This has been my "go to" shop for 45 years. It's where my children learned about standing in line…read moreand purchasing a trinket or single pencil with their allowance. Other shops look over the heads of children at the counter, not considering them as customers, but Payn's does. I would stand outside and allow my children to go in alone, ask the clerk where the item they wanted was, and then completed their transaction with respect from the clerk and pride from the children. I'm looking forward now to bringing my grandchildren there. If they don't have it, do you really need it ?

Nice little family owned Stationary store on Solano Ave. the people running the store are always…read morefriendly and helpful. There aren't many small independently owned stationary stores left in the Bay Area so this is much needed. Street parking only. Prices are fair.

I purchased my good paper from Port Jefferson Station N.Y... I love the unusual craftiness of…read moredesign.....I love that the cards not only are handcrafted but also have a charitable meaning.... Supporting woman in tragic situations is a beautiful way to send the proceeds of signature greatness to worldly accomplishments..... LOVE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD .CHANGING LIVES THROUGH BEAUTY & CREATIVITY... zillion stars in my book.....

Top 3 things about working with Lisa: 1. She's incredibly…read morecreative and will be able to execute on any ideas you have on your wedding theme/collateral (or if you don't have any ideas she'll be able to come up with something fabulous) 2. She's easy to talk to and is a pleasure to work with 3. Did I mention that she's talented? Seriously, I'm working with Lisa now for my wedding collateral and my invitations/theme is probably one of the top things that's really gotten me excited about my wedding. Her work is way above my expectations and I can't wait to see all the final product!

Lovely store full of crafts, calendars, and creativity. I'm a writer and seeing good ole pens and…read morepaper really brings up the nostalgia. I only bought a birthday card, but tell me why I spent close to a half hour in that store? Great merch, nice cashier, good location!

Everything was fine until checkout with Laura…read more My last name is Latin, I'm a Latin man. I came in, found what I was looking for and went to pay for my things. Upon paying I was asked if I wanted to sign up for some rewards program, I said sure. Upon telling her my full name, she kept mispronunciation my last name even after I corrected her. Laura is also a latin woman which is why I was taken aback at the fact that I kept reminding her that a J is pronounced like an H. The interaction felt dismissive and unnecessarily uncomfortable, almost like telling someone "yes the sky is blue, and them saying " got it, so red, right?" Overall, this was an entirely avoidable moment that appeared intentional, as my clear and repeated corrections were acknowledged but not applied.

My go-to supplier for Sonny Angels, Smiskis, and mofusand figurines on top of so many other cute…read moregifts for friends (or yourself). From plushies and keychains to blind boxes and decorations, there is a reason this business has rightfully earned so much of my money. They post a lot of helpful content on their Instagram account to keep you up-to-date on what is in stock. The staff is super friendly and do their best to give you a heads up on when new shipments are coming in. They are definitely worth making the trek from the El Cerrito Plaza and prices are reasonable to original price compared to other retailers (and arguably a better deal since you do not have to deal with shipping). Love them so much

I love this place so much !! Truly unique items I don't see at other places near me, I literally…read moredrive 1hr to come here. The store owners are super kind and sometimes add freebies. They stock this place w/ new inventory all the time. Prices are so good as well.

Came here to express appreciation for the amazing customer service I received from Maddy and the…read moreteam at Topdrawer. Everyone at this store is amazing -- helpful and knowledgeable, and not at all pushy or pretentious. It's a joy to explore the carefully curated products. While I'm here, I'd like to comment on the 1 star review by Alan. I happened to have been present on the day of this conflict and it lives in my memory as one of the creepiest and most uncomfortable retail interactions I've ever witnessed. Alan was rude, patronizing and deeply inappropriate as he attempted to intimidate the store manager, who held her own with impressive grace and strength. There were several customers in the shop that night, and it seemed that most were unwilling to leave until we knew that the manager and her staff were safe. We were relieved when security arrived. Kudos to the manager for her poise under pressure, her commitment to protecting her staff, and unwillingness to give in to his attempts to intimidate or take the bait of engaging with his review.

Have you ever been to Radio Shack in the 80's and early 90's and noticed that everything inside the…read morestore that they were selling you felt was over priced and you knew that you can find it everywhere else for less? Well this is pretty much the equivalent to that. I mean literally I can find everything that Topdrawer sell for a lot less. I don't mind buying quality items and I do but not from this establishment. Doesn't help that the staff there are rude.. is it part of the atmosphere to justify the price. Let's act rude to everyone and pretend that the items here are too good for them so they want to buy it even more..

this is a lovely curated card and gift shop-women run-small business-& local. just what I love to…read moresupport. the staff is great! please visit when you are down on Fillmore and California -

post.script. is a must visit when in SF. The shop is filled with amazing items made by small…read morebusinesses. Perfect for gifts (or a little treat for yourself :)) They have so many amazing cards for every occasion, stickers, pins, candles, art prints, and much more! The owner and staff are incredibly kind and helpful. They recently put on an event for Inciardi print collectors and it was fantastic. Definitely stop by!

Just a simple spot. Basic paints and pens. Some paper and general writing supplies along with a…read morevariety of canvases and art books! Overall, good if you know exactly what you're looking for (which most artists do).

As independent art supply stores have shut across the Bay Area over the last few years, Ink Stone…read morehas remained a paragon of affordable, convenient, intelligent retail. And it means you don't have to give your money to Blick.

I went in with no intention of buying anything. But knowing I would spend money. I have a…read morecompulsion of spending money at craft stores, but can't help myself. I've never been here before, and just wanted to check it out. There was a great selection of pens, markers, pencils, paper. Jelly cats lol I had been wanting a fountain pen for a long time but never bought one. Perfect timing I guess? The JT? TJ? Super knowledgeable about the products on hand, and even the ones they didn't have on hand. I'm excited for the Lamy pen, and sailor ink I purchased. The price of the pen was comparable to what I've seen online, so I'm glad I was able to shop local. I also ended up getting some cute stickers and washi tape.

Got an email that the Oakland location will close soon. Stopped by to get pen refills for my…read moreforeign pens. Cruised around the store, picked up a few calligraphy pens and a 2026 calendar. The pen Manager explained the specific refills in detail. Bonus, she wrote down the details of each model on the back of her business card. She was very helpful and detailed oriented and a pleasure to converse with. We'll definitely miss Flax, but in the meantime, we'll make sure all of the items we need, we get 'em here. The staff that we interacted with were friendly, professional and very helpful. Super bonus = off-street parking lot in rear of store

Super cute stationary store in Elmwood!…read more There a good selection of paper products, journals and random gifts. I was pleasantly surprised by the huge selection of moleskine journals and Crane greeting cards! I overheard a customer ask off they sold stamps, which they do if you need to send something right away! I literally saw everything from pens, washi tape, fun witty printed socks, lip balm?! It's a quaint neighborhood shop that I hope stays in business in this age of Amazon. Prices are moderate but fair for the better brands they carry!

Wonderful and unique selection! Best to go here first! You…read morewon't need to shop around then.

Awesome blind book options! Stick to the one you feel called to, I guarantee it will surprise you.read more

A really good bookstore in Downtown Berkeley!!…read more I came in here looking for a calendar, and ended up browsing through the books. It's a classic old school style bookstore, with very friendly people working here. I didn't spend as much time in here that I wanted to, definitely have to come here again!!