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Gable's Stationery
Categories: Shopping Office Equipment Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Local Services Notaries Office Equipment, Cards & Stationery, Notaries [Edit]
5636 Geary Blvd(between 20th Ave & 21st Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94121
Neighbourhood: Outer Richmond
(415) 751-8152
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Society is not fair. But the law can make it better. At the Law Offices of Felicia C. Curran, we fight for the rights of people throughout the Bay… read more »
71 reviews for Gable's Stationery
Review Highlights
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"Gable's is such a charming little stationary store." In 8 reviews -
"...selection of novelties like wind up toys and palm sized..." In 3 reviews -
"They have a wide selection of knick knacks." In 7 reviews
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Katie A.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2012
The Gables is one of my favorite places in the Richmond. There are so many wonderful gifts and novelty books (great selection of cook books) not to mention the rows and rows of cards for any occasion you can think of. They have really good deals on boxed cards and notes and many office supplies.
Most of all I enjoy how friendly and helpful the owners and staff are, if you need some specific office supply or gift that they carry they always take the time to order the item and call you when it comes in! -
Review from Bob S.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012
I've been buying my greeting cards here for years and years. They probably have the best selection in the Outer Richmond. If I'm near Russian Hill, I'll go to the Russian Hill Bookstore -- this store's cards are not nearly so inventive. But the selection is a cut above that of CVS and Walgreens.
The back of the store is rather sad. It's like Patrick & Co. downtown -- old-time stationers who have been by-passed by the office superstores. It reminds me of that Gilmore Girls episode where Lorelai takes her dad to one of them and he marvels at its size and all the new widgets. But as a few Yelpers indicate, some people might appreciate being able to buy one envelope or yellow pad.
BTW, I did a Find on this page of reviews for both "stationary" and "stationery," and there were 32 of the former and 12 of the latter. Since I make my living as an editor, it appears I'm now as superannuated as the back of Gable's.
The service experience varies by who is behind the counter. When the owner (I guess it's her -- she gives off that aura) is there, she is not gushingly friendly. Which is fine; I like her message of: listen, my family has been doing this for god knows how many years, if you first walked in here in 1992 you're still a newcomer to me, and, yes, things WERE better in 1957. -
Review from Heidi M.
2/15/2012
God I love this place. I stop in for something simple and leave 30 minutes later with many random things. It's a wonderful place to browse. They have unique stationary and gift wrap items, as well as so many strange/cute little knick knacks and gifts. There are also quite a few simple crafts and arts supplies which makes this my first stop whenever I run out of something during a project.
The staff can be a bit aloof... I've gone in here scores of times and I don't remember them ever offering help or even really talking to me. But I love it just the same.. -
Review from Tammy C.
(See pics) Review #1109. Good selection of cards and it finally feels like a card / stationery store than a Walgreens. How I miss a Hallmark place. It feels more like a stationery shop, with cards on 1 side, gifts on another, and the back with stationary items. It's very quiet on the day I visited, also very un-walgreens that I can focus on picking a card. I picked up some birthday cards and then saw they devoted 1/4 of the racks for the very red pretty Valentine's Day cards, for adults, kids and family. Ah yes, Love is unconditional and in many forms.
Cute enough I bough a card that says, "It doesn't take a birthday to make me think of what a gift you are-- but it is a perfect time for me to tell you so." These writers certainly are poetic and right! -
Review from Diane Y.
11/8/2011
I have loved this place since i was a 2nd grader begging my mommy to take me here to buy a little square of fuzzy puppy stickers. Do people still like those stickers on tear-off rolls? They're a delightful relic.
I wouldn't recommend Gables for common items, unless you just want to support a great local business. Clearly, items like steno pads and boxes of envelopes are cheaper at Longs/Office Depot, etc. But here, they have unusual things like a whole mini-drawer full of all-differently sized fountain pen converters! Who says the employees aren't friendly? No, they don't have nauseating fake smiles plastered on their faces, nor to they follow you around the store offering help (thank goodness), but they're helpful in a way that counts. One girl let me dig through the drawer of fountain pen converters at my leisure, trying to fit them one by one into my fountain pen which I was told that no converter existed for. And I found one. Magical.
