If you’re looking for unique places to upgrade your writing supplies or stock up on children’s books, these local businesses make back-to-school shopping a little more fun.
Paper on Pine (Center City)
This boutique stationery-and-gifts store has a collection of journals, notebooks, pens, notecard sets, greeting cards, and Philly-themed gifts. Paper on Pine collaborates with local Philadelphia printing companies and offers custom invitation services.
OMOI Life Goods (Old City)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, OMOI is a thoughtfully curated lifestyle shop known for its beautifully designed stationery, planners, notebooks, pens, books, bags, and home goods. Inspired by Japanese retail culture, the Old City store is the perfect place to find back-to-school supplies that are as functional as they are beautiful. If you’re a handwritten-planner kind of person, OMOI just dropped its first 2027 planners and calendars.
Midsummer Books (Fishtown)
A youth-focused independent book store serving children up to 18 years old, Midsummer Books began as a pop-up in 2025 inside the shared retail space Our Mutual Friend on Frankford Avenue. The store features a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, and educational books. It also has a full calendar of events, including meditative drawing classes.
Notes From Neko (Brewerytown)
The woman-owned stationery store opened in February and carries everything for planners, crafters, and writers. Picture walls of stickers, pens, and notebooks of all colors and sizes. Open Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Notes from Neko also has a small journaling area where you can test various fountain pens.
