Wow - what an Aladdin's Cave this place is! It's like a cross between Ikea and Poundshop. The range…read moreof stuff they carry is bizarre and hugely extensive - everything from kitchen spices to craft jewellery supplies by way of vinyl records (!), kid's toys and executive desk knick-knacks. All (well, most) nicely packaged in that inimitable Swedish minimalist style and very competitively priced. Which is the whole marketing plan, I guess. It certainly works as we were passing and just popped in for a quick look and of course ended up spending about 20 quid! Favourite buy - a Hallowe'en cat head with colour changing eyes and an LED multicoloured light bulb with rotating prism lens - instant disco ball in your living room! If you're looking for cheap and unusual toys for children, it's definitely worth checking out Flying Tiger. Even if your children are well over 40. :)

I actually forgot that Flying Tiger had opened in Buchanan Galleries but spotted it when we were on…read moreour way out to the carpark so I had to pop in for a quick visit. Now I love Tiger and I'm not totally sure why this is called Flying Tiger but it's pretty much the same as every other Tiger I've been to - cheap homewares/stationery kind of stuff which is really cute. This time I didn't actually buy anything (how's that for self restraint) but I'm sure I'll be back as I love their stationery and they had some really nice glassware too.

As far as craft fairs go in Glasgow, I quite like this one. It's a handy location in Merchant…read moreSquare and runs every weekend on Saturday and Sunday. During December, it's also on a Friday. I visited this weekend after brunch and was impressed by the range of stalls. There's always lots of nice artwork here and there was quite a few pieces which caught my eye. There was stalls selling nice pieces of glasswork (I got a couple of pieces which look like Clyde from Glasgow 2014), cute baby gifts, jewellery and tea-cup candles by Made by Suzi. Most stallholders are pretty friendly and chatty and generally, the fair has a welcoming and chilled out vibe. There's a cash machine right on Merchant Square too so you can top yourself up with cash.

I absolutely adore this fair as it has some of the most brilliant crafters, photographers and…read moredesigners I have come across. It runs every weekend right in the middle of the square. I was on the look out for a wee birthday present for my auntie especially as she and her son hadn't been keeping well. I fortunately came across some beautiful glass work and to be honest I wanted it all. My purse told me otherwise. Haha! I got a beautiful angel made from original 1970s perforated glass. I was so pleased with it and I knew she'd appreciate that it's also hand crafted. I picked up a couple of other bits and pieces, there really is so much good things to choose from as the standard is high. If you're stuck for that something a little different I would definitely pop in and have a wee browse. It's set in a lovely area and if shopping goes well you can always stop off at one of the many surrounding bars and restaurants for a wee congratulated schwally.

I adore stationary stores. There's just something about a store where you can pick up greeting…read morecards, or pens or .. everything to do with writing the niceitys of life. Paperchase was a delightful store, filled with interesting things, from a collection of mini erasers, shaped in so many different styles. Pens of every color and style, pencils with crowns at the tops, and of course the greeting card collections. You could pick up moleskien note books if that's your personal fetish (I know a few who love them) And apparently there's an upstairs that I didn't get a chance to visit, but next time, and there will be a next time.

I am a self confessed stationery hoarder. I have no need for more papery based goodies. So why am I…read moreunable to leave Paperchase without a a haul? Could it be the two floors of choice. The exceptionally helpful and engaging staff. The best range of greeting cards I've ever had to choose from - seriously g's birthday card buying took hours. The amazing selection of everything, I didn't even know I needed a panda rubber (eraser) until I brought him home. Or could it be the amazing multicoloured disco floor that makes me want to don a white suit and channel John Travolta - I'm going to be John Travolta partially because I can't remember the female characters name but more because I hated her dress and would look way better in a white flared suit! I loved Paperchase when it was a wee section of Borders bookshop. I mourned for its loss when Borders disappeared from Buchanan Street and Glasgow Fort. But there are not enough words for me to convey the strength of my passion for this muckle shine to all that is stationery. Oh and the fact that buying stationery is never going to make me regret eating cake with mean and nasty changing room mirrors is purely coincidental.

One Saturday, a very long time ago, all the girls in my familia were going into the city centre for…read morea shopping day, and my wee cousin was at a party at Busy Bees. After the shopping, the eating and the constant shrieking of nonsense that is a girly shopping day, my big cousin and I went with my aunt to pick up my wee cousin from this party. See managed to talk even more than us. Her party was brilliant, so she said, and she thrust forward the flower-shaped mirror she had decorated. All her little pals had had a great time too, and what more could you ask for from a kids' party?