They also have a glass cabinet of locally handmade jewelry. And white out in different pastel colors. They have wax seals and a constantly changing selection of novelties like wind up toys and palm sized music boxes. The last time I went, there was a pet bird singing from a cage behind the counter. Gables is like a dusty shop from Harry Potter's world. Most people don't notice it, but it's pure magic. -
Review from Melissa K.
Honolulu, HI
6/22/2011
I like the idea of this store. I like that it is independently owned. And I really tried super hard to really love this store. But in all honesty, I cannot.
If the staff was friendly, I might be able to overlook that the humble steno pad is over $2.75 and a simple yellow notepad is about the same price. I have found three really cute cards! But aside from the cards and the cool sign, I am not especially wowed by this store.
Even though there were only two people in the store (myself and someone in a different aisle), the lady at the counter acted as if she couldn't care less that I was buying merchandise and supporting the store. She was extremely aloof and cold. No smile. I left the store wondering if I should have brought my business to Walgreens or Borders.
The second time I was helped at the register by a man. He was nicer than the lady in the sense that he didn't look pissed off and didn't act totally apathetic, but he was not friendly either.
I am saddened because I really wanted to love this store. If there was better customer service, the Gables would be incredibly awesome and the high price of their steno pad might be justified. -
Review from Sherry C.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
For a vintage lover like me who loves browsing through unique little knick-knacks, this place is a dream. I often come here for office supplies. Gables comes with an assortment of items, including wrapping paper, stickers, pencil bags, purses, hats, pens, cups, cards, jewelry, and much more. The people who work there are polite and friendly. Overall, a very interesting store that you must check out!
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Review from Elizabeth A.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
A treasure in Outer Richmond. I didn't even realize how many glorious types of pens existed in the world! I lovelovelove this store.
The customer service is spectacular! I'm talking about the perfect type of helpful low key-ness. I don't like it when people ask me questions when I just want to browse. Here, the cashier will tell me something like "just tell me if you need anything" and she'll let me be. It's a relaxed atmosphere. And everyone has been super friendly at checkout. That to me is way better than someone following you around the store. :)
I'd recommend this store to kids, creative adults, people who need any sort of office supplies, soap, candles, cards, etc. To give you an idea of some of the things I've bought here: bubblegum scratch-n-sniff stickers, heart stickers, unicorn stickers, glitter birthday stickers, a card, a calculator that looks like chocolate, various Moleskines, legal pads, an assortment of different colored ballpoint pens, Sharpies, a coloring book, fluorescent coloring pencils.
They also have a selection of jewelry, bags, pencil cases. -
Review from Alex H.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
From the time I was a little kid in the 6in San Francico I always loved going into Gable's Stationary. I love/d looking at all the products, the smell of the place and the different folks who ran the register. They always had a bit of everything, kind of like the beloved uncle who knew a little something about everything.
Great store then. Great store now. -
Review from Jill B.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2011 8 Check-ins Here
The place is big and quiet, but had just what I was looking for. I found a cute birthday card for my little cousin, some scratch and sniff stickers, and a little package to mail a present in.
The guy behind the counter didn't say anything to me when I walked in the store, but once I checked out, he was very friendly and nice.
Next time I need a birthday card, or mailing package, or any little random stuff, I will definitely be coming here! -
Review from Bianca G.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2012
I have been going here for YEARS. TEN YEARS. I've bought 90 percent of cards here, office supplies here, b-day gifts for friends here, party favors for my daughter's bday party here. I loved that it was a locally owned store and near my house (though not as close as it was originally as I moved farther out into the Richmond). I have estimated that I have spent maybe 10k-12khere over the past ten years. It was totally my go-to store. It was always overpriced and the selection was random in the front (at the gifting part of the store) and a little lackluster at the office supplies selection in the back, but I gave it a pass because they were local and had cute window displays.
Fast forward to this past month. My daughter's school holds an auction for their scholarship fund and parents are asked to get items for the auction. I thought I would hit up the Gables. I figured I might get a $20 gift certificate if I was lucky, but as it's tax deductible and they might gain a new customer from it, I thought I would try. Well, I dropped off my little letter with one of the cashiers and she told me to check in with the owner later since she wasn't in. I said I would (after spending 80 bucks on items for my daughter's friend's bday). I returned a few weeks later (to spend another 20 bucks this time on valentines cards) and saw the owner. I asked if she had a chance to look at the letter and the LOOK this woman gave me! She said, "We only donate to OUR OWN KIDS SCHOOL" as if I was asking something absolutely crazy! First of all, MANY business owners have children and STILL donate money to other schools/charities etc. (after all it's tax deductible and brings in new customers!) Secondly, she simply could have been a bit nicer. To be honest, it's a small store and I didn't have high expectations. It's easier to get donations from corporations and the like- nevertheless, I wouldn't have expected her to act like a complete jerk. She could have said the SAME THING in a nicer tone. Perhaps she doesn't know the Gables as been my go-to store for years, but she should have known it was a possibility (unless she's a complete idiot). Have you HEARD of customer service? My God. How about NOT treating me like scum when I'm in your store to spend my money?
