If you are into crafts and have a knack for getting down to decorating your own cakes then this is…read morethe place for you. Located surprisingly on this street in Newington it's a crafts makers dream and I am always impressed with the window display. Having said that twice I have been in here I have been treated with a frosty welcome. I asked if they had any fun glitter/sequins and the girl glared at me and replied they don't. I was finding it hard to find anything in this store, even though I do like hunting around places I felt like I was being followed and made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I suppose it comes with being one of the few places of the area that to my knowledge specialises in crafty supplies. And I guess for that reason prices are quite high. Taking into account that you can find most of this stuff for less at other shops the thing that makes this shop appealing is the fact that everything is in one place and it a nip in may inspire you for your next crafty attempt or cupcake frosting- that is only if you are into stuff like that.

From the outside, this place looks like a girly aladdin's cave full of everything you could ever…read moreneed to plan any kind of party imaginable. On the inside however, the shop is rather claustrophobic and cluttered, so much so that even turning around requires planning and ballerina-esque agility for fear of knocking over boxes of sequins or a pyramid stack of rolls of ribbon. I made the mistake of going 15 minutes before closing time, and the owner did very little to hide the fact that she was looking forward to getting me out and closing up for the day. I was only looking for something for a fancy-dress party, but had I been planning an important party or wedding (as a huge chunk of the shop's stock is aimed at) I would have gone elsewhere without a second thought. Whilst the service isn't first-rate, if you're into your arts & crafts or cake-baking, this is probably somewhere you should pop into; likewise if you're looking for invitation stationery. Just don't expect a smile or a hello when you get there.

First tip - with Edinburgh winds, get the weights so your balloons don't take you off!…read more This is a fab wee place and as it was my niece's birthday last week, conversation had turned to trying to find suitable balloons, and then I remembered seeing this place on my travels. It does what it says on the tin - it is all about the balloons. From little balloons to huge children sized Disney characters, this place does it all. It does have to be seen to be believed. If you are having any kind of event (weddings, christenings, birthdays, etc) then you must come here. There are prices to suit all budgets and also accessories for different occasions such as Hen nights, etc. I went for 2 Balloons - a huge cupcake for a 1st birthday and a large Disney balloon. I was beginning to wish I had the car parked outside (the girls in store had asked me this) but they were able to provide a huge bag where the balloons were packed inside so I could get them home, without the two of them taking me off. It was a windy day and I thought in the case of Claire vs Balloons, they might win despite the amount of cake I have been eating recently, such was their size. The balloons last an average of 7 days so if you have a child who loves certain types of cartoon characters then this is an enchanting and unusual extra to a gift - my one year old niece just kept looking up in awe at the balloons. So, great service and fab products. I'll definitely be back when the occasion calls!

YES THEY ARE! The…read moresheer amount of choice you have in this place is crazy. From a single arch canopy for a wedding party to a 10ft inflatable scary ass clown for your trip to the children's hospital, this place has you covered. I genuinely believe that these guys can make anything out of balloons, which is why after 5 minutes of questioning I was banned for life.

fabulous friendly service and high quality goods I would highly recommend to anyone. we bought…read moreminiature bottles with lucky charms inside, a heart and a haggis!

From the owner: Personalised gifts, wedding favours, keepsakes from Scotland.read more

In need of a fancy dress out fit? In need of some fake cigarettes? Or are you even in need of some…read morelaxatives? Well, the Chicken Shop in Kirkcaldy is the best place to go. From its humble beginnings as a small joke shop, this place now has a new, larger shop, with a lot more stock! Indeed, they have lots and lots of fancy dress costumes available. And on top of this it stocks all your old favourites (the mask with the big nose, eyebrows and moustache and the fake boobs!). If you want a laugh then head to the Chicken Shop!

So I love a party, and any excuse to decorate. In the states there is my dream, a land called Party…read moreCity. That has any decorations you can ever imagine. My 9th birthday party, had high heel and lipstick everything, I am talking, napkins, cups, confetti, streamers. Needless to say I like my party shops. This place is pretty great, which was evident on arriving at 9.55am and there being about 4 other cars in the parking lot waiting for the place to open at 10. I was looking for silver wedding decorations, the other cars a mix of baby shower and kids birthdays. The shop is on two floors, the lower is balloon heaven, with two walls of pick your own balloons, and plenty of decorations for any wedding, hen-do, baby shower theme. Upstairs is the kids party area and endless costumes! Perfect, if you need to pick up a costume not during the Halloween season. They also provide helium services and can make balloon bouquets, on the day. They also had a section of balloons to be picked up later, which is perfect if you want to pre-order and then pick up the day of the event. I also saw a sign for fireworks, but didn't investigate further!

The festival can grate at times, but this fantastic guy is one of my favourite things about it…read more Until late August he'll be wandering up and down this stretch of road, dishing up balloons in the mould of everything from puffer fish to Homer Simpson. All done with some jovial chat and a few old-fashioned jokes into the bargain. He's one of the few people involved in this festival who seems to be a good entertainer and a decent guy, rather than a talentless thesp. E was hinting not long ago that she'd like a wallet busting pair of shoes for Xmas, but I've never seen her face happier than earlier today, when for just 3 Sterling she got a wonderfully crafted balloon alien, complete with space helmet. His name's Roger. Can't give a better appraisal than that.

Cloud Nine has only recently appeared in Hamilton, hopefully following in the footsteps of it's…read moresuccessful small chain stores in Glasgow. It has everything you need if you are organising a party, birthday or wedding. Think balloons, confetti, favours, banners, cakes, party bags and much more! Cloud Nine are also specialists in cake making, and have sample pictures in store so that you can see the skills of the cake makers and they are really, really impressive to say the least. The wedding cakes are particularly spectacular, starting at 280.00 for a 3 tier simple design, which is really reasonable as wedding cakes go. They can be a very expensive business! The balloon arches and table decorations can be made as simple or elaborate as you like, the balloon within a balloon being my particular favourite! Displays start at 4 pounds per table display and can range into the eyewateringly expensive. The buzzword here is Celebration! This place is amazing for everything related to that, you could go crazy with the credit card in here for a party!

Dazzle has recently opened up for the Hallowe'en market and no doubt will be closed again in a…read morecouple of weeks. It has a wide range of costumes for everyone, and some I've never seen before such as Dino from the Flintstones and Mr. Potato Head. Prices vary, but they are quite steep in general. The advantage of a shop though, is that you can try before you buy. Last year I bought a hallowe'en costume online that was obviously designed for a 6 foot model, because the skirt was almost knee-length!! Yeas I know, we can't be having that.

I went in here purely because it's a play on my name. I jest. I noticed this new shop had opened so…read moreI popped inside for a nosey... and wow! This place is just bursting with costumes - as Liz said, it'll probably close down after Halloween (when else do people normally need an abundance of costumes?! Ok, christmas, sortof, but generally, Christmas isn't associated with pumpkin dress, no?), but it's fun while it lasts. It's quite pricey, but all the costumes look semi-professional (you know, not authentic disney, but a pretty darn good copycat), and they look like they'd last at least 1 night out on the tiles. My favourite costume bit - the couples section. "A Space Aged Couple Costume" was my favourite - rip off of the Jetson's anyone?! Fantastic.