Whenever I needed to buy a birthday card I'd head to Greetings 2000 on Hawthorne Road in…read moreKingstanding. They are similar to a Birthdays shop, and although they have much cheaper prices the quality of the goods are equally good. There are an excellent selection of cards available, birthday cards obviously make up the majority of the stock although at this time of year there will be tonnes of Christmas and New Year cards too. I like the selection of the birthday cards; there are those thick floral cards which you'd send your Nan, jokey and racy ones for friends and a brilliant choice of kids cards. The cards are well laid out by age, recipient and type of card - it's dead easy to find what you're looking for as all the different categories are clearly marked and the price key for the individual cards is easy to understand and repeated on every other rack. There is a range of other cards too and really I'd say you can get just about every greetings card you could want from here. I have bought Sympathy cards, congratulations on passing your driving test cards, Wedding and engagement cards and a beautiful handmade Congratulations card for a friend who had just given birth to a baby boy. Prices are very good in here, the cards start at 99p (and even these are great) and go up to around £4.99 for the extra special ones. As well as cards you can buy a small selection of gifts such as Tatty Teddy Bears or plaques bearing the name of whoever you're buying for. I have bought a few small bits and pieces from here but think they are slightly overpriced in this regard, but to be honest all card shops are similarly priced so I cannot really fault Greetings 2000 for their prices. They do have some nice and unusual gifts so it's worth having a little look around next time you pop in for a card. The staff are, unfortunately, not terribly helpful and are usually standing around chatting even when you are trying to get their attention if you can't find a particular card. I suppose it's not rocket science to find your own card, but sometimes advice is needed but these ladies can't seem to find time in their gossiping schedule to lend a hand to customers.

Its a good cheapish card shop although they also do birthday/anniversary etc figurines. Quite a…read moresmall shop with only 2 aisles, always seem to be busy. Cards are reasonable priced, always 2 ladies behind the till constantly talking to each other. Don't expect any great customer service from this shop! Also its quite a steep step to get in, not great for wheelchair/pushchair users!

There are loads of cards in this shop and they are really cheap, i think they are the cheapest in…read moreerdington. The shop is bright and clean and they sell a wide range of gifts as well as cards. They have some fantastic bargains round and outside the shop. However the shop is tiny and i would not recomend taking a pushchair or wheelchair round this shop.

Brillant range of cards here. The only downside is that the shops quite small so you would not be…read moreable to push a pushchair around easily. The staff are very friendly and will help you look for what you want. There are often queues here though but they go down very quick. Would recommand people have a look to find some great bargains.

Had a piece made by Artful Expression and I'm thrilled, they gave me a number of designs and worked…read morewith me until it was perfect. they then produced it in double quick time for my required date. couldn't thank them enough and will use them again.

I absolutely love this shop and I think it is my favourite in the Jewellery Quarter. It acts as a…read moreplace to showcase and sell lots of individual jewellery makers' work, including many local artists. I have bought many pieces from here, normally for my girlfriends' significant birthdays. The chap who runs the shop doesn't rush you and is more than happy to take piece after piece after piece back to original piece (I'm an indecisive shopper) out of the cabinets. He has plenty of knowledge about the designer and takes the time to wrap everything perfectly including any relevant literature. If you are looking for something a little bit unusual, totally unique and stunning in the jewellery stakes I'd start here.

I entered Unit 7 Cards and Gifts hoping to be surprised. This didn't happen as I was greeted by a…read moresmall room packed with the most uninspired selection of cards and gifts imaginable. Independant shops and small chains are meant to stand out from the crowd! Why be a rubbish version of Clintons when you can be a cheaper version of Paperchase, maybe showcasing cards from some of Birmingham's many talented illustrators and stylish gifts to rival those on offer at the near by House of Fraser? Shops like this make me sad. They need to head down to Covent Garden for a real wake up call and realise they can make something amazing of themselves. *heads to bank to ask for loan to open rival gift shop*

Although the interior looks quite old fashioned, out dated, you can still find some nice gifts in…read morehere. Cards, gifts, photo frames, scarves, brollies, 'personalised' door plaques - designed by you, ornaments, mugs etc, they offer a bit of everything. I felt most of the items can be bought elsewhere, at a better price. Still nice to visit and browse at what they have. The service was ok and the shop is welcoming, but I don't think this one is for me.

Smithsonia is an exceptional jewellers and gift shop based in Birmingham's Piccadilly Arcade. They…read moresell many things from gorgeous silver jewellery to Japanese Kokeshi Dolls and amazing sculpted pieces in ceramics and glass. There is something for most budgets in this shop and it's a great place to browse. I bought some cute button earrings for just £10 but there are plenty more extravagant gifts, believe me! You could spend forever just gazing in their windows as you walk past; there is so much to see - it must take them forever to clean! They do beautiful and unique silver rings by up and coming jewellery designers as well as pieces by established brands such as Pilgrim. Every time I walk by I can find at least 15 or so items in their window that I want to buy; I'm sure everyone else can too which is why they are so successful. Smithsonia are the longest running business in Piccadilly Arcade, they've been there for around 30 years. If you are looking for a gift then definitely check them out first and impress your loved one with something a little different.

A wonderful independent gift, card and jewellery shop. If you are looking for a birthday or…read moregreeting card that is a little different to what you might find in one of the chains this is a good place to start. Their collection is not huge but you will definitely find something a little different. They also stock fabulous gift wraps and papers. To entice you into the shop the window displays are made up of some beautiful and unique silver jewellery. Again, here you will find pieces you can't find anywhere else. If you are looking for special pieces of silver jewellery at fairly reasonable prices start with this shop. Inside the staff are welcoming and very helpful.