I even tried to make small talk when I was paying for my items on my way out, to see if would at least be a bit friendlier. Nope. She looked at me suspiciously like I was going to try and get that measly donation out of her again and she had to be on guard.
Let me be clear- she was in no way obligated to donate 20 dollar gift certificate to an auction fundraiser. What she was obligated to do was not be RUDE and look at me like I was insane. I had never even met her! I didn't even know if she had kids or if the owner was even female before I met her in the flesh.
Well, I have two kids, one still very small. I went to this store twice a month for the past ten years. If I had continued on that path, I would have spent at least another 10-12k in their store. Now? Well, I'm done there. There are TONS of cutesy stores with tasteful gift ideas (Cole Valley and Inner Sunset have about five a piece) in SF I can go to where the owner will actually be grateful for business. -
Review from Bodhi D.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2011
I just love this neighborhood stationery store. It's convenient for buying singles of envelopes and other goods which Office Depot only sells in bulk.
They also have a rotating selection of off-the-wall gifts - in the past they've had little wind up music boxes (I got one which plays "If I only had a brain" from "Wizard of Oz." The other week they had mustache bandages. -
Review from Mabel B.
1/30/2011
Love this place! So many cute and great novelties that I would totally buy.
They even sell Angry Little Girls here! -
Review from Alexandra N.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2010
I love writing letters, but it's been a while since I bought some cool stationary. I think I was ten years old the last time while visiting my grandfather in England. The writing paper I chose came from Harrod's department store, complete with their trademarked teddy bear. I'm a little older now, and I decided it was time to move on to some new writing materials. Jennifer CP recommended Gable's Stationary to me a while ago and I finally got to check it out last week with Ting.
It was a beautiful and sunny day when we went, and we decided to make an adventure out of the day. We started off by lunching on Fillmore at La Mediterranee (where I got hit on by a waitress--ooh lala) and then we headed off into the sunset, or shall I say Outer Richmond? It was a fun walk and it was so nice out that it didn't even seem liked we walked that far, but we did.
When we finally got to Gable's we checked out the fun front window display and meandered inside to find a hodge-podge collection of books, toys, writing materials and office supplies. While Ting checked out some sun hats, I went over to explore the greeting cards section and find some cute blank note cards. Going through the Hallmark-like wall of cards, I found some super-old Ren & Stimpy greeting cards from 1994. Awesome! I bought two, one of which I ended up giving to Juv for her birthday ("A disgusting and familiar aroma..."with Stimpy holding up kitty litter and inside says "Thanks for Dinner!") and the other has a picture of Stimpy dressed as a nurse-- I'm saving that one for Ben for a special occasion.
In addition to the funny greeting cards, I also found some adorable blank note cards with a photo of a kitten sitting inside a foot bath. Of course I picked those up! I was actually expecting Gable's Stationary to be the end-all-be-all emporium of stationary stores, but in actuality it's a pretty small shop. There are rows of cards and paper goods and odds and ends one could pick up quickly as a joke-gift. They had chocolate-covered ants and freeze-dried crickets in a box, along with more traditional gift items like scented soaps and candles, and old fashioned candies (bugs not included).
Indeed, Gable's Stationary is a curiosity and a sight to see and experience! The counter-people were even funny to eavesdrop on-- Ting and I overheard some conversation involving Vicodin. If you have an afternoon to kill and the weather is nice outside, put on some walking shoes and head over to Gable's. We recommend taking the route up Clement for ultimate sight-seeing.Listed in: Tsaritsa's SF Local Flavor, Charge Card
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Review from Sharon J.
6/13/2010
Gables Stationary is an old and established San Francisco treasure. I love walking through and checking out all the stationary, cards, and do-dads, and it's a great place to grab a quick inexpensive gift for something like an office party.
