Oh me oh my, gift buying.... I must admit I hate it. Christmas, therefore, is a nightmare. Unless I…read morecan think of something FANTASTIC, I get all stressed and end up buying puppies or gift vouchers. You know - the generally well received options. Mums and Grandmas are the worst I think - not only are they hard to buy for, but generally care more than others if you get them something crap. So... I suggest Spirito! It's choc a bloc with all that quirky, cutesy, somewhat overpriced stuff that mums and grandma's love. But it's got a bit more than the usual gift boutique - it's got bags of style as well. And free gift wrapping. And really friendly counter assitants! They've got a really unusual selection of cards at the back - no naff options here - I picked up a saucy get well soon Betty Boop card for my grandpa (inappropriate? Never!) and a stylish cut out chandelier card in black and red for a friend. They've also got plenty Cath Kidson, pretty hats and gloves, quirky kitchen and bathroom ware and all sorts of dainty odds and ends. I picked up a silly but cute miniature dress on a hanger christmas decoration. Ohh and Ahhing shopping at its best. Your mum and grandma will react the same.

It's good to see Spirito stretch itself out a bit, although I did like it when it was a smaller…read moreshop and packed full of charming goodies. Like most of gift shops all over Glasgow, this shop sells a lot of plaid covered cushions, tea sets, jewellery and as Catriona said, a lot of Cath Kitson mugs and such. It's very much a pastel coloured, girlie but classy treasure trove with a laid back atmosphere and amiable staff. The gift wrapping service has saved my bum on more than a few occasions and although the west end is made up of shops like this, there are a few unique gifts to be found here. Hyndland and Broomhill can't have enough shops like this and Spirito is a classy gift shop which will inspire you with lots of present ideas.

I said to the shop owner, "Your shop is very spangly", and I wasn't lying!…read more La Coco, a few doors down from the thoroughfare of Partick Station is great if you're needing a wee last minute nick nack for a birthday. There's a wide selection of jewellery, from bangles to sparkly beads and diamante necklaces with shoe charms to make the lady in your life smile. There is a section dedicated to gifts for new mum's, including cute wee silver trinket boxes with "Baby's first curl" etc inscribed on the lid. There's also a variety of quircky gift ideas, from embroidered photo frames to quaint little owl ornaments or bookmarks or car themed photoframes or mugs. There's even a pin cushion in the shape of a cake! The selling point of this shop, however, is its sparkle. Although there's a few gorgeous wee flowery purses to satisfy your indie tastes, it's a diamond studded wonderland. We were very bedazzled! But there's a good range of goodies in here - it reminds me vaguely of a silver studded Papyrus. And the shop keeper is very bubbly. Good to know about if you need a wee extra present for a loved one!

La Coco is a very cute gift boutique just off Dunbarton Road…read more Currently decked out with all things Christmassy, I was in heaven. From stylish wrapping paper to Christmas decorations and back again - I was genuinely surprised at the range of things crammed into this tiny shop! If you're after a gift for someone girly, then this is definitely somewhere you should be heading. At the moment they have sparkly mugs, jewelry, home decorations, baubles of every description and really good quality cards. Although it's not as conveniently placed as Papyrus on Byres Road (and about five times smaller!) it has gifts along the same vein - but quite a lot cheaper. Quick warning, as this shop is so stuffed full, I was quite terrified that my clumsy self was going to knock everything over and end up in a huge pile of girly gifts on the floor. I wouldn't recommend a trip if you're weighed down with bags!

