I keep forgetting about this florist, but whenever I drive by and remember, it is totally worth it!…read more They seem to have two levels of flowers - outside they have really nice flowers that are only a few dollars a bunch, and then you can take them home and do whatever you like with them - make up your own bouquet and give it to someone, or brighten up your own day. And then inside, they have fancier quality more expensive flowers that you can buy by the stalk if you wish, or buy all the pieces you want and get them to make up your bouquet. But seriously, who can pass up a bunch of fancy flowers for only a few dollars - buy them for yourself and put a smile on your face!

I really do love fresh flowers; they brighten up your day and have a magical power of making one…read morefeel so loved. My local florist is a small store called Flowers On Onewa. They have a fantastic range of choice, you can hand pick your flowers and the florist can put them together in a beautiful bouquet or arrangement for any occasion. Perfect stop to get flowers for your loved one. They also have little gift cards and gift wrapping to match. If you need flower arrangements for a large event they are capable of handling this with fifteen years of experience.

This is not just any flower shop. For as long as I can remember Devonport Flowers has been known…read morefor its elaborate displays in the store-front window, always something new and original and always something that inspired you to, of course, go buy some flowers. They sell all sorts of cool pieces for the home and garden like vege-garden pots, stone buddhas, and bird-cage lanterns, candles, clocks, you name it. Their floral services are pretty extensive too, from corporate and wedding arrangements to personal and international deliveries. I quite often pop in just to browse and they're always happy to help. Super florists!

The Studio of Tableware is a business that has been in and around Mt Eden for over 30 years…read more Specialising in a variety of different fine china, glassware, vases, cutlery and other kitchen-related paraphernalia, it is one of those shops that make you wish you could win Lotto just so you could buy everything in store! The Studio of Tableware is a favourite for brides-to-be when it comes to choosing the pattern for their dinnersets and general gifts, but it's a great place to find presents that are just a little bit special for anyone! The Studio also stock fabulous cookware - dinner dishes, platters, casserole dishes, serving dishes, soup terrines - all the big names of the china world can be found here. Whether you like the simple yet classic whites or something more heavily patterned and ornate, The Studio of Tableware is the place to go. With prices ranging from quite affordable to the hideously expensive, no matter your budget you'll be able to find something special here!

Le Monde is just the place to buy that unique, beautiful, stylish piece of home decor, for yourself…read moreor a loved one. Plus, if you have the money (lucky you!), then this store have the furniture to match. Gorgeous layout, right down to the handpainted door behind the checkout that is more of a feature wall than an actual door. Its all about aesthetics here. In a room towards the back Le Monde have sale pieces, such as the brass, antique-looking clock and compass that we bought for $10 instead of the original $90. All that was missing was the glass covering over the compass that sits at the base. We can live with that. This shop is located just behind the La Cigale markets, with parking onsite. Worth a visit if you like style;)

The Vault is a bit of a New Zealand institution and perhaps that's why my expectations of it are so…read morehigh. Or perhaps it's the anticipation of decending the stairs that always gets my hopes up. I feel like it's not the exciting, artsy place to shop that it used to be. It's seems to have become much more mainstream. Still, it's definitely worth a look if you're after a nice present, especially for a housewarming or to send overseas, as lots of the stuff they sell is made and/or designed in New Zealand, which is cool. I wish they still had the incredible range of jewellery that they used to though, and would focus a bit less on kiwiana.

I popped in here today to grab a gift for a friend. I didn't actually find anything that would suit…read moreher, but that's totally fine. They had some cute stuff available, and I could imagine popping in here for a gift for someone else. However, one thing I will say is that the service is AMAZING. I went back to the Vault after finding the required present because I saw the Vault had a very good collection of gift cards. Because some of my present wasn't wrapped, I asked if I could buy some tissue paper from there with the card. The woman told me she couldn't sell me any, but would give me some. She gave me white tissue paper, pink tissue paper as well as ribbon. I was only buying a $6.50 card and she did all of that for me. What a gem.

There is not too much that can be said about this place as it is a small wee shop snuggled…read moreinbetween shops on the Main Highway in Ellerslie except WOW there are a huge amount of magaziens sold here! If you are after a trashy weekend magazine, or something along the fishing lines for your father's birthday, head over here. While you are grabbing a few magazines, you can also get your lotto ticket and, as you may have guessed by the creative ( cough cough) shop name, a few cards as well.

As a College Librarian I am delighted to find such a huge and varied collection of magazines to…read morepurchase for the library. So many it can be a little overwhelming.

This is an excellent idea. A one-stop shop for brides planning their big day, and those going along…read morefor the ride, grooms, bridemaids etc etc. They don't actually sell wedding dresses or any of those kind of big-ticket items, but all the little accessories you might want to buy such as garters, horsehoes(?!) and little diamante hair accessories, that kind of thing. There are also all kinds of silly things you may need for a groom or hen's night. Not the devil's horns or blow up doll but the bride-to-be sash, the comedy drinking goblets etc. I am pretty sure anyone part of a bridal party would find something useful at this shop or on the company's website.