They get wonderful items in. Just stuff you didn't realize you need, like jeweled pencil tops, every kind of sticker, really lovely Cranes brand stationary and so much more.
They also have the basic stuff, tons of pens, pencils, tape, printer paper and on and on, Much better selection than the "K" place with a much more personal touch.
Great wrapping paper, gift boxes..hmmm I need to stop by.
If you possibly can, buy your greeting cards here because this store is a family run operation and a much sweeter place than Walgreens or Safeway.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from tinna h.
2/10/2009
Rubber Duckie you're the one,
You make bathtime lots of fun,
Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you
Vo-vo-dee-o!
Rubber Duckie, joy of joys,
When I squeeze you, you make noise,
Rubber Duckie you're my very best friend it's true
Oh, every day when I, make my way to the tubby
I find a little fellow who's cute and yellow and chubby!
Rub-a-dub-dubby!
Rubber Duckie you're so fine,
And I'm lucky that you're mine.
Rubber Duckie, I'd love a whole pond of,
Rubber Duckie, I'm awfully fond of you!
Oh, every day when I, make my way to the tubby
I find a little fellow who's cute and yellow and chubby!
Rub-a-dub-dubby!
Rubber Duckie you're so fine,
And I'm lucky that you're mine,
Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you!
http://www.youtube.com...
They have rubber duckies here for 99 cents. They also have plenty of cards as they are affiliated with Hallmark. You can also pick up random stationery - a single envelope if you'd like. There are a selection of varying sizes in the back. -
Review from Autumn K.
10/18/2007
I was known, years ago, as the Queen of Cute in my circle of friends. Well, times have changed and I'm probably leaning more towards Queen of Cutabitch at this point. Nevertheless, I do love me some giftwrap, kitsch, and greeting cards. The Gables delivers. This place screams CUTE. This is the only option out in the outer reaches of the Richmond if you need a last minute gift, original greeting card, or beautiful gift wrap options. They carry moleskine notebooks, leather bound journals, toys, soaps/toiletries, and all the cute you can handle. Also they have an excellent selection of pens and books ranging from silly children's books to useful local guides.
The space is huge and the store feels like it goes on forever. Gift cards dominate the front of the store but the back is crowded with every office supply (old-fashioned and modern) imaginable. There are great plastic products (containers, organizers, etc) and some designer-ish items like bags and aprons. It's really hard to walk out of here empty-handed. The staff are helpful and kind and don't really bother you at all. It's conveniently located right next to the most miserable post office in the world. So if you're absolutely forced to ship something out of the hellhole next door, why not pop into Gable's and dress it up first? -
Review from Jonathan W.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2010
Gables is awesome especially when you are looking for cards for that special someone! ;) There cards are unique and every card has its own personal meaning. They have a wide selection of cards for everything from bday cards, get well cards, congrats cards and of course ur seasonal cards. This is my go to place to get cards because places like walgreens have cards that are too commercialized for me. They don't give me a good feeling inside. I admit once and awhile i do find a good hallmark card at walgreens but i prefer to peruse the small aisles at Gables and support a local business that has been here for as long as i can remember.
They have many other things besides cards too, they have alot of stationary and art supplies and school and office supplies in general. There is a toy section and they also have very unique items that you won't find anywhere else. You just need to take the time to browse. For me finding the right card for the right person and for the right occasion is important. Truthfully i have spent probably up to 2 hrs in here looking for the right card for my gf. The staff is friendly and even if your not planning on buying anything come in and browse. You might see something you really like. Or you might run into me with a few cards in my hand and still trying to look at others. LOLS -
Review from Sarah H.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011
Love this place. Always a good bet for a last minute gift, a great card and some awesome wrapping paper sheets. Love it.
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Review from Susan C.
San Jose, CA
6/4/2009
Gables has become quite the little unique stationary store carrying fun and random items and gifts not unsimilar to Tutti Fruitti and Wishbone in the Sunset. AND they still have a huge selection of cards!
I'm a little old school, in that I love getting cards for friends on any occasion. It makes me feel happy to write my feelings about people and tell them in more of a mushy way. Cuz if you don't know, I am kind of abrasive and seemingly insensative, so I feel free to show more of my touchy-feely side in cards.
