This flower shop is in tough competition with Monica Higgins - one of Edinburgh's best florists -…read morejust down the road. However, they appear to be trying to carve out their own market by also offering a range of different vases and urns. The shop itself is pretty big and well stocked, it just doesn't have the rustic beauty that Monica's shop has - where it seems the flowers and the shop have emerged straight from nature. But give Bloemen Ecke a chance, it is more reasonably priced and the vases on offer are unique and interesting. AND let's hope you're a little smarter that me, who has only recently 'got' the pun in the shops name. (hint: it's meant to be like 'Bloomin heck' - a clever flower reference). Too clever for me it seems!

Fantastic florists! We used Bloemen Ecke for our wedding last year and were very pleased with the…read moreservice we received. They completely captured our vision and everyone complimented our floral arrangements. We also use them at work for our reception flowers and I look forward to every Monday when we get a new display :-)

This is the Florist that did my bouquet, and all my Bridesmaids flowers also. The owner also…read moresupplied flowers for the church, and provided me with Button holes for the Best man and Groom, and Both Familys. I would recommend this Florist, she goes the extra mile to make sure your day goes without a hitch.

Williamson Design Florist immediately caught my eye with the beautiful floral display it presents…read moreoutside. From geraniums to orchids, to lillies and back to geraniums, the outdoor display alone was every colour of the rainbow! Prices too were to my liking, with plants beginning at £1.99, climbing to £16.99; not bad at all considering the variety and range. Inside was a similar story, but most of these displats were examples of made to order displays, also reasonable priced. The staff were helpful and friendly and made decding on a style in my price range easy as pie! In addition to the bouquets and and plants, Williamson's also sells beautiful garden ornaments, mirrors, hanging baskets as well as a multitude of other items to fulfill your every gardening whim!

This is a hidden gem on Alexandra Parade. The flower arrangements are beautiful and the flowers…read morelast much better than your average supermarket flowers. I have also been treated to several large bouquets by my hubby on special occasions and always a lovely selection of flowers and colours. It is also a great place to pick up incense as they have a great selection.

The best flower shop around. Great arrangements, prices and service. We use this place for all our…read morespecial occasion flowers and have never been disappointed. Got out Mother's Day bouquets here yesterday, luckily we got the last two but the owner will happily make up more. Highly recommend.

I was shocked to see that flowers can exist in this smog filled part of the city, let alone a…read morewonderful little flower shop. The girl who served me was very nice, very knowledgeable and very forgiving of my lack of. I managed to get a little gift for sick aunt for under £10, which impressed the hell out of her. Give this place a try!

Whilst all my visits to Fleur De Lis have been fleeting in nature, usually consisting of a quick…read morestop to pick up a small bouquet or flowerpot arrangement for a friend, I've always been impressed with what's on offer. Today was just as short a visit with a festive gift in mind for paying my boyfriend's parents a visit. A cute mini Christmas tree decorated in a small festive sack (adorned with a pine cone and artificial orange!) caught my eye and was a steal at just £5. From my experience so far, staff are friendly. I've always had an idea of what I wanted and left satisfied without needing any assistance. Although, I'm sure the staff are helpful if you're at a loss of any floral ideas for your occasion and I've no doubt they make great custom bouquets as everything ready-made is brilliant, especially the quirky mini plant pot arrangements. I'm sure I'll be back but next time I'd love to stick around for longer and have a proper browse. Bring cash since they don't have a card machine. (Worry not, there's an ATM across the road!)

The Paper Gallery is a great place to pop into in Edinburgh to buy cards and gifts for all…read moreoccasions. They sell really unique cards, which can be a wee bit on the expensive side if they are handmade, but they are gorgeous and they have a vast range on offer so you are able to find a card to suit every occasion. In addition to cards, The Paper Gallery also sells wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, mugs and plenty of little gift items. As the couple who run the shop are Chinese there are lots of oriental ornaments and gifts which are very cute and a great present to buy for a birthday or Christmas. Probably my favourite aspect of the shop is the counter at the front of the store which has a lovely selection of unique jewellery. If you look down when you pay you will notice the beautiful selection of jewellery on offer which is very reasonably priced. The Paper Gallery is in a very convenient location, just around the corner from the University so it is great place for students to pop into to buy a birthday or valentine's card if they are running late.

The cards from here are definitely unique and you do get some cards that tend towards being a bit…read morebizarre and more than just a little unusual. Some might prefer the more traditional cards you'll find elsewhere, but if it's something a bit different and that breaks the mould you are after then this is most certainly the place to come. If you are among those who love to perfectly wrap up a gift to the point where it becomes a work of art rather than the mass of sticky tape I usually end up handing over, you'll also find this shop capable of providing all you need for the very finest in gift art. All in this place is a bit more expensive than the cheaper places, but if you're after something a bit special, you might decide that the extra expense is a worthwhile one.

Pauls baby shop has been around for as long as I can remember - and that's a while!…read moreIt's a very small shop situated at Hamilton's Top Cross area and is a traditional, older fashioned boutique style shop dedicated to selling baby clothes. Although the shop is tiny, it does stock quite an extensive range of clothing for babies and is all the more special because it stocks items you won't find everywhere else. The clothes in here aren't cheap, but they are good quality so it's the ideal place to go and buy a present for that special new arrival - the window is always dressed with lovely ideas!

Paul's Baby Shop has been in Hamilton for a good number of years, and has always been well known as…read morea great quality, boutique kids wear shop. My mum recalls buying me babygrows and booties from here when I was a baby, as I have bought stuff for friends. It's a really popular shop in Hamilton and you never see it empty. It's not cheap however, stocking designer makes such as Timberland, Elle and Chiccino.