Aug 1st was Stationary Store Day and I celebrated by hitting up a couple of the 16 Los Angeles participating stores. 1st stop was Shorthand in HLP. Love this little shop off York. Picked up my SSD passport and received my first stamp, Bright and spacious shop with all your stationary needs. Great selection of writing/coloring utensils. I'm obsessed with pens so I had to pick one up. A plus on service, always greeted with smiling faces. Everyone was showing a little extra excitement for the SSD activities. I've been here a couple times and will keep coming back. read more

See all

Amazing and unique store, Highly recommend -- this is a special store and a refreshing analog type alternative to our digital world. I order online from them and they carry / curate an amazingly unique variety of products (I mostly buy pencils -- you won't find a larger variety of Japanese Camel pencils which have a unique design and amazing graphite -- everything except the 3B T-Prime version lol but that one is obscure). Thank you again and please consider opening a store in the San Diego area. (Note: this review is entirely and organically my own and not written, edited or pasted into/from any AI type software product, as you can probably tell by the grammar and punctuation mistakes) read more

Cool little stationary store. Decent selection of reasonably priced fountain pens. Nothing too high end. Good selection of different items. The staff were nice and helpful. Paid parking lot in back. read more

See all

Shorthand is a stationery shop located in Highland Park. This is one of several cards & stationery shops on York Blvd (including Crush & Touch locating right next door). Currently Shorthand has 3 locations - Highland Park, Larchmont Village, and San Anselmo. This Highland Park location is the flagship location. [Parking]: There are plenty of metered parking spots and paid public parking lots, but parking can be hard to come by during busy shopping seasons. [Selection]: The shop offers greeting cards, pens, notebooks, pen, pencils, gift wraps, etc. I like the greeting card selection a lot better at Shorthand, but I didn't see too many Valentine's Day cards. The shop was a lot more colorful than Crush & Touch as Shorthand organized pens and pencils by color. They also sell really neat hand drawn Highland Park and Eagle Rock maps. The shop also sells various colors of ribbon per yard and gift wrap. Each color of ribbon has a slightly different price. I actually got a red tight weave ribbon for $1.75 per yard and the staff even gave me a slightly extra length. [Gift Wrap Service]: Customers can purchase gifts in store or bring them in from elsewhere. In general, regular (one sheet) = $8, large (two sheets) = $14, and extra large (three sheets+) = $20+. [Conclusion]: A really cute stationery shop with all the supplies for gift wrapping. read more

See all

Shorthand isn't just a place where you buy pens--it's a place you arrive at. I didn't come here to photograph the inside of the shop. Yelp already has plenty of those. What I wanted to capture was the approach: the walk down York Blvd, the alleyway murals, the old hardware storefronts, and the layers of paint and history that shape the experience before you ever touch a notebook. This stretch of Highland Park feels like a conversation between eras. Weathered buildings sit comfortably beside thoughtfully designed shops. The graffiti feels intentional, not careless--colorful, textured, alive. You pass an old-school hardware store with ladders stacked like sculpture, a garden space filled with hanging plants, and storefronts splashed with rainbow tiles. By the time you reach Shorthand, your eyes are already awake. Shorthand fits perfectly into this environment. It doesn't interrupt the neighborhood--it belongs to it. The colors, typography, and quiet confidence of the storefront mirror the care inside: pens chosen for how they feel in your hand, paper that makes you slow down, tools that invite intention. It's aesthetically pleasing without trying too hard--curated, but never precious. What I love most is how visiting Shorthand feels like participating in old Los Angeles and new Los Angeles at the same time. The past lives in the architecture, the sidewalks, the faded paint. The future shows up in the design, the creativity, the people passing through with sketchbooks and ideas. If you're looking for it, you're not just searching for a stationery store. You're looking for an experience. Highland Park 5030 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Come for the pens. Stay for the walk, the colors, the history--and the feeling that you've stepped into a pocket of LA that still knows how to slow down and let you see. Right next door is Crush & Touch Art Supply, and together they form a quiet creative pairing that makes the block even more special. You step out of Shorthand with a pen that feels intentional, and just a few feet away you're surrounded by paint, brushes, color, and texture. Writing and art sit side by side--tools for thinking next to tools for making. The transition feels natural, not commercial, like the neighborhood expects creativity to spill from one space into the next. That's why my photos focus on the street: the alley graffiti, the hardware store, the plant-filled garden space, the surrounding storefronts. Shorthand doesn't exist in isolation--it's part of a small ecosystem where creativity lives out loud. You don't just visit a stationery store here. You walk into a creative corridor that feels deeply, unmistakably Los Angeles. read more