Not to mention all the fun stuff they have, including an array of journals and calenders, trinkets, pens and STICKERS! I used to be an avid sticker collector too. I used to love me some scratch and sniff and fuzzy ones too. Oh childhhood, I miss you so. -
Review from Marie B.
8/8/2008
I love Gables! I remember going as a kid, not even appreciating it as much as I do as an adult, but all the same loved perusing the isles of cards, stationary, trinkets, and school and arts supplies. Went there the other day after being reminded by a Yelper just how COOL this place is. Though I only ended up buying two sympathy (had some typical and not so typical ones, and I chose ones w/ a nature setting) and one inspirational (a lot of fun cards w/ inspirational and meaningful quotes) cards, I saw so many items I want to go back for. For instance, there's this knit covered hot water bottle that's red with a white cross on it...thought it'd be perfect for those darn cramps I get once a month (hinted to my bf to buy it for me), decorative candle votives, stationary cards, and some kitchen ware.
Friendly staff, a plethora of nifty merchandise, and fun and imaginative store front--you can go wrong with Gables!Listed in: Richmond District
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Review from Marc A.
3/31/2009
Everyone once in awhile I'll have to go to one of those big box stores to buy office supplies as the "Lady K" works from a home office and well... I'm here to serve, right?
But today was different, I had to go to the post office next door to The Gables and thought,"what the heck, lets see what they have?!" I needed a padded envelope to mail a book back to http://Amazon.com, so why give my money to USPS when I could support a local merchant?
WOW! Was I surprised with all the Gables had to offer. Paper supplies, cards, gifts and my padded envelopes. Great service from a young girl behind the counter (owners's daughter?) and lots of surprises everywhere to purchase. Enjoy! -
Review from Fannie S.
2/21/2008
Strange store...the door and everything is at strange angles. But inside, it's normal stuff--stationery, pens, stuffed animals, and other kiddie-like toys. Fun soaps, nice gag gifts, and silly cards. Plenty of baby items too.
I like finding unique items here. Some of their items are seasonal. -
Review from Deborah C.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Gable is an awesome go-to-place when you need last minute art/office supplies!
I was in dire need of watercolor paper for a design project, but I didn't want to go all the way down to Blick or Office Depot.
While I was searching the area of Inner Richmond, I decided to call Gable to ask if they have any watercolor paper. A polite gentlemen answered the phone and went to check to see if they have any left.
Viola! He comes back to the phone and tells me there is one more left. Also, he held the pad of paper for an hour. This is what I call a friendly customer service through via telephone. :D
An hour later, I popped into the store and he automatically knew who i was. Before I bought the paper, I browsed around the store if I need anything else. Then, I went to the cash wrap and bought it for little over $5 (9x12).
I was chatting with him and I asked if there are any color copy machines in the area. Viola! He had an answer again! The kind gentleman referred me to go to UPS to get my color copies.
Now, this is what I consider excellent customer service. :D
Happy Yelping! -
Review from Elaine P.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2009
My daughter insists we go in every time we walk by. She loves going in to look at the toys and all the little nik-naks they have in there. 'Course I love to go in to look at the handbags and jewelry they carry in there as well. Its a stationary store that allows you to buy a bday card and gift if there's something that catches your eye there. The first time I went in was during Halloween and they carry "old school" masks and things you wont find at Target or Rite-Aid which makes the store unique in itself.
I'm also happy that their staff are patient and relaxed and not stressed over my kid checking out the toys or pushing buttons on things...if they're relaxed then so am I. And if I'm relaxed then I can shop better =) -
Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
6/27/2007
*sigh*
I miss this neighborhood card shop. I used to walk down and look at all the crap/gag gifts/doo-dads in the front of store then stock up on cards. I LOVED that weekend ritual. I could easily spend close to an hour in here.
Highlight items I have seen there:
Pope soap on a rope
Unhappy hour gum
Everybody Poops book
Everybody Has Scabs book
Why do I have nipples book
Sushi band-aids
Gardeners soap (WTF?)
$40 ugly earrings
$65 super nice earrings
$6 bedazzled mini pens
365 things to do in San Francisco cards
Kama Sutra book (hell yes!)
365 sex positions book :)
A pirate hat
Bitch cream
This place rocks!!
(Lack of 5 stars bc half the store is boring - fill it with doodads!!)Listed in: Born to Shop, Cool Crapola!
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Review from Dave W.
