I would be more than willing to set up shop (pardon the pun) in the shop front window of Bauhaus…read more Every few weeks when I walk past I can either imagine myself sitting atop their giant Moroccan pouffes in a kaftan, reading a vintage hard cover book or lounging about in their bright red acapulco chairs in a pair of their silver clogs admiring my giant Marimekko print on the wall. This gift shop and homewares store is high class, full of cultural finds that look like they've just been pulled out of a souk in a turkish market or from a church in eastern Europe. There is something for everyone from all budgets here too so don't let looks deceive you. You can pick up $20 scarves, $10 rings or even a beautiful photo frame for $25 or so. At the other end of the spectrum you can pay up to $140 for a small wire frame cube which I'm sure is handmade by pixies in the titus mountains or something. Staff are not intrusive and allow you to browse the shelves, cabinets, floor and walls full of knick knacks, prints and more. And when you go to pay make sure you ask about their free gift wrapping service to make your loved one feel like you've spent even more dosh on them!

23/12/2011 How many cute little pieces can be packed into a…read moretiny shop, and then nearly bought by my prying hands? There were a lot of gift ideas inside Bauhaus! Loved the necklaces and jewellery and how small things were in here. Cute, Exotic, Pretty, Affordable and Fun... the few words that describe the gift ideas in this place. I asked the shop assistant where their products were made, and they said most of it was made overseas, but their front counter was filled with Adelaide-made objects. I didn't give this 5 stars because one, there was very little walking room and you had to compete with other keen customers for space....and secondly, as a young guy, there weren't that many things that excited me or interested me. If I had a girlfriend, then yeah I'd definitely go here for ideas.

Greg works the weekends and Julianne keeps everything happening through the week. This is a great…read moregift shop with heaps of really amazing carved wood and lots of other stuff, but it's the carved wood that is featured. Giant critters of all kinds. I was originally attracted to the big spiders for hanging on the wall, because they are kind of unusual and not so real they'd freak you out; upon closer inspection the shop is crammed full of all sorts of really wonderful odds and sods. Bangles, beads, book ends, wall hangings, candle sticks, sarongs, bags, a few baskets; all pretty much imported stuff from all over the place. Not too expensive and a great variety of things. African carvings and probably Indonesian, Indian, some Australian as well, I've been in several time and still see stuff I didn't notice the first and last time, if you get what I mean. It is a family business (as in wife and husband), so you can rely on them if you are looking for something unusual to help you out - they know their stock pretty well and since so much of it is wood they do a fair amount of polishing and keeping things fresh. I really like wood so I really enjoy having a look through this shop. Some items are quite small and then they vary in size through to really large features objects like elephants and giraffes. Its fun browsing and hard to visit without seeing something you want to take home, so be warned!

From the owner: Hand crafted giftware, including wood carvings, iron and wooden wall decorations, mosaic and shell…read morebowls, platters and coasters, art canvases, sarongs and accessories. Range includes abstract carvings, cats, dogs, giraffes, elephants, African sculptures, buddhas, dragons, snakes, and more.

If you are looking for something mass produced or something you could get at Cheap as Chips then…read morelook elsewhere. However if you wish to support local and regional artists and don't mind paying fair prices for unique, handmade items then this is the place for you. Purple Cockatoo is conveniently located in the Coles' shopping center on The Parade in Norwood. It has wonderful natural light that adequately portrays the beauty of the jewelry, sculptures, and woven textiles found within. I happened upon this this little gem while wandering through the shops this morning and was so taken with some pf the pieces I returned later with wallet in hand! On both occasions the owner, Ivana, was present and I was cheerfully greeted though she was quite busy answering inquiries and assisting others in the shop. After a very brief wait she was happy to educate me about the various artists featured. It is obvious she is passionate about art and loves what she does! I cannot say enough about the delightful store and it's equally engaging owner. Pop in and see what catches your eye, you won't be disappointed.

I like Cockatoos and the thought of a Purple one just tickles me good and proper, but once again I…read morewas sad and disillusioned by the name of a store. Why isn't this place named "Over priced jewellery and arty stuff"....no confusion there! So, as you have probably guessed Purple Cockatoo sells a lot of 'pretty' things which seem to be targeted at the female side off the cliental base. I must admit that many of the designs are not quite up my ally, but my idea of 'pretty' is a freshly popped Corona with a wedge of lime half out the top! They did have a metal sculpture of what looked like a mouse which was pretty cool, but it was a couple of grand......pricey mouse!

