There are a few House and Garden stores in Adelaide, however they all have their own unique feel…read more My local is Unley however I stopped at the Magill Road store in Stepney to pick up a Christmas gift and found a completely different arrangement to the Unley store. They stock a similar range, but have a large room at the back and an upstairs area with a great selection of furniture. Upstairs is more shabby chic white metal furniture and artificial plants. You can always find great specials in the front downstairs section of the store with many products discounted, glasses, Maxwell Williams, gadgets and lots of other things that the kitchen. There is also a small, cute selection of baby toys which make perfect gifts. The home decor here is not that different to what you find in a House and Garden magazine without the pricetag. I have bought beautiful bedside tables for under $100 and I have made good use of a white dresser with cane drawers in my bathroom - a large three drawer tallboy for around $350.

House & Garden is an Adelaide only affair with a store comprising of furniture, kitchenware and…read moretableware for your humble abode as well as a few other decorative pieces. The items on offer have a strong rustic vibe with the main furniture displays featuring "retro" vibes and old country manor feelings-there is a hell of a lot of wicker, oak and lacquer here! A larger and more spacious showroom allows for a greater volume of stock and better displayed furniture pieces. Your stock standard kitchen brands of Maxwell and Williams. Scanpan, Raco, Salt and Pepper and Circulon are all here with more platters than you can poke a stick at but I find the store lacks a decent utensil and kitchen tools range. Staff at the Magill store aren't as helpful as at the Malvern store, I've been carrying items in my arms and been ignored a few times and did have the delightful experience of being told that the floor staff didn't have enough time to look up the price of a piece of furniture on the floor for me. So although I love pieces in here, based on past experiences, I'd head off to the Malvern store as I love the friendliness.

Paper String Plastic is a little gallery + shop on Hindley St. Up a set of teal stairs, you'll find…read morea medium-sized gallery opening onto lovely large windows and a small store stocking art and design products. The exhibitions can be a little hit and miss, but it is worth coming along to see the good ones, and I'm glad PSP are supporting some of the younger artists in Adelaide. The openings are fun and busy here - often the artists here are having their first public shows and a big crowd of family and friends come along to check it out. In the little store at the back, you can buy local designs - jewellery, cards, that kind of thing. There is also a range of one-off paintings and prints, if you would like to purchase some original art for very reasonable prices. The invites are mostly digital - keep an eye on their Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-String-Plastic/139410616112175

Dimond's is a little shop in the Adelaide Arcade that I used to miss when I walked past. Finally…read morenoticing it, I was really impressed by its range of black and white framed photography prints up on the walls. The have photos of Adelaide in its early days, as well as some beautiful shots of iconic European cities. The sizes and prices of the prints make them very accessible, and easy to fit onto a wall without having to make it a huge feature. I also like their framed Gustav Klimt prints, which are also a good size and would make a great gift. The framing is done elsewhere, so the rest of the shop is filled with decorative statues and vases and other home decor. Their style is quite eclectic, and I see something different in the window whenever I pass. Some of it I like, though some seems a little out of place. Most of it is very modern, in contrast to the classical look of the photography. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Their work is good quality, and it's nice knowing that a local business is taking care of your framing and will be accountable for the job.

Renato Campana or his brother Tony will look after you at Diamond's. If you are looking for that…read morespecial gift, they will take time to show you whatever they think suits your brief; and if it is a picture frame you are seeking, they will really take interest. They do the framing, they know their stuff and they like to be as helpful as possible. It's a family affair and they don't mess about. Obviously it is not something you can find so easily around the city - a good picture framing business - quite often these types of enterprises are out in obscure spots in the suburbs; and yes that does mean the price is slightly higher than elsewhere because they are paying top dollar for rent, but they compensate by being good at customer service. The store is average size, but filled with items that are a little different from what you are likely to find elsewhere and they take a considerable amount of pride in their stock. The mainstay of the business is the picture framing, and the prints they have available are sourced from all over the place, so you may be quick to find something good here. Don't hesitate to give them a call if you want to find out more, they really are the most delightful chaps and will do what they can to help.

This place is pretty rad for a few reasons. Firstly it is way bigger inside than it looks. With a…read moreback room that leads to another back room, and a whole underground area, it has a huge amount of gift variety. I have been there a few times but stopped this weekend to get my sister a baby shower present. The shopkeeper showed me some cool baby friendly jewelry and I bought a few other things, including a card which had cartoon babies coming out of a shower head. Best baby shower card ever. They have funky homewares, clothes, lights, furniture, crockery, shoes, watches, books, toys and all sorts of other nick-nacks. Definitely one of the best gift or homewares shops in the east end of the Adelaide suburbs.

