Smithsonia is an exceptional jewellers and gift shop based in Birmingham's Piccadilly Arcade. They…read moresell many things from gorgeous silver jewellery to Japanese Kokeshi Dolls and amazing sculpted pieces in ceramics and glass. There is something for most budgets in this shop and it's a great place to browse. I bought some cute button earrings for just £10 but there are plenty more extravagant gifts, believe me! You could spend forever just gazing in their windows as you walk past; there is so much to see - it must take them forever to clean! They do beautiful and unique silver rings by up and coming jewellery designers as well as pieces by established brands such as Pilgrim. Every time I walk by I can find at least 15 or so items in their window that I want to buy; I'm sure everyone else can too which is why they are so successful. Smithsonia are the longest running business in Piccadilly Arcade, they've been there for around 30 years. If you are looking for a gift then definitely check them out first and impress your loved one with something a little different.

A wonderful independent gift, card and jewellery shop. If you are looking for a birthday or…read moregreeting card that is a little different to what you might find in one of the chains this is a good place to start. Their collection is not huge but you will definitely find something a little different. They also stock fabulous gift wraps and papers. To entice you into the shop the window displays are made up of some beautiful and unique silver jewellery. Again, here you will find pieces you can't find anywhere else. If you are looking for special pieces of silver jewellery at fairly reasonable prices start with this shop. Inside the staff are welcoming and very helpful.

This card and gift shop has an extensive range of gifts and cards and the staff are extremely…read morefriendly when you need help trying to get the perfect card for the occasion! Parking is free which is always a bonus and you can also normally park close to the entrance for those that struggle to wht around.i would recommend anyone to this store for great value and brilliant choice across the board!

From the owner: Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or are searching for a thoughtful gift for someone…read morespecial in your life--Special Occasions Online Gift Shop has something for everyone on your gift list! Special Occasions is the passion project of a mother and daughter team who has proudly served the West Midlands community for over 20 years. Our personalised specialty gifts have been such a smash, that we began offering our unique gifts online too.

Among the delights that Armadillo sell are gifts, cards, and Fair Trade Jewellery. Lots of their…read morestock is Fair Trade in fact. The best feature though is the arts and crafts materials that they have, at the back of the shop. A browse though them is sure to inspire the most uncreative amongst us to want to whip something up in a makeshift kitchen workshop. They sell a few Lomo cameras too and I've often been tempted to part with some money for one of these beauts. Originally designed in Russia to be used by spies to take pictures in low-light conditions, they produce prints with an atmospheric and unique character. Armadillo also have hundreds of designs of different beads. When I was in the shop a small girl was stood on a chair while she and her mum both made necklaces, while they both chatted away as the morning sun slipped round the corner and in through the shop window. Worth taking a peek in here past the shop display, as there is more in here than immediately meets the eye.

Based on the Poplar Road Armadillo is a gift and craft shop that is the sort of place I would have…read morehappily spent all my pocket money in as a small child. It certainly seems popular with girls of a certain age who are drawn to the vast selection of beads they sell here. For those of you not immediately drawn to bright and glittering things Armadillo also offers a range of arts and crafting items as well as giftware such as mugs, coasters, home ware and notebooks. I was rather touched on my last visit to hear the lady who runs the shop explain to a teenage lad who the 'fella in the beret' on the mouse mat was (Che Guevera of course...good old Kings Heath)

All things American all in the name of 'candy' on the middle mall Debenhams end :-)…read moreOnly a small stall but a nice selection of candy to make you smile. Its always nice to have a treat and this stall has plenty with a few not seen before yummies too. Today at last I got a packet of Peanut Butter M&Ms as recommended by Desta H and I'm looking forward to trying them (^_^). Noticed a few things I need to try esspecially #TAB (brings back memories from the 70's) I brought my son a Million Dollar Bar Chocolate - I would recommend this, I only had 2 squares and it was luxuriously creamy - scrummy. At £2.50 a bar, as a treat I'd say go for it :-)

It's the pun that got me here, but it's the sweets that keep me coming back…read more As the name suggests this place's sole agenda is to sell us Brummies the finest confectionary from the US of A. Whilst Birmingham has done so much for English chocolate already, it's hard not to feel like rationing is still on when you look at all the exotic and gawdy wrappings and packaging from the American brands. Our British sweeties feel a bit bland in comparison. As Yankees is also essentially a little cart, the shop further taps into a neat sense of by-gone Americana. It feels like a tornado has picked this place up from the Magic Kingdom and dropped it here. I fully expect to hear a barbershop quartet start up as I nibble, suck and chew. Just a reminder that Yankees also does American crisps and pop - just in case you want to give your sweet tooth a day off. So, all in all, this is the place that makes us jealous of America consumerism again, I wouldn't be surprised if they also stock the nylons and tobacco I can't find.