Well, I can tell you this much, this store sure is adorable! Channelling a hipster/Frankie Magazine…read morevibe, this store is all about the whimsical. Walking into the store and hitting the floorboards you're greeted by a great array of Polaroid cameras and film displayed oh-so prettily and are then led down the store into a varied display of home wares and gifts. The prices are reasonable, most items being around $40, with more to pay for the glassware and cameras, putting it into a good position when buying gifts and the like. I loved the range of books on offer, topics on knitting, decorating, up-cycling and vintage are all covered. I've given Presence three stars even though I loved the store, because all though it was all very nice to look at, I couldn't find a present for a dear friend who loves this style in the store. I also couldn't find anything for myself, because although it all very pretty, I'm just not too sure if I would buy it and keep it for myself. Well worth a peruse next time you're heading down King William.

Fans of Peppermint magazine, Frankie and other sustainable related blogs would resonate with…read morePresence. It represents all things whimsical, vintage, quirky and unique. I cannot describe how charming this store is. There is a beautiful blend of Fair Trade products, handmade products that you will learn to love and vintage board games that will take you into Mad Men era. My kind of shop really! I noticed rows of lomography cameras, and the friendly shop assistant tells me that they are the only store in Adelaide that sells them. They alse sell Polaroid's here, so some of us can still have our fun sans Instagram. Check Presence instore, their inspirational blog, Facebook and Twitter for a taste of all things beautiful.

22/12/2011 Lamp shades and all those itsy bitsy pieces that…read moremake you say, wow! This nicely hidden, tiny, crammed and crowded shop packs in quite a lot of different things to add to your home. It's all cute, I especially liked the white desk lamps. My eyes were so busy looking around this store. I really liked how the staff asked me if I needed any help, and if I couldn't find it in here, they directed me to three other stores that I could look in. So helpful. The only reason I didn't rate this higher was because it was so packed, and hard to move and look around, that I just needed to find my item elsewhere.

I can't really fault this shop. It's one of my favourites! Full of bags, jewellery, candles by…read moreGlasshouse (which smell amazing by the way), home wares, well-being and inspirational books, journals and unique finds. Each time I have come into Fireflies I've had a warm welcome. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I have bought two Christmas gifts from here and they kindly gift wrapped for no extra charge. I also bought my travel journal from here (after looking everywhere else in the city); the lady got together all the travel journals they had which gave me a range to choose from. In the end I left happy with my purchase. If you are looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, you'll have no trouble choosing something. Go in, have a browse, and I'm sure you'll come back for more!

I don't frequent gift stores because I'm cheap and would rather give people discount finds from Big…read moreW and my neighbours' backyard, but I do like to splurge every now and then. All Wrapped Up (genius pun), is a little-girl heaven. Lots of sweet little purses and jewellery boxes and tiny little things you can keep in your pocket and bring out at recess to sparkle and make you look cool. They also have some appealing homewares that are actually things you'd like to receive as gifts. Funky clocks and bookends and whimsical jewellery stands and all sorts of giftables that Kath and Kim would pronounce 'Noice.' It's much more reasonably priced than you'd expect from a sparkly gift shop in the Eastern Burbs and the staff are pleasantly chatty and not at all snobbish. When a co-shopper was looking at a photo frame made out of a combi van, the sales assistant pointed out they also have combi van egg cups. Now this might sound stupid in theory but if you'd seen the things, you'd have been as delighted as we were. Needless to say she took two.

I was looking for a present for my little cousin recently, just a small trinket. Was wandering…read moreaimlessly through Norwood for a bit until I found this place. Pretty much the perfect place, I just spun around with my eyes closed and finger outstretched and bought whatever I landed upon. Was a little pink make up sort of thing, even got the wrapping paper there too. Seemed to go down pretty well.

This store is mental. What is it? Where did it come from? Why?…read more I have actually never heard of this chain before, but apparently it is all the buzz overseas. There are a crazy amount of stores all over asia and now they are branching overseas. It has Chinese origin and is jam packed full of stuff. Yes, stuff. Lot's of stuff. I don't know where to begin? Stationary, mugs, slippers, bags, pillows, toys, scented sticks, jars, things... things.. and some stuff. There is also a whole section devoted to gigantic toys. You know the ones that you see at the Royal Show for prizes when you win alley games. Those ones. I think if you are looking for cool little jars and storage containers you might like a few things here. But, otherwise just be prepared to be overwhelmed with things. Actually, I know who will love this store. High school students. This is a store for kids that want cute little toys to hang off their school bags, cool stationary and shiny objects to decorate their rooms. Don't get me wrong, there are some cute things here. Like a whole lot of cute stationary items. Loved the note pads and pens. But then I saw a flower bouquet of rabbits and teddy bears. I mean, who wants that? But, in all honesty, you should probably go have a look. It's not like any other store in Adelaide.