South San Francisco, CA
5/24/2008
Charming little neighborhood stationary store that's been around forever.
Interesting shop with lots of fun greeting cards, stationary, and knick-knacks. Great for browsing.
I just stopped by for some index cards today, but the service is friendly as always. The girl working checked stock availability for me beforehand when I telephoned; she ran down the aisle and read off my choices while I was on the phone.
Terrific service!
Thanks! -
Review from Tiara N.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2008
I love how I can shop here without someone breathing stationery breath down my neck. There are no suspicious eyeballs, nobody popping up in obscure aisles to check on you, and no lurking 'associates'.
I love how every time I come here intending to buy for others, I buy for me, me, me. Is it wrong to admit that?
I love how I saved myself from a really embarrassing situation last time I was here. I heard a toy being played with. Over and over and over, the same song from this obnoxious toy, twittering and tweeting. I was on my way to find the toy and remove it's batteries/say something to mother of offending child/smatter toy to bits if necessary, when I realized it wasn't a toy I was hearing.
It was the finches at the front counter.
Whew!
Close one! -
Review from Nicole J.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2007
I buy my friends unique presents and surprises from this stationary store. They are always so delighted with their gifts.
Today my boyfriend surprised me with the cutest plush snowy owl from here! What a thoughtful, observant boyfriend... hahaha, but I digress...
The store changes their products, toys, gifts, and jewelry every so often. There is plenty of knick-knacks, goofy gifts, and stationary. There is often a little sale stationary section that contains a bunch of old school cards. I found one of Ziggy.
Anyhoops, check it out for yourself... -
Review from Wendy H.
Updated - 12/8/2008
Dropped by after my trip to the PO. The store is just as I remembered it only they now stock lots of old timey kids toys (xylophones, drums, mechanical wind up toys etc.). The merchandise is really cute. Picked up a set of toy cars for the Kid, some Nori paste (crafters, I could never find this paste but they carry it here!) and a tape dispenser.
Yes their prices are slightly higher than Staples but they carry eclectic merchandise. You can't get stuff with personality at Staples!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2007
I have very fond memories of Gables. I used to visit often when I got out of elementary school.… Read more »
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Review from Court N.
Phoenix, AZ
7/12/2007 1 photo
Gable's is a Geary street gem. I love the random selection of things they have for sale there from cool designed rolling laundry carts, children's books like Everybody Poops, quality soaps and candles, little thinga-ma-jig that you crank the handle and it plays a song like "Happy Birthday" or "Yesterday" by the Beatles, pretty big card selection, office supplies, I wish that the jewlery were a little less expensive. A lot of the pieces are cool but I just don't feel like they are worth the price (some cheap options for like $10 but I've seen them for $60 also...) Oh, they also have...
A bird.
I don't think the bird is for sale...it's just...there. Always there. Squaking and being all birdy. I always wonder if it goes home with the owner at the end of the night or if it stays there in the shop. Birds are kind of dirty animals, although I have no complaints about the cleanliness of this particular bird because there is zero birdy smell even right next to the cage...which makes me think it's a travelling bird that doesn't stay there overnight. OR! Maybe it's a watch-bird and it protects the store at night! Yeah! I like that better.
Let's see...getting back to making this a useful review: they can fax things for you and there's usually a notary working. So that's useful...and now I'm done. -
Review from Rashmi N.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2007
Cute store. I've bought many a birthday card here and even a few b-day gifts in a pinch when I lived nearby. I love to wander the aisles and look for something nice. The jewelry cabinets are especially fun - though the turnover when I last dropped in was pretty sad.
The girls at the counter seem to impatiently wait for customers to get their stuff and leave (and it's not even near closing time!)... makes you wonder what they do when no one is there.
Overall, a cute neighborhood place or one to drop in if you're passing by but not worth any kind of travel time. -
Review from Bella B.
3/23/2009
I have to say; the Gable's is a great place for unique gifts, however I find them to be quite overpriced and limited to actual stationary (I wanted a nice THICK diary for my friend who is a new mom and writes tons and was pointed to a small, bland selection of stationary) but they do have lovely cards, great soaps (ok $16 for 2 bars of almond soap is a bit much, but it smelled so good, I had to have it) and other interesting (also local) items. So if you have a bunch of cash to blow, want a unique gift and are in the area, go for it. I would not go out of my way to visit them.
