I found these guys in at Yellow Pages online when I was struggling to find spiders and decorations…read morefor a Spiderman party long after the Halloween stock had left the shelves. This really is a superstore with everything you could need for every kind of party. There is a full selection of kid's party products for every imaginable theme with a massive selection of balloons. They do helium-filled and can put in an additive to make them last longer than a few days. They also offer do-it-yourself packages. If you're not sure what type of party theme to have, then come here and get inspired. Their website is fairly up to date and can get you started on ideas before you venture out north. They have another location at Brighton if you're on that side of town.

Superstore is really more of what we are looking for, it has a great variety of party themes and…read morevery convenient for all kind of shoppers. It also has a very friendly staff who are willing to help you out in all the decos needed. Thanks to them for giving my daughter such as wonderful theme and making it more memorable.

Huge range of Christmas decorations, lights, Santa costumes, Christmas trees, flowers and festive…read moreapparel. Bring your loved one along, and make out under the mistletoe aisle. This place was pretty packed out, but then again, it is Christmas time in a couple of weeks. They should have named the place Starlight Christmas and Easter Superstore and perhaps expand the target market slightly and arouse more interest outside of the festive season. There is so much cool stuff in here, and they staff are very helpful also. Remember, Starlight Christmas Superstore isn't just for Christmas... Ah, Actually it is.

Starlight Christmas & Party Superstore looks a little dingier than most party stores, but it is…read morealso cheaper than most party stores. A year or two ago a party store opened in City Cross Arcade stocking all sorts of schmick Toy Story/Dora the Explorer/Sesame Street branded party gear that was ridiculously overpriced considering it was all mostly plastic cups and plates, doomed to be binned the next day. Starlight is the antithesis of that. It is a little bit shabby, but affordable - you don't need to shell out a thousand bucks on a 21st/anniversay/Christmas dinner etc. They specialise in Christmas gear, so you can get loads of Christmas lights and tinsel and whatnot. They do their own little Christmas display in a big dark room (or a 'Christmas Cave') too, which strikes me as somewhat odd - but I guess if you're an X-mas enthusiast then you'll wanna see the gear in action. As well as Christmas stuff, they've also got a whole lot of other party/novelty things - straws, plastic plates, table cloths, battery operated candles, cheap helium balloons, masks etc. A fun place to visit if you're really really into parties, Christmas, or plastic novelty crap.

Don't let the faded paint on the outside walls fool you, these guys know how to party...well at…read moreleast decorate one. The whole shop inside was full of ideas, colour schemes, patterns, designs and decorations I hadn't even seen before. They had a great range of all the standard party supplies plus and were only too happy to help. They even gave my daughter a free helium balloon which was great...until every time we drive past it she asks if we can go get another balloon. They're definitely worth looking into when you want decos!

Coulrophobia...a fear of clowns. Each time I drive past this place I avert my eyes from the…read morehorrible, outdated, abomination of a mural, which no self respecting graffiti artist has altered...yet, perhaps they can't bear it either (when it does happen, it wasn't me ok!). With one eye closed and the other squinting I shall describe what they do, besides scare the bejesus out it me. Here goes: Balloons, party streamers, party plates, bowls, cups, etc everything for a parties.. themed or not. They also hire equipment such as speakers, microphones, lighting, heilium cylinders, urns, outdoor heaters, bain maries and clown...oops I mean 'crowd' control. They have been selling bread mix before it became fashionable to bake bread at home and there is a large variety available for the bread machine. In a nutshell, they sell everhything you'll need for a party or to make a perfect loaf of bread, scones, donuts, etc. And Peter, please change that tired outfit or go join the circus and scare the animals.

I go a little bit weak at the knees when I think of gift boxes, ribbons, candles and vases. The…read moreessential niceties of party favours can be found at Baldocks, along with any cake decorators dream supply of icing bags, cutters, edible flowers and chocolate making kits. Baldocks has a wonderful variety of ribbons that you can buy in bulk but unfortunately does not sell gift boxes by the carton. It is also a tad more expensive and limited in range than your typical Spotlight. However, if you're looking for something a "little bit different" and noice then Baldocks is your place for every crafters/event organisers need. The ladies behind the counter love a good chat about any craft or cake decorating project you are doing and always willing to offer an opinion. They are a tad unwilling to come out from behind their desk and help but that just allows you to browse the store for hours unattended - something I strangely love!

From the owner: The Merchant on Queen Street. Open to wholesale and retail customers.read more