Magma Magma books is possibly one of the coolest shops I…read morehave been into in a long time! Why you may ask? Because it sells MOOMINS merchandise and books!! They sell all sorts of cool things here like books, magazines, swirly notebooks, cuddly toys (moomin ones!), eco friendly stuff which comes in the shape of recycled objects made into something else uselful, the mother board coasters are pretty snazzy! Like the other shops on Oldham street, its only small but the layout is perfectly set out to seem like there is so much space! I love it!

Situated on Oldham Street, but a hop and skip from the Night and Day Café lies this fantastic…read morebookshop. I've been visiting this place for ages, even if it's just to browse through the store and short list future gifts. I've recently acquired some American Film Making/Studies from there (the Steven D. Katz shot by shot/cinematic motion - books that are usually pretty hard to get hold of unless you're on the net. This is one of those places where the staff know what they're talking about and can help either find what you're looking for or influence you enough to take a punt on their own expertly led recommendations in the vast array of different books and magazines in this store (increasingly rare in the accountant led 'United Chaindom'). It's a shame many more shops were as enthusiastic and passionate as the folks behind magma...I know they can't all be this way but it's currently unfairly balanced. One large chain book store dominates now (and with unfortunately less choice, more celebrity led airport reading fodder) and with supermarkets getting in the act of the book market (albeit with a truly disturbing 'array' of 'books') we should be thankful that places like this are still open in our cities. A large section of this shop sells magazines which are more like the aforementioned coffee table books the higher echelon of mags if you will. Film, Architecture, Typography, Illustration, Photography, Graphics, Fashion, Art, Design, Cities all these creative acts and scenarios collude together in the books and magazine range. They sell a top mag called 'Specialten' which is a 'bi-monthly collection of short films, music videos and exclusive interviews' which comes with a DVD for the media. Just reminded myself to pick up the next edition as I type this... This shop (alongside one or two in London village possibly the other two Magma's as it happens) was the only such store to stock Daniel Johnstone's graphics/drawings books (and as such is referred to in the fantastic Daniel Johnstone documentary). Reanimate your creative synapses and spare at least half an hour to imbibe the glorious fractions of the arts world we don't see as much as we should. It's always a pleasure to walk into a store like this, find what you're looking for (or see something jump out at you which grabs your interest by the book ends) and after downpiping your debit/credit details into the 21st Century piggy bank walk from the shop, freshly acquired book in hand. Rifling through the pages of a new 'Ilva Table book' in a nearby boozer/café is one of life's great, small pleasures.

Ever wanted a frying pan that makes heart-shaped eggs? How…read moreabout a grill that makes toast with religious figures engraved on? Or a polka dot suitcase with a smaller polka dot case inside? In short, Oklahoma's Gift shop is a living and breathing homage to the art of Kitsch ahd Colourful accessories. There's big items like lampshades and clocks hanging from the walls and ceiling, wallpapers and posters behind the main counter and dozens of shelves and tables stacked high with all kinds of weird and wonderful nonsense. One of my favourite items is the old American Popcorn Machine filled with jewellery and the desk overflowing with stationary, plastic moustaches and candy cigarettes.

I have wanted to go to Oklahoma for at least a year now and just never got around to it! Eventually…read moretoday was the day...and I was not disappointed at all! This quirky and cutesy store was everything I dreamed of! I couldn't wait to let my purse loose and I was didn't leave empty handed! This place is great for knick knacks, xmas presents and homely decor for those (like me) that are obsessed with kitchenware, signs and much much more! I was careful and only bought a little Christmas tree decoration (part of a family tradition) I buy my Mum one each year and this winter it will be an addition of a cute glass bottle with a wish and fairy (glitter) floating around inside! Picture to follow...

What a delightful establishment this is! I might even go as far as to say delectable!…read more Nook & Cranny stocks a veritable cornucopia of gorgeous gifts, stationery and homewares, all utterly charming. The first thing that caught my eye (and drew me in from my journey up Bold Street) were the beautiful Cable & Cotton fairy lights displayed in the window - these stunning textured, multi coloured, orb fairy lights are just magical and certainly set the scene for the rest of the shop. There is so much to gaze or chuckle at and drool over in Nook & Cranny that I just wouldn't know where to start telling you all about it but other highlights include the bear paw oven mitts, the 'My Cuppa Tea' colour matching guide mug and the Knit Your Own Zoo kit. I was in seventh heaven. Imagine my delight when I discovered that the back of the shop (which used to be storage space) has now been turned into a cosy little cafe called Quills & Coffee. Sadly I couldn't stay to sample any of the beautiful looking cakes but I vowed there and then to visit again as soon as possible. Yet more delight...Nook & Cranny and Quills & Coffee put on occasional film screenings at the back of the store!! The next one is American Beauty on Saturday 28th March at 7pm - tickets are £10 and include free drinks and pizza and available from www.nookandcrannyshop.co.uk. Magic

This is a fantastic independent biz that I ventured into when in Liverpool a couple of weeks back…read more We actually held an event in the back part of the business and I didn't realise it existed until Liverpool CA Gemma A introduced me to it - but the space is really cavernous and it was great to temporarily see Quills coffee set up in the back. Very very cool cards and gifts throughout, I was especially impressed with the awesome range of band music posters in the back - everything from Queens of the stone age to classic hiphop ones - really worth a look if you're nearby and fancy some colourful artwork to brighten up your walls. Very friendly staff, they hopefully will do well in this prime location in Liverpool.

