Cheap Thrills Back-to-School Edition: Payn's Stationery

In the last dwindling days of summer, as the noose of routine tightens around the neck of freedom and school schedules are sorted out, get yourself organized and equipped at .

Squeezed into a nondescript building at the top of Solano Avenue, Payn’s Stationery is one of the last old-fashioned office supply stores in the Bay Area, a hushed sanctuary of paper goods harkening back to the days of handwritten letters and ledger books. Whatever your school or office need, chances are Payn’s will carry it. Pens, pencils, paints, and paperclips are ordinary fare here, as are binders, folders, clipboards, and notebooks. Instead, hunt and peck for more unusual items like rubber bands in every imaginable size, threaded paper tags, rolls of raffle tickets, or plastic name badges on long lanyards.

The store itself is a pleasant respite from the hustle of back-to-school madness. A quiet, matter-of-fact little depot, smelling pleasantly of rubber cement and stacked high with stationery supplies. The owner is usually on hand to assist you personally, pointing you in a particular direction or checking in back for something special. There is a handy table and chair set in the front of the store, allowing customers to sit while addressing letters, writing out cards, or stamping envelopes.

So try something different; eschew the giant chain stores and drop by this tiny storehouse instead. Gear up for school, make your list, and get kitted out properly at Payn’s Stationery Store.