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.

The first time I saw the sign for this store I was a little confused to say the least. I…read moreautomatically thought that Bimbo was a tacky fashion store and did not bother to browse for a number of years. However, one bright and sunny day I was drawn to a window display and decided to venture in. Bimbo is not full of short skirts and handbags. In fact, it is a really funky and quirky gift and homewares store. Whether it is your friend's birthday, your birthday or if you need to get a monkey magic pillow for your couch; Bimbo has something for you. The store is full of interesting items that will suit almost anyone. They have a great collection of novelty books, designer jewellery, clocks, watches, and toys; the list goes on... Bimbo has actually been one of Adelaide's long-standing unique gift stores for over 10 years. So you know that they have quality items. I have found the funniest gifts in this store for my friends; like a book called "Let's draw a c**k on it" and "How to speak to a zombie". Brilliant! I should not forget to mention that homeware items are super cool, like clocks made from records, funky vintage styled clocks, cool picture frames and flask essential oil burners. So, if you are stuck for a birthday or chrissie present, this is the ultimate gift destination in CBD.

Bimbo is one of my favourite places for a browse and a giggle. They sell a bizarre collection of…read morequirky jewelry, home decorations, funny gifts and books, and gorgeous bags. You'll always find something interesting in here. A great place to find gifts, they have a selection of men's watches and jewelry that is attractive yet different. If you're looking for original cuff-links, this is where you'll find them. There are little old-style books of pick-up and come-on lines and diaries with "My Sex Life" written loudly on the front. Their range of bags is fantastic. They come in all sizes and designs, and nothing in here is plain. If you're looking for something simple and elegant, Bimbo is not your shop. For silly stuffed toys, retro clocks, fantastic woven earrings, and a whole ton of creativity, you can't go past Bimbo.

Stuck for presents? Plan to give someone chocolate? Well, why not buy it fair trade?…read more Cleverly subtitled "the gift that gives twice" the Oxfam shop is a great place to browse for gift ideas, as well as to eye off treats for yourself. Hello fair trade nougat! I go in for the handmade notebooks as well as their handmade cards. I rarely give cards, but when I do I want them to be special and gorgeous. They have a particular style of cloth covered embriodered card with handmade paper inside that I really love. And, they end up being cheaper to buy than a normal stand alone card, which often costs $5 these days. Ridiculous. (Back in my day...) Anyway, in packs these come down to only a few dollars each. Downstairs, they have a range of furniture, rugs and manchester that I didn't know existed until I ventured further in. There are lots of crockery sets too that have a gorgeous, authentic style to them, and are at good prices. The assistant when I was in today bounced up to say Hi. She complimented my (oppshop) earrings and never quite got around to asking if I needed help, just gave me some ideas and showed me what I was looking for. Having lovely, friendly people in the shop really adds to the experience, and makes me even more eager to spend a few more dollars to get something fair trade. And considering that all the shop workers are volunteers, it's even more impressive what a great job they do. In this crazy holiday season, I'm buying my presents from Oxfam.

Oxfam is run mostly by volunteers who will help you however they can in this large and exciting…read moreshop full of things. You can get a whole range of interesting cookbooks in here and plenty of ethical odds and ends handcrafted by people from places all around the world. The thing that is especially cool about this shop is you can hook up with the whole system that lets you buy a gift for a friend which is actually a goat for a village on the other side of the planet. Know what I mean? Maybe you know about it already, but I'll shoot a shot at explaining it to you. First you select what you want to do, for example, buy a cow for a family in poverty... so you select a card that says something silly on the front and has a picture of a cow. It will cost you close to $200.00 - the money literally goes to the purchase of a cow for a family in Africa somewhere - or some other place on the planet that is a developing country in need of help. I love this whole idea. I love this whole shop! In the shop you can buy coffee, ethical of course. Tea, also ethical. Fabrics, books, weaving, ceramics and woven items such as baskets and wall hangings. There are many different little objects that have been created by people involved in programs set up by Oxfam to empower them, help them earn a living. It's feel good thing you can do, and it does make you feel like you have contributed when you make a purchase. I usually buy a cookbook for someone here, but there are lots of things you can check out not just cook books. Go in and have a look around, if you never have before I suspect you will be really delighted with what you find.

