Great staff - when they know something, they really know it, and even better - when they don't,…read morethey admit it! It's so refreshing to talk to salesmen that treat you like a human being, and that act like human beings themselves. I never feel like I'm being ridiculous when I ask about strange art supplies, even when I probably am, and whilst it's not always possible to fill those odd requests, I never feel stupid for making them. The selection on offer is enormous and wide-ranging, and pretty good for it's cost - I never feel like I'm being sold the cheap stuff at bargain prices, it's all at a quality that matches the asking price.

A good place to go for all your basic stationary needs. They sell your usual pens, envelopes,…read morepaper, diaries, rubbers etc... Be warned though, most of the items here are pretty basic, if you fancy a cute, or quirky notebook, I'd recommend heading over to Paperchase instead. Another thing to watch out for is that this store can be a bit pricey in comparison to places like Staples, and your local supermarket. Where Pen and Paper excels however, is in its art materials. If you're studying art in school, University, or even if you're a professional, this is definitely the place to go. The supplies are all of the best quality, and what's more the staff really know their product, and can advise you on what would suit your particular need (which you really wouldn't get at the large chain stores). Perhaps a little randomly, Pen and Paper also has a fantastic selection of jigsaws! Now personally I'm not particularly in to jigsaws, but if they are your thing, you'll just love this store!

Like Caban, in the Pontcanna / Canton area, at the other side of town, Paperweight stocks a broad…read moreselection of Welsh greetings cards to compliment the ranges that are in English. And it's not just about endearing themselves to the locals by pandering to a whim. There is a very serious demand for goods written in the Welsh language, ranging from books, magazines, cards and instruction manuals etc... The Welsh are determined to keep their language alive no matter what, and the growth rate that it's experienced since consciously deciding to preserve it has mushroomed. I am half Scottish, and have often heard people bemoan that Scottish culture is being diluted because the native tongue is in decline. But there's not such a clear intention up there to preserve it. In Wales there is no doubt! Everywhere you go you see evidence of the Welsh being fiercely patriotic; every shop, every pub and public place, and of course, within people's homes... and there's a lot to be proud of... the Welsh do things pretty well. I have respect for this, but what really makes me love the Welsh is their warmth and sense of community. Maintaining the language, very probably, is helping to keep communities together. Paperweight also stock wrapping paper and tags, stationary, and a small selection of funky gift ideas for the home, as well as accessories like key fobs etc...

A card store which has a nice variety of generic cards available. However they absolutely excel on…read moretheir selection of Welsh language cards. The variety is without a doubt impressive, and I guarantee that any Welsh speaker (or perhaps non Welsh speaker) will be truly satisfied, especially when it comes to the age specific cards. They also stock wrapping paper and gift bags, though not enough for my liking. I do love the small and large dishes available to purchase, which are covered in pictures of either; popcorn, marshmallows, smarties, or strawberries. These are very good value for money and I know for a fact that Urban Outfitters sells them at a far dearer price.

A lovely shop to visit if you're in Bradford on Avon. Can always find a gift to buy in there and…read morethere are cards for everyone.

This shop saves me ever having to go into town when in need of cards or wrapping paper. They have a…read morewide selection of cards; from the tasteful, to the funny, to the noisy and even luxury handmade ones, which though on the pricey side I find always go down well. They have a good selection of ribbons, bows and wrapping paper, however It would be good if they did more gift bags, though perhaps that's wishful thinking. They also stock helium balloons, which is useful if you live locally and don't want it getting in the way in the car. It's definitely not worth driving halfway across Cardiff for but handy if you live nearby.

A great greeting cards shop with lots of extra things - pretty boxes to keep things in, balloons,…read morechocolates, postcards and more. The girl who was working in there yesterday was very friendly and helpful.

A very well stocked card shop covering all ages, occasions as well as balloons, wrapping paper…read moreetc... But Llanishen cards is so much more than a card shop, believe you me! The shop has a wide selection of Emma Bridgewater china, such as mugs, plates, and bowls which I absolutely love (tres chic)! They stock a range of wooden children's toys, a favourite of mine being a wooden block brightly painted calendar set with toy soldiers, which I bought for my nephew. They also have a selection of soft baby toys including some gorgeous teddy bears. Finally what also caught my eye were some unique small clocks, ornaments, and a set of miniature musical instruments such as drumsticks, guitars etc... Must admit I was tempted!

