Henry Stokes has been in the same corner since 1861, making them one of the oldest tenants of…read moreElizabeth Street. They specialize in personalized stationary including invitations, letterheads and correspondence cards and are also agents for Crane and William Arthur, the two leading U.S. stationers. They have a great variety of styles, from the very classic, to new modern styles. They also sell post cards and have a book shopping service. It has a very charming and helpful staff ready to hear your needs and deliver you whatever you might need.

This is the type of shop you wish you had around the corner. The staff are exceptionally friendly…read moreand helpful and they have almost everything you could possibly need from a stationary shop from copper engraved wedding invitations to that last minute perfect gift. An absolute must if you're in the area.

Ann Summers is a bit of a public institution in the UK; the company has democratised sexy lingerie…read moreand accessories and is now present on most high streets around the country. There are more interesting stores in that category (Myla, Agent Provocateur, Coco de Mer) but all with much larger price tags. Ann Summers gets 3 stars because I cannot think of another store who would have had the idea of celebrating the anniversary of Robert Burns (famous Scottish poet) with a 'carpet burns' promotion...

The Soho branch is amply packed with all the naughtiness any relationship could benefit from. If…read moreyou're new to the whole idea, perhaps it would be a good idea to choose from notebooks, ice trays, toys or lingerie for the Mrs, come birthday time. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that their 'Rampant Rabbit' product line has anything to do with cute bunnies! I have never bought anything from Ann Summers myself, but my girlfriend has the following to add: Ann Summers is a shop every girl longs to enter, though sometimes they don't have the courage to do it. But, with a little push from a friend or two it can be good, clean fun. Once you enter the store everything is quite naughty, but nice. Every product you buy special consideration, taking into account what your other half would appreciate. Ann Summers can be a couple's best friend because if you need something to spice up your relationship this is where you will find it.