This may be the biggest Hot Dollar I have ever been to. It is always well stocked and is quite…read morepopular, even in a mall as large as Macquarie Centre. Can you predict whether they're going to have what you're looking for? Of course not. But unlike at many other hot dollars or dollar kings, the odds are good that they will have a substitute. Service is typically mediocre, and don't expect anyone to offer any help, but you'll feel rewarded by the vast array of home decor, craft and party supplies, kitchen tools and surprise goods you didn't know you wanted. One of my favourite shops in this centre, hands down.

After a kangaroo balls bottle opener? Nope, didn't think so... Maybe a kangaroo paw back scratcher?…read moreOkay, still weird... But if you are after some less-creepy Australian souvenirs and knick-knacks, you should check out Downtown Souvenirs & Gifts. The George Street store is packed full of amusing goods your visitors, homesick ex-pat pals or overseas rellies will get a kick out of. Embarrassing T-shirts, Akubras, fridge magnets, shot glasses, stuffed toys, pencils, postcards and glasses - pretty much anything that can feature an Australian flag, slang word or stereotype will be here. Perfect for any Aussie Day dress-ups...

I absolutely love Koch and Co (and always leave with more than I planned to go in to get). With a…read moregreat range of products they always help my creativity be its best. From hampers to flowers, jars, and my favourite of all ribbon and wrapping. Catering to both trade and retail they have something to suit everyone. Staff are great and helpful and I always get a smile and a welcome back... even when my youngest is having a tantrum!

From the owner: Shop and save at Koch & Co online or instore for all your floral, wedding and packaging decoration…read moreneeds. Nationwide delivery available.

My overseas visitors wanted to buy souvenirs for their 11 grandchildren and their neighbours who…read morewere minding their property in their absence and they wanted something Australian made. We popped into "Bits of Australia" at Balmain and we were very warmly greeted by the store owner. We were all gob-smacked at the high quality of all the items for sale. The variety of items available for purchase was impressive and at very reasonable costs. There was something for every age group. I would highly recommend a visit to this beautiful store.

I have visited Sydney multiple times over the last 16 years, but this was my first visit to Bits of…read moreAustralia. It will not be my last! In a search for gifts to take home, I didn't want to hit the tacky tourist shops. This shop works directly with the artists and I appreciate the artists are compensated fairly. There is a marvelous selection of gifts, aboriginal art, scarves, household items.

Tony and Cherie have stuffed this place with so much stuff that you are left to root around on your…read moreown. It's fantastic, a shopaholics delight! From lace tablecloths to picture frames, little nic nacs to cushion covers, you have to spend time looking around, it can't be done if five minutes. They sell a range of good brands: Disney Traditions, Coots, Biddys etc etc. Have a look at their Leaning Tower of Pisa pot and cups or their Eiffel Tower. They have both large and small items, just getting to them is the problem. Lots of fun.

If you're visiting Chatswood Chase, you simply must swing by Aero Plus. It's a beautifully curated…read morestore, filled to the brim with fun designer inventions. It's as if The New Inventors set up shop. Aero Plus is a brilliant place to peruse for gift ideas. You can buy funky enviro bags, cute watches and even cuter kids ware. The lady who runs the store is both delightful and helpful - just like her products.

Artbox is the perfect place to visit if you feel like buying something useless. The Asian gift…read morestore sells a multitude of cute items that are completely useless, but irresistible. Located about a dozen metres from Burwood Railway Station the range of goods is impressive. Cosmetics, stationary, hair accessories, bags, cutlery, oversized plush toys, ornaments and clocks are just a few of the goodies on offer. The Hello Kitty Wonderland is great if you want to buy a unique children's present that differs from the big department store range. I recently stopped by to pick up some goodies for my three-year-old niece. I chose a Hello Kitty mug and filled it with an assortment of wacky hair-clips and lip-glosses. It ended up costing around $30, which in my opinion is a little too expensive for the quality of the merchandise. Nonetheless, the kids (particularly little girls) LOVE the stuff. So in that way, it's worth paying a little bit more. And encouraging toys that aren't Barbie's or Bratz is an added bonus!

Wonderful little store .. gentleman who owns it was very nice -enjoyed a conversation with him…read more Found some great souvenirs to take back home. They have a nice variety of things there and the prices were better there than other places that carried similar items