It's places like this shop that lend weight to the claim that 'Hyndland Street is the new Byres…read moreRoad'. Fifteen years ago Byres Road was full of individual wee shops like this; today it's all coffee emporiums and charity outlets. I discovered Owen Bissett when doing my Christmas shopping in December. It's not the sort of place that would normally attract me, but I was looking for a nice present for my sister, and their window display looked inviting, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I made that decision. The place is a veritable Aladdin's Cave of jewellery, bijoux, craft wares, designer knick-knacks and generally precious things (preeeeccccciouuusssss!). I soon found a lovely bracelet and necklace combo that my sister was delighted with, and would probably have ended up spending a lot more than I wanted to had not common sense kicked in. There's such a wide range of really unusual things in here, it is ideal if you're looking for that 'special gift' or just want a thing of beauty for yourself. I think my favourite items were the glass bowl sculptures with the natural wood stands - these large thick glass works appear to have been melted and poured onto driftwood or tree-branch tripods, so that they have flowed into the perfect shape for the support. I have no idea what I would use one for (and I couldn't afford one anyway), they were just lovely pieces of craftsmanship. A definite thumbs-up for the most original and unusual shop in Hyndland Street, if not the entire West End. Check it out - you're sure to find something you like.

I love, love, love this shop!…read more There are far too many beautiful things in stock, be it little trinkets, unique and interesting jewellery or gorgeous ornaments (and everything else in between), meaning that you'll be tempted to clear your bank account buying everything in sight! There's something here for all budgets, which is a bonus. I bought a gorgeous necklace for myself a while back that people always comment on, and it only cost £10. Regardless of price, you can be assured that whatever you buy will always be top quality. Owen's window displays are always eye-catching and well thought out; I defy you to walk past and not at least stop for a good look! Displays are changed regularly, which is a great way to showcase the wide range of what's on offer. I highly recommend liking the shop on Facebook too, as it's an extension of the window displays. The service is always fantastic, and everyone there is so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They'll point out things you might like or will leave you to browse the stock without being over-bearing. It's customer service done correctly, and it's refreshing to behold. It's a great place to go and treat yourself or a loved one, be it Christmas, birthdays or just for the sake of it. It's a truly unique store, and it's wonderful to see such a vibrant independent business thrive. I really can't sing the praises of this shop enough!

This place looks almost magical from the outside - in a kind of naff white witch sort of way, but…read moredon't be fooled by the elaborate font adorned by stars and over-elaborate window displays. It's a tiny little shop, and sure, it's got all the disappointing gift boutique standards - expensive scented candles, horrendously overpriced tiny little spoons and other kitchen adornments - but the buyer of the shop hits a winner every now and then. I've seen some truely unsual things in the window, things that I'd be proud to pretend I had thought out in detail as a perfect gift for somebody. Such as a gorgeous black and white striped umbrella with black trimming. So, I'd recommend it if you've just remembered a friend's birthday three days late, or are feeling lazy about your mum's next week. You'll find something that'll go down well.

Cassiopeia is a lovely gift boutique where you will find presents so nice that you won't want to…read moregive them to anyone else. It's been gracing Hyndland Road with its presence since 2004 - and aims to provide its customers with gifts from around the world with emphasis on items from local artists and designers. The shop is long and thin, but is very well set out and adorned by a stylish window display. Inside you will find everything from jewellery to stationary to lotions and potions and back again. There is a particular focus on homeware, and you will find a gorgeous selection of decorations and crockery. Last time I was there I fell completely in love with a set of dessert bowls - it was oh so tragic when I had to leave the shop without them. They also sell a selection of posh chocolates that go by the name of "Berry Scrumptious." Too cute to resist? I think so! Cassiopeia also have a great website that showcases a lot of their stock. Sadly you can't buy online - but they do offer a personal shopper service which is great if you're lost for ideas for a birthday present for someone special (or someone awkward).

Spoiled For Choice is the perfect girly shop. Any gifty things you might desire can be found in…read morehere. There is a nice selection of of silver jewellery in the £20 range. Handbags, photo frames, calendars, cards and other gifty things can be found in abundance here, but the best bit is the Belgian chocolates counter. Reasonably priced and totally delicious, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate these as a gift. In short, this is a great one-stop-shop for any birthday or other occasion, and I think you'd be bound to find something for everyone.

