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.

Brilliant little shop will personalise almost everything. Ive had cards, bears, bibs, towels,…read moreflannels ect from this shop. Lovely staff family run. Very recomended. They dont open on thursdays, And somtimes you will have to leave your order and pick it up later, also do padded personalised cards which are lovely. Theres some nice gifts for newborns or christening like towel bales, bibs ect. You can get flannels or robes personalised with a picture and name for children and draw string bags personalised with a name ideal for school.

From the owner: We specialize in Machine Embroidery, Sewing, Haberdashery. Offering a wide range of products from…read moreGifts, Personalised Cards and Printed Cards for all occasions, Personalised Towels and Face Cloths, Fabric, Company Logos, Workwear, Uniforms, Fat Quarters, Personalised Baby Clothing/Gifts,Personalised Baby Blankets and Comforters, Childrens Clothing, Cushions, Personalised Gifts, Buttons, Sewing and Patchwork accessories, Hats Teddy Bears, Dolls, Bunting and lots more. Have Names/Messages of your choice added to our Products. Add your own personal touch. All enjoyed with our Helpful and Friendly service.

What a delightful establishment this is! I might even go as far as to say delectable!…read more Nook & Cranny stocks a veritable cornucopia of gorgeous gifts, stationery and homewares, all utterly charming. The first thing that caught my eye (and drew me in from my journey up Bold Street) were the beautiful Cable & Cotton fairy lights displayed in the window - these stunning textured, multi coloured, orb fairy lights are just magical and certainly set the scene for the rest of the shop. There is so much to gaze or chuckle at and drool over in Nook & Cranny that I just wouldn't know where to start telling you all about it but other highlights include the bear paw oven mitts, the 'My Cuppa Tea' colour matching guide mug and the Knit Your Own Zoo kit. I was in seventh heaven. Imagine my delight when I discovered that the back of the shop (which used to be storage space) has now been turned into a cosy little cafe called Quills & Coffee. Sadly I couldn't stay to sample any of the beautiful looking cakes but I vowed there and then to visit again as soon as possible. Yet more delight...Nook & Cranny and Quills & Coffee put on occasional film screenings at the back of the store!! The next one is American Beauty on Saturday 28th March at 7pm - tickets are £10 and include free drinks and pizza and available from www.nookandcrannyshop.co.uk. Magic

This is a fantastic independent biz that I ventured into when in Liverpool a couple of weeks back…read more We actually held an event in the back part of the business and I didn't realise it existed until Liverpool CA Gemma A introduced me to it - but the space is really cavernous and it was great to temporarily see Quills coffee set up in the back. Very very cool cards and gifts throughout, I was especially impressed with the awesome range of band music posters in the back - everything from Queens of the stone age to classic hiphop ones - really worth a look if you're nearby and fancy some colourful artwork to brighten up your walls. Very friendly staff, they hopefully will do well in this prime location in Liverpool.

I have only ever seen a Jacaranda in Southampton so I was made up when I found this one!…read more They are quirky to say the least, but you can find all sorts in a Jacaranda shop - clothes and accessories, body jewellery, wicca stuff, novelty gifts, the list goes on. If you can find one they are well worth a visit.

This is the shop that you go in when you havent got a clue what to buy someone as they have some…read moregreat gifts. They have loads of cards too some handmade. Buy your wrapping paper here aswell and youve done it all in one shop. I could spend hours in here and the shop staff are lovely.

Stumbled across this little hidden gem whilst out with my local walking group.. We just managed to…read moreget our group of 16 in the conservatory where they serve delicious cakes and tea/coffee etc. (The fresh cream Victoria sandwich was to die for).This is a newish business still developing (Nov '15) but they have some lovely craft items for sale as well as refreshments. Highly recommend.

Evolution is a fabulous place to shop for unusual gifts. Everyone has friends and relatives that…read moreare hard to shop for and this is the perfect place to get gifts for them. The atmosphere is really relaxed and peaceful. It is full of Buddhas and Incense sticks and scented candles and novelty candles. They have little sets of candles that spell out I LOVE YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY as well as for the festive season candles that spelt out HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY CHRISTMAS. They also have a large selection of hand made jewellery as well as ethical begs and accessories. I bought Christmas presents for my best friend there - A glas wall plaque saying PEACE and a gorgeous incense stick holder in the shape of the Buddha. Another great accolade to this store is the friendliness of the staff. They are helpful but not intrusive. They say Hi to you as you enter but in a pleasant polite and friendly way as opposed to being in your face. As the asistant carefully wraped my gifts, we chatted about the holidays and the weather and as I left she wished me farewell and welcomed me back again. I can't wait to visit again - even if it is just to browse.

Sunflowers is a great gift shop and i can always find the perfect gift for anyone wether it's small…read moreor large. What's nice is how the gifts are wrapped with ribbon and they also do great balloons too for any occasion! Nicest little shop in sandbach :-)