My soon-to-be husband and I will be honeymooning in London this June. We would like to purchase some stationery in London to use back home (especially thank you notes for our wedding gift thank-yous). Any suggestions? Where might we find quality stationery (perhaps with a local flavor and not too luxurious/expensive)? Thanks.

London will be wonderful in June, mostly warm and sunny (but we did get some cold days on one of our trips in June, just take jackets and sweaters). I hope you have a wonderful time.

You should be able to find really nice stationery in the small stationery shops in London, or go to Harrods (I bought really lovely stationery there in a red suede zipper writing case in 1965). I also bought a lot of extra writing paper, envelopes and small notes that match - so that I still have some left. On another trip I found that my particular brand had discontinued, so I'm glad I bought a lot when I had the chance. Of course one doesn't write that much now, so you only need to get what you need, and perhaps a little extra of what you really like.

My last trip to London was in August a few years ago, when they had the scorching hot summer - I was sorry I didn't go in June that year. But London is one of those cities that calls whatever time of year. I spent a couple of winters there in the 60's, that was really cold, damp and raw...but still fun. Best wishes,
- Joan

You probably know this but buy paper and envelopes - UK stationery is a different size from US (am assuming you are from US becuase of "flavor&quot. Suggestions for where to purchase:
- Libertys - but might be a bit too up market
- Rymans are all over the place but might be a little too plain
- Paperchase used to be wonderful but have been in one for a while

How much is "not too expensive"?

Smythson offers the finest stationery in the world (pretty much), but I'd imagine that's not within your budget? Fortnum & Mason have quite a good stationery department, as do Harrods and (the awful) Selfridges.

Paperchase might be suitable as someone else has noted.

Thanks for the tips.

Nice stationery/thank you notes in the US normally run maybe $10 for 10-15 pieces in a set or package. That is about what we would want to pay.

Also, all of the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC have shops inside (admission may be free but they still want you to spend) and they usually sell little notes that depict something unique and attractive about that museum (especially the art ones). Can I expect the same in London's museums?

Museum shops are a good idea. For what you have in mind the V&A, the Wallace Collection and the British Museum shops would probably be best.

If you want a specifically London theme, try the Museum of London and the Transport Museum shops.

I'm going to suggest that you try one of my favorite shops in London. I discovered it a few years ago on a visit there. I try to get to London at least once a year and I never leave without a trip to the Medici Galleries. It's located just outside the Thurloe St. entrance of the South Kensington tube station. It's a small shop but I manage to spend hours looking through all of their cards, posters, stationery, etc. There stuff is very unique, mostly manufactured in England - cards you wouldn't find in the states. I was there this January and I bought Christmas cards for next year that are prints of The Royal Collection produced by the Medici Galleries. I also try to stock up on cards for all occasions for family and friends that have a British "flavor." I think they are reasonably priced. Since the Christmas cards were half price that helped to offset the fact that I was only getting about 56 cents on the British pound. Hope you get a chance to stop by there. Happy Honeymoon!!

Linda, I've just added your store to my list for my upcoming trip to London in April - thanks for the tip!

I was going to suggest the store at the Tate Britain - they have lovely cards, etc. (and great art books too). When I was there in January, I could have spent a fortune!

Good luck,

Tania