Magma Magma books is possibly one of the coolest shops I…read morehave been into in a long time! Why you may ask? Because it sells MOOMINS merchandise and books!! They sell all sorts of cool things here like books, magazines, swirly notebooks, cuddly toys (moomin ones!), eco friendly stuff which comes in the shape of recycled objects made into something else uselful, the mother board coasters are pretty snazzy! Like the other shops on Oldham street, its only small but the layout is perfectly set out to seem like there is so much space! I love it!

Situated on Oldham Street, but a hop and skip from the Night and Day Café lies this fantastic…read morebookshop. I've been visiting this place for ages, even if it's just to browse through the store and short list future gifts. I've recently acquired some American Film Making/Studies from there (the Steven D. Katz shot by shot/cinematic motion - books that are usually pretty hard to get hold of unless you're on the net. This is one of those places where the staff know what they're talking about and can help either find what you're looking for or influence you enough to take a punt on their own expertly led recommendations in the vast array of different books and magazines in this store (increasingly rare in the accountant led 'United Chaindom'). It's a shame many more shops were as enthusiastic and passionate as the folks behind magma...I know they can't all be this way but it's currently unfairly balanced. One large chain book store dominates now (and with unfortunately less choice, more celebrity led airport reading fodder) and with supermarkets getting in the act of the book market (albeit with a truly disturbing 'array' of 'books') we should be thankful that places like this are still open in our cities. A large section of this shop sells magazines which are more like the aforementioned coffee table books the higher echelon of mags if you will. Film, Architecture, Typography, Illustration, Photography, Graphics, Fashion, Art, Design, Cities all these creative acts and scenarios collude together in the books and magazine range. They sell a top mag called 'Specialten' which is a 'bi-monthly collection of short films, music videos and exclusive interviews' which comes with a DVD for the media. Just reminded myself to pick up the next edition as I type this... This shop (alongside one or two in London village possibly the other two Magma's as it happens) was the only such store to stock Daniel Johnstone's graphics/drawings books (and as such is referred to in the fantastic Daniel Johnstone documentary). Reanimate your creative synapses and spare at least half an hour to imbibe the glorious fractions of the arts world we don't see as much as we should. It's always a pleasure to walk into a store like this, find what you're looking for (or see something jump out at you which grabs your interest by the book ends) and after downpiping your debit/credit details into the 21st Century piggy bank walk from the shop, freshly acquired book in hand. Rifling through the pages of a new 'Ilva Table book' in a nearby boozer/café is one of life's great, small pleasures.

Ever wanted a frying pan that makes heart-shaped eggs? How…read moreabout a grill that makes toast with religious figures engraved on? Or a polka dot suitcase with a smaller polka dot case inside? In short, Oklahoma's Gift shop is a living and breathing homage to the art of Kitsch ahd Colourful accessories. There's big items like lampshades and clocks hanging from the walls and ceiling, wallpapers and posters behind the main counter and dozens of shelves and tables stacked high with all kinds of weird and wonderful nonsense. One of my favourite items is the old American Popcorn Machine filled with jewellery and the desk overflowing with stationary, plastic moustaches and candy cigarettes.

I have wanted to go to Oklahoma for at least a year now and just never got around to it! Eventually…read moretoday was the day...and I was not disappointed at all! This quirky and cutesy store was everything I dreamed of! I couldn't wait to let my purse loose and I was didn't leave empty handed! This place is great for knick knacks, xmas presents and homely decor for those (like me) that are obsessed with kitchenware, signs and much much more! I was careful and only bought a little Christmas tree decoration (part of a family tradition) I buy my Mum one each year and this winter it will be an addition of a cute glass bottle with a wish and fairy (glitter) floating around inside! Picture to follow...

Much less incognito now it has a cafe set up out front…read more Coffee strong and nice, served with ice water and a slice of lemon, nice twist, if you will. I'm loving the new trend of serving coffee with water in hot weather. Nice atmosphere and probably more for groups than a solo act tbh, can't moan though, lovely blend, will try a crepe or a quesadilla when I have not been filled by a home sweet home breakfast another day. The outdoor seating, although on Stevensons square is absolutely fine as it feels set back Enough from the street as to not feel congested... Also, the little vanilla biscuit spoon is a lovely touch. Will be back!

