Holiday gift shopping has reached a that stressful point for many- the sales, the deals the coupons, the question of what to buy hits many right in the face – along with the realization that time is beginning to run out. One of my favorite gifts, more for the lady folks then the men folks, is quality writing paper.  To me quality writing paper is something you feel- a thick card that soaks up ink well, a strong envelope, perhaps a little detailing on the corners or on the envelope. The colors are true, and you know that whomever receives the envelope in their mailbox will instantly have a brighter day.  A crisp monogrammed note card is perfect for one’s secretary or coworker, a lovely whismy design might be just what your best friend wants, and your friend with a new baby might enjoy a card with the names of all the family members along the bottom. New brides (who have changed their name) will enjoy cards with their new name or monogram, and your Mother or Mother-In-Law will delight in a box with a pattern that reminds them of their favorite season or colors. In short, it is a sweet gift that imparts thoughtfulness and a desire to connect with someone without the fuss of blogs, email or text messaging.  Unless you purchase a very high end line, such as Crane’s you can often find personalized writing paper at an excellent, budget friendly price, less than $20 or $25 a box.

The Preppy Princess carries many lovely writing paper lines, I especially love these delightful monogrammed cards and anchor cards- a little masculine, perhaps for your little brother who is heading off to camp or school for the first time?

Snow & Graham, a Chicago company makes me swoon over their letterpress creations – they use a lovely, thick paper with delightful designs – some geometric, others floral-inspired: 

This box of Kate Spade (by Crane)  all-occasion note cards is fun because you give someone a box of many sentiments that they can send out as-needed. Of course Kate manages to word everything in such a whimsy manner you can’t help but immediately think of who you’d like to start sending some of these out to.  Of course the price is nice as well – at $35 you’ve gotten something nice for your secret-santa coworker or child’s teacher.

One of my favorite places to shop for writing paper is a chain called Paper Source – right now these Indian inspired note cards adorne their website and I want to scoop a few of them up for my Mother’s stocking:

Paper Source does beautiful custom printing as well if you’d like something a little more personal:

My general rule(s) of thumb when buying writing paper:

• stay away from cartoon-ish designs & bubble writing for older folks, unless you know they’d really enjoy them
• for co-workers & acquaintances, a formal note card with a monogram runs no risk of offense or style-interpretation
• stay away from large pieces of writing paper, a small note-card is less daunting for someone sit down & fill up with good wishes or thanks
• personalization is an extra touch that you should splurge for if you can- a return address imprint is always nice
• a few high-end writing markers (often found at the cash-wrap section of a paper store) are the perfect add-on, especially if you can find a coordinating ink color
• for those you wish to impress, such as your boss, nothing is more classic than a boxed set of Crane initial  notecards