I remember this store from when it was located in the Wintergarden, and then it just disappeared!…read moreBut recently while I was roaming around the Emporium in the Valley it popped up out of thin air. I was so glad to see that this shop had just relocated and hadn't closed for good, because I've purchased many a gift from Essensuals and it's always been perfect for those people who are difficult to buy for. I must say though, I much prefer the old store to the new one. I'm not sure if it has changed hands or they just decided to change it up a little bit, but it was a little disappointing. The new store seems to have stock piled up everywhere, like a teetering tower of doom that could crush the shopper below at any second. It also seems like they don't have as much stock as before, which is unfortunate because you could find things for both men and women in the old store, whereas the new one appears to be very female oriented. Despite the disappointment that Essensuals has changed quite a bit, it's still full of pretty things like crystal wine glasses, decorative trunks and vintage perfume bottles. It's worth a look if you're not quite sure what you're looking for, but certainly isn't as impressive as it used to be.

Need to find a gift for that person who literally has everything? Or in desperate need of a mask…read morefor a masquerade party? Then Essensuals has got you covered. This place is piled high with unique gifts, home decorations and of course, ceramic masks (yes, never fear, those tacky plastic masks covered in sequins and feathers do not have a home here). There's a seemingly large emphasis on Parisian prints and artefacts as well as London-esque decorations and canvas prints depicting rainy days in New York City. So definitely a perfect gift idea for those jet-setters or dreamers who long after a city-change. So when you're next in Emporium, keep an eye out for a large, hollow dog - it stands guard outside the shop.

Texts, tweets and Tinder might be all the rage but I firmly sit in the corner that believes sending…read morea beautiful card for an array of occasions beats the obligatory Facebook message or wall post. That's why I'm thankful that a store like Card & Caboodle, located on the lower floor of Queens Plaza, is still around. Much like hen's teeth, a shop dedicated to the art of correspondence via a carefully deliberated card is hard to find. Much like Suzannah B, I often find selecting a card far more exciting than the gift it may be presented with. Their range is some of the best in Brisbane and extend from classic humour, modern design and quirky.There's a card for almost all occasions and you'll also be able to stock up on wrap, ribbon or a fancy-pants gift bag.

Every year I tell my friends I'm going to write them a personal letter and post it. We all agree…read morewhat a great idea this would be and spend awhile reminiscing about the good ol' days before email. I've never yet written such a letter although Card and Caboodle has certainly tempted me with their range of stationary. Some of their writing sets are so pretty. Plus, anyone would be pleased to receive best wishes from their intricate pop-up card range. Their cute stamps, stickers, hanging ornaments and magnets would make perfect 'filler presents', the sort you would get for your workplace Secret Santa or that cousin you don't know very well but you suspect she's a girly girl. If you're looking for something more original than your stock standard newsagency range, then try Card and Caboodle for all matters stationary related.

A beautiful shop that I don't mind gushing about, Coming Up…read moreRoses is one of the most charming boutiques I've visited. What I initially thought was another florist shop, this store proffered up some really unique fashion and home ware treasures. Coming inside I was immediately charmed by both the friendly owner and the laboriously decorated and detailed interiors. This store is quite big, with three rooms bursting with products. A mecca of children's toys and baubles, CUR also offers a range of home wares from tea cloths, napkins, cake stands, cards, fun outdoor games and all sorts of crafty kits to a plethora of fat glossy art tomes, bake sets, japanese ceramics, candles, fabrics and much much more. (My favourite section is the jewellery, be sure to check out the chunky wooden offerings from ELK.) This place is PERFECT for gifts, and I guarantee anything here would please even the most discerning human. Coming up Roses is in a bit of an isolated location, but it is definitely worth a trek out.

Easily one of my favorite local gift shops. If you're seeking quirky and whimsical gifts for…read moreanyone in your life or to treat yourself, Coming Up Roses is a great spot to find it. It's also one of those places that have so many different options and a changing window display, so one would not get bored with this spot. Some of the things they carry: Jonathan Adler homewares and stationery goods, Mr Men & Little Miss mugs, various greeting cards, gardening gift items, spa treatment products, yummy candles and soaps, fun toys, baby and kiddie gifts, "treasure boxes", Frankie magazine, and much more! Gift wrapping is available here. Who knows, you may even have the owner do it for you (she's someone quite special!) Friendly service too!

