Well, wouldn't you know? My sister has only been off the entire summer (from the middle of June to…read morebe precise), but still she leaves it until the day before she returns to school to decide she needs a new pencil case. Typical, just typical. Furthermore, she informs me of this decision in the middle of Saintfield, where there is one stationery shop. It's called 'Treasures', and will attempt to meet your greetings cards / stationery / gift needs, sort of like W H Smith, only not quite. I have to give Treasures its dues though, it didn't do too badly at all. My sister was provided with a decent range of pencil cases and tins, and had it been any other customer, there probably wouldn't have been an issue, but this *is* my sister we're talking about. No, tins weren't an option. The pink Hannah Montana pencil case was a no-go (perfectly acceptable, given that she's eighteen), and the X Factor one wasn't even considered. The others were either too big (remember those super-sized ones which you fit your foot long ruler and scientific calculator into? No? That was just me then...), the plain ones were too boring, and the coloured ones just weren't happening. Sensing both our frustration (mine at my sister, my sister's at the lack of desirable pencil cases), the two sales assistants asked if we were ok. "Just looking, thank you," came my retort. We certainly weren't going to be buying anything at this rate... Convinced by my response, they continued their conversation about the pleasant heat of the day, and we continued our quest for a suitable pencil case. You'll be glad to hear my sister did find one eventually (though it took her long enough). Can't fault Treasures for trying...

Tates Treasures is one of Saintfields jewels, the selection of cards is unbeatable and the owner…read morewill always do her utmost to find exactly what your looking for. In the stationery and crafts she will advise you as to what best suits your needs. I love this super friendly shop and their amazing selection.

Did you ever walk away from a shop with a good feeling because you were treated well and got a…read morelittle bit of a bargain - well I have from Ink World. I am making Order of Service booklets at the minute and it is using up a lot of ink and so I've been in and out of this place several times over the last few months. The man who works here is really friendly and helpful - he advised me to bring in my old cartridges and that it would be cheaper to refill than buy new. He also gave me a discount the first day I went in and so obviously I keep calling back. They stock all inks for all computers as well as other stationary items. The waiting time for a refill is about ten minutes so that is quick and they cost much less than if you buy new - the only draw back is that my computer doesn't recognise when the refilled cartridges are empty or running low which a brand new cartridge would. I'm really glad I found this convenient and friendly little shop.

Used a few times now , friendly helpful service even on phone enquiries . Keen prices too . small…read morelocal shops rock

This Paperchase is an outlet within House Of Fraser. It's small but they seem to squeeze in a lot…read moreof products in to a small space. This store sells gifts, stationery and cards. It's kind of a girly Store with loads of photo books and bits and bobs you don't actually need. We went in to try and find a gift box and there was a whole world of possibilities. I couldn't believe there were so many options. The lady working behind the counter was really helpful and she even made a few recommendations. I'd recommend having a look if you're in Victoria Square.

So, I might has a slight obsession with stationery. So this place is right up my street, full of…read morebright shiny things. Which attracts a magpie like myself. The do a lot of quirky pieces as well a large range of cards and wrapping paper, art supplies and handmade paper. The handmade papers look great when used it a frame. A review and a tip in one. Who's that for multitasking.

Aww, I quite like the idea of paper wishes. They're almost reminiscent of fortune cookies, or…read morewishing upon stars, or indeed blowing the candles out on your birthday...in paper form maybe? Well, these paper wishes are of the greetings card variety...a wish on card instead of paper, but I was never really one to be pernickety. Lots and lots of 'em too. Superb variety, although I wasn't actually interested in this aspect of the shop. Nope, I was after the gift bags. There was a decent enough choice, and I cam across a really pretty one with the handles incorporated (rather than the dangly cord ones), and it was only £1.49, which I felt was an absolute bargain. Had I been in one of the more renowned card shops, I would have been paying at least twice that, so I was pretty chuffed. The staff were very pleasant and welcoming, although as the only customer in the shop at that stage, it could well have been mighty embarrassing had that not been the case. So, with no complaints from me at all, and a pretty little name to boot, I have to say, this was a fave.

