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Paper Doll
Rating Details »
Category: Cards & Stationery
Neighborhood: Wicker Park2048 W Division St
(between Damen Ave & Hoyne Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 227-6950
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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85 reviews for Paper Doll
I stopped at Paper Doll a few weeks back on my way to Juko a few doors down, as I was a little early for my appointment. It was a few days before my wedding and I wanted to wrap the gift I got my husband and also wanted to get another little item for his bday (incidentally same day as our wedding).
This store is just worlds of super cute. I wish I had had more time to spend just looking leisurely at everything. As it was, in my limited amount of time, I got some gorgeous single sheet wrapping paper in a fun print, a fantastic illustrated dictionary of curiousities for the hubby and a very pretty box to put another gift in.
And what made the trip even more enjoyable, was the sound of Maude's pug snorts from behind the counter! About 6 years ago, I lived across the street from Paper Doll's old store and when I bought my pug, Monster, I took him across the street to meet Maude, his first pug friend! Sweetness.
Paper Doll is my go-to for amazing, one of a kind cards that make the recipient feel special. Many little card and gift boutique shops don't have a lot of variety, but Paper Doll provides a selection that displays the keen eye of the owners for quality and originality.
There is a fantastic selection of little gifts and trinkets, if you are looking for something extra. The owner is friendly and Maude the pug is adorable. If only every neighborhood in Chicago was lucky enough to have their own Paper Doll.
I love that all the little cards here look like a work of art. In most cases it's like the gift itself is the card. I come here for that someone special that I know will appreciate the card and not just throw it in the garbage, but perhaps put it in a frame or hang it up or just keep it forever as a keepsake. Plus all the little tchotkes are so cute. There is something for every age, taste and occasion.
And I must have caught Maude on one of her good days because the last time I went in there she was extra lovey dovey and followed my friend and I around the store, wedging herself between our ankles and sitting on our feet. So I have to give her an extra star for the sappy pug love.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2007
Awww I love the fact that I come in to buy a card for somebody and end up just wanting to buy a… Read more »
Great, hilarious, off-color greeting cards. I also love the holiday card packs (like the ones with a Chicago-themed illustration of a string connected to 2 lawn chairs set out on snowy street parking say, "Happy Holidays" - awesome). Maud (pug) is a little intimidating at first, but is sweet and loves to rub her face on your pants leg.
This store is amazing!!!!! If you are a stationary fanatic like me, this is one of the best card shops in town. It's got every type of card you can imagine, the decor is super cute, and the pug is the star of the whole experience though. Maude makes me want to go there just to say hello.
This is also a fantastic place to find a special gift for someone who might have it all. The owners of the shop have always been very friendly and helpful and the selection is just perfect.
I would say the prices are reasonable with cards ranging from 3- 6 bucks which is perfect. 5 stars all the way. My only suggestion is they change the name to Maude's - A pug run stationary emporium. :P
I absolutely love sending and receiving mail. I am constantly stocking up on cards to send to people and have a collection featuring one appropriate for just about every conceivable life event. My mom does as well. It's a genetic disease, of sorts.
Despite the size of my current selection, I couldn't help browsing the walls of Paper Doll for more cards. The selection is incredible - a sentiment un-expressible in a Paper Doll card is a sentiment unknown to mankind.
More than just a stationery store, Paper Doll has all kinds of fun stuff. In addition to the "congratulations on your new baby" card I came in search of, I also found cutey-patootey stickers featuring the (mis)adventures of a little black cat. At $2, those stickers are the perfect little treat to stick in a card to my black-cat-owning sister in Minneapolis.
Best of all, of course, is dear Maude. I petted her as my items were being rung up and I swear she purred like a cat (I know, I know, pugs are noisy breathers, but just let me think that Maude was showing her love for me, OK?).
You're such a unique little paper store. Some things are a little pricey but I don't mind paying a bit more for a high quality interesting item. (I could buy a $.99 card at Walgreens but where's the heart? where's the beauty?) My friends are always excited about the birthday cards I give them and part of that credit goes to you. It's always a lovely experience dropping by even if I don't buy anything. Plus I love your dog!
Wow. I mean, really, just wow.
I went in to pick up a Thank You card to send after my upcoming job interview and found myself staring at the cards (actually just the Thank You cards alone), open-mouthed for a good five minutes before coming out of my reverie. Then I spent another ten minutes just trying to choose one; they were all lovely and it was a difficult decision.