Having recently attended a huge sale at Green Grass, I can…read moreattest to the cuteness of this boutique. Bird head cookie canisters, cute babushka glasses (that stacked into each other!) cookbooks, coffee keep cups (that are handy for Park Bench Expresso next door) dreamy wooden bowls, perfumes, colourful and sweet leather bags, aroma Diffusers, T2 containers and oddles of cute children's paraphernalia. ...All this AND more are available at this winsome Oxford St Store. I'd dedicate some time to peruse the shelves as there is a lot of stock to process, but this scrutiny is well worth it when you walk out with that highly coveted item.

I don't think gift shops can get more cute and whimsical than Green Grass Home & Body. They have…read morebunting hanging in their store for goodness' sake. Bunting. This place is the definition of quaint. They sell a really lovely range of homewares and gifts that you can't pass over. The shop itself gives off an aura of freshness and sweetness, but I'm probably biased because I like bunting and tea, of which they had a lot sitting in a corner. There are cooking utensils and cards and a slew of books appropriate to sit in your home, whether you actually want to read them or you just want people to think you read them. I was particularly impressed with a book of miscellaneous facts about everything and nothing. Grab a coffee around the corner and pick an appropriate gift for a friend or for yourself in this delightful little shop.

Heaven help you if you need to return a sub quality purchase to this shop. How very dare you? How…read moreinsulting of you! Be prepared for a full on treatment of condescension, disdain, and passive aggressive belittling. These ladies think they really are the bees knees. When I could not find anything to my liking to exchange for the returned piece, I was told -and I quote "You know dear, this is a very affluential area and the ladies who shop here would be pleased to buy anything from this shop" !! So, no matter who you are dear customers, I suggest, to avoid being spoken to and treated as a complete undesirable, ensure you have a form of ID with your local Bulimba address -and an up to date payslip showing your salary is of a significant pay scale. You will then avoid the patronising and humiliating situation these "ladies" gifted to myself! By the way, I suggest buying from the gift shops further up Oxford Street - same products, not over priced!

Perfect Living is an elegant, quirky and decorative home and garden ware store located in Bulimba…read more The store is beautifully laid out. Although it seems busy at first, once you start weaving your way through the maze of furniture, decorations and garden accessories, you feel like you are on a journey of discovery to try and see all the treasures the store has to offer. The style of the store is overall decorative, traditional and homely. They have outdoor and interior gifts, decorations and French furniture. Even if you don't buy, it's a lovely place to browse. They stock ranges such as Florabelle, Salt City candles and Maison.

Fiera Jewellery is great little jewellery and gift store that started here in Brisbane with just…read moreone store in Ascot. They've now expanded all across Brisbane. The Bulimba store is on a busy section of Oxford Street and stocks some really stylish and kind of quirky items. I picked up some wooden earrings for only $9.95 - red, black or cream pieces of wood carved into cute designs (birds in bird cage, birds on a brand, chandeliers, intricate patterns). They also stock Thomas Sabo sterling silver jewellery and charms. These charms are the latest craze, but these ones are much cheaper than Pandora ones and they have some more alternative styles of charms. Fiera also stocks MOR products - I love the flavours of their products. The Tonka Bean Musk hand cream smells so good!

The best thing about Fiera is also the disappointing thing. When I go jewellery shopping, I want to…read moresee the outrageously expensive diamond rings that I can't afford but can happily dream about as I gaze at them fondly through locked glass cabinets. While Fiera has some upmarket pieces, most of the jewellery is fortunately within my price range. Lots of silver trinkets and some cute wooden earrings. The gift range is really nice. A lot of the decorative silver bowls look suspiciously like big silver bracelets. Subliminal messages perhaps?

