I hate to see this place go, its so wonderful shopping here. I love the atmosphere and the workers are super friendly! They have cute antique toys along with cute aesthetically pleasing accessories, crystals, a book/card section, and more.

I should have done all my Christmas shopping here. I wouldve been one and done with all my shopping. If youre looking for a unique, happy gift and experience go to Paper Bear.

Closing down and having great sales on whats left! I grew up shopping in this store for 30+ years Im sad to see it go. It will be sorely missed 😢

Still love this place. It has a unique smell that I will miss. Yes its smaller then before and less things to play with but they are closing sometime next year. Cant be mad that they arent restocking like they use too. I still found Christmas presents for almost everyone on my list.

Great nostalgic choices, low prices.

By far the coolest store to bad its going out of business soon 😭...but the do have mad discounts 25%-50% store wide, and theyre selling their displays and fixtures

Best place to get anything your Heart desires

This is one of my favorite stores. They have a wonderful selection of all types of things! Staff is attentive and prices are reasonable.

Cool stuff, but the staff really need to loosen up. Following people, telling people they cant have drink or food inside, telling customers not to touch... even signs on the check-out counter saying something like Dont use cell phone while checking out WHAT?? Made it feel more like a museum than the fun little shop it was a few years ago. Oh, plus their outrageous prices! I wanted to leave because of the vibes the staff gave me.

Love this place, been going here for many years...so many unique items!

Great place. When I was in college I liked shopping here. Sad to hear its closing. It should be sold to keep it open instead of closing it permanently.

This has been by far my favorite gift shop since I was a little girl. Growing up in San Marcos with a gift shop like P.B., I spent many birthdays opening PB surprises. I was always excited to see what treasures my aunt Stone found for me. She bought all my bday gifts at PB. It was her tradition. From 3 to 23 I received something amazing and magical at least once a year. Now ten years later this is my go to gift shop for those very special people in my life. PB is for all ages at awesome affordable prices. Just one more gem that makes up this beautiful town!

This was the first time Id ever come here, and it was fantastic. Everything is adorable, and its full of all the fun little gifts youre looking for. Shame itll be closing down soon. Get in while I can!

This has to be one of my favorite stores. Great for window shopping, great for gifts, and great for spoiling yourself. They have a wide variety of things here, so youre bound to find something.

Ive always loved this store. Even thought is half the size it use to be, its worth a look. I was looking for something I have bought there in the past. It was hard to find someone willing to help. There are new and fun things for you to consider getting for gifts. I like the variety of toys. There is a section in the very back that has small toys. Fun store.

Very cute eclectic store. They sell strings of beads for jewelry, toys, crafts, etc. They have a policy of no food/drink, no backpacks or shopping bags. But, there was no sign that I could see. This policy is common for shops on the Square. No fun being told AFTER you have been shopping, you may have stuff you dont want to risk storing behind the counter

This has been a family favorite for years, but theyre closing their doors in a few months for good. Ill miss them, dont know if they are selling the business or not.

Love this! Went for the first time with my daughter yesterday and we really enjoyed ourselves. They have a LOT of really neat products. The store was packed, too! Will definitely go back.

Closing soon, will miss this wonderful San Marcos store!

The real question is, what doesn’t this store have? One of the few jewelry stores you will find that has layaway a layaway option for that something special you find perusing about. Complete with a t short rack and a candy wall. There is something in this store for everyone, so if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, this is the place!

Amazing Ladies!! Thank you for all of your help!! My husband will just get over how much I spent!! Lol.. Thanks again!! Look forward till the next time!! Lots of Christmas gift Ideas..

I purchased a bunch of crystals and rock samples from this place. The employees were super nice and their selection is pretty good too for a gift shop. The rest of the store is filled with an assortment of so many weird and interesting items. If youre in the area, you have to go!

Omg!! I hope someone buys Paper Bear and keeps it a San Marcos staple! It’s the best! I make sure to always take any SM visitors by there first! I wanted to go Easter shopping on their back wall w all the tiny toys, instead of candy, to fill eggs with but it seems they’re closed. I can’t tell If it’s bc of the virus or bc doors closed permanently already!!? I would hope they’d have a final blow out/closing sale! Anyone know if they’re closed bc of virus or doors closed for good???