Ned's is full of all those useless yet pretty things you get and give as presents, and it's…read moreglorious in its mountains of lovely dust-collectors and silly outfits. The shop is predominantly filled with home decorations and things that sit on mantle pieces and dress up bookshelves, but they have a great range of cheap kids costumes and fancy dress accessories, like feather boas and hats and masks. Leading up to Christmas, they have an entire aisle just for Christmas decorations, outfits and enormous stockings. I was very tempted by the black Santa hat that says "Bah humbug", but got the elf ears instead. They also have an aisle of art supplies, including well prices canvases of varying sizes and plenty of paints. They have a cute range of stationary as well, and a very small, very sad pile of $4 books, none of which I have or would ever likely read. They're great for cards, wrapping paper and gorgeous boxes for presents. Their boxes come in all sizes, and look a little like babushka dolls the way they're piled on top of each other, and they're all only around $3. This is a great gift shop, and useful for all those extras that go along with parties and gift giving.

Popped into Ned's to buy a kitchen tidy bin--to throw my compostables in. Expected a range of bins…read moreand the like. Nah, just wall-to-wall homewares. Not even nice homewares. Perhaps my expectations were poorly set. Perhaps Ned's had something to do with setting them. Bunnings saved the day. Two out of five.

Ok so there are a lot of German souvenir shops in Hahndorf, but this is definitely the best and…read moremost authentic. I have been to Germany and their equivalent to this shop is very similar to the German Village. It had stein glasses, clocks and every other German artefact. I love the cuckoo clocks. My friend recently got a tattoo of one on her leg and I have realised how beautiful they are. I don't know if I would be a fan of having a bird tweet at me every hour but they are so good to look at. I also love the stein glasses. 1 litre of beer! If you are not up for this challenge, they are great water glasses. Especially when you are thirsty, normal glasses never seem to hold enough water. Stein glasses on the other hand hold heaps, perfect for next to your bed when you come home from a big night (of drinking beer ofcourse). Unfortunately I didn't talk to the staff too much so I didn't find out whether the owners came from Germany. However, with the accuracy of the shop I wouldn't be surprised if they were. If you are looking for an Australian rip-off of German souvenirs I would recommend heading here!

The German Village Shop is the most German shop you can find in Hahndorf, seriously. Walking in…read morethere made me feel like being back in Europe because they sell all the most cliche goods you could possible imagine. Nutcrackers, 'Hampelmaenner', cuckoo clocks, beer glasses, kitschy tea towels etc. Even if you're not planning on buying anything it's quite fun to have a browse.

In a dusty and fairly dingy building on Payneham road sits one of the strangest shops I have ever…read morebeen to. Like something out of a novel, I am quite surprised this place even exists. Inside the walls are lined with gigantic conches, rocks containing fossils of trilobites and other archaic sea creatures, crystals of all manner of shapes and sizes and crates of colourful shells and dried starfish. I don't know wether they are used for ornamentation, scientific purposes or as ingredients for magic potions, but either way it is a fantastic place.

This is Adelaide's best kept secret and absolutely THE best place for crystals, a place Indiana…read moreJones would be proud of! You need not bother going anywhere else ever again to buy crystals as Naturally Wild has got them all and is a wholesaler to shops where you buy them at higher prices. The guy running the shop is a explorer, adventurer, traveller, archaeologist, encyclopedia of knowledge plus purveyor, importer and wholesaler of everything the shop contains...I've probably missed a few titles but this pretty much covers it. He will answer any questions you have about the stones, nautilus, shells, crystals, puffer fish, shark jaws, and truly alot more amazing and real specimens and I really mean EVERYTHING...he knows exactly all about it. Want to buy a Salt Lamp? They've got them...did you know they work! And I discovered they are actually used by cancer patients. Seriously you have to open this link - http://www.hunzacrystalsalt.net/Salt_Lamps/salt_lamps.html - and read all about the surprising facts about the wonderful power these lamps possess. Yes of course I had to buy one. School holidays are almost here and I highly recommend taking the kids for a visit as it's a touchable museum but please be careful as there is stuff everywhere and definitely not big bag territory.

This is a bright, colourful, happy feeling shop, with products to match. The most noticeable…read morefeature is the wall of Crocs footwear, with every kind of Croc I've ever seen and more! A great colour array. The other main types of item here are homewares and fairy clothing for little girls. There are two separate corners for dress-ups, with wings and toys and tutus. A pity they don't come in larger sizes. The homewares are all bright and cheery, mostly things like pillows and ornaments and candles. This would be a great place for gift shopping. The back room is the most fun - the green umbrella, I love it! I can't help noticing the confusion about its address - it's listed online as both 2/131 and 135 Semaphore Road, and doesn't have an official website to confirm this. Google Maps says 2/131 Semaphore Road, so I'll go with that. Either way, it's between the bookstore and Furniture By the Sea. Worth a look!

