I admit that when I'm in tramp casual attire I do look a bit like a raging homicidal maniac or, at…read morethe very least, a pickpocket with social anxiety issues. However, I do not appreciate getting stereotyped immediately when I enter a store as a perfectly lawful possible patron. When I walked into Unikob I got sharp glares and stares that would have outdone the slicing capabilities of any of the shredders the store had in stock. Before I took two steps toward the Post-it section I was stopped and asked 'Can I help you?' by both the store manager and the cashier. Believe me, this was not a customer service induced question; they obviously thought I was bad news. I told them that I was looking for Post-its and when they heard my American accent their faces were visibly relieved. When I was finally taken off of the Stationary Stealers Wanted Roster I got a chance to peruse the store. They have everything you need for your office or for your studies at reasonably cheap prices. I paid £1.30 for a packet of Post-its and I'm quite happy with my purchase. They were quite happy with my purchase too and as I exited the store they were all smiles. So if you're not up for travelling to the nearest Ryman's and you live in the area, this is a good place to go for your clerical needs...unless you're wearing a hoodie.

There were two sales assistants behind the counter, one with a mask and one without - both at the…read morerear of the small shop. Quite a few people were closely packed around the counter. Addressing the sales assistant without a mask, I explained that I'm a pensioner and that I'm nervous about being around people in small spaces, particularly if they're not wearing a mask. He told me he had an exemption. I was just about to say something along the lines of, "Oh, fair enough, but I'm still nervous about being in a small space, particularly at my age," but before I had the chance to say anything, he asked me if I could read, and pointed to his badge. Then he told me it was none of his business whether he wore a mask or not, and that I didn't have to come into the shop if I didn't want to. He did go on with the rant, but those were the two main points he was making. I think it's such a pity that as a customer-facing member of staff he didn't take a moment to empathise with my concerns, that after all are based on genuine reasons to feel threatened by Covid 19, particularly given it's growing. I wasn't being rude or doing anything wrong in asking about the mask, and if he'd just left the matter after he'd pointed out he had an exemption, all would have been fine. But he chose to go on and hammer his points home, and meanwhile I couldn't go anywhere as the other sales assistant was in the process of packing up my goods and getting me the change. The whole episode was needlessly embarrassing, unpleasant and left a nasty taste in my mouth. I hope he will be more empathetic with the next anxious old lady.

Have you ever wanted to find that card that's too clever or funny for Clintons but didn't know…read morewhere to find it? Postmark is that place! It was recommended to me by a friend when I wanted a valentines card that didn't come with the usual sickeningly sweet gushing prose and declarations of love that would make Romeo drop his codpiece. Postmark is a teeny-tiny shop that sells all the usual card/wrapping stuff you might want. It has a range of obscure, odd and outright different stuff including the greatest cards in the world! I can't say what they are because there will be a stampede and I know how limited these bad boys are. Imagine a handmade card by someone with a funky sense of humour and the design talent of a 5 year old with a pot of glue and some button eyes....mad but brilliant! The piece de resistance - Postmark was the first place to sell I love Balham mugs: 5 stars for that alone!

Picked Tim at Flowers by Birksen as my wedding florist on strong recommendations of friends who…read moreorganise a lot of weddings and I have to say - WOW. STUNNING STUNNING work. They took the beautiful wedding venue to a whole new level with the lovely decor and my bridal bouquet was a true beauty (this says a lot, coming from someone who never bothers much with flowers and just told Tim "I trust you; I like these colours and these elements - now just go with your gut.") Would hands down recommend Tim and Birksen for any occasion!!

Helpful when I enquire about buying a wreath, didn't do the area I needed it to be delivered to, so…read moresuggested elsewhere.

What a cute little shop full of niknaks for the home - if I had the doe I would spend it in here!…read moreAs well as home-ware and art from independent designers they also sell stationary, gift bags and awesome cards! Some of their lampshades, cushions, place mats etc have the most adorable patterns - love the pinepples and flamingos! They also have an online website which I can't stop browsing!

From the owner: Barnaby & Co is an online interiors and gift shop. We offer a unique shopping experience, selling…read morehomewares, art and gifts from independent designers alongside pieces produced by larger design houses such as Bloomingville and Lucie Kaas. We have curated a collection of fabulous pieces, featuring makers such as Rosa & Clara Designs, Stuart Gardiner, Matt Needle and Sabrina Fossi. Our makers span across Europe, each one incorporating their design heritage into their products. There are lots of pieces from London's own designer makers too. We've been featured in several publications including Hello!, House Beautiful, The World Of Interiors, Vogue, Sussex Style and Le Bonbon to name a few. We hope you like our collection as much as they do. Barnaby & Co.

An incense smelling, picture frame and mug selling gift shop where along with a silver bracelet you…read morecan buy a cup of coffee to drink at the tables outside. Maybe it is the overcrowded way in which the shop has been put together, or the incongruent mix of styles, but something about it is rather overwhelming and off-putting. Wish does however, have some really nice and often unusual and ethnic pieces (alongside a fair bit of tack). I do not believe that Wish should be overlooked, but neither is it the nicest or most exciting shop to be in.

Wish is a tiny random store and coffee shop right next door to Herne Hill train station. Usually,…read moreI love places like this, shops that sell little bits of randomness (picture frames, prints of Marilyn Monroe, diaries, wallets, clocks, candles, etc.), but for some reason it just felt a bit too manic in here. It felt like all of the items were just strewn around; complete entropy. I was unimpressed by the store's miscellaneous knick knacks, but I was shocked when I ran into their jewellery section. They have gorgeous pieces of silver earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Moonstone, garnet, onyx - if you're into silver jewellery you will have loads to choose from here. So Wish, yes, jewellery extraordinaire with an abundance of knick knacks and pretty good cups of coffee.

This is one of those little shops that sells a random selection of gifts and knick knacks. Just off…read moreBalham High Rd it's a great option if you're disorganised like me and need to buy a last minute birthday present. It stocks cards and a wide range of gifts like candles, bits of jewellery, diaries, notebooks, stationary, pictures etc.. It also has random bits like sunglasses and gadgety bits. It is a little bit on the expensive side but that's the price you pay for convenience and not having to trek into town! Apparently it also does picture framing but I've not tried this out!

Green and Stone is a great little art shop that is also a framers…read more I love the old feel to this store, as these guys have been on the go since 1927. They have a fine selection of the best quality oil, acrylic and watercolour paint. They also sell paper, canvas, brushes and easels. They also have a great range of gifts such as globes, pencils, photo frames, perfect for the artist or writer in your family. The only downside is it is a bit pricey.

What a gem of a place…read more I love the antique art materials & always drop in on my way to nearby Chelsea Arts Club

It's a Ryman. Nothing generally to crow about. Rather expensive, but has what you need when you…read moreneed some stationery. The staff here are very helpful, however, and kept me from wasting time elsewhere with some copy-related needs. Yay!