Who doesn't like a discount store that sells those little bits and bobs that you need around the…read morehome or for some random occasions? I've noticed that a lot of these types of stores popping up now in these times of purse pinching. Super Variety Discount is a store that will probably have those odd things you seek. If I've ever needed a moneybox or a set of cheap tools and I'm way shallow in the money stakes, I've gone here. Sometimes it's kind of a guilty pleasure when I've got like $2 to spare and I want to find something value for money even if in the end it's a cheap pair of pluggers that will last me a weekend. Be away though, you get what you pay for. Ok, lets be real here, the stuff that you buy here is probably not of the high standard that you'd expect from a major retailer and more than likely the goods are made in some third world country children's sweatshop. Sometimes we forget these things for the deal. Also, for those who like a good toke on the tobacco leaf, there is a cabinet full of smoker's paraphernalia. Get in there before their all gone.

Living close to this store is great all your needs in one store and at a great price too the store…read moreis well stocked and the staff know where everything is which help Keep up the great work

Ah Bargain City. It'd have to be one of my favourite shit shops. They got me in with $7 2kg packs…read moreof Radiant (I love that smell) and kept me with discount party goods, craft supplies and pet stuff. I HATE throwing a party and spending a fortune on dinky plastic plates and tiny cups. It's all half the price here (at least) and for $2.50 you get 20 giant cups which won't annoy any of your guests. I also don't see why I should have to spend big bucks on wood glue or other random crafty stuff (looking at you Spotlight, you make it cheaper to buy it already made) so I'm always pretty happy when I need to duck in here. Yes it's a shit shop, so yes there's plenty of shit to wade through (knee high concrete lawn ornaments anyone?) but if you're a student furnishing your house or just a cheap skate like me there's plenty of bargains to be found.

This is a lovely homeware oasis in the madness of Chermside…read more Beautiful linen, gorgeous homewares and delicious organic skin care and candles are complemented by a decent jewellery and book section. I particularly loved the huge range of organic scented candles and the aromatherapy section, so many places stock cheap, synthetic options but Karma Living has the real deal.

Stepping into this shop, you feel as if your soul has been captured by monks and taken to a more…read moreserene and better world. It is lit by burning scented candles and every corner of the shop exudes a different aroma. Buddha statues line your path through the store, directing you towards soothing oils, face masks, jewellery, meditation books and home decorations. One of only two of these stores in Queensland, it is unique to Brisbane, and a wonderful retreat from the throngs of shoppers pulsing through the Chermside mall. Definitely a store for one to visit to reconnect with their spiritual side and to pamper their skin and soul.

If you're on a tight budget, need some items and don't mind it being used, this is a good place to…read morecheck out. This one is a newer store that opened in December 2012. The other Tip Shop is in The Acacia Ridge Tip Shop (46 Colebard Street West, Acacia Ridge Qld 4110). "Brisbane City Council's two Tip Shops sell quality used, recycled and second hand products which have been salvaged before going to landfill." It's a large warehouse full of "stuff". Geebung is easier to get to is you depend on public transportation. Geebung has a train station which is only a few blocks away from the warehouse. Open from 8am - 4pm. We bought a few coffee mugs ($1.00 each), some foldable outdoor chairs ($5.00 each) with carrying case. When we went, they also had bicycles, kids toys, books, desks, shelves, kitchen items, clothes, golfing gear, tents, paintings, etc. The biggest bonus, besides your personal gain, is the fact that by purchasing items here, you're helping to support families and individuals with disabilities. The Tip Shops are operated by the Endeavor Foundation, one of Australia's oldest charities. http://www.endeavour.com.au/Our-Endeavour-Foundation/About-Us

North-West Plaza works for me as a local. Not only can I do my grocery shopping at Woolies, but…read moreyou have access to an organic butcher & drygoods store. Add to that all the essentials of a Medical Centre, Chiropractor, Travel Agent, Bakery, Bottleshop, Greengrocer, Gym, Pharmacist, The Reject Shop and a few food outlets and really you don't need much else for your week to week needs. Parking is never an issue, whilst there is a restriction upstairs of 30 minutes you also have the option of under cover which allows 3 hours. As a local shopping centre this is a well organised one with the right facilities which minimises the running around to get my chores done. For all of us with busy lifestyle's that can only be a winner!

North-West Plaza is a handy spot in a central location. It has your essentials like Woolworths, a…read morePharmacy, Greengrocer, Butcher, Bottle Shop and ATM's but then it also has unexpected gems. The Rejected Shop is a great addition, it is a rare find in nowadays and you'll be surprised at the useful products they provide on the cheap as well as having my all time favourite Sushi Train 'Crazy Fish Sushi' which is quite new to the location. You can't lose shopping at North-West Plaza PLUS it saves you driving to Brookside, Chermside or Stafford!

