In the heart of ‘touristy’ Brussels, just seconds from the Grand Place, a new shop invites us to turn away from our digital lifestyles, turn off our screens and rediscover the traditional joys of paper old-fashioned stationery.

But there is nothing traditional or old-fashioned about Mofelito Paperito. Quite the opposite: it’s resolutely contemporary, centred on creative designs and modern brands, such as cards by Typographe, an artisanal printing press based in Brussels. The large, bright window reveals the shop’s sleek interior, making it hard to resist opening the door and taking a look.

Once inside, you’ll find a varied and well-chosen selection of notebooks, pens, pencils, greeting cards and wrapping paper for all your stationery needs. I can’t guarantee you’ll be tempted to ditch email and take up letter writing, but you probably will. Either way, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for friends back home, or something nice for yourself, as a souvenir of Brussels.

Instead of the tacky Atomium keyring, or chocolate in the shape of the Manneken-Pis, buy a piece of contemporary Brussels, a city increasingly conscious of good design.