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Mongrel

4.5 star rating
based on 15 reviews

Category: Cards & Stationery  [Edit]

2924 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 342-1272
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

15 reviews for Mongrel

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Photo of J C.

 

2

14

J C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/11/2009

Once in the 1990s I was inexplicably entranced by a key chain that I saw in an issue of SPIN magazine. It was a glow-in-the-dark-dog. Mongrel had it. I bought it and from them on out I was a fan and constantly perusing their inventory.

So much so that I could name you about 7 things I still regret never buying there. I've been living away from RVA for 6 years now. This summer I went to Mongrel with a desperate hope that they'd have one item in particular. A key chain with the cable clasp. I knew they wouldn't have it and boy was I surprised when the staff went digging through their stock to find one for me!!!

Bottom line: Mongrel carries great stuff and the staff are helpful & great! And I guess I really like key chains too :P

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Photo of hadley p.

 

1

21

hadley p.

Loudoun, VA

4 star rating
8/23/2009

I am a card junky, but not just any card, something that will elicit some kind of joy in the person I am giving it to. That is what you can find a mongrel. A plethora of cards and funky gifts that are well suited to wide audience. Go cards!

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Photo of Jewel M.

 

26

149

Jewel M.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
7/9/2008

This place is absolutely dope!
I found the coolest cards and it was TRULY a shop "to buy someone something!" LoL.
We even found a hilarious, yet appropriate card for a professor/chair we are giving to thank him for the conference!!!!  (something to the effect of "either you are seriously nice or on ecstacy..we THANK YOU!" LoL.

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Photo of Susan S.

Elite '09

103

1108

Susan S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/3/2005

Mongrel is my favorite store in Carytown.  Cards, gifts, wrapping paper, frames, kitsch -- you name it, they carry it if it is fun, funny or could pass as class.  This store is HUGE for a "card" store - 2 store fronts packed with items that you will want to check out.

A large number of items have an Asian influence (in case you are looking for a gift or card for your sushi pal or new tai chi partner), religious humour (want to leave your religion? check out the spinning guide to world religions for only $7.95) or are pet-centered (esp. dogs).

The staff is friendly, helpful and into the cool kitsch of the store they represent.

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Photo of Alison P.

 

2

24

Alison P.

Richmond, VA

5 star rating
12/30/2008

I love Mongrel. I can always find something unique to give as a gift there! The employees are always quick and helpful.

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Photo of supperrr r.

 

1

41

supperrr r.

Falls Church, VA

5 star rating
11/26/2007

Honestly, after I discovered this store, I never bought my cards from ANYWHERE ELSE. And even now, though I no longer live in Richmond, I still only buy my cards at Mongrel when I manage to make it back.

The selection is great for all those that are anti your standard Hallmark crap cards. The variety is awesome and it's the uniqueness of the kinds of cards that they carry that really makes their card collection special. Every time I come in, I know that I will find a funny, clever, unique, and charming card.  I think that they spend a lot of time scouting out obscure stationary brands that really have a a distinct and different way of approaching greeting cards.

Aside from cards, they also carry a bunch of kitschy items, as others have said. Charming gifts from picture frames (a tiny wooden easel holding up a ceramic canvas where a small picture could be adhered) to fun books (Jack Kerouac quote book, Moleskine city travel edition guides/notebooks) to festive doggie doughnuts and treats, as well as home decor items (a small nest with marble quail eggs, interesting glassware and sculptures).

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Photo of Sean C.

 

0

21

Sean C.

Houston, TX

5 star rating
5/10/2008

Rarely does one find a place with the level of card selection that this home town favorite offers.  Decidedly kitsch and with a gay sensibility that ratchets it up a few more rungs on the ladder.  If you can't find it here, you won't find it anywhere else.  Also a good selection of "cheeky" aka dirty cards to choose from.  Great candles, gift items, stationary, wrapping paper etc.  A fun place to buy some cool gag gifts or impress someone jaded and bitter.  Support our local businesses!

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Photo of Dory K.

 

3

36

Dory K.

Richmond, VA

4 star rating
8/11/2008

Another Cary Street gem. It's like a slightly more grown-up version of World of Mirth...but only slightly. Like every other reviewer, I think it's a fantastic place to get a gift (especially a kitschy one), and if I could, I would decorate my life with stuff from Mongrel.

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0

23

K S.

Richmond, VA

4 star rating
12/3/2008

Mongrel is a shop where you can find a gift for almost every person on your list.  I am a particular fan of the card selection and cocktail napkins.  Who doesn't like a fun cocktail napkin?  Many humorous items can be found in this store as well as sweet and heartfelt gift items.  If I am ever at a loss as to what to buy someone Mongrel is the place I go.

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7

katzenjaammer J.

Richmond, VA

4 star rating
11/7/2008

First of all, the staff are wonderful. Laid back, hip, friendly with a sense of humor. And no, they didn't pay me to say that! It's the truth.

There is a small gay community in Richmond and some of the clientele and inventory are geared for them. There is a little adult content, although it is not overt. If this offends you...get over it!

The gifts, while unique and tasteful, are yes a tad overpriced for my wallet. I enjoy the vibe and get great ideas from them, but rarely buy. I go for the beautiful and unique wrapping paper and cards. They make even the humblest offering a little more special. Hallmark is okay for Gramma, but I like something with a little more flair for my friends!

Mongrel is the only store in this area (that I am aware of) with this type of merchandise. And that's why I go. They're open till about 6 in the evening.

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Photo of David A.

 

9

110

David A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/23/2009

This is such a fun and light hearted place to buy awesome gifts, things for the home and bath stuff. The cards are out of this world and will have you sharing them with the person beside you. I always wanted to buy this store growing up, they should make it a chain!

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Photo of Jacqueline V.

 

0

31

Jacqueline V.

Richmond, VA

3 star rating
6/2/2008

There are some cute things in the store but it is pretty pricey. I probably would go back if I needed to buy a unique card for someone. To quote my boyfriend, "it seems like a place where 30 yr old hipsters shop."

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Photo of Dylan M.

 

5

54

Dylan M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/28/2007

One of the best places to shop for adults and older teens in the city of Richmond.  It's a little on the pricey side for the really nice stuff, but they make up for it with their awesome collection of not-so-chintzy trinkets and sweet occasion cards.

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Photo of Rye C.

 

2

13

Rye C.

Richmond, VA

5 star rating
5/18/2008

The first place to stop when looking for any gift. Lots of fun stuff from cards to books to random-how-did-they-think-of-that kind of stuff.

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Photo of J R.

 

1

9

J R.

New York, NY

5 star rating
1/12/2008

I was born and raised in good ole RVA but live in NYC now, and everytime I have to get a card for any special occasion... I find myself thinking, if only I were in Richmond, I could go to Mongrel and find the perfect card in less than thirty seconds! Seriously, Mongrel is the best. They have what you're looking for, no matter what the occasion.

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