At first glance Fantastic Variety may look just like your average junk store. Well, it is that,…read moreplus a little bit more. I've managed to decorate my home with some pieces from there that I've also seen in more prestigious home wares shops like Provincial Home Living and Homeart. The beauty is because the shop isn't pretty, and because the stock is just stacked together in bulk, you'll get the same item at Fantastic Variety for half the price. Last week I was pleased to pick up some bamboo sticks of different lengths and sizes to go into a large wooden vase that's been empty in my living room for about six months. The same pieces were at Homeart and would have cost me $10 more for the same amount. They've also currently got some lovely French pieces; old hat boxes and war style letter boxes with French art and war stamps printed on them. To accompany the collection, French Bordeaux clocks of assorted sizes are also in stock. From $10 to $20, similar decorative clocks are available at Provincial Home living for more than double the cost. And unlike most cheap rip offs, these collections at Fantastic Variety are pretty good, to the naked eye at least you can hardly tell the difference and they'll make your space look just as effective, particularly if you're decorating on a budget. Some of my other fave items here are the assorted varieties of Japanese hanging lanterns, as well as bamboo door runners. My husband has a unique collection of islander wooden masks, and the lanterns and door runner have really added to the effectiveness of our 'tribal room'. Since relocating to a bigger premises within the centre, I've noticed the range in store getting more stylish and of higher quality. The store owners have also gotten a lot better at merchandising their best stuff and so you can see the value of some of their pieces in the window displays which have been quite fetching of late. So, if you're in the mood for some interior decorating on a budget, check out Fantastic Variety first. The window displays might even give you some good ideas and at least you'll be able to cost compare if you do go elsewhere.

Melody Nelson is a great little nook of surprises, full of things you didn't realise you wanted…read moreuntil you saw that it existed. Full of little knick-knacks, thing-a-ma-bobs and trinkets, it's an especially good place to visit if you're gift shopping (particularly as it bills itself as a gift shop). The goods are sourced locally and from Europe, and range from leather gloves, dresses, fancy hats, scarves and cushions through to brightly coloured and chunky potato peelers, rainbow water glasses and cute little tea sets. It's the sort of shop where you go around making little noises of approval as you browse. It's not cheap, but also not all that expensive and the things are nice. It's always worthwhile to drop in if you're in the area.

Generally this gift shop is just like any other quality present finding shop filled with…read morecollectibles, flasks, frames and an assortment of adorable homewares. But recently they've truly outdone themselves with the vast and magnificent range of Christmas decorations and collectibles on offer. I must say I'm a sucker for the festive season, particularly since I've had kids I really love getting into the spirit with them and decorating the house. This year I'm going to Cards and Gifts Galore to purchase my daughter her own Christmas memorabilia keepsakes. The front display is of a white Xmas, with singing and musical Santa's, white Xmas trees and other trinkets perfect for the Xmas tree. For as little as $1.00 these are the best Xmas keepsakes I've found for quality and price. Similar to the range at Myer but half the price!

Presence on Puckle is a delightful giftshop/variety store, with plenty to tempt you, and not just…read morefor purchasing presents!! At the moment they've a major emphasis on the spring racing carnival, with the largest range of fascinators I've seen in the North, as well as jewellery and other accessories. And if you're looking at sprucing up your kitchenware range, Presence on Puckle has you covered, with brands including Maxwell and Williams and Bacarrat. Not your usual junky giftshop, they have a spattering of almost everything gifty, but only if its of high quality. The perfect place to purchase presents for people you like, or to spoil yourself!

Melbournalia is a souvenir shop that sells stuff people will actually like. This news is the good…read morekind of shocking. I'm a fan of gift giving, but souvenir shopping is such a chore. It takes forever and there's a good chance that the recipient will be polite but never use it, or you'll buy something that's more gag-gift than keepsake. What bugs me even more is when you see the same damn souvenirs relabelled in every country you go to. The wares at Melbournalia are different. They sell well thought out items from local Melbourne designers, with just the right hint of local charm (trams, postcode designs, aussie animals). You wouldn't have to have a foreigner in mind to buy something here either. They sell the kind of stuff you could have in your own house without it being embarrassingly ironic. Cute+

Bourke Hill based Melbournalia carries all manner of Melbourne-themed (and Melbourne-made!) goods…read more From local rooftop honey and tea towels to tram t-shirts and kids books, this small shop pretty much corners the market on local gifts. A wise stop if you want something to remember your trip to Melbourne, or want to send a gift to a homesick Melburnian living abroad.