Crocs galor!...this has got to be the largest stockist of Crocs in the whole of South Australia. A…read morekaleidoscope of colours and sizes line the wall on the right hand side as you walk in, with slat walling the envy of any shop owner. Not only footware but homeware and gifts galor too for the entire family and friends network, they will be pleased if they receive a little something under their Xmas tree or birthday or just because. It's like a one stop shop for not only Xmas gift shopping but for any occasion as there is lots to choose from and you'll walk out with something. In the back section is a bright and colourful arrangement with a huge green umbrella - hardly bad luck for this shop though - and a variety of gift ideas and home decor. To the right is a bargain table with oddments at discounted prices. I highly recommend coming in for a browse and a purchase!

Lemon Poppy is an adorable little gift shop on Unley Road just up from the Cremorne Hotel…read more If you're looking for the perfect gift for a friend or for just the right piece to finish off that room in your own home then look no further than Lemon Poppy. Having recently undergone a name change and look, this shop stocks pieces that suit shabby chic décor as well as those that work in a more traditional room. They have everything from candles to outdoor settings and trinkets galore. Whether it's a tea towel or a new piece of furniture, when it comes to homewares, make sure you head under the vines on Unley Road and see the girls at Lemon Poppy. You won't regret it.

These are the type of stores I love when I need to find a pressie for a house warming, or a present…read morefor someone I don't know too well. I get plenty of ideas in here. As Kristy said, it's a nice little gift shop that sells anything from furniture and home wares, to little ornaments. The staff are lovely here, which makes it an even better experience to go in and browse through their offerings.

I love Best Wishes! I have been going there for years and it only gets better…read more It's a fantastic little gift shop jammed packed with gifts, jewellery, great baby and children's gifts, wrapping paper, ribbons, and a great range of cards, you name it they have it! I love this time of year, as they have heaps of lovely and different types of Christmas decorations, gadgets, napkins, cards. So if you are looking for something a little different for someone you have no idea what to buy for, go take a look. The friendly staff will help you find what you are looking for.

Best Wishes is very cute but fits perfectly into the glamour market that the Burnside Village use…read moreto scout out of all their potential shops. The store sells a unique range of cards, wrapping paper and little gifts, some of which are really great. Their selection of wrapping paper and ribbons was great. The prices were ok at around $1.50 a metre depending on which ribbon you want, they must be popular as I saw a girl buying a couple of metres of different ones while I was in the store. Their range of Christmas decorations was discounted at very reasonable prices, some as little as $2.00. There is a big rack of cards to also choose from whilst you browse for the present. The children don't miss out either with a little kids corner shelf which has lots of little things perfect for small people, if that is who are you shopping for. I did see one lady buying yards of Christmas wrapping paper which I would have loved to tell her you could get from Kmart for half the price but unfortunately sometimes the Burnside Village-goers just cannot be told.

I love all florists and each has their own style and edge in the business but I feel there's…read moresomething special in particular about this one. I can't quite put my finger on it but it does have a certain kind of feel once I walk in. The location is good and the burst of the red canopy out the front adds to the effect, as I'm greeted with various plants in a rainbow of colours. But they do add a touch of whimsy as the florist changes the varieties often, so it's different each time I go in there. The frontage is understated and nicely framed by the red canopy as mentioned plus the decorative grape vine, a few hanging baskets on the side and some Yuccas in green pots along the side also. On this particular day there was a clear glass vase of lotus pods on their long stems, which I love as it's a purely architectural part of the plant (and I love architecture)! Dry twig wreaths and no decoration required for the Morticia in me, pretty little gifts randomly placed enabling the visitor to have a search in the garden type treasure hunt. Overall a great florist with a modern twist on arrangements for any occasion and I wish the smell can be bottled for home use!

I have never ever been disappointed with any of the unique pieces of art of which are the floral…read moremasterpieces that Alice has arranged in her own stylistic statement. I have entrusted her with free artistic license catering to any floral delivery situation for over eight years - and never has she let me down. Not to mention the recipients of her floral arrangements always call and thank me profusely and confess that other flowers they have received are not even noticeable next to the Flowers by Alice. I'm sure I have converted a lot of people once they have received one of her personalised arrangements. Alice has always taken the time to chat on the phone and listen to what I am after - and has perfectly catered to the situation at hand every single time. 10/10 from me