See all

Cute little store in Highland Park, right off York Boulevard. It's a bit of a busy street, but there's metered street parking and park and pay parking in the back. When we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile. It was packed, probably because it was Stationery Store Day. They had posters, with and without frames, postcards, stickers, tapes, candles, cards for different occasions, pens, notepads, highlighters, planners, and just about anything you'd need for your desk. It's a small store, but it's really well-organized. They've organized everything by color, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but helpful if you're looking for a specific color. read more

See all

The most aesthetically pleasing stationary shop I've ever seen! I LOVE that they are color coordinated! That just makes me so happy. They have a good selection of stationary, I do which they had a larger selection of fountain pens, but they did have a decent selection. Staff was kind and welcoming. As far as pricing goes they are right on target with what is common for each item I saw. Would definitely go back, because that place just makes me happy. read more

Shorthand - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a classy little stationery shop. Most items are arranged by color. I had been to the Shorthand in Larchmont for Stationery Store Day. It's bigger than this shop. But this one has the printing press. And if you're lucky and they're printing, you can watch through the glass. Cool. I bought some cute washi tapes and some paper. Parking is metered on York. But one can find parking in the neighborhood behind. read more

Shorthand - Printing press in action! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A very curated selection of stationary and cards. I wish they had more general desk goods in addition to the gorgeous offerings they do stock, but if you need to flex with your letter writing implements this is the place. read more

I darkened their doorsteps during the Annual Stationery Store Day Crawl in August. It was fantastic! plenty of pens, journals, markers, planners, calendars, pencil cases, fountain pens and inks. Everything the Stationary geek in you might want to purchase they have it here. This place is located on busy York Blvd. I think this area is known as Highland Park very trendy. Staff was helpful and thrilled to see all of the people come through for the crawl. I will definitely return in the future. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

See all

PAPER PLANT is such a cute stationery store! It is small but mighty. Whoever organized the display did it in such an eye-catching way -- by color! A wonderful shop that fits the vibe of this Highland Park neighborhood. The worker was super helpful. When I needed help looking for an item, she didn't just point: she walked around and showed different products from different parts of the shop that might be on interest to me -- from super affordable to affordable-but-pricey. read more

Shorthand - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very spacious and bright store with a lot of stationery things. All the designs are bare minimal and nothing too fancy in design. Cute storefront. read more

This is one of my favorite places to shop for greeting cards-all made in house! The selection of pens and pencils is vast. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. read more

I enjoyed walking into this store and seeing everything color coordinated. There is a selection of cards to choose from (birthday, thank you, etc). There was also a variety of note pads and pens. They also sell candles! I also enjoyed how spacious the store was. Most stationery stores I've visited have been small. I will definitely be returning. read more

Shorthand - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very cute stationary store. Everything matches and they have an incredible selection of cards that are all very tasteful or cute or hilarious so definitely a great place to stop by for any occasion, especially if you have a specific color aesthetic you want to match. read more

This store was very cute! Well organized and offered lots of pens, notebooks and highlighters. This is strictly a pen and notebook store- does not have other items like stickers or stamps read more

Cute, organized store, they had what I was looking for which was a journal refill specifically sized for my abnormally sized travelers journal not overpriced which is always good since stationary can get expensive. There is a coffee shop down the street and a small playground so overall it's a nice area to hangout. read more

