I started journaling when I was in Helsinki, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. There were so many options, such as bookstores filled with stationery and paper shops (paperikauppa). It was exciting but also a bit overwhelming.

If you’re feeling the same way or just looking for cute stationery and little extras to make journaling more fun, I’ve got you covered in this post. Here are my favorite shops to check out, whether you’re starting a journal or just want to brighten up your desk.

1. Mic and Mim

If you’ve ever browsed Instagram, YouTube, or any journaling content and wondered where to find all those beautiful supplies in Helsinki, Mic and Mim is the first destination to go. They have everything: Hobonichi planners, popular journals, stickers, washi tapes, and plenty of other stationery goodies for hobbies beyond journaling.

Their stock is always fresh, and if you’re waiting for Hobonichi’s seasonal collections in spring or fall, you can even preorder them here.

2. Putinki

Putinki is a well-loved Finnish paper shop with a charming selection of planners, notebooks, stickers, and more, featuring both beautiful and witty designs in Finnish and English.

If you’re in Helsinki, their Arabia store is a must-visit. It’s home to a letterpress studio where skilled artisans create handmade cards and bookmarks using traditional printing machines. You can watch the Heidelberg printing machines in action through a glass window, offering a rare peek into the art of letterpress printing.

3. Local Chain Bookstores

If you’re looking for journaling supplies in Helsinki, Akateminen Kirjakauppa, Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, and Rosebud are worth checking out. While they’re mainly bookstores, like most bookshops, they have a stationery section with all the basics for journaling.

Rosebud, however, has some hidden gems, especially at their Kaivopiha and Sivullinen locations. I was surprised to find not just stationery but also specific stickers for journaling.

So, next time you stop by one of these bookstores, take a peek at the stationery section, you might just find the perfect addition to your journaling stash.

4. Hidden Stationery Finds in Unexpected Places

Helsinki is full of jewelry, accessory, and stationery stores. But don’t rush past them! Many of these shops have little surprises tucked away. What looks like a jewelry store might have a small section of cute stationery, stickers, and journaling goodies. Even some local cafés sell their own stickers as souvenirs of your visit.

That’s exactly what happened to me with Dreamie. I always thought it was just a jewelry shop—until I finally stepped inside and found the exact journaling stickers I had been searching for.

Here are a few more unexpected spots worth checking out:

• Kari’s House
  • A sticker buffet paradise with tons of designs at super affordable prices.
• Miku Miku
  • A mix of accessories, stationery, stickers, and even a modern photo booth for fun snapshots.
• Animeet
  • Finland’s go-to anime store for officially licensed merch. They have a sticker buffet and even sell the Uni Jetstream Pen, a favorite among Hobonichi users.
• Espresso House
  • Yes, a coffee shop! Stickers aren’t available at every location, but at the Forum branch, I found a cute sticker designed to go on their mugs but honestly, you can stick it anywhere.
• Andante
  • A well-loved local coffee shop with top-notch coffee (seriously, try it!). They sell stickers featuring their desserts, coffee, and signature Marimekko mugs, a Finnish design icon. If you want a unique journaling souvenir, this is it—a sticker that captures Finland’s love for coffee (the second-highest consumption in the world!) and a touch of local charm.

5. Local Markets

Helsinki is a city that thrives on creativity, especially through its vibrant seasonal markets where local artists showcase their handmade treasures.

My journey into discovering unique journaling supplies started during the Vanhan Joulutori Christmas Market. Walking among the beautifully decorated stalls, I stumbled upon charming stickers and delightful stationery, making them the perfect companions to breathe life into my Hobonichi. From that moment, I started following many local artists to keep track of their schedules and catch them at markets around Helsinki. The following season, I explored the Fun Design Market, a popular gathering filled with local creations. I have to admit, Finland’s local artists offer a wide range of unique, character-filled art that is more than worthy of buying to liven up your journaling experience.

If you’re curious about finding unique journaling essentials, keep an eye on the City of Helsinki’s official events page. They regularly update their calendar, making it easy to plan your next creative adventure and discover beautiful, locally crafted art supplies to enhance your journaling experience.

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This list will keep growing as I continue exploring the city. So, let’s keep our eyes open. Helsinki’s shops can surprise you! Sometimes, the most unexpected places have the cutest finds, perfect for adding a little extra charm to our journals.