Idyllism is tucked away behind the main strip of shops in Olinda on Parsons Lane. It is a sweet…read morelittle shop that is full of jewellery, crystals, tarot cards, books, aromatherapy and essential oils and unique gift ideas. The layout is a little crammed but it is easy to see everything on display. There were some really interesting gift ideas in here with my favourite being a fairy cave candleholder. It was so beautiful. There were also some star sign book marks that were fun to read although I have seen these around before. There are tarot readings available seven days a week and a little room at the back of the shop is where these are held. They cost $50 for half an hour and there is a booking sheet on the door. Otherwise you can call the shop or drop in to make a booking. The staff member in the shop on the day I visited was especially friendly. She commented on my shoes, which were fluoro orange, and asked about my day and what other shops I had been to. The atmosphere in the shop was light and relaxed and it had a really nice scent. Idyllism is open from 10.30am to 5pm every day so make sure to pay it a visit.

C.Wong Tucked away…read morequietly from the main village shopping strip and nestled on a corner that overlooks the village green Idyllism is one of a select few shops that share this bucolic setting. The Dandenongs is the place to get away from it all and Idyllism in Olinda Village is the perfect place and setting to escape the ordinary and contemplate the esoteric - the mysteries and wonders of life. On a fine day, one can sometimes witness clairvoyant readings outdoors near the village green where the local birds frolic and feed. There is a good range of crystal selections that help fine tune positive energies as well as incense and smudging bundles to dissipate negative ones. The proprietor takes great effort to source and select rare and quality mineral and gem specimens. There are fine displays of stirling silver and crystal jewelry for everyone's tastes and beautifully made healing wands. There are a useful range of aromatherapy products, candles and objet d'art to help create that magical, contemplative atmosphere around one's environment. The staff are always delighted to help and are a font of knowledge and experience. The shop has a pleasant intimacy and a sunny and fresh outlook.

Quirky, colourful and so much fun - would be my description of this busy little shop that never…read morefails to get my attention. It's one of those stores that you need some time to browse and take everything in because there are so many little things to look, feel and experience. Check out the clever little gimmicks such as the stacking Babushka doll measuring cups, the matching measuring spoons and the more recent water carafe. Other interesting décor items include bird cages, bird motif frames and elegant candles stands and candelabras. Gizmo Gifts also has a wide ranges of kid's toys, quirky non-slip socks and slogan t-shirts plus humorous collectibles for the big kid in you. Every time I step into this store, I end up buying something that I really love so if you're in the market for a unique gift idea, Gizmo might have exactly what you're looking for.

This is one of those stores that if you don't like crowds, then don't go there on Christmas Eve…read more This is a tiny little gift buyer's paradise. There is everything from novelty mugs to calendars, to adult toys to key chains, scented candles and wacky mouse pads. The aroma as you walk in, is a fusion of bubble wrap and vanilla incense or whatever cheap incense they seem to be burning. I'm really not a fan of these stores - this is like the epitome of commercialism, I'm surprised that Christmas doesn't own it. This place is like an up-market $2 shop. Most of the products aren't made in china, so they cost you an arm and a leg - but unfortunately it's still worthless crap. Maybe I'm being a bit offensive, especially to those who have a "Magpies supporters only" parking sign in front of their house. If you don't, and you enjoy worthless crap, now you know the place to find it!

The Grotto is a store that sells a mix of homewares, fashion, accessories, and beauty products. Its…read moredifficult to define this store, other than it stocks eclectic and unique things that are designed to bring beauty and originality to your life in whatever form that may be. From funky umbrellas and table top placemats, to giant floppy hats and floral maxi dresses, the grotto has a little bit of everything. The store has that kind of hippy spiritual feel to it, but dont be diverted by thinking the store is full of smelly candles and incense burners. Sure, they are there too, but there are plenty of great items to be had here, once you get your head around what they are actually trying to sell, if that makes sense. The sales staff are friendly and were quite happy to leave me browsing by myself, which I love. When I want some help I'll go ask for it!

