Papyrus

I have to admit, I do love random gift shops and accessories and cute, adoreable and probably unnecessary things. As a German, the entire idea of giving cards gives me the shivers, but hey, we’re not all perfect and I am not embarrassed to admit that I love cards. Cards for everything as «da bomb» (clearly I’ve been here too long).
Anyways, although my usual stationary/​card shop has to be Paperchase, when there is absolutely no time to pop into the city centre and you really need a card because somebody is viva-​ing and becoming a Doctor (getting their PhD I mean) this is the place to go. My labpartner joined me in the walk and we found the perfect card, honestly, it couldn’t have been more fitting if it tried. After the most important item was found, we spent a little extra time just noseying around and smelling the candles. I love all of their stuff. They have an incredible range on offer — whether it’s bags, lipbalms, bunting and garlands, cards, books (all of downstairs is full of books), nerdy and dorky things that probably nobody needs but still wants, sparklers, bath stuff (I think that’s what it was) and jewellery. The majority of their items are all from small little independent brands, and I think that’s what makes it lovely.
Although the cards, and I am sure some of the other stuff is rather expensive (no student discount, boo!) all of their things are amazing. You will always be able to find a little gift or token of affection — no matter the situation (even a PhD in forensic toxicology).

Whenever I am stuck for a gift I find myself drawn to this shop, but only to scan and find the item 50−60% cheaper online and instantly realise I’m being ripped off. One only needs to look at their sale price vs original price stickers on the items to see how big the profit margin is with this place.

Another favourite place of mine. I love papyrus for gift shopping, cards and a wee treat for myself.
Upstairs they have a great selection of cards, gifts, books and jewelery. Downstairs they have there cook shop with a great range of all things for the kitchen, including some funky accessories that you could probably go without, but you most definitely NEED!!!
I hardly ever walk past without popping in for a wee look.

You’ve got to love Papyrus really. Occupying a prime corner location near the top of Byres Road, it’s always there when you need it for a last-​minute gift or eccentric knick-​knack when you can never think of anything suitable to buy for that special (or even not-​so-​special) person.
Papyrus are past masters at this game; they’ve been at it for much longer than any of the younger upstarts on Byres Road, and deservedly so. You’re practically guaranteed to fulfil all your gift needs in here, including a nice card.
After a fruitless search in the city centre for a particular item, I eventually Googled it and Papyrus came up right away, which was both satisfying (that my search was over) and irritating (I could have saved myself the £2.70 return on the subway into town). Yay Papyrus!
As it happens (so I was told), they have a sister store called Illuminati in Princes’ Square in town, which I didn’t know, and they also had the item in question in stock. Too bad they didn’t come up in the Google search I did when I was in Buchanan Street then — maybe they need to work on their SEO a little, hmmm?
The other great thing about Papyrus is their downstairs collection of kitchenware. Now I can’t profess to know what’s in there these days as I haven’t felt the need to indulge my kitchenware fetish for quite some time, but if you’re the sort of person who can’t resist the next ‘essential’ kitchen gadget, you’ll love it.

If you’re in a jam and need a quick gift, Papyrus is the place to go! Upstairs they have a ton of cute greeting cards and all kinds of fun little gifts for all ages-​notebooks, candles, jewelry, home décor, and a just TON of other quirky stuff. Downstairs they have a wide variety of kitchen gadgets and supplies, a fun place to peruse for yourself or for others. Great find on Byres Road!

This is my favourite «oh my god so-and-so’s birthday is tomorrow and I haven’t bought anything» shop. I could probably buy everything in this shop (then live the rest of my life hiding from the Glasgow mafia, who I had to borrow lots of money from to do so).
Seriously though, the merchandise can be a bit on the pricey side but they kind of cover all the bases — the cook shop has a great variety of everyday useful items to quirky gifts and the gift shop has cards, jewellery, handbags, unusually designed rubber ducks — really anything you could want!

