Around Town With Tara: Shopping At The Popular Parcel

Falling down the rabbit hole is how one might liken the experience of visiting Parcel, Nancy Laboz' vintage inspired shop. Parcel boasts a dizzying array of paper arts products. Truly, one can literally spend hours delving into the assorted bins, shelves, and tucked-away chests to unearth everything from whimsical thank you notes and graphically stunning wrapping paper to all kinds of charming minutiae—enough to make any craft devotee salivate. 

Parcel is not new to Montclair, having opened its doors seven years ago, but it has evolved tremendously. Recently, Parcel launched its own line of craft products available now at Michael's, as well as at Parcel itself. Laboz collaborates with a company to transform versions of unique pieces she has into the detailed 3D art stickers that have become synonymous with scrapbooking. Laboz notes that "although they are more mass produced, I have worked closely with the company to maintain the integrity of Parcel's image and brand." 

Although Parcel has grown, you can still expect to find the same exquisite attention to detail in the products offered and excellent customer service. Laboz is equally content to allow patrons to wander, touch, and explore—or to be on hand to assist. While some do opt for a DIY approach, Laboz and her expert staff will help create unique invitations and announcements, provide layered and distinctive gift wrap, or simply find a perfect present.

I recently descended upon Parcel armed with a gift certificate and my 7-year-old daughter. After much mutual ooing and ahhing we narrowed our choices down to a miniature bird's nest complete with two tiny realistic birds, a birthday card, a glass vial of fairy dust, a wooden top, and a small sketchpad. We plan to return soon to snag the mustache on a wooden stick and Marie Antoinette lollipops.

For more information, visit Parcel's Web site, which is almost as delightful to peruse as the store itself. You can also become a fan on Facebook, which will allow you to receive updates on happenings in the store such as sales and workshops. Parcel is also available to host private events for a more personal experience. You can shop and create in an atmosphere where, promises Laboz, "everything from the music to the food is [organized] down to the last detail."

As a special to Montclair Patch readers, Parcel is offering a discount of 20 percent off any vintage items and 15 percent off any custom invitations through the end of September.

Parcel is located  at 559 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07042.

Phone number 973 744 7700.

Hours of operation: Monday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.