Another quirky little gift store - there certainly isn't a shortage of these in the town centre…read more This one offers lots of handmade goodies such as purses, jewellery, magnets, picture frames, cocktail shakers and other little gift ideas. Like most little gift shops the items inside are all very pretty but the price tag isn't so nice... but I guess if you see something that you know a friend would love then the price isn't so much of an issue. The staff are very friendly and smiley and every time I've popped in for a look around I've always been greeted with a smile. It's quite a small shop and can get quite busy but unlike some little shops the staff don't stare at you as if you're about the steal something and you can browse at your leisure for as long as you want.

A right load of crap in here. Not a bad thing, but I end up coming out with 15 different colours of…read morestudded earrings and not think that it's excessive because you've just been in Aladin's Cave of cheap as chips jewellery. Some things are a bit hippyish and early 2000's in style but I have to remember that the stock of every shop isn't entirely aimed at me. I wish I hadn't spent all the money I did on cheap handbags from Joe because I've be able to afford a car by now, but each one I've loved until the fell to bits (rather quickly).

This gift shop and emporium of pretty items for the home is like a little treasure cavern of things…read moreto look at and go "awww", while whatever male you're with rolls his eyes and lurks at the side of the shop uncomfortably. Sorry to stereotype, I'm sure lots of boys secretly, or not so secretly, enjoy a scented candle or fluffy baby slipper as much as most females do. I'm somewhere in between, I like loveliness and items of a girly nature, but I'm not outrageously emotional over such things either. I'd say Flux and its multitude of goods is also somewhere in between, mixing pretty and practicality. Considering that the shop space isn't too huge, they've managed to fit countless cute little bits around it, so your eyes are always darting about looking at some other colour or miniature item that catches them. There are some great dinosaur lamps and wine bottle accessories, those little Japanese dolls which look amazingly cute, but I'm not entirely sure what their function is, plus some really pretty jewellery from local designers, lots of greetings cards, colourful glasses and a wee corner of baby clothes.

Positioned in the ever "up and coming" part of town, The Shore, it might be the only gift shop in…read moreEdinburgh that doesn't have 40 similar shops in a one mile radius. But in typical of our city's style, it's so overpriced, but pretty things fills itself and the brunette behind the counter is always really helpful, even when you're just looking aimlessly without the intention of buying anything. Surprisingly, it has a great collection of dirty cards and as I used to work round the corner, it was perfect for important clients birthdays which my boss would wince at. Hurrah!

If you're into coloured glass, turquoise, delicate silver shaping, and pearls, then Palenque will…read moresuit you very well. I'm definitely not a fan of the crystal and coloured glass beads pendant look, or a fan of coloured glass teamed with any kind of jewellery really, although on the rare occasion I do spot a jewellery scenario where it works, but not often. So really, it's not Palenque that's doing anything wrong, it's just my unexplained dubiousness about coloured glass that's at fault here. Palenque do have a great range of coloured stones, pearl and shell, crystal, and enamel and glass items of jewellery. They clearly do what they do well, and being an eternal fan of pearls, I do like Palenque's pearl wares very much. There seems to be a lot of pretty butterfly metal work on sale here too, in the form of brooches, wall decorations and rings. Everything here is clearly attractive and made to high standards, some of it's just a bit too girly girly for me is all. I seem to be going through a phase of wanting all my jewellery to look angry and jaggy and edgy, and there's nothing angry about chilled out looking coloured crystal, which is entirely fair enough.

I'm so surprised to learn from Stephanie that this shop is a chain, you would never guess!…read more It doesn't have the generic, impersonal feel of chain jewellery stores, so credit to this company for making their brand charming! Palenque's jewellery is instead unique, quirky and quite kitschy. A lot of the pieces were reasonably priced and made with a variety of materials, including enamel and crystal. Their pearl and shell detailed necklaces were absolutely gorgeous and genuinely different to most high street jewellery trends at the moment. Their bird pendants and nature inspired necklaces were still in fitting with the indie crowd, however. Bold but still delicate, the colours and designs on Palenque's jewellery would make perfect gifts. Special but also affordable, I wandered in with the hope of finding a present for a friend's birthday, but actually just wanted to treat myself! A shop that couldn't be more perfect for the delightful Rose Street.