This is a shop that promises much more from the outside than it delivers. Maybe it's the name, but…read moreI imagined a Mecca for the craft-lover, pens and papers and sparkly glitter and string and glue and all those things that I love so much. But it's just a card shop. Don't get me wrong - it's a good card shop in the sense that if you need a "Happy You're 80 and Haven't Broken a Hip Yet" card for your Great Aunt Muriel, then this is a place to come, it's just like Clinton Cards or Birthdays, except it's privately owned. They offer helium ballons and small gift items like teddy bears and keepsakes, but that's about it. They could do with getting some more unusual cards in as some of them are quite old fashioned for my taste. Totally okay as cards shops go, but I wouldn't go out of my way again.

Not only can you get all your regalia for a birthday party here (cards, balloons, streamers,…read morebanners) but there's also a Thornton's here, which is a retailer in some cavity killing confectionery, mostly chocolate. This is a real bonus if you're out shopping for yourself and forgot (or couldn't be bothered) to get someone something for their birthday. A card, a box of Thornton's chocolates, and a cup saying "party girl" and you're all set.

Utopia is my first port-of-call when I know someone's birthday is coming up, or at Christmas…read moretime...you're pretty much guaranteed to find something in here you know that person will like. The variety is huge - massive wooden chess sets to quirky key rings and everything in between. There's nothing cheap or tacky, just beautiful gifts at incredibly affordable prices. The last time I was (it was only last week, due to their being a friend's birthday on the horizon), I was served by the most friendly lady I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. She really was genuinely lovely, and that really made the trip for me. There's nothing better than decent customer service, and I definitely experienced some top class service that day. With some of the loveliest ranges in town, and wonderfully helpful staff, Utopia really is a must see...you won't be disappointed.

Yeah I have no complaints about Utopia. I'm glad there is only one of its kind in Belfast as that…read morekeeps the family who run it in trade and the customers flocking back. I love to go in at Christmas time as my mum has a thing for Christmas decorations and this is the best place in town to get a quality piece at a really good price. It houses such a mixture of goodies you could spend hours just browsing. There is a massive selection if ornaments such as statues of dogs, animals and fairies. They also have a large collection of really nice inexpensive costume jewellery. You can pick up anything in here from a rubber chicken to a ceramic panda. It is definitely the place to go for gifts of any sort. I was bought a poker set from here many moons ago and I still treasure it as although it wasn't really expensive it has the feel of a luxury item.

Forget Me Not is a smallish stationary shop down Pottinger's Lane in Belfast city centre. I called…read morein recently to buy a 'Made By The Bride' stamp for my wedding invitations. I had been to another stationary shop and they had none left and I have to say my first impressions of Forget Me Not weren't great. I was a little lost browsing around for ideas and cards when I spotted an area where homemade cards were being displayed. I asked the owner if she had any tips for my wedding cards and she was quite hostile. I was only a little lost bride trying to make conversation and trying to get some ideas. I had just bought a stamper from another stationary shop and I asked her to recommend the best way to use it and was told I should go back to where I bought it and ask them! I later found out that she designs and makes wedding stationary and I guess she didn't want to give anything away for free. Anyway, I had to order in the stamp as she had none left and I had to pay full price up front. I don't want to rate the entire business on that one experience, as I'm sure it was just a flippant remark on her part. I just hope that maybe other brides who want to save a few pounds and are a bit stuck (as they, like me, will probably have never done that kind of thing before) experience a warmer reception.