A wonderful addition to our village. Llanishen cards has been open for a few years now and the…read morelovely lady owner lives just around the corner. Its always very well stocked and has a diverse selection of cards. They have wonderful taste and just last week I bought a christening card for my new and first great-granddaughter. But make sure you get into the back room! Its like a little treasure trove of Emma Bridgewater delights! I always buy my trinkets for Christmas here! A must visit for your nice bits and bobs!

Aimed mainly at people who are into card-making, this little shop sells a fantastic range of…read moreaccessories such as craft tools, stickers, stamps, and glittery bits and bobs to inspire paper crafting activities. However, they also specialise in stocking all the products you would need to make your own wedding stationery, wedding favours, keepsake boxes or guest books, so if you're planning a wedding and want it to be original (and perhaps save some money), this shop is well worth checking out. They also sell a lot of materials for scrapbooking, from albums to scizzors, cutting mats, craft knives, acid free adhesive, plus card and paper.

My friend and her nine-year-old daughter have vowed to make all of their Christmas presents…read morethemselves this year, and this includes the cards. All the gifts will be knitted, (which makes me want to yell, "all aboard the Skylark", roll my eyes and swear under my breath...) They started their campaign in March and are doing reasonably well. Daddy has got an Everton scarf with the letters knitted in, (rather than sewn in), and they are almost entirely legible, even if they are a little creative in their organisation. My scarf has been abandoned, as "there's a hole in it that I don't know how to fix"... Great! "We're going to make you the best card ever though", came some small reassurance. I refrained from adding "I doubt it!" And there began a step by step graphic description of exactly how the 'best card ever' will be achieved. Nodding gently, with a flickering smile, I managed to maintain my attention span to cover the length and breath of the explanation. "It'll be such a lovely surprise", I said, and went outside for a fag! A note to all the staff at Crafty Cards: My little nine year old friend will be coming to you shortly to spend a years worth of pocket money on your bounteous supplies. Can you please explain to her that in order to achieve the results she's expecting she'll need a PHd in some form of precision engineering and have access to top classified materials reserved for the military and NATO. Please let her down gently!

I word of recommendation about going in to Hobbycraft. Please don't go in if you don't know what…read moreyou want to buy beforehand. You need a plan of attack. Head straight to the help desk and then to where they send you with blinkers on. Hobbycraft is a massive warehouse of, well, everything that you could possibly need to any hobby ever. Their problem is certainly not being able to supply us with our needs, but rather, they over supply. You stand in the middle of this store and want to scream: Argh! I know I should be using all these creativity to make something, but I don't know what! It's all on overload. That being said, I know people who live in these stores. And yes, their houses are full to bursting with ribbons and gibbons and squibbons and such, but they're always prepared and kinda nifty with a needle. So, in short. Get in. Get out. Or pay the price. Dun dun duuun.

So this Hobbycraft gives you two floors of everything arty you can think of from standard drawing…read morematerials, to specialist model making materials, framing equipment, soft furnishing stuff and lots, lots more. It is a bit of a maze and they really don't make it easy for you to navigate this store. Apart from one sign by the stairs, they is no signage through the shop and that really annoys me. They obviously want to tempt you to buy other stuff but its so frustrating when your just after something specific. I spend a good 5 minutes walking around the upstairs with no sign of any staff members to help guide me. Eventually I found the section I was after but I was disappointed by how expensive everything was. I took myself to the checkout to pay and the checkout staff were busy chatting so I was barely acknowledged. Good selection but i'd rather get what I need online for cheaper.

My husbands main Birthday presents was Wales/Scotland 6 Nations rugby at the Milleniium Stadium,…read moreWelsh whiskey & decided to make it a Welsh themed Birthday. I loved the Sheep Poo range cards, air freshness (Daffodil, fresh cut grass). Husband reaction 'SHEEP POO!'