A favorite for generations of locals, college students, and those who travel from afar, Paper Bear is a legend that continues to live up to its name. Chosen treasures await discovery - eclectic only begins to describe this place. A generous jewelry island introduces pieces from around the world that will suit any budget. Clothing, toys (dont forget the wall of tiny toys), garden joys, cards and MUCH more delight the eyes and senses. If you need help, just ask - the staff is delightful!

Very cute and kind of historical in its own way now, huh? Reasonably priced items from all over the world, it is an excellent place to go when looking for a unique gift for anybody!

Funky local gift shop with a hippy vibe. Think patchouli, beads, incense, singing bowls and beautiful tie dye. Also has a nice selection of toys, greeting cards, fun gifts, and jewelry. A San Marcos landmark!

I learned to make awesome jewelry for dudes here, 8 years ago. I love this place, and I hope it never goes away. When you walk in the door you can feel the warmth of the staff past and present surround you with love. Everything you ever wanted, in your whole life is here in bins on the wall, and along tight shelves. Bouncing balls, magic tricks, beads, stones, dime store toys. When they made the store smaller it just concentrated the good karma, and fun!

Great store. A bit pricey, but very cute and the staff are so sweet and you can find all kind of niche stuff. Great store for any new age, hippy, or witchy type folks, or just people who like cute little kitschy stuff.

Paper bear is a great place to buy cool and interesting things, but Im really sad they are shutting down though. :(

A Freshman in college with no friends and several hours away from home I found myself wandering off of campus trying to find something to do. From the outside this store doesnt look like much and the name gift shop left a bad taste in my mouth having lived in Corpus all my life but boy was I in for a surprise as I stepped inside. I was amazed to find that the store went much deeper than I had expected. And while I had expected to find postcards and mugs and the like with Texan slogans on them, I didnt expect all the wonderment this store did have. There were things there that I hadnt seen since my childhood. Art supplies, and toys, and crafts, and books, and clothing and so much more. I sat and pet one of the store cats while sucking on a truffle that they sold fresh in the front. Then went home and spooked my room mate with a prank kit I had found at the store. This store is a gem, and a one of a kind. I could spend hours there at a time and yet every time I came I found something new to love about this place. I would say that this and Gils Broiler are the two places you need to stop at if youre in the San Marcos area and want something that cant be found anywhere else

Easily one of the most unique and delightful shops Ive ever been in. You cant even find most of the stuff online- and especially at the prices they have it all at.I wish, however, Id had less negative experiences with the staff. At first they were just kinda standoffish, but then weird incidences kept happening I just happened to be there for. Pretty unwelcoming and very unpleasant. Not going to go into detail, but enough to take a star off.Still a wonderful place to visit if youre just coming to San Marcos!

This is a wonderful store with affordable prices. Like in a treasure box you can find great things here. Very helpful staff.

This place, they have so many of the world items... Wonderful place to shop for any occasion! Its truly surprising the assortment of items in here. Wonderful place!!!!

Love the teaching tools they have! Found solar paper to teach my children science.

Ive been going to Paper Bear for the 30+ years Ive lived in this city. The staff have always been awesome and theres always fun, unique things hiding all around the store. Need to find a unique gift? Go here. Need cheap kids stocking stuffers? Go here. Want local handmade goods? They sell that too.

Ive been coming here since I was a child and being parent now I never miss a opportunity to take my son here and he loves it as much I still do. Please stop here and check this place out theres always something for everyone.

I love going to this place to get small gifts for friends and family. It has every fun toy a kid and adult can have fun with, from magic to puzzles. It is also a great place to get posters or tapestry.

Paper Bear is full of awesome gifts, toys and housewares. I love shopping there! They offer a wide range of products and there is a ton to look at. The staff are all very kind and helpful. Shop local!

This place is adorable! Full of fun gifts for all ages. I love coming in here and seeing what they have in stock. The store is kind of hard to navigate, feels a little cramped and messy. My friend wanted to buy a shirt they had on display but they had run out.