Craft activities for children. Paint ceramic ornaments, wooden jewellery boxes, glass clocks and…read moreloads more. Check out http://www.busybeescraftstudio.com for more info

I've used Mandors for my curtains for the last 8 years. Unfortunately, since changing ownership…read moreit's not the business it once was. The new owner, Razia Monnoo, is based in Pakistan I believe, and seems to take little interest in the business or in feedback from regular customers. I have bedroom curtains made by Mandors that are bad frayed. I was told that Atina, the head machinist in the workroom, agreed to repair these only if I had them dry-cleaned first, as she suffers from a mysterious allergy. After getting the curtains dry-cleaned at my own expense, Neelam and Atina then changed their minds and refused to repair them, citing 'COVID protocols'. Mandors refused to cover the costs I had incurred. When I asked how to make a complaint I was told there was no official complaints policy and it was only after many calls and emails that I was given the email address of the manager, who seems to dislike being bothered by customers. The complaint could have been resolved if I was offered a refund for the costs of my dry cleaning bill - costs which I had incurred at their request - but this didn't occur to Razia Monnoo. It seems odd that she would be prepared to lose a regular customer and receive poor public reviews rather than offer a refund for a relatively small amount. It seems a very strange business strategy! Please find another curtain-maker if you can.

Decent fabric stores in Glasgow are few and far between, but thankfully, Mandor's helps here…read more I often go here for help with fancy dress ideas - the staff are amazing! I can think of 4 separate occassions in which they have either given me an idea, or they've helped me choose fabric to complete my own idea, the most recent being red material for a wonderwoman costume cape (not because I just felt like dressing up, I was actually going to a 'Heroes and Villians' party... honest). The lady who helped me (Susan, possibly?) even showed me how to properly seam the edges without having to sew anything as I am particularly crap at that part. She was a great help. The material didn't even cost that much - under £10 for 3 metres of heavy duty, high quality material. And do you know what? The cape survived and looked awesome. It still does.

Ae Fond Kiss, if anyone's familiar with the Burns poem, is very, very sad! It makes me cry!…read more This shop, gladly, does not. What it does do is sell quaint, comely little household decorations that look tailormade for gifts. It falls into the more sophisticated category of quirky wholesalers, with a lot of plaid patterened doorstops on offer in the shape of animals, not to mention fabric covered magnet boards for your kitchen. It's got a very country kitchen feel all over, from the decor to the items, all wound up in ribbon or made out of leaves. There were a wide range of curiosities on offer, most seemingly made by original designers, and all looking very organic. They also do gently humourous cards, kitschy wrapping paper, a small range of sale stock from previous lines, and a selection of handmade jewellery from independent designers. The jewellery would be a great gift for anyone who likes simple, elegant and meaningful designs. Not to make any rash suggestions ladies and gents, but if you fancy getting your partner something different for a birthday then definitely come here for a browse. The one-of-a-kind rings engrained with sections of poems and graceful, romantic prose would make you swoon. I almost bought myself one because they are so unique but I might drop some major hints for my birthday...which is in six months time...a girl can only wish! It's always refreshing visiting a shop which strays away from the main market, and this one's whimsical offering certainly does. 5 minutes away from Byres Road and in the middle of the student thoroughfare coming from Murano St, you can't miss this place if you're looking for a present or indeed to treat yourself with something that's not cynically designed by big brands.

The title is Burns, but the contents are definately not!…read more This crafty little gift shop is the one-stop shop for the perfect gift for the person who has everything. Some people are just plain hard to shop for, so if you're having trouble, stop by Ae Fond Kiss. It's full of 'country home' decorations. Some quirky, others quirky AND useful. There are a lot of great bric-a-brac (that's 'knick knacks' to you colonials), but better than that, it's got a unique flavour and style which will make your decorations stand out from everyone else's 'I shop at Ikea' tastes. Little trinkets, teacups and saucers, tea pots, cozies, and some very appealing fairy lights. Hand-knitted treasures as well, which are always a hit. The back corner is a treasure trove of interesting toys for children, the sort of toys which don't necessarily run on batteries, which, in this day and age, is a nearly-forgotten pasttime. The staff are very friendly, ready to chat about anything in the shop and it's once again a champion for the independant shop owners! Stop in for a last minute gift and as Chris D mentioned earlier, it'll look like you've spent ages searching for it.

Up a wee close just next to Frasers, Remnant Kings is on the first floor. It's very much bigger…read morethan expected, especially in such a great location on the corner of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. I was in here yesterday to get some threaded sequins for my Hallowe'en costume. (supposed to be ringmaster: looking more like pornographic clown) The sequin reels were only 40p a metre, which is totally affordable. Their range of fabrics is huge, and a few definitely caught my eye - especially the red and black fur. They have buttons and wool; patches and ribbons; and a seasonal Hallowe'en section. The Hallowe'en section has small accessories such as wigs, hats and masks. It's made me want to start making my own clothes, but this will probably go the same way as my jewellery-making, hat-knitting and my "eBay business empire".