This store was a random fine when I going down Leith Walk. I was brought in by the name...surely…read morethey must have some good cat stuff. Well, I wasn't disappointed! There are a variety of small gifts and trinkets. Not everything is cat-oriented but there is a good selection of feline-themed items. I was able to get a small book by a local author, as well as locally made soap. I also saw some interesting felt cats, unfortunately a bit out of my price range. If you're going by, definitely worth a stop!

If you're looking for little knick knacks for your own house, that put a smile on your face, or a…read moregift to spread more smiles, then this little place is a great place to visit. If you're not from Edinburgh, it's a little walk out of town on the way to Leith, but it's a nice walk along a road filled with shops and restaurants. The little shop certainly isn't massive, and it is a little difficult to negotiate around it if you're wearing a rucksack (like I was), but it's worth the weird shuffle-like walk around to find hidden treasures. They have filled every nook and cranny with sweet and endearing items ranging from artwork to keyrings and everything I'm between. A lovely little shop where I bought my "I've-moved-to-Edinburgh-so-I've-got-a-Scottish-keyring" keyring.

H Samuel has always been a brand of quality on the high street. It may not be as flashy or…read moreinnovative as other designer jewellers but they offer affordable and more expensive jewellery that is generally crowd pleasing. I have received H Samuel birthday gifts during Primary School, High School and one of my friends bought me a gorgeous earring and necklace set for my 21st birthday. I guess this shows that they offer something for every age group. This particular branch has a good range of jewellery, it's very well organised so easy and stress free to browse and the staff are very friendly too. It isn't as large as other branches of H Samuel but they still have a good amount of pieces to choose from.

I've never been the biggest fan of H Samuel. The Glasgow branch is particularly bare, and a bit…read morebarren when it comes to kitschy trinkets. This branch has a lot more on show than the one in Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries, so I was slightly more intrigued. Saying that, I can't say that I'm a steadfast fan of their jewellery. My inkling for H Samuel comes and goes in waves, according to what trends they have on offer. Their silver jewellery should be classy, and although they have a number of basic, tasteful necklaces I'm not a fan of their garnished diamond studded rings. And I strongly dislike the blinging Playboy range. They have some offers on for Father's Day at the moment, which is helpful since Dad might like some jewellery as much as mum! They also have some cheaper bracelets which, as Eleanor said, make good gifts for special occasions. However, I have found them over the years to be a bit bland. They are mainstream and thus cater to everyone, but a lot of the items are devoid of personality. Consequently, I find it more fun to scout out the various colourful, vibrant independent businesses Edinburgh has to offer. Spice up your life, go down Rose St!

A 1st class friendly little shop with lush gemstone jewellery as well as a good range of tumble and…read moreshaped gemstones. They have a nice range of had made fashion items as well as gift and home décor. I love this shop I love the staff in this shop its just a happy place to be

Loved this cute shop!! As a Texas girlie, I felt at home here. Good prices and unique finds!read more

This shop fills me with joy, with so much colour and patterns and warmth and amazing quirky Mexican…read morepieces. You can't help but get excited about purchasing something that is quite unique, fun and quirky and surprisingly low cost. I'd buy everything in the shop if I could.

Best Wishes is another of those alternative, independent gift shops which are very popular in…read moreEdinburgh. It sells all sorts, including artsy cards, funky wrapping paper, jewellery, trinkets, make up, and toys which are all excellent stocking filler gifts or something small to give as a birthday present. The gifts are not the cheapest around but they are good quality and the cards are very original, think Clinton's but actually good. The store is well laid out, making it easy to find what you are looking for which for me is a huge help, seeing as I often get lost in these type of shops, and end up buried under hundreds of little accessories or being attacked by care bears. The owner was exceptionally helpful as well, offering to wrap everything, and was a cheerful person to have a chat to.

Best Wishes has a very understated exterior. The font is that of the kind used on wedding…read moreinvitations - elegant and simple. Inside, there is so much more on offer than the modest fronting may suggest. Nicely decorated and brimming with lots of quirky gifts, it's a great place to pick up some presents. Selling bags with Tunnocks Teacakes on them (amongst other Scottish icons) there is something in here for tourists as much as there is for local shoppers. It's big, airy and modern inside, the staff are very accomodating but most of all, there are mountains upon mountains of card, wrap, trinkets, jewellery and other such snazzy prezzies. If I stayed local this would be my only stop for birthday and Christmas presents for le familie.