed, and although we apologized . they yelled at me and my child for their shelves and Banned us, now the store that my husband who has sadly passed used to take my children to has banned us so they can't go relive their favorite childhood moments anymore. Besides that this is a great store for art supplies and other fun things for children although be in your best behavior or your child's heaven and Best memories can disappear. read more

I walked in today and was greeted by a number of young, friendly female staff. One of them mentioned that they are under new ownership. If this is indeed correct: hurray! Can't wait to return. I read more

I came today to order wedding invitations, the first guy was not very happy ,the answers was quite sharply . The second was - very lazy . I came in 15 before closing , it turned out to dispute. Seem like he had no desire to work anymore. I guess he wanted to be home already . He said I was pushing too hard and kicked me out of the store. )) Guys don't know how to work with clients . It seems that they are the owners of the business. Thats explains their attitude. I will never be bak there and do not recommend it to you. read more

I bought personalized stationery here a few months ago and only recently discovered a problem when I went to write a letter. I went in to the store yesterday with the stationery. The men on duty were very helpful and said they would make things right. I left, reassured they would take care of it. When I got home, I had an email from them politely letting me know that the problematic stationery I brought in was not bought from them. I looked around at home and found the stationery I had purchased from them, which was perfect. It was good to know that they would fix a mistake they made and be gracious about a mistake I made. I will continue purchasing stationery and other items from them. read more

I may not be the ultimate SF bon vivant; I don't live in a remodeled victorian furnished with elegant imports purchased at some eccentric boutique, and I don't (usually) spend all day hopping from pretentious coffee shop to trendy nightclub while lording my obscure pop culture knowledge and cutting-edge eco-tech toys over everyone. But my out-of-town relatives don't need to know that. That's why I buy all my cards at places like Scribbledoodles. By just spending a couple extra bucks on an uber-sophisticated card, you can create the impression of living the uber-sophisticated good life of San Francisco. Plus, your card will really stand out against all those generic, yawn-inducing Hallmark ones. Heck, I used to hate greeting cards, but now I get all excited about sending out art-deco Christmas cards showing cable cars with Chritmas lights on them or whatnot. Sure, it may just be a cry of "hey, look where I live!", but...that's pretty much all I say to my out-of-town friends anyway. Also a great place to get Christmas ornaments and other fun little gifts. read more

Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

My friend and I were followed throughout the store by a male employee who made us feel uncomfortable. It felt like he thought we were going to steal or mess up his store. Do not come here not a friendly environment for teens! read more

I love this store! Been coming here for years, and I always leave with more than I anticipated. Great for buying gifts. So much cool stuff, great customer service, and cute dogs. read more

I live in Noe Valley and shop at Just for Fun for one reason. The store carries a wide variety of cards, art supplies and seasonal decorations and is walking distance from my home. I have shopped there for years and can identify the long time employees from the new hires. Overall and consistently, the customer service from the old-timers is awful. I reference my last two visits to the shop...last month and today. Last month: The large, grey-bearded man was standing behind the counter. I walked into the shop and greeted him with "Good Morning." He stared at me, with a "I'm pissed off at the world stare" and said nothing. I asked where a particular item was and he pointed...not using any words. I went in the direction of the item and could not find it. I returned to the counter and asked if he would take me to the item. I was told, "I can not leave the counter." He refused to help. I walked out of the store without making a purchase. I came home and ordered it on Amazon. Today, I was there to purchase art Items. The same grey bearded man, and a newer employee were behind the counter. As before, I said good morning. The younger woman replied, "Good morning, may I help you?" She walked me to the items I requested. We were not able to find everything I was looking for and she called here colleague to help. He came over and appeared to be annoyed. Again, as before, he pointed to items without using words, I observed his interaction with a fellow employee and two customers. He is consistent..he was rude towards all of us. The detail of this review is not written to the future customer as much as to the owner of the store. The success of your business is based on location (Noe Valley-where customers have a lot of money to spend) and your excellent selection of Merchandise. The gentleman at the front counter and the shorter one who appears to work in "the back" need a refresher course in customer service, kindness and respect of others. There seems to be a continuous turnover of the kind and helpful newer employees. I understand why. read more

I have been shopping at this Noe Valley gem for some time. They take great care in providing all sorts of supplies and little splurge items for any artists interests. They have candles, cute little gnome figurines and seasonal items. Oh, and they do custom printing. Happy to be a patron. read more

They have craft & party supplies too. One cool thing is the inverted Christmas tree. Bear cookie cutters for the bear holding nut pinterest craze read more

Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles - Tons of cool ornaments - Art Supplies Near Me - San Francisco, California

Been visiting this store on and off for 14 years and have always been aware the staff are cut from a different cloth - some combo of condescending/bitchy queen/don't bother me. I'm a "go along to get along" kinda guy but the interaction recently with one of the assistants was appalling. Boys - if you're that tired of being in customer service just hang it up. read more

Best selection of art and party supplies. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Nice shop dogs.