Presentation is everything as my mother would say, and this gorgeous store's front gets top marks…read moreevery time. Now located a few shops down the Regent Arcade from their Renew Adelaide pop-up, the store has settled in and the Arcade's vibe suits it well. Stocking the hand poured Zuki & Boo soy candles in some truly delectable scents, this is my primary reason for swinging by. I'm a real lover of a 'natural' smelling candle (as opposed to the saccharine qualities many other scented candles give off) and this stock is top notch. Available is different glass jar sizes and also available poured in a tea cup (with the saucer to match), they make great presents for yourself or others. My current fave is Bergamot & Banksia but the Coffee Bean is just right to get your day started (I work night shift so burning candles after waking is perfectly acceptable at 6pm!). Check the candle 'menu' for some potential favourites and the staff can let you know when they become available (or pour some for you). The store also has a beautiful array of posies and floral arrangements with the ladies happy to create a floral arrangement to your colour palette or floral taste for an excellent price, however I can never go past the gorgeous bouquets often sitting in the store front (and often so cheap!). Succulents at various stages of growth and in an array of pots plus terrariums can be picked up and once again, all very reasonably priced. Other assorted soft furnishings are available, cushions and throws, as well as some stationery and assorted homewares. A great place to find a gift for yourself. I'm a fan.

*Insert the same surprised and delighted face of a baby who has just played peek-a-boo here.*…read more Shop owners note: if you want to attract me into your shop just display unusual bunches of flowers, succulents in tea pots and candles that you want to stick your whole face into in your front window. Enter Boo & Who?? on one unassuming Wednesday when I thought I was just going for a coffee in town. Exit a happy Chloe with a candle that smelt like waffles, a postcard and bookmark with a hilarious hedgehog drawn on it and a longing for that ridiculous looking brass teapot with a succulent in it that I knew I couldn't keep alive for more then 2 days. These guys know how to do gift shop: - Service is friendly but not pushy - The selection of cards, flowers, candles and body lotions are well balanced and mean the shop isn't cluttered with too much to select from - Prices are ridiculously good for those on a budget of $10-50 (ie. for those workmates who you have to give a gift to through to good friends you love) I hope this Renew Adelaide venture is able to stay on and continue to brighten up Regent Arcade in the future!

What a dangerous shop this is. I was next door drinking gin at the Howling Owl and thought I'd pop…read morein for 5 minutes... you know, just for "a look". Next thing I know, I've bought two fantastic necklaces and I'm having to resist a third. So much for saving money this month! There's so many great things in this store and what impressed me most was that all the designers and artists are from South Australia which is an absolutely terrific way to showcase what this state has to offer. A great place to buy an unusual and charming gift.

Have you been searching for the place to find the "Heaps Good" t-shirts? Search no more, this is…read moreit! An amazing range of really beautiful original artwork is housed here ready for you to buy up big! Gloriously witty, downright sexy and incredibly well done from simple little cards through to rather complicated objects; dinner plates, cups, ear rings, prints, nick knack's... it is all here and the best thing about it all, this is South Australian through and through. It's not that they don't like artworks from any of the other states, it's just that there are some people who want to do the 'buy local' thing when it comes to spending their money, and they want to support local artists, and believe me South Australia has lots of them. There are so many artists creating so much work here that you will find quite a few stores and galleries that only have South Australian work in them; this is certainly one of them. I wouldn't say there was a particular style in this part of the country, but I would say the standard is very high, and the prices are pretty reasonable. It's not so cheap you imagine the artist has no self worth, but nor is it priced out of every-ones range. The women looking after the counter tell me that the hottest seller is the original t-shirt with "Heaps Good" written over a map of South Australia, and it's popular because it reflects the sort of vernacular used here - South Australians don't really speak all that well, but maybe I'll get run out of town if I say that (!) so perhaps I should settle for saying "Heaps Good" is a way we express ourselves with a little touch of wry humour? Urban Cow do have a website and it is worth checking out. I'm informed that you can rest assured the artists do get the best part of what you pay for their work, and no, it's not all prints and paintings; like I said, there are plenty of things including sculptures, textiles, ceramics, glassware and odd, silly things to delight anyone who likes a nice bit of art. They say "Every picture is worth a thousand words," so I went mad taking quite a few pictures, if you check them out you will come up with the thousands of words that my pictures will inspire in you rather than me attempt to describe everything I saw (and loved). The friendly staff will gladly let you browse without charging you an entry fee, even though the shop feels as much like a gallery as it does a unique gift shop. Enjoy browsing and good luck deciding what to buy. From what I hear, the "Heaps Good" t-shirts are the strongest item, but you be the judge.

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!