I have visited this shop on numerous occasions over the years and been happy until today. I bought…read moresome scarfs on Sunday which having worn literally shed the wool over everything that they come into contact with, making them unwearable. The lady behind the counter today, could not have been less interested in my issue, didn't even put her phone down and suggested I wash them and that I am the only person this has happened to... Hardly outstanding customer service. Clearly the advice with this shop is buy with caution, as if the lady in there today is anything to go by, you have no recourse if you are not happy. You've lost a customer today

No 68 is one of those shops you'll never tire of. So called because of its position on Beech road,…read moreit's a difficult shop to categorise. They sell a large range of products including gifts, interiors, bags, accessories, jewellery and novelty items. From the frilly knickers in the window, to novelty mugs, to their large range of costume jewellery, you're sure to find something in here that appeals and will suit your pocket. Check out their range of illustrated journals which are on the right at you enter the shop. There's an emphasis on kitsch and fun items and prices vary from a few quid to a few hundred.

Magma Magma books is possibly one of the coolest shops I…read morehave been into in a long time! Why you may ask? Because it sells MOOMINS merchandise and books!! They sell all sorts of cool things here like books, magazines, swirly notebooks, cuddly toys (moomin ones!), eco friendly stuff which comes in the shape of recycled objects made into something else uselful, the mother board coasters are pretty snazzy! Like the other shops on Oldham street, its only small but the layout is perfectly set out to seem like there is so much space! I love it!

Situated on Oldham Street, but a hop and skip from the Night and Day Café lies this fantastic…read morebookshop. I've been visiting this place for ages, even if it's just to browse through the store and short list future gifts. I've recently acquired some American Film Making/Studies from there (the Steven D. Katz shot by shot/cinematic motion - books that are usually pretty hard to get hold of unless you're on the net. This is one of those places where the staff know what they're talking about and can help either find what you're looking for or influence you enough to take a punt on their own expertly led recommendations in the vast array of different books and magazines in this store (increasingly rare in the accountant led 'United Chaindom'). It's a shame many more shops were as enthusiastic and passionate as the folks behind magma...I know they can't all be this way but it's currently unfairly balanced. One large chain book store dominates now (and with unfortunately less choice, more celebrity led airport reading fodder) and with supermarkets getting in the act of the book market (albeit with a truly disturbing 'array' of 'books') we should be thankful that places like this are still open in our cities. A large section of this shop sells magazines which are more like the aforementioned coffee table books the higher echelon of mags if you will. Film, Architecture, Typography, Illustration, Photography, Graphics, Fashion, Art, Design, Cities all these creative acts and scenarios collude together in the books and magazine range. They sell a top mag called 'Specialten' which is a 'bi-monthly collection of short films, music videos and exclusive interviews' which comes with a DVD for the media. Just reminded myself to pick up the next edition as I type this... This shop (alongside one or two in London village possibly the other two Magma's as it happens) was the only such store to stock Daniel Johnstone's graphics/drawings books (and as such is referred to in the fantastic Daniel Johnstone documentary). Reanimate your creative synapses and spare at least half an hour to imbibe the glorious fractions of the arts world we don't see as much as we should. It's always a pleasure to walk into a store like this, find what you're looking for (or see something jump out at you which grabs your interest by the book ends) and after downpiping your debit/credit details into the 21st Century piggy bank walk from the shop, freshly acquired book in hand. Rifling through the pages of a new 'Ilva Table book' in a nearby boozer/café is one of life's great, small pleasures.

This children and adults gift shop on Chorlton Cum Hardy's beautiful Beech Road is a treasure…read moretrove. It stocks everything from retro John Lennon prints to slogan mugs ( I bought one saying Desperate Housewife). If you are an attention to detail addict like moi ( some would say suffering from OCD, but I beg to differ), and you like sending beautifully wrapped pressies then Loop is your shop. My heart stopped beating at the divine fairy wrapping paper and I may just return and buy a sheet to put in a frame. Don't laugh, this isn't just wrapping paper, it is art!! There is also a great selection of gift cards and what I found really handy is Loop sells decade birthday cards; I recently found it an ordeal locating an 80th card but loop has these is abundance. Familiar brands such as Burt Bees and Charlie and Lola litter shelves with sweet Mr Men mugs. Prices are varied but a little on the steep side as leather handbags are priced at £105 and Toby Tiger babygrows start at £21.50. Loop has two room packed full of interesting things and the rear room showcased some seriously funky lighting and black and white photographs. The shop assistant was really nice but I left empty-handed. Loop is perfect for a special birthday gift but it would have to be for someone I really liked if I spent that much!

loop! is one of the only shops on Beech Road that I don't feel a bit embarrassed about going in,…read moredue to the fact that it is the only one that is larger than my bedroom. loop! isn't the kind of shop you'd go into every day, but is great for a browse when looking for gifts. They stock games and puzzles (including fun but educational gift sets for kids), pictures and frames, vases and some children's clothes. Personally I love the Edward Monkton series so this is where I go to pick up EM cards and knick-knacks. So if you've got a birthday coming up and have to buy a gift for the person that already has everything, then loop! would be a good place to start. If, like me, once you've found the perfect gift you get the sellotape stuck to the wrong bit of the wrapping paper and then bodge up the ends, then it might be wise to take advantage of their gift wrapping service too.

