Stationery is having a renaissance, with a new generation of paper fetishists fixated on creating hip, high-quality contemporary correspondence. Many independent card-makers are analog-friendly, using printing methods such as letterpress, a 15th-century invention, with such beautiful results that the e-card seems criminal. Not your typical Hallmark offerings, these selections are available in San Francisco. Buy before the holiday rush to forestall disappointment — many may sell out.

Click the picture for some wild cards.

SHOPS WITH GREAT CARDS

Books Inc.

• 601 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
• (415) 776-1111

The Booksmith

• 1644 Haight St., San Francisco
• (415) 863-8688

deYoung Museum Store

• 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
• (415) 750-3642

Flax

• 1699 Market St., San Francisco
• (415) 552-2355

Lavish

• 540 Hayes St., San Francisco
• (415) 565-0650

Legion of Honor Museum Store

• 100 34th Ave., San Francisco
• (415) 750-3677

Perch

• 654 Chenery St., San Francisco
• (415) 586-9000

Russian Hill Bookstore

• 2234 Polk St., San Francisco
• (415) 929-0997

SFMOMA Museum Store

• 151 Third St., San Francisco
• (415) 357-4035

Therapy

• 545 Valencia St., San Francisco
• (415) 865-0981