I was running around trying to find something nice for my mother when I saw the sign for this place. It says "for artists of all ages", suddenly I started thinking about my Niece and Nephew again. They are the only children in the family so I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind being bumped twice within an hour. This is a crowded yet tidy little shop jam packed with art supplies. The owners exuberance was at first a little jarring and then endearing. While she was wrapping the Art supplies I bought or the kids I briefly considered buying my mom a boxed painting course. read more

Once you're lured inside by the moving giant Nutcracker and toy soldier in front of the store, you'll find several Christmas trees with ornaments for sale, greeting cards (rather cheesy ones that I don't like but they have nicer thank you cards and Crane & Co. notecards), children's toys (puzzles, board games, art supplies), candles (okay ones), Hello Kitty, journals (wide selection, Moleskin and more), photo albums, party supplies (streamers, balloons, plenty of b-day candles), Ugly Dolls, wristwatches, bulk paper, stickers, novelty bandages, picture frames, calendars, umbrellas, aprons, magnets, etc. Yes, the selection is a bit random. The environment feels cluttered and stuffy. I wanted to leave sooner but I was trapped inside by the crowds. They have printing and engraving services. Things I liked: * TokyoBay Robot clocks: http://www.tokyobayinc.com/browse.cfm/mcid/2/ccid/26 * Plush microbes let you cuddle up to gangrene, halitosis and gonorrhea: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/6708/ read more

This is the coolest store I've seen in a long time. About half of it is a card shop, but the toys for all ages are hilarious. It looks like a combination of Ace Hardware, Spencer Gifts, and a story in Mad Magazine. We were entertained for about a half hour, just looking at all the strange stuff. I especially liked the mad tea towels and the Mr. Potato Heads in oddball costumes. I get the impression that their buyer has a fun time all the time. read more

I've shopped here many times - they offer a wide selection of cards, overpriced gifts, a few gag items, home decorations and way overpriced art supplies for the artist of a privileged lot. A good deal of cheaply made stuff and a few quality made items. Tonight I went by and they had two reindeer outside the store. Real reindeer. As in, alive. It was one of the saddest things I've seen in a long time. Huge, beautiful, wild animals in a tiny cage... Surrounded by people, MUNI bus exhaust, honking cars, cigarette smoke (thanks to its keeper)... All part of a ridiculous Xmas, Santa retail gimmick. It was appalling. Business must be hurting if they have to pull something like this and have the gall to do it in SF. SHAME ON THEM!!!! I will never shop in this store again. Their inventory is available in other stores up and down the street. Just for Fun will never see another dime of mine and I encourage you to take your business elsewhere too. Oh, and they have calendars. read more

While waiting outside to view the apartment that would later become ours, my boyfriend and I sat on a curbside bench and watched all of the sidewalk traffic. Stroller after stroller after stroller until... "Baby fever. You've got it! I can see it in your eyes!" "No way! You've got baby fever! You're the one who brought up the babies in the first place!" If there was ever a place to make an empty uterus swoon, Noe Valley would be it. And so as we walked down 24th later and walked by Just For Fun, I can understand why my boyfriend was a bit nervous after my very loud "SQUEEEEEEE! Look at that! We have to just stop in here. Just for a second." I am pretty sure that the front half of the store is designed to lure in all of the stroller moms and baby bjorn dads, but I had my eyes on an ever-so-cute ladybug rainslicker. "I want it." "You've got baby fever! I knew it!" "Oh hell no. I want this for MYSELF." And of course my gargantuan melon head didn't fit under the hood, so it was a lost cause, but it did lead us to discover the back half of the store. The shop is full of all sorts of fun knick-knacks like Jesus action figures and little books that analyze the various kinds of poop. It also has a practical art corner, and as we plan on decorating our new place with our own paintings, our eyes glazed over as we checked out the canvas and paint brush selection. We wound up getting nothing on our first trip due to time, but I know I'll be back. Those Vincent Price pencil-thin mustaches won't buy themselves. It's worth mentioning that there are two adorable little border collies running around the shop. My boyfriend, he of the "I so do not have baby fever!" mantra, seems to have an ailment of a different kind. And so the question remains: Can Just for Fun handle a grown man with puppy fever? read more

I'm awarding two stars for the adorable dogs that "work" there. But I'm revoking three stars for the following reasons: 1) Exceptionally poor customer service (not including the dogs, who are much warmer and friendlier than the humans!) 2) Exceptionally overpriced merchandise 3) Exceptionally cluttered environment I suspect that they don't even try very hard because their store is the default go-to place for gifts and knick-knacks in Noe Valley. You need some silly trinket? Just for Fun. Need a gag gift? Just for fun. Need a sheet of stickers? Just for Fun. It's like they're printing money! All they have to do to rake in the cash is, well, exist. They don't have to be warm and welcoming; they don't have to have competitive prices or offer particularly interesting merchandise; and they don't even have to clear the boxes out of the way for shoppers. I much prefer Ladybug Ladybug. The employees are far friendlier, they actually have SALES there sometimes (at Just for Fun, the owners would rather break something with a hammer and throw it in the trash than put it on sale), and all in all, it's a much pleasanter shopping environment. read more

Utopia would have an art shop in every neighborhood, supplying the creativity of a visually literate community educated by a balanced, well-funded public education. This shop is very well stocked given its small size, with a nice selection of high quality materials. X-tra star for being in the neighborhood. I'll gladly go here for supplies for which a bulk discount does not apply. Utopia art stores would also stock a generous supply of #11 X-Acto blades. If your art store stocks only one thing in addition to pencil and paper, it's #11 X-Acto blades. These are indispensible to the artist/craftsperson. Please get on it. I have a LOT of illustration board to cut. read more

I would only shop here if you needed last minute party stuff. So....I did. Well, I tried at least. I walked in and headed straight up for the paper plates. The guy at the fronk yelled at me "We are closed". I asked about their hours - they were not posted anywhere. There was no "WE ARE CLOSED" sign anywhere. How was I supposed to know? There were still several other customers inside. Am I not a customer? Is my money not green enough for you? Cliff variety carries similar stuff and is open until 8:00 pm, and the staff is nice. You can also buy stationary at Paper Source, or party supplies on-line. Why bother? Just for Fun is not fun at all. read more