<p>Well nerds, I was planning to release the First annual Paper Nerd Gift Guide today, but life intervened in the form of a bad head cold, complicated by my quarterly magazine deadline earlier this week. Fortunately, I also just generated my very first gift guide for the fall issue of <a href="https://stationerytrends.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stationery Trends</a> (ST). Since ST is a business-to-business trade publication, much of my Paper Nerd readership will never see it. So, why not share some of <em>those</em> great finds with <em>this</em> audience — as well as where to find them? Most importantly, these small makers can use your support during the vital holiday season after what has been for many a rather tough year. Nearly all are independent businesses, not found on Amazon, and I would say the majority are women- or family-owned.</p>



<p>I divided my Fresh Picks pages into three trend-driven personality types: Homebodies &; Hostesses; The Green Thumb; and the Bookworm. I kicked it off with the die-cut letterpress coasters from <a href="https://and-hereweare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">And Here We Are</a> that I fell in love with at <a href="https://shoppeobject.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shoppe Object</a> in NYC last February. The entire coaster range is shown at the top of this post — ;I really had trouble picking out which design to highlight when putting the guide together, but I really adore Meghan&#8217;s quilty, colorful take on Scandinavian countries design. These practically scream hygge as they bring to mind grandma&#8217;s handmade quilt. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/and-here-we-are_LC-LI02-C-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017080"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://and-hereweare.com/products/liebchen-coaster-set?variant=45325680967924" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liebchen Letterpressed Coasters, Set of Eight</a></figcaption></figure>



<p class="has-large-font-size">Homebodies &; Hostesses</p>



<p><a href="https://furbishstudio.com/?tw_source=google&;tw_adid=701989641577&;tw_campaign=18965503404&;gad_source=1&;gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagHmqbVtlITKfBBf9awqr_5qYfKLq2I-wCSHNmnEuP58jfyj1LbeCDBoCa5oQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furbish</a></p>



<p>Since these flat notes are printed on cover-weight stock, they are heavy and substantial, which translates to a luxe experience through every step of the writing, sending and receiving process. The die-cuts and bows are literally the icing on the cake — and the polished packaging ensures everything stays pristine until that gossip is ready to be stylishly spread! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/244A9023-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017081"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/244A9027-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017082"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/furbish_244A9026-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017083"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://furbishstudio.com/collections/stationery/products/stationary-s-12-gossip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I Don&#8217;t Repeat Gossip, Set of 12 Cover-Weight Flat Notes</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.shoprareform.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Twentieth/Rare Form Chicago</a></p>



<p>I am utterly awe of Emma Lewis of The Twentieth (a wholesale stationery range) and Rare Form Chicago (a retail shop) — especially since she is a trained art historian with a PhD. Emma is also a prolific card designer. Despite the content being archival, the verbiage is brilliant and feels completely of our time. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/the-twentieth_greathosting-copy-833x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017084"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.shoprareform.com/product/great-hosting-card/2368?cp=true&;sa=false&;sbp=false&;q=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Hosting Card</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://hesterandcook.com/?gad_source=1&;gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagAf9Po7v0rVfBtLN3yWM3QRLbTy5aklvIPsLtq_buE-IIC6ttWHojRoCN6IQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hester &; Cook</a></p>



<p>This all-American brand was started by a husband-and-wife-team, Robbie and Angie Hester Cook, and if it looks familiar, it&#8217;s because Hester &; Cook is in 3000 shops around the globe. This Tennessee house of design is renowned for its paper placemats and runners. Any brand that can take paper off the desk and into the dining room receives eternal gratitude from me, but the fact that Hester &; Cook does it with such charm year in and year out, well, I&#8217;m nearly speechless. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hester-and-cook-through-ivystone_Die-cut-Green-Asiatic-Pheasants-Placemat-1030x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10017086"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Die-Cut Green Asiatic Pheasants Placemats, set of 12</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://toute-petite.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toute-Petite</a></p>



<p>This brand showcases the dreamy flora and fauna illustrated by Thomasin Foshay, and while much of this brand&#8217;s offerings fall in the stationery realm, I love her sweet little ring dishes. Banded by gold and coming in at 4&#8243; diameter, these miniatures are keepsakes in the making. Since this brand does not sell direct to consumer,<a href="https://toute-petite.com/pages/retailers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reach out to one of its stockists</a> to track these down! Or, tell your favorite shop to stock them!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/toute-petite_RDBT-011-A-Flower-in-a-Delft-Vase-Ring-Dish-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017087"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://toute-petite.com/products/rdbt-011-a-flower-in-a-delft-vase" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flower in a Delft Vase Ring Dish</a> </figcaption></figure>