Incognito is exactly that; the number of times I have walked past and totally forgotten about its…read moreexistence is to be frank quite ridiculous. Once you step inside, you're a treasure trove the likes of Fred Aldous but with more focus on the gadgets and home decor than arts and crafts. Goodies here range from the practical - cards, retro rotary phones, beautifully decorated jewellery boxes - to the slightly silly - otter patterned tin, briefcase shaped cheese grater, skull light. (Who am I kidding, the cheese grater is amazing.) If you're struggling to find something for the person who has everything, this is a great place to start.

Incredible art store. I was blown away by how well stocked the store is. I loved the top floor with…read morecool crafts and unique art gifts to purchase. The second floor had every art supplies I could dream of, and the bottom floor was an amazing selection of paper and canvas. Truly a great art store for all

Incredible place, but dangerous at the same time as you could easily spend a lot of money in here!…read more The first time I popped in was when I needed a few items for an event and I thought I'd gamble on Fred Aldous having the stuff I needed - they did! Anything you need for arts & craft or decorations they have it and with some good choice! I've now been in a few times when I need to pick up bits and bobs or essentials for work i.e. scissors etc. Loads of interesting present and gift ideas in here as well so if you're out and about birthday shopping or it's coming up to christmas - I'd say Fred Aldous is a great option with some similar style stuff to Oklahoma! Most of the stuff here is well priced and I've always been fairly surprised that my total wasn't higher when purchasing as I think the interior and style gives off an expensive vibe but really it's good value for money! A short simple review for a top NQ shop!

Fab graphic tee-shirts? Tick Cool design books? Tick…read moreIncredible photography and art books? Tick Huge style bibles? Tick Quirky hand-made badges and zines? Tick Ace cards, stationary and wrapping paper? Tick Thanks to Magma, I was able to buy lots of unique and arty Christmas presents in one go. Wait, I forgot to get something for myself! How about the new Yoshitomo Nara book?

I'm not much of a shopper hence why I've only just become aware of Magma's existence but I will…read moredefinitely be popping back! I was about 3 feet into the shop before I spotted a load of books I would like (guide to house plants, for e.g.!) but sadly I was not gift shopping for myself but my non-book-loving bf so he got an ice ball tray (which he loved).Looks like there's a v impressive magazine selection as well. Definitely a place to stop by if you're looking for a taste of the NQ.

5 years have passed since I was last here.. Unfortunately time has not served this place well…read more Deciding to meet up before an event for some breccy I was not quite prepared for the upcoming events. The decor is still quite homely however the seating is still very close, to a point where my friend could not even sit opposite me due to the narrow gap between the chair and table. Embarrassment set aside I went to grab some menus to find there was none. I was informed by a waitress that I had to read off the wall..so for ease I took several pictures of the menu to enable my friend to browse with ease. The menu was limited, I mean when I think of breccy I imagine eggs to be present at the very least. But no this was eggless, baconless with just options of toast, avocado, and nothing inspiring really..also there were NO PRICES. Walking up to the till I was acknowledged by a grumpy guy. Perhaps he needed a Smile latte. Anyway I ordered a cold brew along with the avocado on toast, paying extra for some additional smoked salmon. After choosing what fresh bread I wanted, he slapped me with a £12 bill.. I was gobsmacked.. Returning to my seat I reassured myself " This is going to be the best avocado on toast ever". So the cold brew arrived with a fresh piece of orange floating in it. It was pleasing to note that the brew making is still top notch. Now the food itself.. this arrived on two pieces of toast, half a pear sliced on each piece with a sliver of smoked salmon. This was dressed with a light mixture of chili and lemon. My friends beans and toast was deconstructed, she had to make it up herself...this was I think £6-8 ...for beans on toast.. I found my victuals tasty enough but could not justify the price, £5.99 would have been more realistic at best. Anyway overall the service was poor, the lack of important details such as no physical menus, napkins, prices, inquiries if the food was okay and lack of logical seating. I might pop in for a coffee to take away but this I doubt.

Was happy to find this place after rather miserably trudging round the Northern Quarter in the rain…read morelooking for somewhere to sit down and have a hot drink. It has a comforting well maintained ambience (even the basement loo!) and the staff are extremely friendly. I really like the broad wooden table in the middle of the coffee area, feels calming and comfortable to sit at! I tried the Marrakesh loose leaf mint tea which was very nice although not as good a fresh mint tea - when I return next I'll try the peppermint instead. They have some lunch in a jar meals which is a fun concept although I'm not sure the actual contents would be that exciting. But it's a nice touch, also like the jugs of water with orange slices and sugar syrup. Shops like this which contain loads of really overpriced unnecessary home items I normally just dismiss as selling tat but for some reason the stuff here entranced me, especially cushions featuring a dog saying "Bonjour" /holding a French flag in its mouth (srsly I don't know why I found this so cute) and a wire basket for £18 which I for some reason felt I really need in my life. My friend felt the same about a set of colourful plastic spoons...I don't what this place does to you but I enjoyed it!