I’m wondering why everyone seems to like this place so much. A generic card shop rammed with stock, none of which I’d like anyone to buy for me, nor would I buy it for anyone else. I don’t need to see another shop selling «shoe fund» banks, tourist pens and bland cards.
I actually thought this shop had more personality than it does. My last visit made me wonder why it’s still open, especially as the staff are quite sullen (a smile goes a long way girls)

I cheekily headed out to the West End on my lunch break, I was dropping off some leaflets though so I did kinda have an excuse. I wanted to get a card that was a bit different but that’s me though I’m always looking for something on the whimsical scale.
Papyrus is guarenteed to give you that something a little characteristic, although a little bit dearer than a normal card shop it’s definitely worth the few extra pennies.
As my best friend’s recently gave birth to the most adorable wee boy I wanted a card to reflect that. I found a beautiful card by Five Dollar Shake that said it all, ‘Beautiful Baby Boy, Welcome to the World’. It explained on the back how every card’s unique and I was just so inspired as her little baby is a wonderful unique little person. Awww! I know getting a bit soppy but it hit the right note. I knew I would find what I was looking for in Papyrus.
They also sell kooky kinda gifts so I thought they might have something a little offbeat for a wee present. Nothing was jumping out at me at first but I came across a cracking wee book ‘Your New Baby: An Owner’s Manual’ by Martin Baxendale. It’s so funny I’m going to check out more of his books as it’s hilarious. I thought this is ideal and would be appreciated by my friends.
I just knew I would get what I needed from here. It’s a wee shop that’s bright, cheerful and colourful with unconventional funky goods. Well worth the look around.

Random and quirky upstairs, a domestic goddess’ haven downstairs. The west-​end branch doubles up compared to the one in town, and I think its the downstairs section that is by far my favourite.
Upstairs you’ve got cards, jewellery, candles, novelty gift items, some bags, scarves, notebooks… like the other reviews have said, and I quote Kathryn S «one of the best, if not the best, random crap stores in Glasgow.»
But let me linger on the downstairs: their cook store. It’s not obvious that it’s down there, and took me a wee while to clock. First off, it is pricey. But in a small space they have managed to squeeze everything you could possibly want for baking, cooking, and party hosting. Cook books, aprons, rolling pins, scales, pots, pans, tins, cookie cutters, cupcake paper cases, lemon juicers, corn cob holders. All of which are upmarket, excellent quality (as opposed to the ‘basics’ range in Tesco or the now deceased Woolworths).
Whats more, it’s all so fun! It’s not just cookie cutters and corn cob holders. It’s reindeer, christmas tree, batman cookie cutters. Novelty bright pink cupcake holders. Cookie tins with «hands off, it’s mine» on them. Bright purple but razor sharp knives.
This store is for the modern-​day Delia. The diva-​Delia, if you will. For the person who loves to cook and bake, but also do so with style. And this is where the slightly higher price tag comes in.
If, like me, you are struck with a sudden urge to bake lemon and poppyseed friands STAT, but are short of the right utensils and can’t afford the time for a trip into town, then check out Papyrus. They are my staple go-​to for all my baking and cooking needs. And my kitchen is starting to look quite beautiful with my turquoise blue scales, hot pink chopping knife, polka dot cake tin, where I keep my star-​shaped Christmas cookies tasty fresh.
Big thumbs up from Jen, and her flatmates (who are forced to eat all my latest cooking creations.)

I used to work very near to this shop and it saved my butt several times when certain life partner significant events were remembered (reminded) a couple hours before a card was expected.
So, for the most part I entered the card section of this store in a cold sweat, nervous and seeking the card to save my relationship. Cause «honey, it is just a corporate card conspiracy» doesn’t cut it. So, these folks have already clocked themselves up as a lifesaver.
Then we have the cook shop — it is filled to the brim and is a mix of professional catering kit and bunny muffin tins.
I like to cook — a lot. When I do, I want to have equipment that I could carry onto a field of military operation, expect it to last and not be laughed at.
Nobody in a field of battle has My Happy Kitty oven mitts.
So, what I am saying is that there is a bit of trawling to get through the fluffy bunny wear to the decent trays, knives and also a lot of detritous (let’s be honest) that will end up in a drawer.

One of the best, if not the best, random crap stores in Glasgow, my other favorite being Oscar and Felix on Great Western. It has the ubiquitous Scottish kitschy things, though classier choices than other stores, and various cards, cute jewelry, slippers, etc. This random crap store beats others in one very cool department however, because… it has a cooking store downstairs!!! Awwww, yeeaaah.
The only thing that is sad about Papyrus is that it is pricey, especially downstairs. But nowhere is perfect and really I can’t fault it for my lack of more money.