This duck-egg blue gem of a gift shop is perfectly located in Chorlton's famous Beech Road. The…read morewindow is a vintage festival of crafts littered over a gorgeous white dresser. Once inside, you are bombaded with individual and unique curiosities: wooden letters spelling love( £16.95) how sweet, snuggle next to Cath Kidston floral mugs. There is pottery everywhere and something to buy for friends, colleagues or family alike. The lady who runs Hurricane is very friendly and helpful, she invited me to rummage around in the room at the back where I discovered teeny weeny baby bath bombs which looked delicious enough to eat. This is a little independent curiosity shop, it doesn't have a website so you will just have to take a trip there. Your journey will not be wasted!.

Great range of household goodies, but rather disappointed that the owner does not keep to her word…read moreespecially when she has taken nearly £80 of you she did not even take the 50p off to round up the transaction, then you kindly ask her to make enquiries with a local artist on items that you had shown an interest in purchasing, I still am waiting for this call.

A beautiful little shop on the corner right outside Alty Market. I've been in here a couple of…read moretimes but still not bought anything - although I've been temped by the flat pack cardboard tanker for cats both times... There's a lot of beautiful things in here. Like Moth on Burton Road, but more gifts for men and more colourful. There's jewellery, kids toys, cards, home accessories, etc. A perfect place to wander around or pick up a present! The only downside is it's a bit on the pricey end.

what a fantastic shop, got everything in store bongs, pipes loads of smoking stuff!, they have wood…read morecraft art, jewelry, phones, vaporizers, and if your that way inclined you can buy herbal/legal highs and laughing gas paraphernalia. great shop loads of funky stuff you dont really see!!

Fantastic little gift shop selling the usual fare aimed at the laydees and the kids. A well-chosen…read moreselection of handbags, scarfs, gloves, stuffed toys, handmade cards and jewellery and a very helpful shop owner, if you're looking for something a little bit different or special you'll find it in here. In particular they carry a great range of silver including the popular brands Lovelinks and Trollbeads. I'll be buying myself a few well-deserved Christmas presents from here!

Harriet and Dee is tucked away on Warburton Street in Didsbury. I didn't notice this at first but…read morethey have two shops on this street, one selling general gifts and the other focusing on jewellery. It's the gift shop I'm writing about today. This is a pretty little shop. You're greeted with tinkling mobile sounds as you walk in and they have a huge selection of unusual and novelty gifts. A few things that caught my eye were a range of cake forks, complete with plastic cupcake embellishments, paper weights with inspiring slogans, shoe shaped soaps and a rather splendid cup carrying the slogan, 'I'd rather be The Stig'. Other items include toiletries, candles, ceramics and cards. There's a good selection with lots to choose from. You won't come away empty handed if you're looking for a gift.

Ever wanted a frying pan that makes heart-shaped eggs? How…read moreabout a grill that makes toast with religious figures engraved on? Or a polka dot suitcase with a smaller polka dot case inside? In short, Oklahoma's Gift shop is a living and breathing homage to the art of Kitsch ahd Colourful accessories. There's big items like lampshades and clocks hanging from the walls and ceiling, wallpapers and posters behind the main counter and dozens of shelves and tables stacked high with all kinds of weird and wonderful nonsense. One of my favourite items is the old American Popcorn Machine filled with jewellery and the desk overflowing with stationary, plastic moustaches and candy cigarettes.

I have wanted to go to Oklahoma for at least a year now and just never got around to it! Eventually…read moretoday was the day...and I was not disappointed at all! This quirky and cutesy store was everything I dreamed of! I couldn't wait to let my purse loose and I was didn't leave empty handed! This place is great for knick knacks, xmas presents and homely decor for those (like me) that are obsessed with kitchenware, signs and much much more! I was careful and only bought a little Christmas tree decoration (part of a family tradition) I buy my Mum one each year and this winter it will be an addition of a cute glass bottle with a wish and fairy (glitter) floating around inside! Picture to follow...

Incredible art store. I was blown away by how well stocked the store is. I loved the top floor with…read morecool crafts and unique art gifts to purchase. The second floor had every art supplies I could dream of, and the bottom floor was an amazing selection of paper and canvas. Truly a great art store for all

Incredible place, but dangerous at the same time as you could easily spend a lot of money in here!…read more The first time I popped in was when I needed a few items for an event and I thought I'd gamble on Fred Aldous having the stuff I needed - they did! Anything you need for arts & craft or decorations they have it and with some good choice! I've now been in a few times when I need to pick up bits and bobs or essentials for work i.e. scissors etc. Loads of interesting present and gift ideas in here as well so if you're out and about birthday shopping or it's coming up to christmas - I'd say Fred Aldous is a great option with some similar style stuff to Oklahoma! Most of the stuff here is well priced and I've always been fairly surprised that my total wasn't higher when purchasing as I think the interior and style gives off an expensive vibe but really it's good value for money! A short simple review for a top NQ shop!

When you visit the Lowry complex, don't neglect to look-around the gift shop. Aside from the more…read morepredictable items on offer, there's an appealingly quirky and well-priced selection of fridge magnets including the purple- rectangular:You don't need brains to be a painter, just feelings quote from LS Lowry, himself. You'll also find a good range of notebooks and other stationery items together with jewellery and practical-but-pretty fabric bags. Children - and those harking-back to their childhood - will be tempted by the nostalgic confectionery choice (with Parma Violets as my personal highlight) accessibly priced at just 40p. It only seems fair to raid your piggy bank and make a purchase here, after your free entry to the galleries, as the money you spend will be re-invested to keep the complex going and available for all to enjoy. The staff here are helpful, approachable and happy to let you browse freely.

This will be quite a quick review…read more The gift shop does have some quality product but they are ridiculously overpriced for what they are! I am not a cheap person and this isn't a charity shop so why are the prices so high?