<p class="has-large-font-size">The Green Thumb</p>



<p><a href="https://luckydogdesign.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucky Dog Design Co.</a></p>



<p>Fortunately, this particular society only uses earth friendly elements like post-consumer recycled fibers and pigment based inks. However, the print feels fancy regardless thanks to its thick, felt-textured stock. This brand is the brainchild of Atlanta-based illustrator Kayla Hutchinson, who runs this house of paper with assistance from her canine Co-founder and Chief Mail Sniffer, Odin. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PlantWhisperers_LuckyDogDesignCo-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017088"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://luckydogdesign.co/products/the-society-of-plant-whisperers-art-print?_pos=1&;_psq=plant+whispe&;_ss=e&;_v=1.0&;variant=42777686081775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Society of Plant Whisperers Art Print</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://yardia.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yardia</a></p>



<p>Brigida Swanson is a queer multiracial CHamoru watercolor artist from Seattle, and this brand&#8217;s founder. She creates Pacific Northwest-inspired cards, gifts and home decor for gardeners, hikers and nature lovers. Brigida was one of the first makers I knew of to take the bold, inspiring step of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnAT8mxBDoA/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mostly going off social media (in 2023!)</a>, so sign up for her newsletter if you adore her earthy vibe!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/yardia_TT104-ferns-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017089"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Organic Cotton Tea Towel</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://bielyshoaf.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biely &; Shoaf</a></p>



<p>This two-family-run Seattle house of paper has so many dynamic illustrators under its roof — ;including <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carrieshryock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carrie Shyrock</a>. There is nothing I&#8217;m not loving about her work lately — I absolutely adore this snail-eye perspective of an enchanted garden. Put a sticker inside and send this missive off to a friend. Or gift them <a href="https://bielyshoaf.com/collections/boxed-notes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some boxed notes</a>, hopefully that means you&#8217;ll be getting some snail mail from them soon!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/biely-and-shoaf_CH018_7-copy-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017090"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://bielyshoaf.com/products/hello-my-friend-friendship-card?_pos=1&;_sid=265ff81dc&;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carrie Shyrock Friendship Card</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.geturbangardener.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban Gardener</a></p>



<p>I discovered this brand at <a href="https://www.geturbangardener.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Garden Center Show</a> last summer — ;and I love how it infuses natural plant care with the style and easy function typically seen in the gift and stationery world. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/urban-gardener_LR-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017091"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.geturbangardener.com/products/leaf-radiance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaf Radiance Leaf Shine Spray</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://shopseedlings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seedlings</a></p>



<p>Renowned for its plantable envelopes, this gorgeous brand is devoted to spreading wildflowers wherever it travels. Since its illustrations are so strong, it&#8217;s actually a pretty engaging activity to build an one-of-a-kind set of these cork-backed coasters for every hostess on your list. Every set arrives stylishly sealed in a band of Seedlings&#8217; signature plantable paper. Seedlings hails from a larger family-run business (Legacy Publishing), and I was so thrilled a while back to host Seedlings&#8217; incredible founder <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/portfolio/libby-llanso-of-seedlings/" data-type="link" data-id="https://thepapernerd.com/portfolio/libby-llanso-of-seedlings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Libby Llanso on the Paper Fold podcast</a>. That makes Libby a second-generation stationery nerd — quite a feat!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/seedlings_SCO94842.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017092"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://shopseedlings.com/loose-coasters/new-saguaros-seedlings-coaster-sco94842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saguaros Loose, Hot-Foiled Coaster</a> </figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://gingiber.com/?gad_source=1&;gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagIuE_2isV9RtfnqMw3F7--obsVBHrY4hu1LwupleDHNXF3HjQV0W9hoCM1cQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gingiber</a></p>