A lovely shop tucked away, but still in the heart of the city centre, Plenty to spend your money on…read morewith my fav Tim Holtz products and some g45 paper worth checking out I found the staff very helpful

It's happened to all of us- you realise it is Auntie Joan's birthday, or a mate has a baby or the…read morekids announce there is an unexpected party to go to and the thought of trailing into town fills you with dread. Well fear no more, problems always solved here. They have a great selection of cards and gifts for all occasions and little nic naks like picture frames and mugs, bags and books to cover most emergency gift situations. You can park outside and it won't break the bank, bingo! They also have additional space upstairs with seasonal stuff and party requirements, as you probably think you have birthday candles somewhere, but you don't. ;-)

Just For You has been on the Belmont Road for absolute donkeys (since 1985 apparently), and is…read morestill going strong. It's wide variety of cards, gifts and stationery make it an invaluable outlet for birthdays / Christmas / other occasions. I have fond memories of coming in when I was a kid, and my mum searching through the masses of cards 'til she found the perfect one. Now I've started doing the same thing (yikes), and find Just For You a wonderfully tranquil setting for doing so. The staff are friendly and laid-back, and you can really take your time gazing at the vast array of beautiful gifts. Among my favourites are the cute mini novel clocks which come in the form of pianos, golf bags, animals and the like, as well as the Bridgewater Candles which smell simply delicious. The best bit, however, is the hidden section upstairs, containing Fiorelli handbags, Disney figurines, gorgeous furniture, tapestries and luxurious scarves. At Christmas time, this area is buzzing with Christmas gifts, ornaments and decorations...it really is like Santa's grotto, exuding such a lovely cosy atmosphere. In fact, the whole shop really is very comfortable and intimate all year round, making for a truly lovely shopping experience. Just For You of course...

I'm not used to decorating homes and recently I have undertaken some redesign and decor of our…read morespare bedroom. I called in here to price curtains and bed linen as they have been about for absolutely ages and have a decent reputation. I wasn't that impressed. The stuff, I felt, was out dated and expensive. The staff weren't very helpful even though I very obviously needed help with measurements, colour schemes and the like. I personally prefer Dunelm Mill but I was in the centre of town and couldn't have been bothered traveling about the place. I don't think I will go in again for anything other than a definite item as I just felt a little overwhelmed at all the stuff but the lack of help.

I'm not really big into curtain / fabric / bed linen shops, since I don't have a requirement to buy…read moreany of these types of goods. However, when my parents were away on holiday last year, I decided I would venture in and purchase a duvet cover set for myself, having been in dire need of one for quite some time. Undoubtedly one of the most important days in a girl's life... I was fortunate enough to be in the shop during sale time, and was even more fortunate to find a blue and white barcode striped duvet cover for half price...£10 ("how do you do it?" is a frequent question asked by my mum). That usual jubilation that suddenly overcomes me the moment I find a bargain eluded me for once. I *had* to phone my mum and dad to ensure that my find was genuine and the bargain was good enough to warrant a purchase. A five minute phonecall later, and we established that this was the case. Phew. A year later, and my blue and white striped duvet cover is still perfectly intact, currently taking pride of place on my bed. Having had such a wonderful experience, when I went back this year to a newly refurbished Spinning Wheel, I was slightly disheartened to find no duvet covers on the bottom floor, despite the fact that this was indicated on the wall. Being in a hurry, I had to go, but I will definitely pop back in for a proper look very soon. And to get lost among all those curtains. Looks like such fun...

This isn't just any Post Office. Oh no, this is the Comber Post Office. Complete with stationery /…read morecard / sweet / toy shop (i.e. Scribbles), it's totally reminiscent of old school Post Offices, where you had the massive card selection, with a few notebooks / envelopes etc. This one even has a retro wooden writing desk. Love it. The Post Office section is right at the very back of the shop, hidden from view. There are tons of cards in front if this, and they take up the majority of the shop, with the stationery section at the right hand side, and the sweet section at the front. However, it was the toys that interested me the most. I guess I shouldn't really refer to them in that way - these are collector's items, and cost a little bit more than the present you bought your five year old nephew for Christmas. We're talking model cars and other modes of transport (spotted a 1960s Bat Mobile model), as well as an array of fluffy Teddy bears and other stuffed toys. In a Post Office. Love it times two. Despite not being a collector of either of the above, I definitely feel it's a fitting time to allude to Enrique, and say "Baby, I like it"...