A great little stationers and whilst the stock in store isn't exhaustive, if there is something you…read moreare looking for then they can usually order it in the very next day for no extra cost. Brilliant service and competitive prices. They have a good range of pens, some office furniture and single paper stick to chose from. They have some essential craft stock from spray mount to inks, as well as staplers and bull dog clips. Delta Pi doesn't have a car park and on street parking can be difficult unless you leave one in the car with the engine running whilst the other hops out.

I love Delta Pi - the shop isn't massive, but they pack a wide range in - with a leaning towards…read moreart supplies rather than endless stacks of A4 notepads. The staff are knowledgeable and keen to help - I've been trying to source a particular type of ceramic blade, and whilst the man in the shop had never heard of it he took down all the details and is going to enquire with his suppliers to see if he can help. It's this kind of level of service that you would never EVER get in a big chain like WH Smiths!

Ryman is a cheap stationers based in the Northfield Shopping Centre and a good place to head if you…read moreneed reams of printer paper, tippex, pens, pencil cases, glue etc. Generally either frequented by sad stationery geeks like me (I once had a job where I was responsible for ordering all the stationery for our office - it was heavenly although 15 years on I still suspect they are working their way through the job lot of gel pens in neon colours I ordered...what can I say? They were pretty) or schoolkids on the hunt for that latest back-to-school purchase this is a reliably cheap place, staffed by a friendly team. Although you can probably buy things like index files and plastic folders for a better price at Wilkinsons they are difficult to beat for toner and ink.

Partners has been in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre for years, I've shopped there more or less ever…read moresince it first opened and I still think it's brilliant. It specialises in stationery of all kinds and has moved with the times now selling a good range of computer stationery such as photo paper, ink and plain printing paper. There is a wide range of products available, and plenty of choice within the ranges. To name a few items you can expect to find pencil cases and everything to fill them, notebooks, folders, paper of every size imaginable, filing cases and oh, lots and lots of other things related to all things scribbling. I took my daughters there during the Christmas holidays and they bought everything they needed for their new term at school, now any other year we'd have popped into Woolies for a lot of this stuff but they obviously weren't available this year and I'm so glad I had this chance to requaint myself with Partners. My girls' are the bees knees in school with only the trendiest pens and pencils; Partners keep their finger on the pulse and this year have Hannah Montana and HSM goodies for my American loving nine year old and a very cool skull and crossbones range for the gothy twelve year old. Sometimes this branch of Partners will have child sized stools or desks for sale, this seems to be as and when they can get them and they're nice enough but personally I think you could find them cheaper elsewhere. Prices overall aren't too bad, some people find them expensive but I think they're fine. There are some items which can be found cheaper in other shops but the majority of stuff is very reasonably priced. This one of those shops that I don't mind a mark up of prices on some things because the convenience of doing all my stationery shopping in one place AND having such a lovely choice makes up for an extra few pence on the bill.

Delta Pi Delta Pi…read morehas been on Selly Oak high street for yonks and although it has moved to a smaller premises, opposite it's original locale it is still keeping Selly Oak students stocked with stationary supplies. Holding a collection of typewriters just within it's doors, a feature you won't find in every stationary store, and is expressive of Delta Pi's heritage and love of the printed word. Stocking a wide range of stationary and crucially offering a binding service, essential for coursework deadline time Delta Pi is still the dominant stationary store in Selly Oak has no doubt earnt it's position with countless years of service. If you're in need of stationary in the Selly Oak area or just have a thing for old typewriters then Delta Pi is the place for you!

