Having visited this shop a couple of weeks ago, with my wife, we both commented what a lovely shop…read moreit is, bright and airy with a fantastic range of sewing and needlework accessories, as well as some lovely handmade gifts, we also noted that they make personalised T-shirts, mugs and lots of other items, although we don't need anything of that sort at the moment, we now know where to come in the future. We did buy some gifts for the family to get them started in various crafts as they have a lovely range of gift sets in stock. Will definitely be back.

My lord, i love crafty shops. This is like a mecca for…read morecrafty people! I've shopped around for various craft supplies and hobbycraft isn't as expensive as i thought it would be, it has the added bonus of being all under one roof. I don't agree with previous comments that it's a shop for lazy people, if you are short on time then it's the best place. Smaller more personable hobby shops which are lovely will inevitably be more expensive and smaller in size including options for stock so it depends what you are after. i used to buy online from independent sellers but you do get less for your money and if you are intending to sell your items you create like i do, every penny makes a difference. Another good place to check out is local garden Centres, would be surprised the things i've found! They sell an abundance of Christmas crafts, ribbon, buttons, pendants, beads, modelling craft, decoupage, flower arranging, kids crafts and art work, cake decorating icing/ materials and that's just down stairs! It does get very bust on weekends, deducting a star for the times i've had to wait in the que for half and hour or more. They do seem to lack the correct number of staff in my opinion but the staff they do have are helpful as can be. If you are just starting off looking for a new hobby or unsure where to go with some craft ideas, just go for a visit, your not obligated to buy anything. You'll get 1001 ideas and inspirations :)

Hobby Craft is basically a craft shop for lazy people, who don't really take craftwork that…read moreseriously. For if they did they would almost certainly shop around and get things cheaper, better and more specialized. For what it is though (craft shop for lazy people) it is pretty good as they have a wide selection of materials and pretty much everything you need under one roof. I have to admit using this one in particular as it is nice and big and I know they will have the specific item I'm looking for. If only the prices were that little bit cheaper. Sorry, scrap that, if only the prices were a lot cheaper, it would be a pretty good chained store. As it stands at the moment it is quite frankly a rip off.

I visited Doodlebug during a trip to Cwmbran for some Christmas shopping and I just didn't want to…read moreleave! Doodlebug is a tiny gift shop filled with fun knick knacks that anyone can love. Value: The most surprising part about this store. Usually, whenever I come across a small independent gift shop the prices are very dear. However, Doodlebug's merchandise is relatively reasonably priced and of great quality as well. Variety: There's loads of goodies you can get from Doodlebug. I bought cute scented erasers for my little cousins. Essentially, a visit here will probably leave you wishing you were rich to buy everything. From adorable money banks, hilarious cards, to adorable stationary. If you're all out of gift ideas this Christmas, there might be something at Doodlebug to inspire you. Customer Service: The downside. The staff here had anything BUT holiday cheer and weren't very welcoming. When I went to the counter with my purchases they were not friendly at all. Just told me the price and then turned around to talk to each other. I mean I know retail jobs suck, but at least PRETEND like you have some holiday cheer. --- Overall, I quite like Doodlebug for its reasonably priced and adorable merchandise. However, the staff really need to step up their game because they don't exactly make me want to come back.

As far as WHSmiths go, this is location is one of the better ones I've been to…read more ~ Location: It's in the heart of Cwmbran Shopping Centre, so whether you're coming here for an errand or just a browse, making a day of it is pretty easy. It's fairly large and has 2 entrances to access it, so you can't miss it! ~ Variety: The actual store itself aside, WHSmith also houses the local post office. Whenever I'm in need of heading to the post office to mail something off, I always end up wandering around this massive store just for a bit of a browse. And there's plenty to browse from whether you're into books, board games, or even stationary. When it comes to books specifically, there is definitely a lot here. I've bought more than my share of Christmas presents from here before for the kids and adults; a beginner's guide to Minecraft, a Pokemon stickerbook, and a few cookbooks as well. It's probably cheating, but WHSmith makes Christmas shopping a breeze because I often come through for some inspiration on what to purchase as gifts with how much they have on offer. --- I do like WHSmith, but this WHSmith in particular is just plain awesome. Great location and great stock, it's well worth a go!