I walked towards the counter to pay and that's when I noticed... Hey! This place doesn't just have cards. I was suddenly bombarded by hundreds of things I would have bought in a second, had I the money to do so.
I didn't think it would be a good idea to fold to my whim to take one of everything, having just been laid off, but rest assured, Paper Doll, when I am back on my feet, I'm coming back and I'm leaving with a full bag or two of teacups, magnets, books, necklaces, dog collars, and buttons.
Sorry to be a hater, but I'm not a fan. I love cute little card stores like this, but have a few complaints. The selection: I always go in here thinking I'm going to find the best card, but don't. Birthdays, weddings, baby showers, you name it. The signage - I always have a hard time finding what I want. Which brings me to the third thing I don't like: the service, I guess I just expected a little more than a nod in the direction of the wedding section when I asked if they had engagement cards.
My review of Paper Doll is long overdue. First I must say that I am sure that my Beagle has dreams of Maude, the REAL owner of Paper Doll. She is always welcoming to both my hound and myself. I hope the lovely ladies running the store will not be put off by me saying this, but if it were not for Maude, we wouldn't frequent the store as often. What can I say, our pets call the shots.
I am always getting compliments for the cards I send out. But the real compliments belong to the ladies who do the purchasing. The cards are fantastic, and their stationary and gifts are great as well. A Book of Lists???!?! A box of cards that read "Love Stinks", and "Go F$%k Yourself"?!?! Are you kidding me!?!?
It's like these ladies crawled inside my head and artistically provided something tangible I can share with all of my closest friends.
So pick up one of Maude's business cards and buy me something good.
But The Beagle says PAWS OFF! She belongs to him.
I stopped in, at the suggestion of Leigh K., for some baby shower invitations and ended up spending a half hour going through each and every holiday card they had, too. Everything is so darling and lovely, and I want to move in and write letters to people all day long.
Their fill-in baby shower invitations were hidden away, but I was helped right away to find the cutest squirrel cards in the world.
I love the name of this place! ...and How cute is that sign for this store?! I just want to walk in and start gluing or cutting paper myself. Well... either that or my compulsive self wants to reach up to that sign and start folding those fake paper tabs over. If there was a table in this place with paper dolls and glue sticks ..I seriously would be focused for hours.
Ok..".FOCUSING"....awesome place to buy cards. I always say that a lil' more love comes in a handmade card. If you can't do it yourself, buy one. I know....not quite the same, but the cards here are beautiful. Art in themselves in fact!
So GO..go to Paper Doll! Buy some cards and make someone smile today with a paper message instead of a text message!
I love this place! They have a unique and creative section of cards as well as other kinds of interesting gifts. They focus on artists and stand apart from the rest as both a card and gift shop. In addition, Stacy and her doggy are just great. Both are so welcoming and friendly. She also has fantastic taste in music! Highly recommended!
Everything about Paper Doll is adorable. The cards, the candles... Maude!! Is it wrong if sometimes I go in just to get a look at the most adorable pug in Wicker Park? I thought not. I still think snail mail is the best mail so I couldn't have been more thrilled when I first found this store years ago. Cute shirts and wrapping paper too.
I love Paper Doll! I couldn't even completely tell you why...I know it's mostly because the store is adorable and cozy. Although, the old location's storefront was a lot cuter than the new location. This is a great store to go and just browse and get ideas for future gifts. It's a perfect store for cards when you are only giving a a card or a card w/ an enclosed gift certificate or money. It's also perfect for special occasions like sympathy, new baby or weddings. Have you ever noticed at large parties that the guest of honor will get repeat cards purchased at Hallmark or big box stores? That won't happen at Paper Doll. I've never been the type of person to buy card ahead of time and store them away but I have been guilty of doing that at Paper Doll. I will go in there for something and see the perfect card for someone else and put it away until their birthday or other special event. I've also purchased little tchotchkes, t-shirts, dog collars and baby gifts. They have a beautiful selection of gift wrap too! I haven't used their custom cards yet (baby announcements, weddings, etc.) but I fully intend to! Plus, I always get compliments on the cards and gifts when I use them.
They are a fun store! If I have out of town visitors it is on my itinerary to bring them in. They have a small town and urban vibe all at once. If you do go---keep an eye out for their pug Maude.
Cute stuff. Snow and Graham calendars, lots of different cards and some fun books/gifts. In the back they have papers and I found one with a vintage CTA map on it from the 50's. Very cool.