JMTC -
Review from Stacy J.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2006
Cute neighborhood stationery store with your basics and lots of random merchandise up front like Angry Little Girls tote bags and fair-trade fingerless mittens from Nepal.
And not just the tips cut off! There are no fingers at all, just a big hole for your 4 fingers and a thumb hole so you won't be mistaken for wearing arm-warmers. And it's lined with cotton fleece, so soft.
I never thought I'd be so enthused about mittens, but there you go. Thanks, Gable's. -
Review from Jan Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2008
Have you ever found yourself in need of a book about where farts came from? Do you ever find yourself needing sushi shaped soap? How about finding an apron with a gnome on the front?
Gables stationary is not only a great card shop. It not only has beautiful bound journals and calendars. You can pick up more than just gift wrap. Gables has all that and more. I have gone here many a time before a birthday party and bought everything from the gift, card, wrapping paper, and a pen.
Check it out and say hi to the resident bird inside. -
Review from Cara C.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2008
Gable's is such a charming little stationary store! Totally reminds me of being back home in quaint little Monterey on Alvarado Street or The Barnyard in Carmel Valley, but situated on the most random part of Geary, or should I San Francisco in general.
I'm not one for stationary or even greeting cards in general, but I swear every time I step foot in here I become that crazy old lady who stocks up on various holiday/birthday/graduation/thank you/get well greeting cards.. or maybe MY grandma was the only person who did shit like that. At any rate, Gable's has great little greeting cards. They also carry gift bags, tissue paper, notebooks and journals, decorative candles, jewelry, misc. art supplies and so much more. The girls working there are really sweet, helpful and really giggly.
The last time I came here I was on a mission to find a simple Sympathy card and almost randomly bought sticks of red wax and a fancy metal "C" emblem, since we all know that I'm really into sealing all of my mail like a romantic Shakespeare love note (WTF?!).
You almost suckered me into buying it Gable's.. almost. -
Review from Bessie T.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2007
I LOVE knick knack stores. I can spend hours in here going through the different soaps, books, and cutesy stuff. They even have some "vintage" toys - that ha-hum..my niece and nephew love.
Also cool place to get some interesting souveniors for out of town guests. -
Review from Meesh K.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2008
My friend and I both remarked how we had not been inside this store in years, and how the old, but familiar smell of the paper products reminded us of when we were little and we used to walk in after walking down Geary with our parents.
On the front table there are books displayed. "Everyone Poops", "The Gas We Pass", and "All About Scabs". LOL. I picked up a Golden Book favorite that I haven't seen in decades...Nurse Nancy. I found a set of mini Frida Kahlo magnets! You round the counter and see the toy section, walk down an aisle and face the colorful plastic container section. What a beautiful selection of all types of stationary needs. You have to come here and check out the cooky selection of trinkets. We spent over an hour in here acting like little kids. It was great. -
Review from jared c.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2009
Great place to get cards. The stationary selection looks huge, though I've never browsed it.
They have all the standard cards for all the standard occasions, and they also have a small selection of cards from little independent card companies. The little companies make better looking cards, I think.
Prices are good. $2-4 for the average card I've bought. Staff is really nice and helpful if you have questions. And it's next door the the post office which is convenient.
I'm a fan. -
Review from Katelynn L.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2009
Cards? Check - OMG...they have the largest display of cards, ranging from Hallmark to random, cutesy ones and for every occasion that you could possibly think of.
Stickers? Check - shiny, glittery, fuzzy, glow-in-the-dark, butterflies, princesses, flowers, cars, birthday, holidays,...you name it, they probably have it.
Pens? Check - love their pen selection and they have refills too.
Gift wrap? Check - from single sheets to rolls, they have it all. They also have lots of cute tissue paper and gift bags as well.
Handmade soaps? Check...everything smells good enough to eat.
Unique gifts? Check - Gables has books, jewelry, stuffed animals, paperweights and other random knick knacks. Every time I go in, I find something new.
As a kid, I used to spend my entire allowance on stickers here. As a teen who worked here in high school, I used to spend a chunk of my paycheck on cards, pens, Beanie Babies, and other random stuff. As a grown woman, Gables is still the store that comes to mind whenever I need something.
Yup...I absolutely adore Gables. Plus, everyone who works there is always super helpful and friendly and the owners, Rox and Scot, are wonderful as well.