Situated in an area of Partick that's run down in part, Spoiled for Choice is a card and gift shop…read moreshimmering with elegant little gifts for the lady in your life (or indeed yourself!) With an impressive collection of bangles of various description, candles and the usual gift shop items, it's great for present ideas, but what really gives this shop a quirk compared to its surrounding counterparts is its mouthwatering selection of Belgian chocolates! With various selections at a well rounded price, how can you resist? Ideal if you're looking in vain for last minute birthday inspiration that makes it look like you've made a special effort. Alternatively, if you've had a hard day at work or with the kids and fancy pampering yourself, this place will kit you out with all the luxurious necessities of a great night in.

Offers offers always clearance lines in This store has…read morethousands of items from candles to DIY to gifts to smoking accessories, customer service is always A1, owners always smiling and goes the extra mile for you. Just moved house and went in and found plenty of goodies most I didn't even need , this place is always busy with ques sometimes to hectic for the wee shop Now I'm a regular and even know the owners name Archie , I'm always in for my incense, cheapest I've seen anywhere only £1

From the outside this place looks similar to a couple of other 'We Sell Everything' shops along…read moreDumbarton Road but once you step inside...that's when the MAGIC hits you! This place is a combination of half 'sells everything but the kitchen sink' (although they probably DO have one actually...) & half car boot/secondhand stall/shop. The 1st time I went in I couldn't believe just HOW MUCH stuff they have in here...the shelves are heaving, nae CRYING with amount of stock piled (and I mean actually just piled) on them. If you like a good old rummage when you shop or you're a car-boot sale fan then I think you'll like this place. Outside the shop they usually seem to have 2nd hand bikes of questionable origin (legality even?) for sale, bags (but not the infamous 'SEX' bag which they used to have, as I am now the proud owner of that delightful bag, oh yes. Control your jealousy please) & other such things. On the inside I can't even begin to list all they sell, but I shall try...*takes deep breath* lamps,candles,mugs,pots,brushes,knitting needles,screws,old Xbox's,old Sky+ boxes, 2nd hand books,gloves, oil burners,cutlery,kitchenware,board games,ornaments,cigarette lighters,cheap perfume,Liquid Gold,etc...etc... SO MUCH! If you walk out of here empty handed then you are a stronger willed person than I am (which isn't hard to be fair). I must warn you, if you have any kind of neatness/tidiness OCD then DO NOT enter this establishment; you will probably cry then run screaming from the place. At times when browsing I am genuinely worried I am going to knock something/everything off the shelf because things are placed so precariously on top of other 'things'...its an accident waiting to happen and I don't wanna be the person that has that, no doubt PRICELESS, weird dog(?) face thing ornament topple onto the floor smashing into a thousands pieces of weird dog(?) face things. So be careful when you're browsing in here people. As the saying goes: Touchy touchy lightly monkey. Amongst all this utter craziness you will maybe come across a rare, quality find that will make you smile & say 'I've always wanted one of these!' and at that point you know Mr/Ms.Cut Price Gift Shop have done their job. They made a sale & made your day (probably). They are happy bunnies(?).

Popped in here in search locally of a nice birthday card for a friend and with name like 'Cards &…read moreGifts' I thought 'How can I go wrong?!'...well...you can. They sell many types of cards, gift wrap, balloons, small gifts and kids toys yet whilst searching I just couldn't find a single card I actually liked enough to spend money on! They're all a bit 'meh' and cheap looking. For prices that aren't exactly Paperchase-dear yet not super cheap I wasn't impressed. I'd rather they stocked more, nicer, original cards & charged a wee bit more than have a shop full of cards it looks like your Mum would have in her 'Emergencies Only' drawer. Gah. The gift wrap & 'gifts' weren't much to write/(w)rap home about either. Again a bit too much cheap tat & cheesytastic stuff. All in all disappointing. Only plus point was the guy serving was not pushy when I wanted to browse & seemed nice. Shame he can't rub that niceness off onto the quality of his stock.