This is your one-stop-shop for all things Chinese, with many years experience in the gift shops…read moreindustry, it is an Aladdin's cave of oriental gifts, arts and crafts. Established in 1986, the business is set in the busy China Town district of Manchester. The business is able to offer top quality gifts, including Buddhas and dragons, Lucky cats, chopsticks, rice bowls, fireworks, Chinese-language romances, tea pots, lanterns.... and so much more besides! perfect for those little stocking fillers at Christmas.

T LA is one of my favourite shops in China Town, It's my last bastion of hope when buying birthday…read morepresents for friends, It's an oriental bric a brac shop, selling hello kitty, jolly buddhas, parasols, chinese music and other colourful and exciting items. The staff are always very friendly and it smells lovely! (but it does!) I think people overlook this area for shopping and head to Market Street, it's a pity!

Thai Gift Shop is half hair salon half gift shop, the staff are lovely- they sell lucky cats,…read morebuddhas, cheongsam dresses and oriental blouses, make up, jewellery, wood carvings and fans, they also do haistyling, permanent make up and normal make-up. It's in the basement to and not wheelchair accessible.

I have visited this shop on numerous occasions over the years and been happy until today. I bought…read moresome scarfs on Sunday which having worn literally shed the wool over everything that they come into contact with, making them unwearable. The lady behind the counter today, could not have been less interested in my issue, didn't even put her phone down and suggested I wash them and that I am the only person this has happened to... Hardly outstanding customer service. Clearly the advice with this shop is buy with caution, as if the lady in there today is anything to go by, you have no recourse if you are not happy. You've lost a customer today

No 68 is one of those shops you'll never tire of. So called because of its position on Beech road,…read moreit's a difficult shop to categorise. They sell a large range of products including gifts, interiors, bags, accessories, jewellery and novelty items. From the frilly knickers in the window, to novelty mugs, to their large range of costume jewellery, you're sure to find something in here that appeals and will suit your pocket. Check out their range of illustrated journals which are on the right at you enter the shop. There's an emphasis on kitsch and fun items and prices vary from a few quid to a few hundred.

Gorgeous creative space with 20 plus studios bursting at the seams with unique, one off pieces…read moreranging from jewellery to artwork. I LOVE this place, they showcase a lot of local talent. There is a cute coffee shop that sells the usual tea, coffee, cake and small plates so it's perfect for a coffee and a browse. Fun Fact: Back in the day this used to be the local fish market, the original features including the tiles still remain in tact. On some days I swear you can smell residual fishiness but that could just be my mind playing tricks on me!

Angela's absolutely right, this place is so easy to miss. When I first happened upon this place by…read moreaccident, thankfully after I'd hauled Lex G all over the Northern Quarter in an attempt to locate Teacup she still had the energy to spot this gorgeous, adorable building and say, 'What's that?' Me being the investigative yelper that I am said, 'I have no idea. Let's have a look.' Thank goodness we did, because I thought places like this only existed in small towns, at Cedar Farm (a beautiful little crafts-driven farm with shops in Mawdesley that I highly recommend... ahh, my rural homeland radius) or in Brighton. Literally, I felt like I'd stepped into somewhere along the seafront in my brother's resident city, because the last time I saw open studios and handmade jewellery for sale, I was indeed in that picturesque place by the sea. From the outside the building is pretty, but when you walk in it really takes your breath away. Delightful little exhibitions, artists at work... I instantly made a mental note to bring mothers here, mine or in-law, the next time they're in Manchester as they love places like this. The centre has such a lovely quaint feel to it, and goodness me, tranquil? I couldn't have felt more tranquil had you tipped a load of Kalms tablets down my throat and given me a Slanket and a chocolate Horlicks. And whether you're naturally a chilled out person or slightly neurotic and over-organised like myself, no doubt walking in here will instil in you a sense of calm that you'll struggle to find anywhere else in Manchester. The work for sale is exceptional, and I myself was instantly attracted to the wall hangings comprising of collages of iconic Manchester photographs, such as street signs, buildings, bands, restaurants and so forth. I could have stayed in here for hours.You're bound to come home with something special and unique here gifts-wise. Cafe Aromat has its own website and looks absolutely mouthwatering, so I promise that when we pop in again I'll get some munch there and let you know how it is. I know, I suffer for my art don't I. *Winks.*