Eight Charming Stationery Collections that Captivate Us
Crack open that greeting card aisle during life's everyday moments, and you'll find the true magic of the South lies in handwritten notes. A sweet surprise can accompany a delicious home cooked meal for someone who's under the weather or a heartfelt note sneaked into your kid's lunchbox.
Take it from Laurie Montgomery, the mastermind behind Nashville-based stationery and design company, Fanciful Ink. "Those personalized notes are a collection of life moments that are made a little more special when you can look back on them years later," she says.
Not all stationery is created equal, though. If you're going to splurge on superior stationery, why not make it your own? And it's not just because Southerners love their monograms—personalized stationery can give your correspondence a charming, sentimental touch that makes the recipient feel like they're holding a little piece of you forever.
We've sampled various personalized stationery sets, analyzing them based on their paper quality, design, and customization options. Here are our top picks that cater to everyone, from those who crave modern minimalism to those obsessed with traditional Southern elegance.
Our All-Time Favorites: The Cream of the Crop
$33 at Papier.com Papier Cornflower Notecard Set
These notecards' thick, luxurious paper is as enjoyable to write on as it is for loved ones to receive. The 7-by-5-inch size offers ample space for exquisite thank-you notes (Mama would be beyond proud). The understated cornflower design complements messages without dominating the page.
Though the personalization at the bottom corner and initials on the back are discreet, they might not be eye-catching enough for those who prefer a more prominent personalized touch.
Though this set doesn't feature embossing or letterpressing, its premium paper and elegant design more than justify the higher price tag (anyone would feel uber-special receiving them).
Size & Orientation: 7 x 5 inches, Landscape or Portrait
$33 at Papier.com Papier's Classic Border Notecard Set
This contemporary remix of a classic is a versatile pick that suits professional and personal use alike. It sports a solid border and minimal text on the front, making it a one-size-fits-all stationery that's worth investment. Like the Cornflower set, these cards measure 7-by-5-inches, boasting plenty of room for a note on the front. Keep in mind, however, that the back is a solid color, preventing you from continuing your note on the other side.
The hefty paper boasts a rich hue, while the modern design adds a contemporary touch to your correspondence.
Size & Orientation: 7 x 5 inches, Landscape or Portrait
View on Etsy SoireeAllDayCo Wavy Scallop & Pink Floral Chinoiserie Stationery Set
Visions of whimsy dance in your head when you lay eyes on this floral, scalloped stationery. The scalloped edges soften the overall look, and the feminine, floral print runs along the border and covers the entire back. The personalization is printed clearly at the bottom, and a blue option is available if the pink isn't your preferred shade.
Though not as thick as Papier's sets, these cards have an appealing weight to them (they're printed on 110-pound cardstock). In wet conditions, ink may bleed, but it remains intact under normal circumstances. At 5.5 x 4.25 inches, these cards follow the standard size.
You can opt for unlined or lined envelopes, with or without return labels pre-printed. These darling cards are sure to garner you lots of compliments.
Size & Orientation: 5.5 x 4.25 inches, Landscape
View on Etsy ADesignsDenver Traditional Monogrammed Stationery Set
Want to make a statement in true Southern fashion? Don't hesitate to opt for this traditional monogrammed set, complete with a classic monogram at the top and a matching border. You have over 30 different ink color options to choose from!
The simple aesthetic appeals to us, and the spacious back allows you to extend your message if needed. The 110-pound cardstock feels weighty, while ink does not bleed through on the back.
This sets an unbeatable value, with prices starting at just $1.50 or less per card, depending on quantity.
Size & Orientation: 5.5 x 4.25 inches, Landscape
View on Etsy Jojostudios Personalized Stationery
Share your love for your furry friend with each heartfelt note! An Atlanta-based Etsy shop offers multiple customization options, including ink color, envelope color, and dozens of dog breed icons to choose from.
These standard note cards might slightly limit writing space due to the personalization, but ink doesn't bleed through the paper, even with increased pressure. The 110-pound cardstock feels mid-weight, but unique watercolor dog icons make it stand out among the competition.
Size & Orientation: 5.5 x 4.25 inches, Landscape
View on Etsy MaryBDesignsShop Personalized Monogram Stationery Set
Timeless and dignified, these personalized notecards from Birmingham boast an embellished initial at the top and a printed name at the bottom. The 110-pound cardstock feels premium, and the uncluttered design offers ample writing space.
Those who favor minimalist aesthetics will appreciate the simple design. Additionally, you can select from dozens of ink color options.
Size & Orientation: 5.5 x 4.25 inches, Landscape
View on Minted Minted Bold Border Stationery Cards
Bright colors and a foil-pressed border add some zest to your stationery collection. We weren't wild about the font, but the generous 7-by-5-inch size offered ample space for penmanship.
The 130-pound cardstock is heavyweight, and ink never bled through regardless of the pressure applied. Pick from several color themes, foil options, and paper types to find the perfect match for your stationery venture.
Size & Orientation: 7 x 5 inches, Landscape
View on Minted Minted Swiss Personalized Stationery Cards
The only stationery set on our list with letterpressing, both the checkered border and typewriter-style personalization are letterpress-printed, adding texture and dimension to each note.
Keep in mind that only shamrock green is an option, and the premium price is due to the letterpressing. Nonetheless, it's printed on substantial, lightly textured cotton paper.
Size & Orientation: 5.5 x 4.25 inches, Landscape
- Laurie Montgomery, the founder of Nashville-based stationery company Fanciful Ink, emphasizes the sentimental value of personalized stationery in making correspondence feel like a piece of the sender forever.
- When it comes to personalized stationery, premium paper quality and customization options are key factors to consider, according to Southern Living's culture and lifestyle experts.
- Papier's Cornflower Notecard Set and Classic Border Notecard Set are among the top-rated personalized stationery options, offering thick and luxurious paper for a satisfying writing experience.
- Alternatively, the SoireeAllDayCo Wavy Scallop & Pink Floral Chinoiserie Stationery Set features whimsy and feminine charm with scalloped edges and floral prints, while the ADesignsDenver Traditional Monogrammed Stationery Set embodies Southern elegance with its classic monogram design.
- For those who love their pets, the Jojostudios Personalized Stationery set offers customization options with dog breed icons, allowing pet owners to share their love for their furry friends with each note.
- Minted's Bold Border Stationery Cards and Swiss Personalized Stationery Cards offer bold and sophisticated designs with letterpress printing, adding texture and dimension to each note, making them ideal choices for those seeking a more elegant and refined stationery set.
