I have been visiting this souvenir shop every chance I get when in Brisbane. Timing is important…read moresince the bulk sale specials are random. Today was a good day to go by and select unique gifts over stores would not have or have limited selections. The daytime staff is a lot more friendly and conversational than the evening crew, probably due to age and maturity. Overall, I like the service, especially during the morning hours and would recommend people visiting during these hours.

Excellent customer service provided by them. Went out of their way to make sure I received…read moreeverything I want to order.

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.

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.

Texts, tweets and Tinder might be all the rage but I firmly sit in the corner that believes sending…read morea beautiful card for an array of occasions beats the obligatory Facebook message or wall post. That's why I'm thankful that a store like Card & Caboodle, located on the lower floor of Queens Plaza, is still around. Much like hen's teeth, a shop dedicated to the art of correspondence via a carefully deliberated card is hard to find. Much like Suzannah B, I often find selecting a card far more exciting than the gift it may be presented with. Their range is some of the best in Brisbane and extend from classic humour, modern design and quirky.There's a card for almost all occasions and you'll also be able to stock up on wrap, ribbon or a fancy-pants gift bag.

Every year I tell my friends I'm going to write them a personal letter and post it. We all agree…read morewhat a great idea this would be and spend awhile reminiscing about the good ol' days before email. I've never yet written such a letter although Card and Caboodle has certainly tempted me with their range of stationary. Some of their writing sets are so pretty. Plus, anyone would be pleased to receive best wishes from their intricate pop-up card range. Their cute stamps, stickers, hanging ornaments and magnets would make perfect 'filler presents', the sort you would get for your workplace Secret Santa or that cousin you don't know very well but you suspect she's a girly girl. If you're looking for something more original than your stock standard newsagency range, then try Card and Caboodle for all matters stationary related.

New Farm Editions has been a long-time favourite gift shop of mine. I used to live in New Farm and…read morestopped through there on a weekly basis to check out new stock. My favourite aspect is that it has a terrific children's book section - Olivia the Pig, Angelina Ballerina, and some absolutely incredible pop-up books are among the selection usually available. They also have a great range of Eeni Meeni Mini Mo clothing. Candles, homewares, Christmas decorations, ornate chess boards, beautiful vases, gorgeous cushions and throws - you never know what you will find but you can guarantee it will be a treasure. My latest purchase was a porcelain Christmas gift tag with a beautifully simple quote engraved on it. New Farm Editions also support local artists and writers - lots of homegrown gifts available. Well worth a look!

Even though I feel like a bull in a china shop, New Farm Editions is one of my favourite gift shops…read morein Brisbane. Not only is it teeming with beautiful gifts, but it's also a bookstore and has a wonderful range of beauty products, home wares, and small furniture. I can be found pottering around the shelves of New Farm Editions almost weekly, browsing through the amazing cook books and coffee table book, sniffing away at the Tokyo Milk candles and making excuses about why I should buy myself a Union Jack chest of draws. It recently saved my hide when I was completely at a loss for a birthday present for a male friend. Luckily New Farm Editions came to my rescue with their range of leather wallets and bags for blokes. The shop attendants appear to be a bit prudish, but understandable considering the amount of delicate items held in store. I have no doubt that there would be a few breakages weekly as the store is filled to the brim with pretty stock. For wedding presents, birthday gifts or even a cheeky present to yourself, New Farm Editions has beautiful items and stock is turned over frequently. It's also just a nice place to browse.

LARGE souvenir shop on Queen Street…read more Tacky? Yes. Postcards? Yes. Boomerangs? Yes. T-shirts, magnets, stuffed kangaroos and koalas? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Obligatory UGG boots? Of course. Plus dozens and dozens of other items you never knew you needed or wanted. Staff was friendly. Location was convenient.

I went shopping with a friend from overseas. We stopped by Tourist House to have a look. As I…read morewandered around while my friend tried UGG boots on, I noticed they sold Golliwogs (aka golly dolls, golly), the dark skinned doll, with clown-like red lips and frizzy black hair. There was a collection of them sitting in a woven basket by the entrance. It is rare to find places that sell this type of doll these days and I thought it looked a little out of place in this souvenir shop. Or was it? Despite this odd encounter with a doll popular in the 60's, we found the store useful and my friend successfully purchased a whole heap of things. One of which, includes her beloved UGG Australia boots which she praises for being half the price here, compared to overseas. An insightful souvenir shopping trip.

