Suttons are known for selling quality tools. They are slightly more expensive than other tool…read moresuppliers but with certain tools you need to know your buying the best (where as a ruler is a ruler and you just buy it from the cheapest place!) Most of the staff are very friendly and helpfull. They do a 10% student discount.

It is an artist's dream place and a nightmare all at once! It is impossible to step in and come out…read moreof there empty handed and a full wallet. They have every thing of the highest quality and all the best brands. The prices may be a little high, but well, if we're talking big art brands, this is to be expected. And honestly, when you look at the quality, it's all worth it at the end. Plus, they sell their own merch too in a much more affordable rate! The staff is really nice and polite, and don't mind chatting with you if you have any questions.

Despite several visits to tilt just across the road, I was still yet to even realise this place was…read morehere. A business meeting brought me nearby, and curious to see if they sold screen printing kit, as I'd bought textiles medium in one of the large London stores. Low and behold, of course they did, and as a total bonus- on offer too. Even though it's a chain, and art shops are expensive, this shop mostly gets 5* because of how lovely the staff are. They happily kept my purchase behind the till form me until after my meeting, and we gossiped about secret bars and the fact high up took Frida Khalo's moustache off on the poster. Lovely folk- give them you ur money. There's just something so satisfying about art supplies.

Situated in Custard Factory's ultra chic network of shops, Bench 504 is where Birmingham's graffiti…read morefanatics come to buy their spray paint. The product range is pretty comprehensive featuring major brands such Montana Hardcore and Belton Premium. The shop sells all the attendant accessories necessary for graffiti art such as caps, markers or replacement tips, as well as a small range of designer clothing. The prices are pretty much what you'd expect, the shop itself is sufficiently cool for what it sells with it's smart storefront and wares cannily displayed in an eye pleasing manner. The only small fly in the ointment is that sometimes not open at it's advertised opening hours so calling ahead before visiting maybe prudent.

The place to come for all your graffiti or design related needs. I came in here to make an order…read morefor a community project that I was involved in. No real knowledge of what to buy so the expertise was both excellent, friendly and informative.

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.

The brilliantly unique (I know such an overused word but we're talking handmade goods!) thing about…read morethe bags here is that each one is definitely different! How do I know for sure? Because Jin Arts and Crafts only uses odd balls of wool teamed up with odd ends of fabric. I love stand out linings whether in boots and shoes, bags or jackets and these bags are all about quirky, contrasting or just down right pretty linings. One bag on display had a pinstripe lining - just stunning. Most of these bags are little ones, ideal for evening or just any of those rare times when my laptop isn't coming out with me. But that's not all. What Jin Arts & Crafts normally sell is art based around the beautiful Cornish seaside or English countryside and houses and these paintings are very much worth looking at.

If you have ever wanted a print or poster to fill that glaring gap on your wall at home then Crown…read morefine art is the place to go. Dealing in local and international artists the friendly staff are most helpful in attitude and manner. The gallery is constantly turning over new stock and is a place that one can visit regularly and not get bored! Worth a browse

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.

This shop should be called 'Bargain Card Shop' because it's the best shop for a fabulous bargain…read morewhen it comes to gift cards. Basically, you could walk in this store with 35p and manage to walk out with a birthday card or anniversary card, basically whatever type of card you're looking for. It's ace!! You are granted that you'll be able to find what you are looking for because they have such a large range. The lady who works in the store is lovely; she's so helpful! I've never received such brilliant customer service from someone in a gift store. I remember the day I walked in; I was in a huge panic because I'd forgotten to purchase a birthday card for a friend. So, as I was walking through the market, I decided to pop in and buy a card. Managed to walk out with a card which I bought for 50p....what an absolute bargain!!

best shop in the markets! friendly and has everything you could want or needread more

I LOVE this great fancy dress stall tucked snugly in a corner of Birmingham's Rag Market. Lisa the…read moreowner is brilliantly helpful if you have a costume idea in mind chances are she can help you put together the perfect pieces to make it happen. I have visited multiple occasions (I go to a lot of themed birthday parties and celebrations okay?!) and she has always helped me put together my costumes which have ranged from she-ra to more recently a 1980's Madonna (no no cone boob madonna). Although she easily has the range of the pre packed costumes to suit most themese she never pressurises you into them and instead gets creative so you walk away happy. To give you an example, my she-ra costume we put together through combining her Xena costume with a bright red cape, she knocked up right there and then! Although it's true she doesn't offer refunds, she does offer a returns policy whereby you can pay in full for the costume but then if you return it she will give you part pack, so it is a hire charge. Even so I find her prices very competitive and have never wanted to return anything I have bought. Definitely visit her for your fancy dress needs.

This is a lovely new shop located within Great Western Arcade. It was originally a Pop-up Shop…read morebased in the Mailbox, but due to their refurbishment - it could no longer remain in this location. It's probably the best thing that has happened to the little store, as it now has a permanent base in a very cool location. Everything on sale is handmade in Birmingham, which means it's full of lovely original pieces dripping with character. All of the items are priced sensibly, meaning you can grab a cute notebook for around £2, whilst the handmade children's clothes price around £22 - £25 (very reasonable when you see the quality). This is their first opening week, but they are already doing a great trade - so ensure you pop in regularly to see the swiftly changing stock (as one artist sells out and another one moves in).