Delta P I on Bristol Road is a shop selling stationery, office equipment and art materials as well…read moreas a range of other products . A recent move of premises across the road has seen them slim down their stock to take the focus away from office equipment and closer to products that might appeal to the local student population. A large display of greetings cards now sits by the window. There is also a range of antique looking typewriters near the door but I've never inquired if these are for sale or not. I'm an avid amateur sketcher and have bought art materials from this shop before. The selection and product quality were similar to what you might expect to find elsewhere but there wasn't anything particularly special about them, nor was the pricing particularly competitive. I'm not an expert about things such as acrylic paints but the selection here seemed to be similar in scope and pricing to that of my drawing materials - the kind of range you'd find in most art shops, priced slightly higher than you might expect. It should also be mentioned that Delta P I offer other services such as binding. I have not tried any of these but wouldn't be particularly worried about purchasing them form Delta P I if the need to do so arose. In conclusion, a store that has the basics well covered, but probably needs to work a bit harder if it ever wants to achieve the "wow" factor.

I recently visited a lovely little shop in Carters Green West Bromwich. The goods are fantastic and…read morethey have a large selection of beautiful gifts for everyone from babies to wedding gifts. They also offer engraving service, printing service so you can personalize that special present. The staff are pleasent and helpful too. I had to mention this shop as its a bit out of town but well worth a visit.

This is a lovely new shop located within Great Western Arcade. It was originally a Pop-up Shop…read morebased in the Mailbox, but due to their refurbishment - it could no longer remain in this location. It's probably the best thing that has happened to the little store, as it now has a permanent base in a very cool location. Everything on sale is handmade in Birmingham, which means it's full of lovely original pieces dripping with character. All of the items are priced sensibly, meaning you can grab a cute notebook for around £2, whilst the handmade children's clothes price around £22 - £25 (very reasonable when you see the quality). This is their first opening week, but they are already doing a great trade - so ensure you pop in regularly to see the swiftly changing stock (as one artist sells out and another one moves in).

Well it 'does what it says on the tin';) I have found the prices of these guys to be very…read morereasonable. I have had a number of prints framed and they offer a wide range of different woods and materials for you to choose from. I also found their service to be quick.-Approx. a week for my items. I quite like to pop in when I'm down at the Custard Factory as the prints they have for sale are pretty cool. the also sell cards, badges and T-shirts.

Only had one thing framed by these guys - an awesome Chris Bourke print which was exhibited in the…read moregallery that sits within their unit. The print is a thing of beauty, and the framing matches it perfectly - but the only downside I would say is that these guys charge a LOT for framing. Some of what I need to do in my business is have things framed, and I've been forced to shop around to try and find the perfect balance between cost and quality. These guys definitely deliver on quality, but the cost is way too high for me.

Scribbler is a gift, card and novelty shop located on the top level of the Bullring (on the…read moreentrance from the Bull). It's brightly coloured and inviting exterior never fails to draw my eye when I'm taking a shortcut to the Birmingham Markets to grab the weekly shop. Yesterday I thought I would pop in and actually have a look. It's not a large unit, but the walls and floors are totally packed with fun bits and pieces and cards of a good quality. The greetings cards are probably on par with someone like Paperchase in terms of cost, but I spotted some designs I hadn't seen before (and will be back to check regularly to stock up for friends and family). They sell a small range of gift books (including things like Grumpy Cat, Cyanide and happiness as well as other internet webcomics) and items from the likes of "Fred & Friends" for those awesome kind of kitchen gadgets that you don't need, but you definitely want. I spotted some 75% off items on their far wall, left over from the Christmas sales. I ended up purchasing 7 different things that WOULD have been over £40 pre-sale, but I paid £11. The member of staff at the counter was chipper, helpful and welcoming and we had a good old chat about some of the items they stock in the shop. A lot of the gear in here is expensive, but it's unusual and fun and would make brilliant presents for those "hard to buy for" people in your life. Definitely pop on down and give it a look next time you're in the Bullring.

This is a hidden shop tucked away on the Greenfield Road, next to the high street of Harborne has…read morealso an art gallery and they're the right place if you think about framing in the area! I was just fascinated with the kind of service they offer, especially if you want to frame some objects or pictures of really importance to yourself. The art available in this cosy shop is also very interesting. Contemporary pictures, cards and hand blown glassware that can be a really nice option of present to someone special. This shop is also famous for supporting local artists so expect to find some really gorgeous pieces over there! Frame Tec is open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 9am to 5 pm!