Ah Coles. The Bridgewater Coles, like all supermarkets was once shiny and new. Today is a different…read morestory. Long gone are the days when hoards of people from all over the hills would flock here for the large variety of products at competitive prices. Apart from at really busy times (like Christmas) there are rarely more than 3 checkouts open. Also the variety that once graced the shelves has all but dissapeared, it isn't uncommon to be faced by an entire wall of the same brand, or same product. The staff are still friendly, but unfortunately this isn't enough as most hills supermarkets are blessed with quite friendly staff. If you're looking for a decent supermarket, might be best to look elsewhere.

So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.

Knick knacks!! and so many different kinds!! Ah Stylehouse, when you walk in it's like being in…read morethis peaceful shopping heaven that smells really nice with perfect room temperature. It's one of those stores where you can spend 15 minutes browsing out the front only to walk in and think, gosh, I need to come here on a day trip! You need it, you name it and its there! jewelery, clothing, pillows, candles, perfume mists, lamps, frames, ornaments more jewelery: Stylehouse covers everything you could possibly want for around the home or around yourself! I guess the downfall is that this stuff doesn't come for free, not even nearly free - no bargains to be found here is what I'm saying. But I still love it, even if I personally cant afford anything, it's fun to browse and try all the pillow scents on your arm (yes, they have perfume for pillows). Quite simply, they have everything! sad that everything has to come at such a high price.

Positioned across the road from the Aldgate Pump Hotel and away from the general shopping strip,…read moresits this hillbilly looking shop from the outside. But on the inside it's all whole new world of modern home decor, which is sure to keep you occupied for a while. A good range of homewares, accessories, definitely lots of gift ideas, apparel and one label in particular is popping up everywhere I go called 'I love my clothes' love spelt with a red heart. It's comfortable, cotton, flowy styles and funky colours or plain to suit either taste. A few really interesting wall ornaments and an awesome put together tree ornament, which I thought was cast iron but once picked up it's actually light weight. On my travels I made yet another purchase here of a pair of perforated black oblong leaf style earing and I don't even usually wear earings but felt like I had to take something away with me. There were several other items I could've taken with me also but out of budget range. Don't go past this place on your travels through the hills, especially Aldgate...share the love as they need it....as Stirling is being loved alot.

See, to me Bedazzled boutique is aimed at the more mature woman, but if you hop on their website…read morethey say that they are aimed at a majority of ages. I didn't even know it was a chain until just now and sure, while they have some nice clothing on the website, I can't say I've ever seen any of it in the Aldgate outlet .... It's a small shop, but it will take a while to browse through all the items because they are all so neatly crammed together. It's like a drama teachers dream, beret's and beads, green over shirts, strange bird feather vests... I wouldn't take my mum shopping in here although I just asked her what she thought and she said "there are some nice items in there" which got me a little bit worried because usually she has style, a different style anyhow. The staff are very friendly, good for a chat about the weather and to find out how much that delightful orange taffeta dress in the corner window is....

From the owner: We have had our little Boutique in the hills for 14 years and support Australian owned and made…read moreclothing. We have fashion that fits, every colour you can imagine and the perfect accessories. Our customers love our competitive prices and personalised customer service.

Balhannah Junction Shopping Centre, named after the long since removed railway junction of the…read moreAdelaide-Melbourne line and the Onkaparinga Valley line (now the Amy Gillette bikeway) serves as the retail hub of Balhannah. It's also one of the few places in the hills (if not the only place) where a pub, butcher, bakery, newsagent, cafe and supermarket are all serviced by the one car park. This is very very useful, especially when planning a last minute party or barbeque. The biggest downside is during peak times parking can be quite limited, however there is ample street parking and a big church op-shop car park across Junction road.

The hub of a vibrant Adelaide Hills town, the Uraidla Shop has been an important part of the…read morecommunity for generations. The staff are always friendly, and the coffee is consistently of good quality. However as far as being a Friendly "Grocer" goes, there is some room for improvement. The range of foodstuffs is very limited, if you're looking to make something for dinner, best head to a supermarket. There's an ample takeaway food menu, as well as a good selection of pies and pasties. To suit the often fickle hills weather, both indoor and outdoor seating are provided if you choose to eat in. The shop is also a licenced post office, with locals dropping in to collect mail and packages throughout the day, adding to the small town atmosphere. (The Friendly Grocer is currently on the market, so if you've ever wanted to own a shop in a country town, get on it!)

