Cards and Things. There's a shop called Cards and Things. Oh dear, oh dear…read more Well, there's no prizes for guessing what exactly Cards and Things sold, so based upon a completely unprejudiced judgement, in we popped for a 21st birthday badge. A quick skite around, and I found the badge stand, but they weren't exactly of a high standard, so I decided to give the badge-buying idea a miss. Fair do's to them mind you, there were indeed a good selection of cards, a few balloons, and a selection of scented candles made by "Our Own Candle Company". Interesting. Cards and Things was eerily quiet, and it took me a wee while to cotton on to the fact that there was no music. Ahhh, it was like shopping in Lidl. Please, just put a CD on...anything will do. It was at this stage the three of us left emptyhanded, deciding that the evidence for the name of this establishment was indeed conclusive, and realising that Lidl really is a very, very quiet place to shop. Good if you need a card...or a thing, if you prefer.

It's happened to all of us- you realise it is Auntie Joan's birthday, or a mate has a baby or the…read morekids announce there is an unexpected party to go to and the thought of trailing into town fills you with dread. Well fear no more, problems always solved here. They have a great selection of cards and gifts for all occasions and little nic naks like picture frames and mugs, bags and books to cover most emergency gift situations. You can park outside and it won't break the bank, bingo! They also have additional space upstairs with seasonal stuff and party requirements, as you probably think you have birthday candles somewhere, but you don't. ;-)

Just For You has been on the Belmont Road for absolute donkeys (since 1985 apparently), and is…read morestill going strong. It's wide variety of cards, gifts and stationery make it an invaluable outlet for birthdays / Christmas / other occasions. I have fond memories of coming in when I was a kid, and my mum searching through the masses of cards 'til she found the perfect one. Now I've started doing the same thing (yikes), and find Just For You a wonderfully tranquil setting for doing so. The staff are friendly and laid-back, and you can really take your time gazing at the vast array of beautiful gifts. Among my favourites are the cute mini novel clocks which come in the form of pianos, golf bags, animals and the like, as well as the Bridgewater Candles which smell simply delicious. The best bit, however, is the hidden section upstairs, containing Fiorelli handbags, Disney figurines, gorgeous furniture, tapestries and luxurious scarves. At Christmas time, this area is buzzing with Christmas gifts, ornaments and decorations...it really is like Santa's grotto, exuding such a lovely cosy atmosphere. In fact, the whole shop really is very comfortable and intimate all year round, making for a truly lovely shopping experience. Just For You of course...

Not only can you get all your regalia for a birthday party here (cards, balloons, streamers,…read morebanners) but there's also a Thornton's here, which is a retailer in some cavity killing confectionery, mostly chocolate. This is a real bonus if you're out shopping for yourself and forgot (or couldn't be bothered) to get someone something for their birthday. A card, a box of Thornton's chocolates, and a cup saying "party girl" and you're all set.

Casker's Cards and Gifts is a new addition to the DeCourcy centre, and a sister store to Casker's…read moreon West Street. They sell a large range of greetings cards for every occasion and situation imaginable! They also have a beautiful range of wrapping paper, bows, gift bags, tape etc. They are much better equipped than even some of the larger card stores in terms of the gifts available to buy. They have all the usual cute teddies, keyrings and pens with your name on, and glasses and mugs emblazoned with 18, 21, 30 etc, however they do a really good range of board games, calendars, larger toys, decorative frames etc Alongside this, they have lots of goods in the mood of the current season, for example costumes, wigs, and masks etc at Halloween. Great addition to the De Courcy centre and definitely a good reaon to support local businesses!

Great wee local card shop situated in the De Courcy centre, they have a sister shop in the centre…read moreof Carrick which sells everything so I knew this would be a great shop. They have a vast range of cards and gifts for every occasion all at reasonable prices. Great to see local business moving into the centre, definitely worth a visit if you need a card, wrapping paper, gifts etc

As a general rule I don't give cards due to environmental issues and the felling of forests…read moreassociated with making them. Over time my friends and family have become used to this and accustomed to receiving my emailed electronic Christmas cards and happy birthday texts. Unfortunately, now and again I find I must purchase a card for a particular occasion or person. At such times I find Clintons useful because they stock a huge range of cards for every possible life event. There's also a range of gift and party items sold instore including chocolates, cuddly toys, notebooks, stationary, money boxes, wine glasses, balloons and other knick-knacks. Clintons isn't cheap but you're guaranteed to find what you need here.

Have to be honest this store is very pricey but it's worth every penny. I only come here on very…read morespecial occasions as the cards and keep sakes are just amazing and different from the rest hence why you spend more. The staff are always lovely and happy to help.

Three guesses for what they sell here? Yup you got it, it's a shop full of greetings cards. So as…read moreyou can imagine, come Christmas, Valentines Day etc this place becomes absolutely packed out. The cards in here are nice enough. Personally I prefer hand making my own cards but on occasion when I don't have the time, then I'll nip round here and see what they have to offer. As well as greetings cards they sell wrapping paper, hen party accessories, teddy bears, mugs etc etc you know the likes you usually get from card shops. The prices in here are relatively cheap which is always a bonus as they are quite nice cards at the same time. A small but well stocked shop, you could certainly do worse. As the likes of these shops are in competition with the much bigger chains e.g. Birthdays or Clinton Cards it's easy to see why the prices are so competitive, it's good for a bargain but if you're after something special I'd recommend trying elsewhere.

Birthdays is a small shop in the Abbey Centre which (yup, you guessed it) sells birthday cards…read more Well, not just birthday cards but a range of greeting cards for any occasion (I hear they even do happy divorce cards now!) as well as cards they sell a range of accessories such as party balloons, gift bags, badges, wrapping paper etc. They also sell teddy bears and small, thoughtful gift ranges which you can choose from as a small something to go along with your present. I've seen some nice picture frames in here too which make a lovely present. I come in here quite often when it's a friends birthday or whatever and so I know that some of the staff are really helpful and friendly, but I also know that some of the staff are rude, impolite and cheeky. But I guess its just pot luck, so good luck!

As far as I remember Hallmark used to have many more stores than they do today. I faintly remember…read moreone in Coleraine back when I was but a lad which had since been bought over by Clinton or one of the other large competitors. Hallmark really is the bedrock and staple of the card world. The range is extensive from the standard birthday greetings to specialist items such as passing your driving test or exams. There's also a wide range of the increasingly popular musical cards - my personal favourite being a Daniel O'Donnell greetings card which sings happy birthday in that slightly intimidating distance, Norman Bate's type tone. Truly terrifying. Certainly a solid place for your card needs however with the advent of sites such as Moonpig offering personalisation and direct delivery it's going to be increasingly difficult for these places to stay afloat.

The only reason this has 4 stars is that I think they could do with a slightly bigger selection of…read moregreetings cards.Aside from that this shop definately gets my vote.It is spacious and bright with lots of room for prams!! The smell from the Yankee Candle "corner" is wonderful and they do regular offers on these.There is also a Thorntons chocolates "corner",and a lovely selection of gifts,including cuddly Elmos which my son loves but I find hard to get!! The cards are of good quality and the selection is average but I still always manage to find what I need.There is also a small section for party goods. The best bit about this shop is,however,the staff.The shop is never overly packed but even at "busy"times they are so friendly and helpful.They remember you every time you come in which really counts for something in my book.They say happy birthday to my kids because they have remembered that I bought cards a few days before!! Such a lovely shop,so much so that I would love to work there.The staff definately know what customer service is and this makes anything a pleasant experience:)