Gotta love the pug that runs around the store too. He tried following me out.
ok.. here is a secret... Everyone asks where I get my hilarious/ creative cards. The answer is paper doll. Not only do they have wonderful treasures and millions of fun cards, the sisters are welcoming. No matter how long it's been since I last visited the store I feel like they remember me.
I can't even tell you how many times they have bailed me out of last min. gift hell!
Thanks ladies!!
Crystal
This place is the best! I could spend hours here. I love writing and I think it is getting lost in the midst of emails, texts etc. so going here is great.
There is a dog that here that is adorable, she'll walk along you while looking at cards. At first I thought it was kind of weird but then I found it very cute & funny.
This is the perfect card store to find unique and cute finds. Really great stationery! Their holiday selection is great as well. They also have very fun(a bit expensive) single sheets of wrapping paper, so great!
I use to live around the corner from the old, smaller location. Somehow I always managed to find an excuse to go in and buy some cards and maybe a small gift or two for myself.
Then Paper Doll moved...
down the street.
No big deal, right? Well it wasn't on my way to the subway, that's for sure. It was just on the other side of Damen, but to me that was like having to go to Lakeview or some crap. It was just soooo farrrrrrrr.
Okay, it wasn't...
Fast forward to two apartments later and I'm back to living by Paper Doll again! Hooray!
I love the new, larger location. Everything is organized so nicely and cute. The cards and gifts can't be beat. I love picking up a few at a time for upcoming birthdays/holidays. My mom has saved every card I've got her from there, too. Do you know why? Because THEY ARE AWESOME - artfully done and even frame-able.
The wonderful gal who's always there is genuine and friendly.
Forget Hallmark. Support independent artists. Support a neighborhood store.
Oh - and like everyone else - gotta give it up for Maude the pug!
The cards are quirky, and although some are pretty pricy, I can usually find something I like for the same price as a hallmark card. Many times, someone who I send a card to makes it a point to tell me how much they liked it - that never happens with a generic card from Walgreens.
This fun place is not only a good place to stop when you need a card, but also just interesting to peruse for unique gifts. And if you like dogs (pugs in particular), consider this is your Valhalla.
Maude, the owner's pug, is one tough broad. She has a leopard print bed where you can find her lounging, and when she's not lounging, she stalks the counter like she's guarding the place.
I love the cards here. I don't know if they're over-priced or not, because I haven't gotten cards at Hallmark or Walgreens for years. I do know that they always have the -perfect- card for whoever you're looking for. The recipient of the card always loves it, and then everyone feels so warm and fuzzy. Aww.
Their other merchandise is so excessively cute! Snoopy Sno-cone machines! Coloring books! Neat little wallets shaped like cupcakes! Snow and Graham candles! Whee! I got gifts and for three people (four if you include the goodies I bought myself) and it was only around $100! Yay! Exclamation points!
On the rare...okay, not so rare, occasion that I have to pick up a last minute gift, I head straight to Paper Doll. Maude the pug greets you when you walk in. Even though it's a small space, it is chock full of gifty goodness. In the past, I have purchased the following gifts there: a plethora of handmade greeting cards from local and national crafters, a Chicago: Stories from the City book for my parents, sickeningly cute Japanese stationery, a mulled wine scented candle, a Lotta Jansdotter card set, a beautifully bound blank book, etc.
The Swett sisters keep their inventory cute. There are lots of stuffed animals, pug-related gifts (artwork even), and picture frames there as well. Paper Doll has saved me from showing up without gifts many a time. If you don't have a lot of time to browse, you can ask for suggestions and they'll help you out. That's how I actually came to purchase the mulled wine candle for my mead-making friend! If you are in the WP/UKV area and haven't been here yet, you must make up for lost time and go.
The move West on Division seems to be the best thing that could have happened. It's at least doubled in size and it's right across from Thai Village. Maude has a lot more space to run around and there's actually a table now set up towards the back for choosing wedding invitations comfortably. Paper Doll is a rare commodity in an age where gifts are bought sight unseen on the internet. It's a good feeling to hold a card in your hand and just know it was meant for you to give to the person you're going to give it to.