I am trying to contact you but Optus keeps telling me your number is disconnected. Our car broke…read moredown in front of your shop and the tow truck are coming up today to pick it up. I am sorry it was not done this morning, but asap they have told me. Thank you for your kindness yesterday. Christina Posgate

One of the many family owened supermarkets of the Adelaide hills, this one is by no means the…read morebiggest or best, but what is done with the space provided is really quite impressive. Despite being a tiny supermarket I can usually find what I need here, can even get away with doing the big weekly shop. Occasionally there'll be something I can't find, but the same often happens in the bigger supermarkets. Parking is usually easy, but being the Adelaide Hills, the carpark is sloped, making trolley wrangling a fine art. Also most of the parking is uphill from the entrance, so a fine art whilst pushing up hill... Maybe just use a basket.

Children grow so quickly, one minute they're fresh and new to the world in your arms, the next…read morethey're leaving home....anyway enough melancholy for now. This is such a heart warmingly beautiful children's clothing shop, with many just as beautiful items of clothing. The colours are subtle and has good mood lighting, no nasty fluros. Unfortunately my child has outgrown this size by several years so I won't be making any purchases today but who knows there's always room for more in regards to relatives. The owner sources Australian name brands and also ventures further afield overseas to France, New Zealand and off the mainland to Tasmania. She searches for and acquires quality, organic certified cotton and merino wool made products. There is also a trend towards transforming cuts of vintage fabric into other clothing creations and is included in this store, the feel of soft old cotton brings back memories. Boys are not excluded from the collection as there is a good choice in store, plus lots of soft toys, accessories for girls, socks and shoes. It's located in the mall leading to the Woolworths supermarket and even if your kids are too old or you don't have any children, it's worth a browse simply for its looks.

Thank you Stirling, for providing us with another lovely childrens store where the clothing is…read moreactually suitabe for children! The clothing available is absolutely charming, I don't have kids, but this store makes me fall into that slightly clucky mood when I look at all the little outfits. nawww. There are this cute little soft toys available too that are just a little left of centre, not your average multi-produced toys. lovely.

The Stirling Community Shop is a not-for-profit association run entirely by Volunteers. We raise…read moremoney to support district nursing, aged and disability care and our local Community, which we've been doing since 1960! Our friendly shop sells quality and affordable second-hand clothes, shoes & accessories, homewares, toys, retro, vintage, collectables. Donated by our Community for the Community Our opening times are: Wednesday: 9:30am to 3:30pm Thursday: 9:30am to 3:30pm Friday: 9:30am to 3:30pm Saturday: 10am to 1pm Sunday Stirling Laneways: 10am to 2pm Come visit us soon! :)

One of the most visited and donated op-shops in the Hills area. They sit right on the main street…read moreof Stirling and their donation box has a regular run of people dumping old fashions and wasted clothes. With most businesses, high frequency of customers and prominent location usually lend to success and high quality. Unfortunately, with op-shops this can be a fatal draw back. Strolling along the aisles in this community store, you can't help but feel some other young trendster got there before and picked up all the cool shirts, jeans and hats. They left you with daggy, out of size dress pants and jackets missing buttons and smelling kind of like death. It's a shame. I can't speak for the women's stuff, but I assume it would be the same or worse for them. Regardless this is a good store to find simple second hand clothing. Daggy shirts to paint in, or throw away pants and jackets for a costume party. There's also a lot of kids stuff kicking around, if you want some crazy toys or old VHS and story books for the young 'uns. The women that work their are lovely too, and offer some of the lowest prices I've seen in my op-shopping experience.

So, I live in the hills and often drive down Milan Terrace to avoid traffic in Stirling…read more Recently I noticed a store pop up in a house. Super cute front, looking like a welcoming little cottage. It kind of draws you in. I kept thinking, "Oooo what is in there?" Finally, I drove past on a day where I had a little spare time to kill. So in I went. And I am glad I did. This store offers a range of homewares, jewellery, furniture and crockery that are really suited to my taste. It is all kind of pop art influenced. Bright coloured or pastel coloured items. There are some really funky display plates sold here. I know, most display plates are for old ladies and have horrible arrangements of flowers on them. But the ones in this store featured really bright coloured butterflies and cross-stitched patterned prints of reindeer. You will see in the photos I have uploaded. Not to mention all the very affordable art prints of the legend herself Fida Kahlo. Nice! I know for most Adelaideians it is a trek to the hills, but next time you stop for say the Stirling Laneways or Markets. Drop by here, you will be pleasantly surprised.