Tucked away from the bustle of Sydney road is the no car traffic street of Sparta. A little oasis…read moreof small unique stores, cafe, and artists hangout. The design store sits here, and sells a range of handmade kids clothes, blankets and other crafts. They also stock amazing Marimekko collection and small collections from independent jewellers, cards, and other things. It's a lovely little shop that you will surprisingly spend Way too much time in.

Raging Earth is great for gifts, and home decor pieces. Full of quirky, unique things , its great…read moreif you are looking for a feature piece for a room, or a gift to celelebrate a 21st birthday, Engagement party or housewarming. They have plenty of photo frames commemorating anything you can think of, and a plethora of other celebratory type gifts. The service is good- once the staff finally acknowledge you, that is. They were very helpful once I had their attention. They also have some great clocks, mirrors and vases - all designed to look like they were purchased in some exotic place, as opposed to Watergardens Shopping Centre. Pretty decent prices too!

I love shopping at this store, you just don't know what you will find! They do have a lot of quirky…read moreitems as well as modern décor pieces.. It would be great if you could also purchase online.

As I reached the top of the stairs that lead you to Mr Kitly, I couldn't help but break out in a…read morehuge smile. This place is cool. At the top of the stairs is a smart display of books that range from manga to healthy eating. The room directly to the right has a huge low display of indoor plants that seem to be quite exotic with a range of pretty flowers and odd shaped leaves. The next room through in this cubbyhole of a store is full of designer artefacts and knick-knacks from around the world. There are Norwegian chopping boards and Japanese teapots - actually there are a lot of Japanese items, there seems to be a bit of a theme. I asked the guy behind the desk if this place is new and he informed me that it had been serving the public since last year. I had just walked past without ever noticing. It is hard to see! A cool little pocket of the world, one where I will be heading back to next pay day!

Down Sydney Rd one comes across a narrow flight of stairs beside a fabric shop that is rarely open…read more One could be forgiven for not ascending said stairs and moving on, but if so you would miss out the magic that Mr Kitly. Part crafty boutique shop of marvelous wares, part gallery and exhibition space, the quiet subdued nature of the place seems to makes the pieces stand out even more than they on may already. Indoor plants a plenty take space on stairs and room, with the shop area filled with crafty goods you expect from Brunswick's DIY craft culture elite - the pottery and jewelry kind. You pay for it, but you know it's good. And you may get a glimpse out the window to Sydney Rd, something that is surprisingly hard to come by.

Brunswick Bound is a particularly thoughtful bookshop. Not overly small and not large like the…read morechain stores, it caters to a variety of broad and specialty interests. There's a great range of locally designed cards, stationary and the odd bit of craft that make for great presents. A lot of the cards have some very cheeky local jokes on them, such as the cards with a photo of a zone 2 sign as part of the statement "I'd go to zone 2 for you" that were in stock about a year back. It also sells a small range of CDs and vinyl, as well as DVDs, journals and magazines. There's also a small gallery space upstairs that hosts bimonthly exhibits of local artists work. The staff are all avid book lovers and will happily talk you through your purchase or recommend something. It's also not too expensive, though obviously an independent bookstore rather than a discount outlet. Always worth a look in when gift shopping, or any other time really.

If you like reading, and I know you do because you're reading this review, then you must pop into…read morethis independent bookshop the next time you find yourself on Sydney Road. It's also a bit of an oasis of calm in here if Sydney Road is giving you aural overload. There's lots of great books, music, and knick-knacky gift type things to look at, so take your time about it. Grab a few books and find a spare spot on a sofa and just take a load off. If you've found the books you want but you're still not ready for pavement pounding, upstairs is a small, sun-flooded art gallery, and another space in which to meditate. Exhibitions here usually feature local artists. Brunswick Bound hosts the occasional author event too, so visit their beautiful website and get your name on their mailing list to keep in touch.

If you or your nearest and dearest are looking for crystals, spiritual books or astrology,…read morenumerology, tarot readings and the like then this beautifully stocked shop in creative Eltham may be for you. While not exactly my cup of tea I have been here to find presents for my astrologically inclined Mum and she has loved everything I have found her. Beautiful crystals, candles, books and jewelery, all of which make great presents. The staff here are friendly, helpful and are involved in Melbourne's astrological 'scene' and know what will appeal to family and friends of all ages. Shekinah is located on the terrace behind the plaza that is home to Coles, if your having trouble finding it just ask a passerby, most locals will be happy to point you in the right direction.