I love Belly Button Designs. It's great to see an independent company which started by selling…read moretheir cards on check-out counters come so far. They have a great range of their own cards and cards from other designers such as Razzle Dazzle or Bon Bon, and also some cute and unusual gifts that make finding a last minute present a doddle. Cushions, bags, necklaces, candles and more in here, as well as gifts for children and babies, there's something for everyone.

A strange name I know but this place is a fab little shop that sells independent handmade cards,…read morejewellery, gifts, bags etc. They also do personalised cards and photo albums that will make a present really special. Staff are extremely friendly and the atmostphere is really chilled out. This place is only a small shop but its got a big heart (sorry for the cheesiness). Support local and independent talent and buy someone special a card/ present from here...I can guarantee it will put a big smile on their face.

If you work out of town one of the most useful shops to have close by is a card shop. No matter how…read moreorganised you are there are always days when you look at your diary and realise that it's someone's birthday tomorrow. This is followed by a mild panic and a Google search to find the nearest card shop. Hallmark in Didsbury has saved my skin a number of times. It stocks a good range of greetings cards and wrapping paper for all manner of occasions. In addition you can find novelty gifts; soft toys, pens and mugs etc. The usual card shop staples. What sets this shop apart is its Thontons concession, providing more last minute gift options and a place to buy treats. And that's always good.

This children and adults gift shop on Chorlton Cum Hardy's beautiful Beech Road is a treasure…read moretrove. It stocks everything from retro John Lennon prints to slogan mugs ( I bought one saying Desperate Housewife). If you are an attention to detail addict like moi ( some would say suffering from OCD, but I beg to differ), and you like sending beautifully wrapped pressies then Loop is your shop. My heart stopped beating at the divine fairy wrapping paper and I may just return and buy a sheet to put in a frame. Don't laugh, this isn't just wrapping paper, it is art!! There is also a great selection of gift cards and what I found really handy is Loop sells decade birthday cards; I recently found it an ordeal locating an 80th card but loop has these is abundance. Familiar brands such as Burt Bees and Charlie and Lola litter shelves with sweet Mr Men mugs. Prices are varied but a little on the steep side as leather handbags are priced at £105 and Toby Tiger babygrows start at £21.50. Loop has two room packed full of interesting things and the rear room showcased some seriously funky lighting and black and white photographs. The shop assistant was really nice but I left empty-handed. Loop is perfect for a special birthday gift but it would have to be for someone I really liked if I spent that much!

loop! is one of the only shops on Beech Road that I don't feel a bit embarrassed about going in,…read moredue to the fact that it is the only one that is larger than my bedroom. loop! isn't the kind of shop you'd go into every day, but is great for a browse when looking for gifts. They stock games and puzzles (including fun but educational gift sets for kids), pictures and frames, vases and some children's clothes. Personally I love the Edward Monkton series so this is where I go to pick up EM cards and knick-knacks. So if you've got a birthday coming up and have to buy a gift for the person that already has everything, then loop! would be a good place to start. If, like me, once you've found the perfect gift you get the sellotape stuck to the wrong bit of the wrapping paper and then bodge up the ends, then it might be wise to take advantage of their gift wrapping service too.

I'm a bit old fashioned and like to post cards for all my friends' birthdays and other celebrations…read moreand when you do that, it can get pretty costly. Luckily I have discovered this little factory that makes CHEAP CARDS! I particularly like their square 99p ones. They're made of thick card and don't look too bad. I'll admit they're no designer fancy cards made from doodles on textured paper, but they'll do the job. The shop doesn't get 5 stars because the ventilation is not great, especially if it's a hot day or that the heating in the mall is on full. It does get quite busy but the staff on the tills are fast and friendly.

This is a big store with loads of cards & gifts to. The staff are helpful. In a good location & has…read morea huge double fronted window display. A bit overpriced which is usual for most card shops. I have found some nice gift items in there though.

Kelly's Cards sounds tacky. Kelly's Cards looks tacky. Kelly's Christmas Shop (which is now a…read morevacant shop opposite Kelly's Cards) was tacky. I have certain people I buy 'nice' cards for. Not necessarily the nicest people, but the people who appreciate 'nice' things. I go to Chorlton Bookshop or one of the shops on Beech Road to buy these cards. I have certain people who I buy charity cards for (the oldies). I have certain people who I make cards for (the special ones who know that I'm crap at art but appreciate my poems). For everyone else there's Kelly's. The quality and price of the cards are similar to those in Card Factory, if not slightly cheaper. At the moment there are HUGE Valentine's cards outside for just 99p each, if you like that kind of thing (I'm not really into them after lugging a HUGE card down to the Midlands through the rain and wind, and on a crowded train). Smaller, more portable, cards come in at around the 59p mark. They also have 2010 diaries for about a pound (the kind you get free at work or school) and a wide range of cards for just about any occasion.

I was expecting more from Unit 7, something more unique you may not find from the Clinton Card…read moretypes. However Unit 7 basically stocks all the Hallmark cards and nothing you can't find anywhere else. In fact because it's quite small and cramped, if you're going down that route you may as well just go into Clintons for more choice. I did spot some pocket garden sow and grow packets. Quite strange. Not forgiving it's uninventive name (basically the address), Unit 7 can be outdone by others.

The most beautiful flower shop I've ever visited. The bouquets are simply jaw-dropping - a very…read moretalented and lovely bunch of expert florists that can't do enough to help make every occasion special. Highly recommend.

The Flower Lounge is a new florist on Barlow Moor Road that always catches my eye and occasionally…read moredraws me in. I love the minimalist layout of the interior which make the bouquets, vases and gifts jump out at you. The owners obviously are very keen interior designers too and they've done a great job. You can choose your own blooms to create the perfect bouquet or purhcase one of their spectacular arrangements. The colours combinations are so vibrant. You can tell a lot of love and talent has gone into each one and the best bit is they start at just £20! The gifts also appeal to every pocket, with candles, vases and hand made jewellery starting at only a few pounds. This florist really is a breath of fresh air.