Oh Classy Crafts, how I love you. Or, as it really should be known, Klassy Krafts…read more A little warning: if you're not heavily into kitsch, I suggest you bypass Classy Crafts. Where else could I find a plastic doll dressed in an elaborate hand-knitted crinolin-style skirt, lovingly encased in cellophane? Where else could a source a dolly-on-a-stick, if you know what I mean? (No, it's not a euphemism - you know those plastic dolls smothered in glitter, with sticky-out net skirts tied onto balsa wood). There's also all manner of soap and facecloth combinations, silver jewellery (mostly paua-based), fabric-covered coathangers, handcrafted dolls, as well as quilts and handknitting (some of which is well into the realm of 'good taste').

What a way to run a business!!!! Hoping to buy some supplies for my upcoming art class I rang your…read morenumber several times but all I got was the answerphone, so in the end I left a message asking for the location of the shop. The day later there was a message left on my phone, so on Sat. I made the trip from Pukekohe to Howick only to find the shop closed and no explanation why ,even though the web site still said they were open. The girls in the shop next door said that several people had been enquiring but they had no idea why the shop was closed. Please keep your web-site updated and leave a message on the door. I shan't be making that trip for nothing anytime soon. Joan A

Paints, brushes and canvases galore, Art supplies is filled from top to bottom in the best array of…read morecolours you've seen since that HP Inkjet Printer advert. I'm not much of an artist, but I know good paint when I see it. They also have some great gifts, including face paint, glass and mug painting kits to colour the hours away. If they don't have what you're looking for, then they'll order it for you. Their website is really useful too if you want to take a look at what they have before visiting. It also has some artist tips for those determined to master the talent. Tucked away in the Meadowlands Shopping Centre, you may be travelling out of your way to get there (unless you're a local), but I doubt it will disappoint.

rude service. helium balloon for baby shower didn't even last the car journey home. when I asked…read moreabout the colour confetti inside a party popper that said it was gold, the staff reassured me it was gold and not blue or pink. we found at the time of the gender reveal it was actually pink not gold. super disappointed, don't recommend

Look Sharp is fantastic! It is the ultimate 'go to' place when you are in need of anything!…read moreAbsolutely perfect if you have a costume party coming up, if you need storage containers, baking tins, hair accessories, material, art and painting supplies, ANYTHING! I could spend so much time and money unnecessarily in this store! I have had a decent look around the store and I am yet to find something that is unreasonably priced. Look Sharp are great at being up today with 'festive' events coming up. Christmas, Easter, St Paddy's day, even valentine's day! Look Sharp is your one stop shop! Pop on it and check it out! EVERYTHING is there!

Funky Frocks takes the prize for the most cheerful stall at the Howick Village Market…read more Flapping on three sides of the stall are little girls' dresses in every imaginable colour. From simple slip-on, tie-up styles to pinafores, plain or patterned, as well as the most adorable elasticized cotton knickers, this stall also offers something to please even the fussiest little princess. The easy-fit styles are the answer when buying as a gift when you're not 100% sure of the size of the recipient, and make a very welcome present when posting overseas. I love it when locally-made, well-designed clothes are reasonably priced enough to offer a real alternative to the mass-produced alternatives, as they are at Funky Frocks.

I freely admit to having a thing about cards. I love buying them just for the sake of it, and…read morestoring them away for that day when they come in handy, and they always do. I've always bought birthday cards months before the actual birthday. I think a special card makes all the difference to a present, and one good place to pick them up is from Affordable Handmade Cards. This stall has a huge range of cards for all occasions, including little gift cards, and they're mostly only $2, $3, or $4. Pretty reasonable when you can pay between $5 and $10 for a card from Whitcoulls. Plus, being handmade, they're all slightly different and unique, and you can see they've been made with care. They have especially cute kids' birthday cards.

Wow, if you are a Lego fan, you have to check out Toy Planet! They stock the biggest range of Lego…read moreI've seen in Auckland, and it's also the most interesting range. I don't know if they import it, or if they simply have access to all the ranges available to stock in NZ (I think the other big chains only choose particular lines to carry) - but they really do have it all! My tip is to only shop here when you do not have your children with you, otherwise you'll end up leaving with an overloaded credit card...!

The man behind the counter. Be like that man. His service is second to none. I would drive from the…read moreother side of west Auckland just to be apart of the service he gives. Thank you so much for being so kind and so very helpful and patient with me. I'm a high voltage wired person and he is able to create calm for me. And yes it's so true, nothing is a problem for that lovely man. . From the lady that emails you my labels. TJ from Whitford

First class service by the always cheerful owner. Nothing appears to be too much trouble for him…read more Great selection of cards and stationary.

This is one of my favourite stores to shop for the children I love. I know that they won't be…read moregetting a duplicate from someone else, and that what I buy them will spark their imaginations and be used in play for years. Not only are the toy and game selections both unique and well-made, but the staff are very knowledgeable about their offerings and make expert suggestions on what items are good for different age groups. They have also been polite and friendly on every visit. This store never fails to delver on every level.

If you are a rich (and potentially pretentious) Europhile with a cool child or baby then you should…read moreprobably hit up this weird and very awesome shop. I only went into this place because it's on my way home from work, but I certainly did not regret it. Anonymously nestled on the way out of Ponsonby, Be Ba Bo is a kind of boutique toy shop where you can pick up all sorts of charming Germanic, Scandanavian, French, and Spanish fare. You won't find Barbie or Ken in this place, instead you will be greeted by a large rendering of the Eiffel tower, constructed out of some sort of obscure, German, meccano stuff. The place is absolutely awash with whimsy, and is certainly a haven for those of us whose interest is peaked by calm, clean, design. I adored the armies of little wooden figurines clothed in vibrant felt and woolen hairpieces. If I ever have a baby, I'll be certain to make it save up its pocket money so as to splash out on a terrific little something from Be Ba Bo.