Over The Rainbow Gifts is a small fronted shop on the end of Pontcanna Street where it meets the Kings Road. Appearances, in this instance, are extremely deceptive. Instead of a space no bigger than the front room of a two up two down, which you are expecting on entering the shop, it opens up like an Aladins cave, albeit a long thin one, and is packed with pretty gifts bursting with colour and variety.
In this corner of Pontcanna Street the market for gifts is fiercely fought... great for us shoppers, but perhaps not so great for the shop keepers. With Flowers With A Twist and a an antique styled shop around the corner, both selling similar products, all three businesses must be feeling the squeeze. Nevertheless, it also makes a visit to buy presents a more attractive proposition. Being a good distance away from the city centre, with on-street parking, and a relaxed vibe to the area, I feel more inclined to come here than traipse into town. It's the assurance of finding something suitable for that last minute birthday present that is the added bonus here! If Rainbow Life stood alone, it would certainly soak up more of the local business, but would lose out on the people that are presently willing to come from further afield. It's a case of swings and roundabouts! read more