With the triple whammy of the Euro Championships, the Queens' diamond Jubilee and the Olympics,…read moreCarly's is another shop window decked out in Union Flags, as well as cushions, wine glasses, trinket boxes and bunting in red, white and blue. Having spent a lot of time this spring in small touristy villages that are rife with gift shops, I have seen enough variations of the Keep (insert almost ANY word here) and (something else, something else), phrase to last a thousand tired life-times. It is then with GREAT caution that I open to door to Carly's. Phew! She's a far classier bird is Carly than to bow down to populist cliches. There are some lovely gifts in here targeted at yummy mummies like wine caddies in the shape of high-heel shoes, frog prince ornaments and make-your-own-in the-shop craft facilities. A wide range of home furnishings, interior design, and objects d'art all beautifully displayed with taste, style, and elan. A large warehouse at the rear of the shop stocks larger furniture items. Carly's also offer a bespoke interior design service and if the layout of the shop is an indication of this you know that your money will be well spent.

A card emporium is the way I would describe this store. Through the first part of the store you…read morecome to a kind of corridor that leads to a very small back section of this shop. This fairly wide corridor is stacked full of greetings cards of all shapes, sizes and costs. You really would be hard pressed to not find the card of your choice here. The rest of the shop stocks gifts and home decor products that you might find of interest. They also stock some furniture. But for me it was all about the cards. A great selection.

Another stumble upon find. An online gift shop, based in Knowle, Solihull, Birmingham…read more I stumbled on this Online Gift Shop whilst trying to find Unusual Gifts, it can be found at http://www.forthepresenttime.co.uk I liked it because it was simple to use. You can search for gifts for 'someone' 'an occassion' 'by budget' - perfect for me. It's perfect for unusual gifts and provided me with a solution to a couple or gift buying needs. Terrific service. Highly recommended.

I love small independent gift shops simply because they stock everything the chain gift shops…read moredon't. I mean unique gifts, wrapping paper, cards and party ware. I'm talking about Daisey Chain in Boldmere. It's a great find, I now get all my greetings cards and little thoughtful gifts from this shop. The staff care about what they're doing and are extremely polite and professional and for blokes, they're a God send when it comes to helping to choose a gift or the right type of paper, Apparently that's important? Prices are a fraction of the chain stores although some stuff I considered to be a little on the expensive side for what they are but then what do I know I'm only just learning about Hello Kitty Boutique! Daisey Chain is a little gem in Boldmere and is popular with people who care enough about their friends or loved ones to find something different in a gift.

This is a true gem of a shop! They have wonderful jewels,…read moregorgeous bags, quirky gifts and more. They stock Pilgrim, Hultquist, Bombay Duck, Modalu, Simon Carter, Lisbeth Dahl, Umbra.... The owners, Nathalie and Sean, are lovely. They are amazingly helpful, kind and (if circumstances require it) they will go way beyond the call of duty to help a customer out. Brilliant shop.

This has to be one of the best shops in Banbury. It is full of exclusive one off pieces that no one…read morewill be wearing and as it is a stockist of the gorgeous Pilgrim jewellery which is absolutely stunning. Also have lovely individual gifts for people of all ages including beautiful handmade occasion's cards. The staff are fantastic and really helpful if you are not too sure what to buy someone; they have even been known to reduce items if you are on a budget! There refund system is fair and gift vouchers are always a popular option for someone. A definite recommended place for anyone on the search for something special.

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.

While what they sell is lovely, the owner hardly ever opens for business. Which is very…read morefrustrating if you want to mooch and buy something. I've been by several times and I think the shop was only open twice in the spread of my visits across the year!