Scribbler is a gift, card and novelty shop located on the top level of the Bullring (on the…read moreentrance from the Bull). It's brightly coloured and inviting exterior never fails to draw my eye when I'm taking a shortcut to the Birmingham Markets to grab the weekly shop. Yesterday I thought I would pop in and actually have a look. It's not a large unit, but the walls and floors are totally packed with fun bits and pieces and cards of a good quality. The greetings cards are probably on par with someone like Paperchase in terms of cost, but I spotted some designs I hadn't seen before (and will be back to check regularly to stock up for friends and family). They sell a small range of gift books (including things like Grumpy Cat, Cyanide and happiness as well as other internet webcomics) and items from the likes of "Fred & Friends" for those awesome kind of kitchen gadgets that you don't need, but you definitely want. I spotted some 75% off items on their far wall, left over from the Christmas sales. I ended up purchasing 7 different things that WOULD have been over £40 pre-sale, but I paid £11. The member of staff at the counter was chipper, helpful and welcoming and we had a good old chat about some of the items they stock in the shop. A lot of the gear in here is expensive, but it's unusual and fun and would make brilliant presents for those "hard to buy for" people in your life. Definitely pop on down and give it a look next time you're in the Bullring.

Seriously, I am shocked with the variety of stuff you can find at this Works. I was used to the…read moretiny one in Walsall, but the city centre one is massive and I can spend quite a lot of time there looking for everything that I usually don't need but I buy anyway. Things like my World Atlas map. Actually, it was in the list of things to have in my new home. I just found today and it cost me £2.99. Great deal indeed. Books, books everywhere in a very special price. And people still ask me why British people read SO MUCH. Because they have places like The Works, where you can find all kind of literature. Simple as that! Love it. Another passion I have is stationary stuff. As journalist I can resist a notebook, pens, pencils, pins...whatever else make me feel in a office lol. And if you like crafting, that is the place to go. Canvas, paper craft...everything. Even souvenirs for those who are passing by Birmingham. Mugs, tea sets and etc. It`s a bit busy there but the service is so quick and the girls serving are really friendly. you won't bother stay some minutes in a queue. I am definitely popping there more frequently from now to go. I need more books, anyway. Don't I?

Possibly one of the most underrated book and stationary stores in Birmingham. I popped in here…read moreafter Vicky O told me about the great deals they are currently offering. There's so much! I went in for a Father's Day present and came out with more for myself! Currently, they have a deal for 2 audio books for £10 and 3 books for £10. The books may not be latest out but there is still a large selection which includes the classics a large crime section. The section dedicated to Birmingham is nice as not many other places have done this. There's no puzzles that I could see but there was a large collection of other toys and games on offer. Additionally, there's a large kid's section towards the back. The prices are definitely reasonable and it's totally worth a visit for those who read a lot and enjoy new games and toys.

Get a Grip offer a waterbased ink, screenprinting service and its all ran by Sam and Kay. Whilst I…read morehaven't as yet had anything printed by these guys I've seen them in action working with young people to produce screen prints and the fruits of their labour is on display and to buy in their studio at the Custard Factory. The quality of the print work is outstanding and they are super helpful if you have any questions. The list of their print services and options is really comprehensive both on the website or if you pop into the studio. In the studio they have badges made from printing offcuts, sweatshirts and tees with awesome graphics as well as bags and cards. Sadly the prints on the wall for bands you probably love that they've printed up aren't for sale, but they show off the quality of service.

Lovely printed goods - I'm a sucker for a pretty screenprint!…read more They printed some promotional totes for a friend of mine, and the quality was lovely. I popped into the shop last week to see what else they have on sale, and was excited to see they've been collaborating with other local artists - eg. Yellow Door Bindery - to create limited edition runs. Not only do these guys know their stuff (as clearly evidenced all over their website and blog, including how-tos which I LOVE as sometimes artists can be so precious about sharing tips!) but they're also environmentally responsible donating a percentage of their sale to charity. All round good guys - we need more like you!

This card and gift shop has an extensive range of gifts and cards and the staff are extremely…read morefriendly when you need help trying to get the perfect card for the occasion! Parking is free which is always a bonus and you can also normally park close to the entrance for those that struggle to wht around.i would recommend anyone to this store for great value and brilliant choice across the board!

From the owner: Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or are searching for a thoughtful gift for someone…read morespecial in your life--Special Occasions Online Gift Shop has something for everyone on your gift list! Special Occasions is the passion project of a mother and daughter team who has proudly served the West Midlands community for over 20 years. Our personalised specialty gifts have been such a smash, that we began offering our unique gifts online too.

With stock ranging from paintbrushes and model kits to photographic canvas prints and fine art,…read morethis New Oscott-based Arts and Crafts centre houses everything you'll ever need for a bit of hands-on creative fun. As a quaint, converted house, the store has its own small, off-road car park and houses an extensive selection of art equipment. Staff are welcoming, polite and always willing to help and as part craft centre and part print shop, the business also offers a broad range of printing services for business customers, specialising in leaflets, business cards and flyers.

I've never studied art and I didn't really know what my options were. A friend of mine recommended…read morethat I try my hand at painting. At first I had visions of drawing scenery which I didn't really fancy. But afterwards, I thought perhaps I could use a variety of colours and make something abstract! So I went along to Vesey Arts and crafts and I I ended up purchasing a large blank canvas and a number of brightly coloured paints along with a paint brush. As well as helping me buy the equipment, the assistant recommended some techniques and an inspirational web site to check out some similar work.