One of my most favourite stores in Brisbane, the Oxfam shop is a wonderful, ethical stop on your…read morenext shopping trip. The store is run by volunteers and all of the profits from sales within the store supports Oxfam's charity endeavours both locally and globally. In store you'll find a huge range of beautiful handcrafted items from across the globe, fair trade coffee and treats, a range of books including children's titles and cookbooks, beautiful home wares, toys, various apparel items, gift cards that support numerous causes (the 'Oxfam Unwrapped' range and tax deductible), jewellery, and Cd's. You will always find something unique and original here. The prices in store range from fairly cheap to moderately expensive, but it's well worth it.

I love, love the stuff Oxfam Shop carries, and I appreciate the fact that they do fair trade and…read moresome of the items are handmade. I was fortunate to be the recipient of a gift certificate to Oxfam, and after going in a couple times (and leaving empty handed), I finally picked out a "secret" jewerlly box (the secret is in how to unlock/lock it). It's a beautifully carved wooden box, with velvet lining the inside. The staff here has always been pleasant and I didn't feel any sort of urgency in this small shop.

There are some magical stores that draw women in like moths to a flame. This is one of those…read morestores. Full of beautiful things to wear and for around the home, this shop is always crowded with women of all ages, lost in a daydream as they stroll through the store imagining which dress would go with that stunning necklace and bargaining that they deserve a reward for sticking to their diet, and those earrings would do just fine in that capacity. Don't be fooled by my tendency to focus on their jewellery, they have a lot more than that here, but that seems to be the main attraction and it's certainly what distracted me from hurrying home in order to beat traffic.

This store has so much cute, hand-made jewellery, I was OOOHing and AHHHing the whole time I was in…read morethe store. I've been to the Paddington store a number of times, but personally like the Oxford Street store better. It's small but filled to the brim with beautiful things. The first thing that caught my eye were the Poetry Bangles - $19 for a silver bangle with a lovely inspirational message on it. SING ... as though no one can hear you. DANCE ... as though no one is watching you. LOVE ... as though you have never been hurt. LIVE ... as though heaven is on earth. I think it would be nice to have the complete set of 4 bangles, worn all at once. Thousand Island Dressing also stocks earrings by Scrumptious Productions, which is a Melbourne based jewellery maker - her earring are made with vintage buttons, beads or retro fabrics. Very cute. There is just so much jewellery - whether you like silver, gold or coloured, they have a huge range to suit your style.

A beautiful shop that I don't mind gushing about, Coming Up…read moreRoses is one of the most charming boutiques I've visited. What I initially thought was another florist shop, this store proffered up some really unique fashion and home ware treasures. Coming inside I was immediately charmed by both the friendly owner and the laboriously decorated and detailed interiors. This store is quite big, with three rooms bursting with products. A mecca of children's toys and baubles, CUR also offers a range of home wares from tea cloths, napkins, cake stands, cards, fun outdoor games and all sorts of crafty kits to a plethora of fat glossy art tomes, bake sets, japanese ceramics, candles, fabrics and much much more. (My favourite section is the jewellery, be sure to check out the chunky wooden offerings from ELK.) This place is PERFECT for gifts, and I guarantee anything here would please even the most discerning human. Coming up Roses is in a bit of an isolated location, but it is definitely worth a trek out.

Easily one of my favorite local gift shops. If you're seeking quirky and whimsical gifts for…read moreanyone in your life or to treat yourself, Coming Up Roses is a great spot to find it. It's also one of those places that have so many different options and a changing window display, so one would not get bored with this spot. Some of the things they carry: Jonathan Adler homewares and stationery goods, Mr Men & Little Miss mugs, various greeting cards, gardening gift items, spa treatment products, yummy candles and soaps, fun toys, baby and kiddie gifts, "treasure boxes", Frankie magazine, and much more! Gift wrapping is available here. Who knows, you may even have the owner do it for you (she's someone quite special!) Friendly service too!

Women and Men clothing. Jewellery. Knick Knacks. A fun little place to spend your hard earned…read moredollars on cute, trendy and cool stuff. Expect laser cut perspex/metal earrings and pins, moustache covered objects, eggcups and mugs that are animal heads, interesting stationery. My favourite I've seen is the giant crumpled 'disposable cup' vase in green glass. Pigeonhole has another store over at Macarthur Central, across the road. Parking in the Wintergarden carpark.