4.5 stars A very airy and well organized stationary store. It has notebooks and pens galore! If I had a store, it would look like this. I loved all the notebooks, little erasures, and pens. I also stared enviously at the fountain pens and admired their available color inks. I promised myself that one day, I'd get a fountain pen, but I just haven't found the One yet. Unfortunately, my One True Fountain pen was not here. Although the selection was plentiful, the thickness of the pens were not for me...so my search continues... I did, however, find my 2023 pen of the year! You see, I have a five-year journal and I always choose one color for the entire year...and I'm really happy to have found it in the color orchid. I also found out that they make some of their own cards and paper designs and I love that about this store! They also try to bring in some artists' work and I can't wait to see more. I will definitely be back! read more

Shorthand - Stunning interior - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you are looking for a unique gift or have to have that one special writing instrument then you will find a good selection at this small shop. It's fun to browse and search for that one or more item that you must take home. read more

Shorthand - Blue 2023 - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Beautifully curated shop! Super lovely people as well. I felt like a kid in a candy shop.

Beautifully organized stationery store... everything displayed by color. Very small location. Limited selection.

Parking: 7/10. There is parking available in nearby neighborhoods or paid parking lot. We got there early so parking was manageable. Selection of items: 9/10. I love that their shop is organized by colors, which makes it very aesthetically pleasing. There are an array of unique and staple stationery items. Items are reasonably priced for the most part. They have unique events such as Stationery Store Day. I love that this place is nested in an area with other stationery stores nearby! Service: 10/10. I actually missed out on the customized build your own notebook event during Stationery Store Day (I came a day later thinking the event would last for the weekend). However, they were super nice and allowed me to take home several coloring postcard from their stationery store day event for my penpals and I since I made quite the drive (at no extra cost even though I offered to pay). I would love to come back if I'm in the area again! read more

As a stationary GEEK this was a threatening store to my wallet. The color coded sections are absolutely stunning and the employees were super friendly!!! They have all kinds of pens, pencils, markers, ink, lead, clips, paints, calendars, notebooks, cards, candles, journals, planners and more. It really is a perfect shop. Perfect for anyone who is wanting to get nice stationary items, get organized, or just loves stationary. I restrained from buying too much but the things I got I still absolutely love and use. (Mainly pens and markers because it's my obsession) So worth a stop! Right next to Crush + Touch also!! read more

See all

Beautiful shop with lovely stationery and all kinds of related items. Not a bargain store but if you're into this kind of thing and can afford it, you'll be happy. read more

I have visited Shorthand several times, and this is a great stationery store! It's located in Highland Park on York Boulevard, and they have an excellent selection of cards. I have found nice birthday cards in the past, and in terms of price, Shorthand is comparable to other stationery stores I've visited in LA. They also offer other supplies including calendars, notebooks, art supplies, and other paper goods. Service has been consistently friendly, and I'm sure i will visit again in the future. You can also order items online for pickup, and that process went smoothly when I done it in the past. However, I would recommend visiting and browsing the selection in person! read more

This wonderful store filled with cards, pens, journals, paper, and gadgets is dreamy. It is organized to a fault, almost where you feel that everything is in perfect order and by touching it, it appears out of place. It is amazing to look at, the smell of paper wafting in the room as they press paper in the back. Such a cool idea, with an open work area in the back, one can see them making products as you shop. I give this 4 stars versus 5 based on service only. The person behind the counter appeared to care less whether we were there or not, barely looking up to assist as she sorted new pens. This store is small and it is obvious when someone needs help or perhaps has a question. It was obvious that we were very excited to be in this store, completely in awe of its contents. However, her lack of enthusiasm brought us down a notch and our potential purchase of over 50 dollars turned out to be an inexpensive pen and some paper instead. We will give this wonderful establishment another try as it is an oasis for those who live for writing and sending mail to others who appreciate fine stationary. read more

Shorthand - Pinch me.... - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Store closed even though hours showed it was open. Showed up within their posted time and it was not open. Waste of meter parking

love the stationery and card options here! I'm not often on this side of town, but when I am, I always make it a point to stop in here and grab a card or two. they also have cute knick knacks and gifts here too! read more