Wow. What a store. OK, I used to go to Paper Doll four plus years ago when it was at the other store front on Division closer to the lake and more intimate. It was around that same time I was just getting hip to the whole Internet/DIY/craft alternacultural explosion that was happening. I mean, four years before that in high school suburbia, I read Rollerderby and Cometbus and went to Frumpies concerts and knew enough to be able to order records by mail-order by K records... I knew there was an underground, but wasn't necessarily really that connected to it.
But in college I realized that the Internet just democratized and flattened everything, you no longer had to be friendly to annoying people just to get mix tapes and be initiated in the secret knowledge societies of obsessive, exclusive fandom. After several years, it changed everything and our generation I think soon began over-estimating the power of the Internet as a tool.
I used to love going in this store, but I'd be like, "Well, why don't people just open up Bust, or Bitch, or Readymade, or Chickfactor or Venus or whatever, find ads in the back that they like, go to the websites and just order their items directly?" But I kept going (the owners have excellent taste) and I kept buying stuff. And people kept being really happy with the presents I found for them when they were bought from Paper Doll. And then I finally got it...
You might read those magazines. You might even be so moved (or target ted demographically if you're a cynic) that you ended up checking out their websites. You might even see an item that might be appropriate for an upcoming friend's birthday or something. But the odds are, unless you are a list-person that gets everything done right away chop chop, you're probably like, "hmm, well maybe... but ordering it is a schlep and then what if it looks different and I have to send it back? I'm just not sure..." and the phone rings and the cat is stepping all over the keyboard and you get distracted by Jackee Harry on a syndicated episode of 227 on the TV and the next thing you know, boom, it's the day before your friends birthday and you are searching for a present and it's too late to order that present.
That happened to me a few times. And I went to Paper Doll. And each time I either found the item or something even better, rarer, cooler and more appropriate for the person. Seriously. And the two owners are as sweet as pie and funny. People are always like "support your local businesses! ["Such and such a sweet indie owner] is so [hot/nice/smart/helpful] and thank the sweet heavens above that their store exists."] but in THIS case, they don't need me, I need THEM.
You might be cool enough to be "in the know" or whatever (and I no longer even think that means anything) but unless you are on top of all your stuff, going to stores like this where you get to peruse the wares in person, rush to the counter, plonk down the cash or credit and dash, all in seconds flat, well to me, in many ways, that seems like a luxury now. Seriously, I fear in the future we'll have to type in user names and passwords just to make our morning coffee or whatever. l love the Internet, don't get me wrong. But we're still learning how to balance the virtual and the physical. And in the meantime, I feel incredibly lucky that stores like Paper Doll are there to tide me over.
My favorite place to buy cards. They have an amazing selection of cards for every occasion. The gift wrapping paper is cool.
Definitely recommended.
Amen, Paper Doll-goers! Maude, a very cute pug, greeted me when I came in and the two ladies that work there are so helpful and funny. Seriously, I went in for one card and bought, like, five. (Aren't you glad I'm not in charge of the national budget? I need an intervention.) This place just radiates COOL. Love it.
Not only is this paper boutique filled will the cutest things on earth, but the owners are saints! I made 3 trips here in 3 days to find the right tools in which to create my wedding invitations! They were patient and helpful, even though I was a wreck, cause I kinda left it till the last minute...!
Aside from that, they have baby stuff, toys, dog stuff, purses, wallets, books, jewelry - this is the place to go to find a gift for sure.
My husband already picked out gifts for his future niece/nephew once he/she is born! Indie designs and one of a kinds!
And their dog is adorable!!!
Yay for Paper Doll!!! A+++++++++++++
Haven't been to their new location yet, but they used to be right around the corner from me. Even when I didn't need to buy anyone a gift, I would stop by and see the latest cards or trinkets they had in. If I was shopping for someone, it was a good place to count on for cute or quirky gifts. I love mom and pop shops and the owner's welcoming personality kept me as a regular customer.
Edit: I finally stopped by their new spot and I definitely stand by everything I had said about their previous store. The new place has the same vibe, though it's larger, carries tons more of the same great stuff and has a large gift wrapping area in the back. Their selection is unbeatable. Paper Source is a close second and has more stuff in the way of arts and crafts, but Paper Doll has a broad and unique selection of gifts and cards, better than any other I've seen.
Yes yes, this is a very cute store...if you're into matching your card to your wrapping paper and bows. Only, if you're looking for a quick card for a guy's birthday you probably won't find it here. I ended up getting my brother a card with a dog on the front. I guess that is my punishment for being a last minute kind of girl, or bad sister. I probably should have gone to Walgreen's instead. I could have gotten a "manly" card for cheaper. I guess what I'm saying is, if someone just got engaged, or is having a wedding or baby shower or it's their child's first communion, you should come here. If your brother who likes to do beer bongs is turning 29, don't come here.