Whsmiths in Cwmbran is located opposite HMV and can be entred from two sides, it is of a great size…read moreand offer a wide selection of items, they have quite a big section of magazines, Cards, Gifts, Dvds,CDs and games and a very big selection of books - fact, fiction and reference, they also sell the national newspapers at the front of the store. It is always clean instead and you can find items very easily so it is well layed out. This WHSmith, like a few in the south Wales very now have a post office included, which is handy. Lovely store.

Cracking little independent comic shop, good personal service from the owner, Dave, discounts for…read morestanding orders and a good level of chat from fellow enthusiasts. All together a fun place to hang out.

This is a WH Smiths with a difference. The ground floor stocks all the usual cards, magaines,…read morestationery products that you would expect from this shop and the upstairs also has a large range of books both fiction and non fiction, however it also houses the local Post Office! I was taken by complete surprise when I went upstairs to buy a dictionary to find the Post Office taking over about half the floor space! As this is a main branch it offers a passport checking service and in case you haven't got your photo just right there is a very handy instant photo booth available. There is also a Travel Services office providing whatever currency you may need as well as a post box. I noticed that there is a lift to the first floor so no problems if you have mobility problems or a pushchair in tow. When I was there the post office was not too busy but I would imagine it could get pretty chaotic at Christmas time when you have shop and post office customers all jostiling for space.

The non-food Tescos. The main sections are the clothes, homeware, electronics, kitchen stuff, CDs…read moreand DVDs, and they sell furniture and beds (look out Ikea) and there's even a Costa Coffee inside. The prices aren't outstanding though. There are some bargains to be found but for example a lot of the electronics stuff is the same price you'd find them in Dixons. Don't go expect a massive bargain frenzy. There are no 'normal' checkouts in this place- every checkout is self-service, which is fine if your shopping basket is not too big but it can end up getting chaotic if your basket has DVDs (that have age restrictions), or clothes (that have tags).

Much as I love to hate Tesco because it's taking over the world bit by bit, I have to admit that…read morethey know what they're doing when it comes to selling the public 'stuff'. right now, they have every single market cornered. If you can find something in Ikea, you can probably also now find it at Tesco Home Plusa big out of town non-food Tesco store. It's pleasant enough to walk round and browse, though the majority of things are in their catalogue and the actual store is just a fraction of what they sell. If you can leave your moral objections at the door, it's a good shop.

A visit to Wales would not be complete without a visit to the Grogg Shop…read more Grogg's are these amazing sculptured clay models of everyone who's anyone in Wales or more specifically rugby. John Hughes is the master behind these little ceramic masterpieces and he's been doing it for a mega forty five years. The shop itself is something to behold in itself. Bright red and far enough off the road to look like a real spectacle along Broadway of Ponty. And when inside something magical seriously happens. I think its pure amazement but I'm not entirely sure. Hundreds of funny looking figures surround the over crowded shelves. Each being carefully hand crafted to perfection, Grogg's are really something quite special and completely unique. Everyone in the shop is super friendly, so friendly you'll probably make friends. I have my very own Grogg of Shane Wiiliams and was lucky enough to have it signed by John himself. Very special and one day will be worth quite a bit I imagine. For a completely unique look at Wales, the Grogg shop is a must. GO NOW!!!

Situated on Broadway in Pontypridd, the Grogg Shop is one of the more unique shops in the area…read more Established in 1965, the Grogg Shop has been providing the world with their unusual looking figurines for over forty years. They have routinely made models of the welsh international rugby team, dating back decades to the likes of Barry John and Gareth Edwards, right up to modern day sporting heroes such as Shane Williams and Andy Powell. But these miniature statues aren't just limited to the international team; they have a huge selection of famous, and infamous, personalities and modern day figures, from Muhammad Ali and Elvis to Bruce Springsteen and Laurel and Hardy. The Groggs themselves come in various shapes and sizes ranging from the smaller 6 inch figurines, right up to the more expensive 16 inch sizes. While they can be quite expensive at times, due to their size or availability, but they are well worth the money when you have the finished article on your mantelpiece. If you are unable to visit the shop in person, they also offer an online shopping service, allowing you the opportunity to browse their extensive range and buy their distinctive unique statuettes from around the world.