I remember this store from when it was located in the Wintergarden, and then it just disappeared!…read moreBut recently while I was roaming around the Emporium in the Valley it popped up out of thin air. I was so glad to see that this shop had just relocated and hadn't closed for good, because I've purchased many a gift from Essensuals and it's always been perfect for those people who are difficult to buy for. I must say though, I much prefer the old store to the new one. I'm not sure if it has changed hands or they just decided to change it up a little bit, but it was a little disappointing. The new store seems to have stock piled up everywhere, like a teetering tower of doom that could crush the shopper below at any second. It also seems like they don't have as much stock as before, which is unfortunate because you could find things for both men and women in the old store, whereas the new one appears to be very female oriented. Despite the disappointment that Essensuals has changed quite a bit, it's still full of pretty things like crystal wine glasses, decorative trunks and vintage perfume bottles. It's worth a look if you're not quite sure what you're looking for, but certainly isn't as impressive as it used to be.

Need to find a gift for that person who literally has everything? Or in desperate need of a mask…read morefor a masquerade party? Then Essensuals has got you covered. This place is piled high with unique gifts, home decorations and of course, ceramic masks (yes, never fear, those tacky plastic masks covered in sequins and feathers do not have a home here). There's a seemingly large emphasis on Parisian prints and artefacts as well as London-esque decorations and canvas prints depicting rainy days in New York City. So definitely a perfect gift idea for those jet-setters or dreamers who long after a city-change. So when you're next in Emporium, keep an eye out for a large, hollow dog - it stands guard outside the shop.

As someone who lives in an apartment, it's not often you'll see me in a shop that devotes itself to…read moreoutdoor living. My Secret Garden in Teneriffe is the exception. The shop is treasure chest full of beautiful things for your garden, balcony, outdoor table as well as lovely art and gifts. I recently ducked in to buy a friend a wedding present and was highly successful in buying a unique gift that I was sure they could cherish for a long time. But it's possible to buy for yourself (even if you live in an apartment) with items such as pot plants which sit over a balcony railing, candles, deck chairs and hammocks. The owner Rick who mans the shop is friendly and always willing to chat. It's obvious that he is passionate about creating comfortable spaces and an urban oasis for us Brisbane dwellers. My Secret Garden is a treat of a shop whether you're shopping for yourself or not. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Teneriffe!

What better way to escape the heat of summer than to drop into what has to be the coolest…read more(temperature cool and awesome-cool) boutique outdoor living store in the inner-north. You feel like you've reached the inner-sanctum of serenity as you're greeted by the sounds of chilled out meditation music blended with the gentle gurgling of splashing water. Bliss? Yes. Dark wooden shelves are adorned with outdoor table decorations - from scented candles, to table cloths and an assortment of cups, saucers, cutlery and iced tea pitchers. The middle of the shop features outdoor furniture draped in bright cushions, towels and lamps. And of course, discounted, high-quality Christmas decorations and oversized deer (why not?). A perfect place to unwind and begin hoarding those decorations for your garden which you know you'll have to have once you step foot into this oasis of calm.

Next time I visit MOZI I'm leaving my coins and cards at home. Yes, it's just that gosh darn…read moretempting to buy everything in this store. I remember when MOZI launched and was such a small collection of knick knacks for the kitchen. And now look at this little Aussie brand that could! Measuring spoons, plastic bag holders (yes, they're a thing!), bowls, tea towels, plates, dog leads, napkins, and even candles are all neatly displayed in their "print story" categories making a visit to MOZI on trendy James Street an organised mind's dream. Everything is in its place and it makes it that much easier to find what you're looking for. It's fun without being frivolous and twee without being saccharine. If you're looking for a quirky and unique gift for a loved one getting married, moving into a new house, having a baby, birthday, engagement, just because...you get the point...MOZI should most certainly be on your list. The prices are what I personally would consider reasonable with most items being under $40. PS: If someone gifts me the sequined fox tote, I might just have kittens.

Magnolia is a visual feast, that's for sure. The large store is full of all kinds of colourful home…read morewares, interior design products, fabric, furniture, and accessories. The range is fairly eclectic, but for the most part involves colour, bold prints, and lots of florals. The thing with Magnolia, though, is that the prices are kind of over the top and the staff are a little snooty. Whenever I walk past I'm tempted to go in and browse, but usually I don't because I know that I can't afford anything and that the staff will give me the once over. Not the nicest environment to browse in, if you know what I mean. It's a shame that Magnolia isn't more inviting and welcoming, or more reasonably priced because the do have some genuinely gorgeous things. Fortunately, I've found other places that provide many of the same products or style or products, at a less balk-worthy price and with more helpful staff. Definitely worth a look, but more for inspiration than actual purchases in my opinion.

White washed furniture, Hamptons-worthy linen, beautiful table settings and more make Magnolia a…read moretreat to browse in. This is the perfect shop for anyone who likes to pamper their homes as much, or more, than they like to pamper themselves. There's so much to gush over it's overwhelming. I had already planned my future home design in my head prior to taking my second lap around the store. There's also great gift ideas too such as coffee table books, candles, vases, rugs and other plenty of other pleasantries for a home. Magnolia, as sweet as it might look and smell, isn't so delightful in the price department. For example (you might want to sit down for this), I found some Tokyo Milk bubble bath for $85. $85!!!!!!!! For bubble bath! After I had recovered from that initial shock I went on admiring everything again, I just stopped touching things. With the plethora of choices for home decor shops in and around James Street, Magnolia does a good job to differentiate between the rest with fun plays on old styles and a huge range of stock from tea pots to bed frames. If you're willing to spend a fair bit of money on beautifying your home, Magnolia is worth a look.

They have a cute range of retro style aprons. I bought a black and white one and wear it all the…read moretime now in the kitchen. I love their range of scented Glasshouse candles. There are some really scrummy flavours like Kaffir lime & cocoa butter, Cilantro & orange, Vanilla caramel... oh man they make me hungry just smelling them. There is also a range of kitsch French/Paris decorated home wares and knick-knacks. A great shop for gifts.

Rudest store keeper ever. Popped in for a massively over priced greeting card and was met with a…read morestoned faces lady behind the counter who refused to even acknowledge me whilst she maintained her personal phone call throughout the transaction. I don't care if I am spending $10 or $1000, I would never expect a store trader to behave with such arrogance and ignorance. DON'T BOTHER!!

Great shop bursting with gifts and homewares, run by two dedicated and helpful blokes who'll even…read morewrap your purchases if you are buying them for someone else. I forgot to ask which one was Ollie and which one was Lloyd.