There are some magical stores that draw women in like moths to a flame. This is one of those…read morestores. Full of beautiful things to wear and for around the home, this shop is always crowded with women of all ages, lost in a daydream as they stroll through the store imagining which dress would go with that stunning necklace and bargaining that they deserve a reward for sticking to their diet, and those earrings would do just fine in that capacity. Don't be fooled by my tendency to focus on their jewellery, they have a lot more than that here, but that seems to be the main attraction and it's certainly what distracted me from hurrying home in order to beat traffic.

This store has so much cute, hand-made jewellery, I was OOOHing and AHHHing the whole time I was in…read morethe store. I've been to the Paddington store a number of times, but personally like the Oxford Street store better. It's small but filled to the brim with beautiful things. The first thing that caught my eye were the Poetry Bangles - $19 for a silver bangle with a lovely inspirational message on it. SING ... as though no one can hear you. DANCE ... as though no one is watching you. LOVE ... as though you have never been hurt. LIVE ... as though heaven is on earth. I think it would be nice to have the complete set of 4 bangles, worn all at once. Thousand Island Dressing also stocks earrings by Scrumptious Productions, which is a Melbourne based jewellery maker - her earring are made with vintage buttons, beads or retro fabrics. Very cute. There is just so much jewellery - whether you like silver, gold or coloured, they have a huge range to suit your style.

Have been meaning to try Hawthorne Pantry for ages and finally got a chance to between checking out…read moreopen houses. It's a cosy little cafe/random stuff store - which is a combination that I love. I love being able to pour through quirky homewares, handmade jewellery and gourmet foods in tiny jars while I wait for my coffee. Cafe side offers Merlo coffee and a range of bfast & brunch cafe faves (muffins, sandwiches & wraps etc) and some daily specials. Staff are friendly and waiting times are short. I grabbed a cheese & tomato toasty and coffee which hit the spot. Only had a short time to check it all out but will be back!

I happened past the Pantry on a lunch break voyage with some workmates. Inside they were right in…read morethe middle of shifting a few displays around but that didn't stop me from accidentally buying a handful of awesome things at excellent prices. I even found some pitted cocktail cherries I'd been on the hunt for! My trip to the Hawthorne Pantry was clearly Meant To Be. The gents were so helpful and friendly, I only wish I wasn't on a timed visit so I could have poured over every nook and cranny. I'm a sucker for good packaging, and the brown paper bag with the logo sticker just sealed the deal for me. That is one lovely logo. I'm sold.

One of many art galleries located in Fortitude Valley, Artisan is always one of the most…read moreinteresting. Made up of a couple of small exhibition spaces (Gallery Artisan and Crucible) and a boutique shop, there's something for everyone. A couple of my favourite recent exhibitions have been photographs from music photographer Tony Mott and a series of ceramic sculptures by Chinese artist Dai Li. Exhibitions are generally on display for one to two months. The shop contains lots of beautiful clothes, jewellery, collectables, and pieces of furniture, and I enjoy a regular browse.

artisan is a gallery space for everyone. I say that because where some galleries leave you feeling…read morelike you shouldn't dare walk in unless you're prepared to fess up to owning a Black AMEX, artisan is a gallery that, much like its Fortitude Valley location, offers up an eclectic mix of locally produced goods in its gift store and via it's exhibition program and welcomes all with open arms. I'm confident you'll never walk in feeling like you need membership to an exclusive club to enter. Most recently I visited the space for their Marketplace exhibition which showcased a range of local artisan producers from bakers, chocolate makers, miso, rooftop beehives and handmade wall planters. The concept was to show the connection we must have to where our food comes from and like many of this galleries exhibits, it actively encouraged visitors to interact with the exhibit. You were encouraged to taste the products from the makers, purchase and ask questions of them. But if a solo walk through an art gallery is not your style, there's also a well curated gift store at the front that stocks local producers works. Pro Tip: Always make a point to check out their window displays. Especially the one facing Ivory Street. There's always a new up & coming designer front and centre, like the current, Nooko & Co pieces. It'll make you reconsider an entire month's budget!