One of the things that makes Northampton, well, Northampton, is Essentials. I started shopping at…read moreEssentials 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.

I like this store and their merchandise. The prices are high, as the merchandise is of a high…read morequality. 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.

We were in a rush to find a card for a wedding in the Berkshires and randomly found Steele's along…read morethe way. I thought the customer service was great - lots of recommendations for which cards to choose, where to find things, some background into the particular card we did end up buying (it was a local artist that does quilling of wildflowers). They even gave us some suggestions for where to pick up a good cup of coffee nearby. Extensive selection of cards, stationary, art supplies, books, and a candy counter by the cash register.

Helpful, courteous staff. Will order things they don't have. Great selection of cards, calendars…read moreand magazines. Prices are generally manufactures suggested retail.

I'm not really a Hallmark shopper. I make my own cards (or have my kids make cards) & find the…read morewhole corporate greeting card industry stupid, to be honest. Seriously, four bucks for something that is either gonna wind up in the trash the next day or be hoarded in someones house, it seems like a giant waste to me. But this shop is fun. The staff is really nice. They have some "Life is Crap" stuff which is hilarious, as well as funny mugs & funny hand painted beer glasses, wine glasses, martini glasses, etc. They have a second floor although I've never gone upstairs. It's worth a trip if you're looking for an "off"-humor gift & they have Red Sox & Patriots stuff too, of course, as well as standard Hallmark stuff.

This is such a cute large hallmark store. The staff is helpful and attentive. I found previous year…read moreChristmas ornaments that I bought at 75% off. Awesome selection of lots of different stuff.

Am a big fan of Ellie's beautiful, unique pressed flower artwork. I love her notecards and always…read moreuse them as my go-to notes for all occasions. And a package of cards has been a wonderful gift to give. Everyone has loved them!

From the owner: Ellie Roden, owner of Vermont Pressed Flowers, sells pressed flower art made from 100% plant…read morematerial. Each piece features flowers from Ellie's gardens, from the roadsides and woodlands of southern Vermont and from the gardens of generous neighbors. Only acid free materials and a sealer are used for original designs to ensure the vibrant color of flowers will last for many, many years. Cards, made from reproductions of original designs are available in packages of 6 cards. Prints of various sizes and bookmarks are other products made from original designs and available for sale. Ellie is also a distributor of Microfleur, the microwave flower press. Flowers are dried and ready to use in seconds and minutes when pressed in a microfleur. Ellie is available for presentations and workshops, for large and small groups, on successful flower pressing and creating with pressed flowers. She will tailor the workshop to the needs of the group.

It's just the best place for fountain pens, paper, ink, gifts! Local owner. Great items for…read morereasonable prices. Love it!

Sweet little shop, just a bit outside Boston, but well worth the stop. I loved the sweet Japanese…read morestationery section, and the fountain pen case was beautiful with Sailor, Pilot, Kaweco, Opus 88, Esterbrook, and others that I hadn't yet come across.

Does not keep normal business hours, and does not post hours on the door of the shop. Consequently,…read moreI've stopped by a couple times in the morning only to find they were closed, and didn't know whether waiting would get me anywhere. Eventually, I made it inside, and after purchasing some cards, I suggested to the proprietor that posted hours would be welcomed, and she responded rudely. Bottom line: There's nothing in this store I can't get as inexpensively, and with less attitude, from Amazon or Etsy. I won't shop here again.

A hidden treasure in downtown Hanover. In our electronic age of sending birthday wishes and…read moreexpressions of sympathy via Facebook, Twitter or the social networking app du jour, we are depriving our friends and loved ones of that warm feeling you get when you go to the mailbox and find a card or special note. A visit to That Little Spot of Red will make you want to send notes and cards the old fashion way, by engaging in the art of writing - actually putting pen to paper. They have a wonderful selection of pens, greeting cards, note cards, stationary and unique gifts. Stop in and look around, pick up some cards or paper. Your friends will be glad you did because you'll want to send them a note...using your new paper... Don't worry about stamps, the post office is just across the street.