I grew up in a country town, where the CWA ladies had a real presence. Whether they were running…read moreevents or fixing things or making things better or just smashing the cake section at the local show every year, everyone knew all about the CWA. In big cities they don't have a presence, really, because CWA stands for COUNTRY Women's Association. However, Hobart isn't really a big city. It pretends to be. And for locals, it sure is! But travel to any other state capital in Australia and you'll probably be a bit overwhelmed if Hobart's all you know as a Big City. However, there are so many joys that come with Hobart's weird in-between city state, and one of those is right here: the CWA Gift Shop. It's cash only ("because the bank takes money from you for every card transaction!" how rude) and full of incredible hand-made goods, from crocheted throws to jams to beanies to cakes to everything your grandmother's talents extend to. And they've been in this exact spot since 1951. My current favourite thing to do is, whenever I'm feeling slightly or dramatically under the weather, drop in here and get myself a treat. My mum and my grandmothers all live interstate but the CWA ladies step in as my surrogates for a bit of heartwarming TLC for the mind and tummy, and it's pretty wonderful. Oh, and also: pineapple tea cosies.

Here's a hidden little gem. The Country Women's Association shop is great - with a mouth-watering…read moreselection of cakes, biscuits, slices, pickles, jams and relishes made fresh by ladies (and men perhaps - despite the title) in the surrounding country areas and brought in to be sold in this city shop. The ladies in charge informed me the vast majority of the baked goods on display were made fresh that morning. Each product - be it a sponge cake, tray of biscuits or jars of jams and relishes - is numbered, with the number corresponding to the lady who made them (it's all anonymous, only the ladies who run the shop know the secret identities of each cook). The shop takes a 25% cut of any takings with the baker/jam maker/knitter getting the rest. They also have loads of knitwear - from tea cosies to jumpers for kiddies - all of it first rate and all of it at great prices.

Inside is one of those dangerous places where my wallet starts shivering with nerves even if I just…read moreglance in its direction. I can't help myself, though--the window displays are part of them problem. They're so fine. They're always so attractive, and I just have to have a look, and then I just have to peek my head in, and then I just have to do one full circuit, and then I just have to treat myself to just one thing, but oh the sale table's just here too, excuse me, bye forever. Stocking Nancybird, Elk, Kip & Co, a plethora of wonderful jewellery makers... I could work at this list for ages or I could just encourage you to go into the store, so maybe just do the latter. It's worth it. See if someone else will mind your wallet for you.

Gifts galore for young and old, handy place for stocking stuffers and other assorted XMAS stuffread more

One of my two favourite stores at Salamanca, the Maker is full of really beautiful handcrafted…read moreitems. From terrarium kits to winter woollies to stunning dresses to pieces of jewellery, here you will find something unique and worthy of treasuring forever, either as a momento of your holiday in Tasmania (if you're visiting) or a reinforcement of why Tasmania is the best state in Australia (if this is home).

Best Uggs and souvenirs in Tasmania! Owners and workers are friendly and very helpful! Great…read moreshopping experience!

From the owner: Sheepskin Rugs & Ugg Boots, Quality Opals, Opal Jewellery, Souvenirs & Much More!read more

Need to buy a gift? - preferably jewellery, incense, designer-boxed-wrap-soap or some Balinese-…read moretropical-looking decor, or flowers, flowers, flowers? The this may be the place for you! There gear is pricey but high quality. Great easy location - close to all the restaurants and friendly helpful staff. The decor inside is super cool with their own pond in the middle, if you haven't been here already then go check them out. My only recommendation is for them to expand and open in NZ, preferably West Auckland for my convienence.

Looking for a distinctive florist with striking arrangements comprised of tropical flowers? Then…read moreFlora Gondwana is for you. I needed a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers in a hurry, and the store has a large selection of beautiful arrangements ready to go. Or, if you don't see what you need, staff can put something together for you. Expect to pay $55-$85 for an arrangement without a vase, about what one would expect for high-end floral. I was in-and-out in under 15 minutes with birds of paradise and lilies framed by layers and textures of greenery and dramatic sticks...yes! And if you need a gift item to create that perfect Zen atmosphere, the store is chock full of appropriately exotic items.