I am always looking at Google reviews on places before I go. So after another GREAT shopping experience, I just had to write a review! By far my FAVORITE store in San Marcos... or really anywhere! The people are OUTSTANDING and make you feel so welcomed! This store has such a wide variety of products too. I just cant say enough about how much I LOVE this store!

Adorable little shop with an amazing selection of bits and bobs for any of your crafting needs. A decent toy and puzzle section in the back, too.

This place is San Marcos greatest hidden treasure! Its conveniently located on the square and filled with cool oddities that you had no idea you needed until you walk in! Great spot for unique jewelry, cards, corky gifts and old-fashioned games from your childhood.

Cute stuff, over priced though. The cashier was very nice but there was an older lady who was rude to my little girl and not interested in helping us find a certain book.

I have always loved this place, but our last experience was terrible!! The lady followed us around like we were going to steal something (we didnt have purses or loose clothes on). Then, when I asked for help with something, she ignored me!! Very rude and it definitely makes me not like the place anymore!!

This is my go-to place for stocking stuffers, secret Santa gifts, and other situations that call for something cool and fun. They also have jewelry, cards, games, gift wrap, kitchen ware, and a range of similar things. Plus its great to shop local.

This place is so much fun. They have a fun, quirky Five-and-Dime collection of stuff at reasonable prices. We make it a point to stop by whenever we are in San Marcos.

Always a great experience!

Very unique shop full of a huge variety of things!!! By far one of my favorite shops. Great gifts, crafts, decor, and fun things.

You can get the most sentimental, unique gifts from here. PLUS a lot of their jewelry are made by local artists which benefits them, so it’s a win-win.

Wonderful little store. I love the variety of gifts, novelties and knik-knaks. Always a fun stop to make on LBJ!

Rudest customer service I have ever encountered. If you go in this store keep your hands in your pockets and dont touch anything because they will throw a fit about you picking up any items. My daughter was picking something off the wall and the super old lady that worked there threw a fit about her touching anything in the store. Also to just throw this out there everything is cheap made and over priced. not sure how they still have business.

The ladies here are always so helpful and they usually have that unique jewelry piece that nobody else will be wearing

The owner is just wonderful! Always find something at PB after all these years!

Awesome Place With Great Gifts! A True San Marcos Staple! Highly Recommended!

Love this place has alot of items you dont find just anywhere! Old school candy and nostalgia items definitely a great place to visit.

Awesome place to find cool, wierd, nifty stuff and also. Lots of very beautiful and unique jewlery. Well worth a visit!

I love this place!! It has a mixture of different things to purchase...jewelry, stationary type stuff, funny gift items, too many things to list.

The oldest and best novelty and bead house in downtown san marcous!

Love this place. Fun gifts and collectibles. They always have prayer flags too.

Always fun searching through the shelves of paper bear. Staff is friendly and engaging. Great for gifts.

Awesome gift idea store. Love their bead and jewelry making selection!

I stop in at Paper Bear any time I have to drive through San Marcos. Its the ultimate gift shop for everything wild and wonderful!

I arrived 4 min before opening time when I walked in 2 employees harshly scolded me that they were not opened yet. felt likeli was being attacked I could hardly even hear what they said as they both spoke at the same time but could tell by their dis satisfaction of my presence they wanted me out. I then waited 14 min in freezing cold temps for them to open the store 10 min late. Noone should be treated this way in the cold especially. I love the merchandise u can find some cool treasures most high retail prices but still cool things u dont see everyday. I will not be shopping here again they lost my buisness. Most items can be found on Amazon or wish at a way cheaper price.

Have amazing little things and the prices are great I’ve been shopping here for years and I love it!

Love going since 2007... 2019 still love bringing my kids

Excellent store with so many curios to see. Decent prices on the rarer stocks, but fairly expensive for the more common ones. My biggest concern is the fact that it is difficult to navigate due to the tight spacing of shelves.

This place was great

Classic San Martian shop, great for jewelry and novelty gifts

This place was a San Marcos institution. Its closing and stock is low. I was hoping to get here before their closing process. I havent been here since it was SWT back in the late 80s. It makes me so sad.

Best gift shop in San Marcos. Friendly and helpful staff. Something for everyone.