This place is cute. The only thing I feel a little iffy on is those in the know -know this is basically CW Enterprise, a pencil/stationary store found in New York City. There's nothing wrong with copying someone's idea, businesses do it all the time, BUT when I asked the people about it they act like they didn't know what I was talking about. Come on now, let's give credit where credit is due, especially when even the layout and how they display things is basically the same. CW Enterprise was advertised everyplace because it was one of the only places that sold pencils exclusively and had a great aesthetic, which Shorthand is basically emulating, which is ok too. The first rule in creative business, especially in Los Angeles, is you acknowledge who your inspiration is. Somebody there knows what I'm talking about. You can see from my images below between the two stores. PS -CW closed in November :( read more

See all

Recently purchased the cutest rainbow printed blank cards and some calligraphy pens and fine point markers! Got them delivered to my house during quarantine and I love my new supplies to send some snail mail! --- I haven't purchased anything here yet but have walked in and browsed a few times! This store just gives me positive vibes and I always walk out happy! They have a wide assortment of beautiful, creative and unique greeting cards, stationary and notebooks, pens and other writing tools, and other curated writing and office supplies. Service here is always great! I love when people greet you and say goodbye to anyone who comes through their store. That little gesture doesn't happen as often as I'd like but it happens here! Parking - free str read more

So lovely. This is my go to spot for when I need a card. Don't mind spending a little more for something so thoughtfully made -- especially in this digital age it's so nice to give a beautiful, potentially commemorative artifact for someone to treasure. read more

I love this store. I drove all the way to Highland Park so I could buy a few pens, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and an eraser from here. I just love small business stores like this and want to support them. The staff was super helpful when I told them what I was looking for and I'm excited to invest in (still relatively affordable) pens that I can refill so I'm not just buying a bunch of plastic all the time. read more

Don't waste your time. First, if you can't handle updating your hours in Yelp, and severely inconvenience someone from out of town, perhaps you should just try a lemonade stand. We arrived only to find you have to order online, but, we were told all inventory in the store was on the website. So, I went through the hassle to get one item. Then, spotting another item in the window, I asked where it was online. I was then told it was NOT online and since it wasn't there, I would not be able to purchase the item - since another employee was required -- in spite of this still being within their posted business hours. Save yourself frustration and order "Next Day" from Amazon.com read more

I LOVE the cards at Shorthand SO MUCH! From the paper quality to the creative images and witty words, these gems make for the perfect experience in sharing with others. There is as much reward in giving their cards as in receiving, and I can't recommend this lovely store more (and their staff as well!!). read more

Love this stationery store. Such a great selection of cards and stationery goodies. I always find the perfect card and gift when I visit.

Swooooooontown, USA! Such a beautifully curated stationery and print shop on York in Highland Park. It took A LOT of self control to not blow all my dough on Shorthand's selection of pens, notebooks, and cards. I *did* pick up a couple birthday cards just in case, plus one of my favorite black pens (Le Pen!). Definitely one of the best designed shops on the block (although there's some very cute stuff in this part of HLP). Come for gifty things (for yourself or others), sketch books, or desk organizers for the beloved type A in your life. This place will make you want to be your most organized self and I'm all about it. Cannot wait to come back! read more

If you like things neat as a pin you will love coming into this store just to see how it is merchandised, with pens and paper and other writing accouterments painstakingly laid out in a tempting rainbow all over the store. More keenly focused on the art of correspondence than say, Paper Source, thr store's selection does want in the "random gift" category. This store is strictly for people who like pens and writing things down! I really liked the greeting card selection and the Xmas card sets were some of the most off-beat, interesting, while still pretty that I've seen. read more

Truly the sweetest stationery shop I've ever seen with the most incredible pen selection! Many of the items are made in house and others are sourced from across the globe. I shopped in person when I was in LA and continue to shop online when I need gifts and cards for friends! read more

Shorthand - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

amazing selection! i found a new brand of pen i really enjoy too! everytime i come in the staff is so helpful and nice.

I've been dreaming of going to Shorthand forever now, and that dream finally came true today!! Wow wow wow, beautiful products and I love how everything is sorted by color - gasp! So fun! Rebecca was the employee working at the time and she is awesome! Made my Shorthand experience such a positive one! They have pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, cards, highlighters, scissors, candles, gift wrap, everything a stationery lover like me would die for! read more