What a beautiful little shop, down a cobbled street in the lovely town of Leek. This place is the…read moreperfect venue to buy cute gifts and knick knacks for anybody from 1 to 101. I have to mention the owner in this review, she is super duper sweet, and on my few visits, she is very helpful and smiley. This place not only is a lovely shop, but it also holds regular crafty workshops, from crotchet and knitting to dressmaking. These are all reasonably priced and range from beginners level to expertise. They encourage the ladies (and gents) to drink tea, eat cakes and have a natter whilst doing so. I also believe that Bibelots also has something called crafty matters, which are opportunities for people to meet up and socialise whilst making and creating in the beautiful Bibelots environment. This little shop supports the community and does it in style. I really loved the totally locally feel, and I'll be back as soon as I can.

From the owner: Bibelot is the areas only authorised Cath Kidston stockist - we carry a large range including bags…read moreand accessories, homeware, toiletries, bedding, books, stationery and umbrellas. Alongside Cath Kidston we also stock bags & accessories from Disaster Designs, toys from Maileg and much more! Bibelot are proud to support British designers and manufacturers, we stock a selection of homeware, jewellery and cards including Poppy Treffry, Tatty Devine, Love Boutique and Laura Sherratt Designs to name a few. We also stock a variety of gorgeous locally handmade items. We also have a fantastic haberdashey and craft room upstairs - we stock a large range including yarn, fabric & fat quarters, ribbon, buttons, jewellery findings, books and craft kits from names such as Rico, Rowan, Stylecraft, Tilda etc. We run a range of craft workshops including sewing and crochet, full details can be found on our website.

I always enjoy a look around Summerseat Garden Centre especially on a sunny day. They have an…read moreexcellent selection of plants and flowers and the staff are always so helpful and knowledgeable about what is the right thing to buy and time to plant it. However they offer much more than your average garden centre. There is a great high quality food section offering lots of organic choices as well as books, jewellery, cards and lovely gifts. They also have a café which serves home cooked meals and tasty soups and paninis so you can have a decent lunch there as well for a reasonable price. Summerseat is also a great place to visit at Christmas time as they decorate the place beautifully and you can buy some lovely Christmas themed stuff for your home.

Great little place, near the top of the town, lots of things to look at and fall in love with. I've…read moreoften bought from here and am always delighted! Prices range from 50p - £500+ I think the name is a little miss leading, not your average "gifts" shop, amazing antique and vintage finds

A beautiful little shop on the corner right outside Alty Market. I've been in here a couple of…read moretimes but still not bought anything - although I've been temped by the flat pack cardboard tanker for cats both times... There's a lot of beautiful things in here. Like Moth on Burton Road, but more gifts for men and more colourful. There's jewellery, kids toys, cards, home accessories, etc. A perfect place to wander around or pick up a present! The only downside is it's a bit on the pricey end.

Brilliant little store! Full of vintage odds and ends from the early 1900s. Signs, soap, cuff…read morelinks, books, posters, bags, cups, candy, cards, ornaments, etc etc etc. Perfect shop for fans of old-school!

Highly recommend great gifts and lace friendly staff.read more

I have visited this shop on numerous occasions over the years and been happy until today. I bought…read moresome scarfs on Sunday which having worn literally shed the wool over everything that they come into contact with, making them unwearable. The lady behind the counter today, could not have been less interested in my issue, didn't even put her phone down and suggested I wash them and that I am the only person this has happened to... Hardly outstanding customer service. Clearly the advice with this shop is buy with caution, as if the lady in there today is anything to go by, you have no recourse if you are not happy. You've lost a customer today

No 68 is one of those shops you'll never tire of. So called because of its position on Beech road,…read moreit's a difficult shop to categorise. They sell a large range of products including gifts, interiors, bags, accessories, jewellery and novelty items. From the frilly knickers in the window, to novelty mugs, to their large range of costume jewellery, you're sure to find something in here that appeals and will suit your pocket. Check out their range of illustrated journals which are on the right at you enter the shop. There's an emphasis on kitsch and fun items and prices vary from a few quid to a few hundred.

My friend and I were going for a wee jaunt in Rawdon and we came across this delightful shop. She…read morehad just passed her driving test so I suggested a drive out to a random Leeds town and we decided to visit Rawdon - it was a total off the cuff find! The layout of the shop is most curious, being on the corner of the street almost, the shop itself opens out on the the street at both sides! This was a little disorientating from the inside, but I soon cottoned on. From one entrance you were met with a plethora of beautiful glass ware, hand made delightful wine glasses, little trinkets and key rings, beautiful cardigans, home ware tea sets and other gorgeous gift items. My favourite of this room was a lovely Indian (?) style lamp shade like a metal framed globe with different coloured gems which made up the body of it. At £55 I decided to think on it, but it was beautiful. Upstairs was a gallery of different floral prints, material prints and other really interesting art works. In the other room through to the other side of the street was a lovely hand made card section (situated in the through-fare) and then a gorgeous jewellery and toy section where we were greeted by a lovely sales lady. The shop is beautifully laid out, with exquisite and imaginative gift items from all kinds of indie designers and crafters, and it was most definitely worth stopping by. Prices range with some sale pieces, but expect to take a while as it is mesmerising!

This is a really lovely gift shop and emporium of beautiful things!…read more It is just by Rawdon Traffic lights so really easy to find. The shop stocks lots of lovely, unusual gift items for a variety of budgets. It is a wonderful place to go in for a browse around (no doubt you will find something you love) or to look for a special present. This shop is always my first port of call when looking for a mother's day present, or gifts for my other female relatives. Staff are happy to help and quick to come up with helpful suggestions if you are struggling for ideas. It can be a little expensive, but makes up for this with the convenience of it's location