While there has always been a strong South Asian presence at the Nundah Farmer's Markets, it's been…read morejust two weeks since the Indian Food Stall set up shop. I love the fact that South Indian fare in particular is the focus of this stall. Managed by two sweet South Indians who also have a stall at a market in Sunnybank, I tucked in knowing that whatever's on my plate comes from knowledgable hands. Their sambhar and chutney were delicious and went along just right with the freshly prepared dosa and potato vegetable. I hope they include more South Indian fare in the future as Brisbane is sorely lacking in this style of wholesome cuisine. Right now, cholle puri, polas, sada (plain), masala (potato stuffed) & onion dosai are on their menu, apart from gulaab jamun (soft, deep fried flour balls soaked in sugar syrup) & something else I can't remember.

These really are the little sister of Brisbane markets. Sandwiched in between (what looks like)…read morelong car-demolition building and the Nundah train station, the stalls continue in a short strip for about 200m, before suddenly ending in a carpark. It's curiously quiet for a market and also for the location: none of the hustle and bustle one usually associates with them. The stalls are typical market fare: a few cupcake stands, a few coffee places, a number of stalls selling fruit and vege. One interesting stand that we've seen a couple of times is simply three people sitting around, praying for people those who ask. We mainly go to satisfy our Sunday morning gyoza cravings at Zagyoza. If you're in Nundah, it's great to have the markets come to you (and presumably some of the small stalls are run by locals, so should be supported!), but otherwise, most of these stalls appear at other markets in Brisbane.

I LOVE this shop, it has literally something for everyone. It's bigger than the Daiso in the city…read moreand tucked away at the back is one of the best value dinnerware sections I've seen in a long time. The store is always neat, clean and tidy and stocked very well. The craft sections has some delightful little packets of oragami paper, different craft items and cute pencil cases for something a little different. For those of us girls who like to keep their beauty on the "edge" there are some quirky Japanese beauty routines for, you guessed it, $2.80. The lolly/sweet and drink section has some great things to try. For me however the winning sections would have to be the storage aisle and dinnerware. The storage aisle has lots of small, medium and large containers perfect for travel, organising beauty or bathrooms or any tiny nickknacks. The dinnerware has lots of tiny plates, bowls and cups.of all descriptions and I have to admit that I've used a couple of these to decorate my dressing table. If you go in with a sense of fun and no expectations you will never know what you will find. Cute, kitsch, cheap and cheerful give it a try.

Lots of things! Cheap!…read more House and home, office, school, even fishing hooks. You can get most anything in Daiso, and everything is the same price. $2.80. Hooray! It can be pretty expensive to shop here because it all adds up pretty darn quick, and logic dictates that some of the items just aren't worth $2.80, while others are worth more. It averages out in the end, but you need to be careful not to buy what you don't need, and shop around too, because you aren't necessarily always getting a bargain, but buy the right things and you're on a winner. A downside is a lot of the packaging information is in Japanese, so you're never quite sure what the item is. An upside is the Engrish. Always a joy! Still, check it out, it's bright and cheerful and you just might find what you're looking for.

Aspley Village Shopping Centre is a hidden treasure that I honestly don't want to tell anyone…read moreabout. Less than 3km away is Chermside Shopping Centre with its busy crowds and horrible parking situation, yet Aspley Village still remains a calm and serene shopping experience. It was always quiet, there is ample undercover parking and you don't have to battle with crowds. And this is bliss, when all I want to do is some grocery shopping. I am noticing the crowds are slowly starting to grow on weekends, but I think we've got a while before it becomes anything like Germside. The Coles supermarket is clean and new and well laid out, Patton's Big Guns has all your fruit & veg, deli and butcher needs met, there's a Malouf Chemist and a bottle shop. What else could you need? Well there's also a florist, a bakery, a fish and chip takeaway/seafood monger, a cafe, a couple of fashion stores and the complex is also home to a Medical Centre, Sunshine Kebabs and Outback Jack's Steakhouse.

First up, this is one of the funniest and to the point bargain shop names I've ever seen. And, as…read morethey promise, they are always a bargain. Sure, maybe only a bargain for the 3 weeks the product lasts, but this is one of those treasure stores so beloved of students. Need a washing basket? Don't pay $10 in the supermarket, get one here for $2. How about weird bathroom objects? Check! Going through a gardening phase but can't afford to buy from legit stores? There's actually quite a good range that will get you to a foam box full of parsley in no time. Be prepared to wade through mountains of crap, but there's actually quite a few little gems buried in this cheekily named shop.

These guys mean what they say, located near the busway end…read moreof chermside these guys kick coles shiny red heiny in delivering fresh, tasty and cheap fruit and veg. I love coming here to stock up on their huge range of seasonal fruits and to peruse their amply stocked deli section. (Bursting with delicious odds and ends like banana chips, tasty yoghurts, italian pasta, sauces, dates and more...I am more than likely to be found here drooling into the olive bins.) The staff here are ridiculously nice and are more than happy to point you in the right culinary direction. Just perfect for your larder or picnic blanket, support local and buy fresh from fresh sensations.

This fruit and vege shop really understands visual appeal. Large tables overflow with fresh,…read morecolourful produce and they have good specials to lure you in. The staff are also really friendly and seem to have a good time, which always makes shopping more fun. This corner of Westfield may have Coles, but it also has Fresh Sensations, a butcher, a fishmonger and a poultry shop - making the supermarket kind of superfluous if you're buying for a meal.