Magill seems to be a great spot to find cool home wares and antiques. I am in the market for cool…read moredecorations for my home and drove past this store called Flouish. From the sign outside the store I thought it was a florist, but then I saw some Joseph Joseph bowls on a stall in front and knew that I had to check it out. For those who do not know that brand, it is a super cool homewares design brand. Worth checking out and is generally sold in cool designer homewares stores. Flourish is decorated and stocked with some pretty cool designer homewares. You will find everything from cool lamp shades, furniture, clothing hooks, frames, light bulbs and art. The style of stock is a little more on the unique designer style. My eye was caught by a concrete lamp shade and a recycled clothing rack. So I guess this store would attract those who are into the eclectic and vibrant style of homewares. Make sure you look in the downstairs area which full ofl furniture and larger items for sale. The pricing on the items in the store was quite affordable. I was really surprised with the cost of some items. If you are after decorative pieces that are unique to department stores, check this store out!

I'm undecided about this place ... these shops are popping up all over the place, and they all look…read morevery similar. The products have a 'homogenised' feel ... nothing stands out, everything is in the same colour tones, nothing is too bright or too brilliant. But what I do like about this place is that they stock local artists and designers. The only issue is they are the *same* artists and designers that can be found at Bowerbird Bazaar, That Dapper Market, and various other shops and cafes around Adelaide. Saying that, it is great to have a gift store to grab that little something that can't be found in a department store and know that you are supporting Adelaide businesses. I'm just a bit disappointed that they don't have a 'point of difference' at all - it will be great if they decide to branch out in future and take a few more risks!

This place is amazing! They stock a wide range of products…read morewhich are great quality. I go into this gorgeous store frequently and love everything that I've purchase from this placed. It is filled with amazing night products, made by local artists, designers and makers. Not to mention the worker/s are extremely friendly and kind. If you're ever in Adelaide, definitely drop in and pick something up. You won't regret it!

I love driving down the strip along Winston Avenue, south of Adelaide. Cafes, florists, salons and…read moreshops bustles with energy and people from all walks of life. It it the pride of small business owners who know the neighbourhood and its people well. Here you will find quirky, trendy and affordable homewares and giftstores..just the way we like it. Harriets does just that. With a good range of gifts and homewares to suit many, the gift range carries Indian jewelled boxes, dreamy bird cages, German tealight candle holders, trendy scarves, jewellery and more. Men are not forgotten, if you fancy a shark fin shaped ice cube in your drink, or beer king mug, they have it here. It's the perfect shop where families can come and meander through and bring home a little treasure from the friendly neighbourhood shop.

Open Monday to Saturday, Harriett's is a popular gift shop that offer's a range of home wares and…read moreaccessories, for men, women children and babies. Harriett's also often has 'sidewalk' sales in which products are massively reduced. And staff are always incredibly helpful. There also have a large range of cupcakes that will reinvigorate your soul. Regular sizes retail for $3.95 and large for $4.95 and can also be ordered for events. Flavours include Lemon Meringue (lemon curd filling and cream cheese frosting) and Peanut Butter Brownie Fudge, Crazy Malteser and White Chocolate and Raspberries. If you can't make it in store for these delectable treats, Harriett's has a very extensive website where there is also s selection of vintage items on sale.

So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.

If I was a creative I think this would be my home, studio and general hang out all in one…read more This warehouse/office space is a perfect example of the potential for Adelaide to utilise its empty buildings for multiple purposes that involves the whole community. So far I have visited over 4 of the local businesses and arts studios in here from Naomi Murrell (jeweller) to Fascination Street (production company), The Analouge Room (photo lab) and Life Drawing Classes. The diversity of creativity all the one space must be so inspiring to work with, while you're are also able to call a particular part of the building home with your own "office space." Exhibitions are held here all of the time and normally you can catch more than one on at the same time. The Mill also sometimes hosts joint events with Point A (a freerunning, PT, parkour studio next door) and you can get all street savvy out in their car park with live DJ's demos, walk through of the gallery etc. Each time I have been to something here the crowds have been huge and very eclectic (far too much cooler than I) so it is nice to be exposed to a different community of people. Soon they will also be hosting Mill Markets on Sundays for all local artists to come and sell their wares. If you are ever looking for alternative, and very reasonably priced art classes (from photography through to life drawing and more) in the city, this is the place to visit. Or if you prefer to watch rather than participate, sign up to their mailing list or FB page and keep up to date with their regular events.

The Mill is a non-for-profit arts space, designed to allow local artists from all disciplines to…read moreconnect and collaborate with other artists, industries and audiences. It was co-founder by two friends with the aim of creating a centre hub to keep and nurture local artists within Adelaide. To achieve this by building connections with other arts facilitates and developing the space at the mill. The Mill houses artists of all disciplines including: visual artists, designers, writers, architects, filmmakers, photographers, dancers, theatre-makers and performers. It has many facilitates e.g. artist studios, gallery space, dance/ workshop space and office space. I came here as part of the Yelp's SALA walking tour and The Mill is part of the SALA festival showcase SA living artists. When I first walked in they were having an exhibition of artwork for a group of artists. I didn't understand what the art was about. They showcase a bunch of rocks what was nicely place on a table and was half covered in bright yellow print. Then I saw a few printing where they place strings connected from the print board to the celling and the floor, again didn't understand what that mean. Overall the Mill is a great place for local artists from all disciplines to come together and create something that has no real meaning to me.