Unless you know about this place, you'll probably never notice it, or in fact, go in. Well, that's…read moreabout to change! Upstairs behind Fraser's, Remnant Kings is a haberdashery-heaven. Everything you could possibly want fabric or sewing related can be found here - and if it can't the lovely helpful staff will order it in for you. They have a fantastic selection of fabrics, sewing accessories and buttons (I had to once try and find 100 of the same buttons and this was the only place in the city that seemed to be able to meet my demands!). It's huge and light and airy. The staff are keen, and you won't leave empty handed. Promise.

I love a good bargain especially when sales are on, this store is well stocked with all sorts &…read moretypes of pictures, paintings, prints, that you wish to decorate your flat or apartment. A framing service is provided & advice from if required, the frames can be changed if you don't like the one chosen for the painting / print, it's no hassle here. As an art collector I see art as an investment and the frame is just as important to enhance the picture. On many times I've come here and used the picture framing service for items that I've bought at auction, and would highly recommend the service.

Shhh, there's some art in here that I plan on buying my boyfriend when it comes available. I would…read morego in to details, but who knows who reads these things! ;) Anway, this shop is very unassuming located smack dab in the middle of Buchanan Galleries. Once you walk in, you realise just how many options you have for art, even if you don't see what you want on the walls. The staff here are very friendly and although they didn't have what I wanted, they gave me the managers card to contact him regarding the art. I full plan on doing business here when what I want is available, and I suggest, if you're in the market for quality art, you should as well!

If I hadn't have found this shop's website online, I wouldn't have known it existed. Up two…read more(three?) flights of stairs on St Enoch Square, facing theshopping centre, Fairy Funny has all kinds of fancy dress costumes. A lot of the costumes are for hire, but there are some for sale too. Behind the counter in here, there are loads of costumes, masks and accessories, although I would prefer it if you could rummage around a little more. There are catalogues to look through for ideas and rental costume availability. A couple of changing rooms are in the rear area and what I wouldn't give to work in here and see some of the idiots in costumes! Get here early though - as with all seasonal shops, the queue really starts to get riduculous at peak times.

If it's the week of Halloween and you don't have a costume, I'd only advise you visit this shop if…read moreyou have patience, tolerance and low blood pressure. One Halloween I was after some fairy wings so after some googling, I set off into town to find this place. And what a sight that greeted me; a queue out the door and down the stairs. I imagine the Halloween custom keeps this place going throughout the year. Once inside, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff in one place. There were novelty costumes from every era and all sorts of accessories. If you're looking for a particular costume, this shop is bound to have it but it'd also be a good place to go if you're looking for ideas. Despite the madness of queuing to get in a shop, Fairy Funny has good stock and does lots of deals with office party specials, and discounts for school groups and students. I'll most likely be visiting this shop again this month, however I'm going to do it sooner rather than later and I suggest you do the same!

Not being particularly arty Cass Art probably isn't a shop I would have gone into. But I'd booked…read morea place on the Tatty Devine Bunting necklace workshop and so off to Cass Art I trotted. Being a little excited I arrived mega early so had plenty of time to wander round the shop and kick myself for not having been in before. This place is amazing, and whilst I have no need for a sketch book, water colours or charcoals. They do amazing notebooks, a great selection of pens, all the glitter, a huge selection of colouring books and lovely craft kits that are now on my radar for smudge's Christmas. It's spacious, light and airy. Things are tidy and organised methodically so even without the friendly staff it isn't hard to find what you are looking for or what you didn't know you were looking for but now need. The workshop was held in a great space at the back of the store, decorated in a really fabulous graffiti style and making me feel uber cool and artistic - which is quite an accomplishment really! I adored making my own piece of Tatty Devine and getting to chat to the amazing Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden and their equally awesome staff. It was also lovely getting all fangirl with the other workshop participants, it also made me feel like my addiction is much less of a problem than my husband claims and that it could be so so much worse - challenge accepted. I won't wait for the next Tatty Devine visit to head back to Cass Art, like I said I can see some serious Christmas shopping happening in here and obviously I'll have to sneak in a few utterly selfish purchases into the basket.

I'm not artist but that doesn't mean I can't pretend, and after visiting this shop I kind of want…read moreto be one. It's slick, it's new and there's lots of shiny things to stare at in disbelief. Like a Posca fridge. YES, it's a fridge and it has Posca pens in it. Oh my days. So, what kinds of things do they stock? Spray paint (behind the counter so they can check you're legit), artist paints and paper, calligraphy pens and ink, gifts, kids ranges, craft supplies, drawing stuff, Posca pens in a fridge (did I mention that already?!) and they're also going to start doing events and workshops soon. This is definitely a shop worth visiting, even if you don't consider yourself the arty type. There's super friendly staff scattered all through the shop to make sure you can find what you're looking for, and even if there is a queue at the checkout it's because the staff are interested in what you're buying and why. I left with new gold calligraphy ink and my name on the mailing list for upcoming events, and was just £3.50 lighter.