<p>An very logical argument can be made that everything this brand&#8217;s founder, Stacie Bloomfield, touches <em>is</em> actually magic. (Tune into <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/portfolio/stacie-bloomfield-of-gingiber/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her Paper Fold episode</a> to see what I mean!) </p><div class="inline-post clearfix"><div class="see-also byline">See also</div><div id="block-wrap-90998" class="block-wrap-native block-wrap block-wrap-23 block-css-90998 block-wrap-classic columns__m--1 elements-design-3 block-ani block-skin-0 tipi-box block-wrap-thumbnail ppl-m-1 clearfix" data-id="90998" data-base="0"><div class="tipi-row-inner-style clearfix"><div class="tipi-row-inner-box contents sticky--wrap"><div class="block block-23 clearfix"><article class="tipi-xs-12 clearfix with-fi ani-base tipi-xs-typo split-1 split-design-1 loop-0 preview-thumbnail preview-23 elements-design-3 post-10015583 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-favorites tag-design tag-divorce-cards tag-empathy-cards tag-faire tag-greeting-cards tag-kansas-city tag-kwohtations tag-letterpress tag-madison-clark tag-sarah-schwartz tag-stationery tag-stationery-blog tag-stationery-design tag-stationery-designer tag-sympathy-cards tag-thank-you-stationery tag-the-noble-paperie tag-the-paper-nerd" style="--animation-order:0"><div class="preview-mini-wrap clearfix"><div class="mask"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/on-grief-grief-cards/" class="mask-img"><img width="100" height="100" src="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=120%2C120&;ssl=1 120w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=275%2C275&;ssl=1 275w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=372%2C372&;ssl=1 372w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=567%2C567&;ssl=1 567w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=882%2C882&;ssl=1 882w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=24%2C24&;ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=48%2C48&;ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=96%2C96&;ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?resize=50%2C50&;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC05118-1.jpg?zoom=2&;resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1 200w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></div><div class="meta"><div class="byline byline-2 byline-cats-design-4"><div class="byline-part cats"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/category/favorites/" style="color:#b79b0d" class="cat">Favorites</a></div></div><div class="title-wrap"><h3 class="title"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/on-grief-grief-cards/">On Grief + Grief Cards</a></h3></div><div class="byline byline-3"><span class="byline-part date"><i class="tipi-i-calendar" aria-hidden="true"></i> <time class="entry-date published dateCreated flipboard-date" datetime="2024-05-02T16:17:46+00:00">May 2, 2024</time></span><span class="byline-part likes-count"><a href="#" class="tipi-like-count " data-pid="10015583"><span class="likes-heart"><i class="tipi-i-heart-o" aria-hidden="true"></i><i class="tipi-i-heart" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><span class="tipi-value">0</span></a></span></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div></tipimidc>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gingiber_NatureisMagic-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017093"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nature is Magic Sticker</figcaption></figure>



<p class="has-large-font-size">The Bookworm</p>



<p><a href="https://philosophersguild.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Unemployed Philosopher&#8217;s Guild</a></p>



<p>You never know just what you will find in this quirky, smart house of stationery and gifts — it is the modern antidote to the tired gift card.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/unemployed-philosophers-guild_FirstLines_towel-5840-739x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017095"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://philosophersguild.com/products/first-lines-literature-towels?_pos=44&;_sid=9763f700c&;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Lines of Literature Tea Towel</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/workman-publishing-company/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workman Publishing</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/workman_9781523527588.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017096"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/workman-publishing/a-book-lovers-box/9781523527588/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Book Lover&#8217;s Box</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>There is just something about a self-contained kit that will never not intrigue me! With so much great stationery tucked inside, it&#8217;s like unravelling a brilliant plot.</p>



<p><a href="https://pedallerdesigns.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq8HD1BMyktzy77Lq6g4D7AmY-j_7X_6TFh9EkVvb3NgZuhOZUk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedaller Designs</a></p>



<p>Finally, a quirky brand to express what many of us have been thinking privately for years.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pedaller_Designs_Fall24_FreshPicks_2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017097"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://pedallerdesigns.com/products/book-lover-vinyl-sticker-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prefers Books to People Sticker</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://thedarlingeffect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Darling Effect</a></p>



<p>This woman-owned business hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan — ;and its slippers are the perfect accompaniment to an engrossing read, a warm blanket, and a cold night!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/the-darling-effect_WSDE-SLIP-BOOKS-ML-copy-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017111"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://thedarlingeffect.com/search?q=fuzzy+slipper&;options%5Bprefix%5D=last" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuzzy Slippers</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>If you want to see the complete Stationery Trends gift guide (as well as access the entire Fall Issue), go <a href="https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/STAT/fall-2024/index.php#/p/6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<p>And, if you want a free year of print issues of Stationery Trends delivered to your door, sign up <a href="https://gams.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=ST_NewFreeDigSub&;pk=PaperNerd2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here!</a> Think of as my gift to you. </p>



<p>Finally, in preparation for my gift guide and to promote my marvelous maker friends, I&#8217;ve been updating my <a href="https://thepapernerd.com/the-card-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Card Wall </a>with great gift selections (and will continue to do so in the coming weeks). Please consider supporting a few this holiday season!!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AHWA_FW2024_Stylized_0071.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10017079"/></figure>