So I know this shop as been reviewed to within an inch of its life, but I felt leaving it out would tear me up inside. Truth is, I love this place. As Chris mentioned, guys can wander round in here without feeling like you have to get the hell out as quick as possible!
A good shop for quirky presents; i recently bought my mum a load of coasters with reto posters printed on them as a stocking filler. The shop in general may appeal to some budding chefs out there as there is an extensive cooking section downstairs complete with everything from banana cases to top quality pots and pans.
The wrapping paper here is also a winner and shows that you put a little bit more thought into what you were doing… as opposed to wrapping up a present in news paper… not that I would ever do that…

This is a great place to pick up a wide range of quirky yet appealing gifts for the loved ones in your life… and by loved ones i mean females.
One of the few girly shops that’s not really that intimidating for guys to wander round, Papyrus is an excellent life saving «eek its the anniversery/​valantines day/​Christmas tomorrow kind of store that trades in the random but rarely in the tat.
Thumbs up for this joint, it may now have a number of competitors in Glasgow, however it still holds the number one spot.

Tons of imitators of Papyrus have now popped up around Glasgow so I have a Little soft spot for this place as it is the original quirky chic store.
I often find my self in here on Christmas Eve or one day before an important birthday. It is my go-​to for mother’s day, valentine’s etc.
I recently bought a fantastic clock from this shop this is surrounded by picture frames. Looks great on the old bedroom wall.

Papyrus is the place I will stop at if I am looking for a greetings card or a «filler», another wee thing to shove in a present bag.
Downstairs sells a range of trendy kitchen gadgets, very stylish but a bit out of my price range.
A selection of jewellery ranges, such as Pilgrim, are also sold in Papyrus.

You have to love Papyrus really.
It’s the lovely-​shop equivelant of a price comparison website that seems to seek out all the loveliest of last-​minute gifts to save me the hassle of having to actually seek things out by myself.
A cheeky combo of Papyrus and Fopp on Byres Road is a regular for me for birthdays and one I would recommend.
Papyrus is full of loveliness, with cool cards and novelty books and quirky things for in the home.
Love the place.

This beautiful branch of Papyrus occupies a lovely corner of Byres Road, filled with lots of lovely things that make gorgeous gifts for any occasion.
My mum always taught me the importance of a nice card. Apparently it doesn’t matter what kind of presents you buy, but it’s vital to give a nice card and anyone who hadn’t got this memo would be subject to some wifey whispering from my mother and would be frowned upon forevermore; How very dare they? SO, subconsciously or not, I always make the effort to purchase nice cards, and Papyrus makes this incredibly easy, offering up a gorgeous selection of unique and quirky cards that often cost less than their card shop competitors.
There are tons of other great things to buy here, including sweet stationery, pretty purses and beautiful brollies, as well as the prettiest homeware and accessories. Everything is of the highest quality and would be a welcome addition to any home. As I said, the perfect place for gifts, even if they do happen to be for yourself…

Papyrus brightens up Byres Road on a winter’s day with it’s array of fairy lights spread around the windows illuminating the displays of fun gifts. Smaller and a little more cramped than the Sauchiehall Street one, this shop still has an excellent selection of funky gifts and gadgets and cute, modern cards.
What I like about this Papyrus is the basement which stocks a host of homeware goodies not found in the other store. Great for christmas presents for the home!

A step up from the usual card /​gift shop, Papyrus manages to sell lots of silly little trinkets, toys, cards and the like, without feeling the slightest bit naff. On a recent visit my favourite was a torch that looked like a bat, and their cuddly toys look very upmarket and well made.
If you’re after a greetings card, I’d make this place your first stop. They’re a lot less tacky than the lame humour /​cheesy verses you’ll find in places like Clintons.

If you’re after a tasteful/​funky gift, then make your way to Papyrus at the top of Byres Road. This well-​stocked gift shop has a decent selection of gifts for him/​her or little ones. In the past I have bought jewellrey, an umbrella designed to look like a ladybird, a decorative piggy bank, and a cute picture frame. There is also a good selection of tasteful Scottish keep-​sakes (not a cuddly toy Loch Ness monster in sight) which make good soveniers.
Papyrus does have a nice collection of good-​quality cards however my only complaint is that the collection is too small. l have on occasion been in to buy a card and not found what I’m looking for. Ok, I have another complaint– they’re a bit pricey too. I often opt to buy cards in the Oxfam bookshop further down the street.
To their credit however, Papyrus houses an Aladdin’s cave of kitchen goodies downstairs. Quirky espresso makers, multi-​coloured egg poachers, quality kitchen crockery and cook-​books await you downstairs. Again, it’s not cheap, but it’s a brilliant place to go if buying a gift for a wannabe Jamie Oliver.