A recent incident at Paper Bear has left me feeling that I was target of stereotyping at this store.I went inside carrying a plastic bag that held my books and my sweater (because I had come from class). As I walked into the store an employee approached me and asked to take my bag. She placed it up front on the floor behind the register. Throughout the store I saw many people with bags: satchels, purses, and even a trash bag; however, I was the only person asked to give up my bag. When I was leaving the store I came to the register, and the employee rudely told me that I could pick up my bag (which was on the floor). I had to wait until the cashier finished with a customer to ask her to hand me my bag.I feel that I was individually targeted and stereotyped, and I felt disrespected. I was not acting suspiciously. My treatment in this situation was unwarranted. I hope that my case is an isolated incident, and that Paper Bear’s management will prevent this from happening to others in the future.

Always a favorite for their huge selection of cool stuff to buy!!! Wonderful place for people of all ages.

Unique shop with the most fun assortment of gifts, toys, jewelry, decor. Something here for everyone - been loving this place since I was a kid.

Great selection of crystals, gemstones, and natural rocks for very fair prices, was my original review, but after being treated poorly by employees on two visits, I have to be a little more honest.Ive been profiled and followed by employees for looking like a young, assumedly sticky-fingered college student on one occasion, (Im almost 30,) treated great the next time once they realized all I want to do is buy pretty rocks, then treated poorly yet again on my most recent visit by an older employee almost chasing everyone out of the store near closing time, which is 6pm every day.I was unaware, as their hours of operation are hand drawn and not immediately noticeable. Now, Ive worked in customer service my whole life, and I know how annoying it can be when there are people lingering when the store is about to close. However, I also know its inappropriate to make them feel unwelcomed by the process. She rudely ushered a group of actual college students out, (one of them sadly remarked that all he wanted to do was show his friends from out of town this great little store,) and after hearing the exchange my fiance and I abandoned our plans of purchasing what we had been looking at and immediately left. I didnt feel welcome to even spend my money there.Im genuinely disappointed because we had left the house intending only to go to PB for specific products, and its disheartening to watch others be treated poorly by staff of a neat little local shop, and then be treated poorly yourself, when your only intention was to spend money at their shop. Hope you can change my mind in the future PB, but right now Im more apt to stick to earthbound, where the store hours make sense and their employees treat me like a regular, even if the selection and prices arent as great.

Very fun store, full of... abaolutely everything. You may leave with more than you expected.

I love all the cool things you can get there! And there is a cat that wandered around the store. :)

Really great place. I was really entertained by the pretty cool stuff they had.

One of my favorite places to shop for unique and awesome gifts!

Amazing selection of crystals gemstones, and incense. Prices are great too!

I Love this store..they have a little of everything..awesome jewelry..awesome gift shop...its A must!!

Such a neat place to just be eccentric! Gizmos, trinkets, jewelry, games, and cards are all sold here with a lovely sense of humor.

This is an adorable little store with so much to look at and explore! I cant wait to come back to have a better look around at all the unique and odd novelties and gifts they carry.

Great little gift shop that is much bigger on the inside. Lots of very unique gifts and oddities.

I love going into the store and looking around it brings me back to my childhood.

Shop is full of neat gifts and trinkets. They have incense, sunglasses, and board games.

This place carries a little bit of everything, and I love it!

One of my favorite shops in san marcos !

Fun and unique things to have that can not be found anywhere else

Ive been coming here for most of my life - such a great small business! If youre not sure what to get someone for their birthday/Christmas take a gander here!

A hidden gem in San Marcos. Stop by there and youll leave with something you love!

The best place to get unique gifts in san marcos.

The store has been here in San Marcos forever, as long as I can remember and its great little store where you can pick up a few items and find some unique trinkets.

Always a great vibe awsome service

I love Paper Bear! They have some of the coolest stuff!

Have been shopping here since the 80s so sad to see it go.

Always fun, never know what youre going to find.

Dominique was very kind and helpful.

There is so much cool stuff here. I went in trying to find a oujia board but left with Settlers of Catan... close enough

Interesting items and the service is good. I was charged twice for an item that i requested a refund for, but it was later corrected.

My sons loved going here, making it a tradition.