I like the pug in the store.
I always, always, always find the perfect gift at this store. Sometimes the gift was for myself, and sometimes for other people. But they have the cutest stuff. I even found something adorable for my fiance's 92 year old grandmother that was chic and fun. You have to love a place that you can find a perfect gift for ANYONE!
Love the doggie too!
Mental Note: A vast and varied selection of very cool Birthday cards.
I'm a paper fanatic and found some truly irreverent and fun things to write on.
so many things to look at in here!
:)
i had to buy some more holiday cards and they have a bunch of independent card designs. got a couple packages of cards made from recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly inks. most packaged holiday cards ran from about $15 to $20 with 8-12 cards in a package...
such a great departure from all these corporate card companies like hallmark and that crap.
apart from greeting cards, they have a whole bunch of little gift ideas from candles, t-shirts, home accessories, interesting books, baby clothes and toys, tote bags, stamps, stickers, lovely wrapping paper etc...
even my brother who probably don't have much interest towards most of the products in this shop found things to look at.
the owner's pug had some sort of eye infection so she was wearing a cone and snoring behind the counter... poor dog. the pug's photos can be found throughout the store inside picture frames. they also have a lot of pug themed items too :)
super friendly staff...
This review is long over-due!
Paper Doll is swell. That's right. Swell! My husband and I went to the shop a few months ago to get some wedding invitation guidance, and Stacy was terrifically helpful and enthusiastic. She ordered the invites from Egg Press and made sure we got them in plenty of time (we'd waited a little longer than we should have to think about them). Plus, they looked terrific, and she sent us a congratulations card a couple weeks later. Just a lovely touch from a lovely lady. In addition to their custom invitations, though, they've got a terrific selection of cards to say thank-you, happy birthday, and any other greeting you might be inclined to send, and little odds and ends like fabulous journals, expando-file cases (I got two for school), and other stuff you don't really need but really, really must have.
Have fun shopping!
You cannot dislike a place with a little pug as genial as Maude. She hangs out in the doorway enticing you to come in with her charms and then once you're in - she'll follow you about wanting to be petted. Bless.
Ahem. Paper Doll has a great selection at reasonable prices. I picked up a nice Moleskine day planner and a pen. The nice lady (perhaps the owner) working was very helpful which I appreciated. I'd definitely go back again.
I want to stay here all day and chat it is so inviting.
Its not the cheapest place for cards- but the quality is AMAZING. The service excellent, and it is supporting local business.
I picked up some custom thank you cards took no time at all and was very happy!
Maude talks. I swear she does.
Drop by to see the amazing chortling pug dog. While you are there, you are sure to also find fun, unique cards, stationary, journals, adorable trinkety stuff, or what-have-you. A great last-minute stop when you've forgot someone's birthday, need inspiration to write your Gran like you promised your mom you would, or want one-of-a-kind christmas cards no one else on your list will have.
I don't really know why people find the owners stuffy. They may not be the most extroverted people in the world, but dude, these are girls who opened a stationery store, not real estate agents.
This store is so amazing and fun.
They have the best cards and stationery, as well as beautiful gift wrap and ribbons.
Fantastic selection of cards and ephemera, plus Stacy and Maude RULE.
Super cute and whimsical cards! I picked up a birthday card for my friend and saw about a dozen more cards I wanted to buy for other people. They also have a great selection of note cards/thank you cards.
I didn't spend too much time in here since I knew exactly what I wanted (and because I didn't want to spend too much money on stuff I really shouldn't be buying). But there were lots of fun gifts to check out.
Okay, but not nearly the selection of cards that Paper Boy in Lincoln Park has.
Also, when I went I was specifically seeking sympathy cards and found the selection of them small and expensive.
I did buy a few other cards there, but given the choice, I would go to Paper Boy.
The girls behind the counter were nice, however, and Maude the pug was very cool.
I have a weakness for cute cards and wrapping accessories.
Because of Paper Doll I have a box full of cards at home that I may never use. Everything is unique and of good quality. There are a good number of pug/dog cards - so if you like pugs you should check this place out. (And yes, pat Maude on the head if she'll let you)
The new location is great, you can walk around without bumping into someone.