I stumbled upon Zingy's on Gelenhuntly Road when I was on the hunt for bedside lamps. No, I didn't…read morefind nice bedside lamps here (the ones they had were quite tacky) but I did find a whole new world of homeware and functional gifts inside. Think the likes of magazine racks, jewellery hangars/ storage, crockery, waste paper bins, kitchen utensils etc. Zingy's is the kind of store that sells everything you can think of. (Okay not everything but it has a lot to browse through) I fell in love instantly with the large selection of bamboo trays, side tables and cheese plates. They also carry a wide range of cool jewellery organisers, from enclosed boxes to tall, standing mirrors with hidden storage, to rings trays and tree-shaped necklace holders. Prices are reasonable and the girls who work here are super enthusiastic and know the shop and the products they sell like inside out, so it's easy to get recommendations or alternatives.

You know what I don't get about modern society? It's where all the clotheshorses have gone. Five…read moreyears ago, you'd head out to Target or to K-mart and you'd be able to pick a cheap one up without too much effort. Nowdays, though, they seem to have vanished off the face of the earth. Even a place like Zingy's, which seems dedicated to selling cheap homewares, boasts a tagline saying "something for everyone", and which has a wooden watch display case (where you can display up to four watches at once). Even a place like this doesn't have one on offer. But you can buy individual plates at quite nice prices. I guess that's something, anyway.

Divine Heart & Soul is the place to go if you are wanting to give your soul some treatment. It…read moreoffers services inclusive of tarot, angel and psychic readings, hypnotherapy, hypnoenergetics, spiritual counselling, life coaching, energy healing, reiki, energy healing, medieval astrology, self development workshops and meditation. Is that not enough convincing? Well. The shop has some gorgeous crystals and giftware on offer and the prices are really fair. There are some great crystals that are on chains as the pendant on a necklace. They were absolutely exquisite and the prices weren't ridiculous either. There are definitely bargains to be had here. The treatment rooms are out the back and are very private. I have never experienced any of their services but I have had positive feedback from friends who have been there. I met the owner Joyce-Kay when I first went there and she was super welcoming and friendly. She happily asked about my day and how I was feeling before proceeding to go an extra five miles when answering my questions. She loaded me up with brochures about the services on offer and we had a great conversation. I honestly don't think I saw her without a smile the whole time I was in the shop. As a result the atmosphere was really positive and inviting. I am looking forward to returning for my second visit.

Melbournalia is a souvenir shop that sells stuff people will actually like. This news is the good…read morekind of shocking. I'm a fan of gift giving, but souvenir shopping is such a chore. It takes forever and there's a good chance that the recipient will be polite but never use it, or you'll buy something that's more gag-gift than keepsake. What bugs me even more is when you see the same damn souvenirs relabelled in every country you go to. The wares at Melbournalia are different. They sell well thought out items from local Melbourne designers, with just the right hint of local charm (trams, postcode designs, aussie animals). You wouldn't have to have a foreigner in mind to buy something here either. They sell the kind of stuff you could have in your own house without it being embarrassingly ironic. Cute+

Bourke Hill based Melbournalia carries all manner of Melbourne-themed (and Melbourne-made!) goods…read more From local rooftop honey and tea towels to tram t-shirts and kids books, this small shop pretty much corners the market on local gifts. A wise stop if you want something to remember your trip to Melbourne, or want to send a gift to a homesick Melburnian living abroad.

Melody Nelson is a great little nook of surprises, full of things you didn't realise you wanted…read moreuntil you saw that it existed. Full of little knick-knacks, thing-a-ma-bobs and trinkets, it's an especially good place to visit if you're gift shopping (particularly as it bills itself as a gift shop). The goods are sourced locally and from Europe, and range from leather gloves, dresses, fancy hats, scarves and cushions through to brightly coloured and chunky potato peelers, rainbow water glasses and cute little tea sets. It's the sort of shop where you go around making little noises of approval as you browse. It's not cheap, but also not all that expensive and the things are nice. It's always worthwhile to drop in if you're in the area.

Bluestone Candles in Sassafras is one shop with a great atmosphere and home to great staff. The…read moreshop itself is filled with enticing aromas of candles and a faint waft of incense. The staff member welcomed me within a minute of entering the store and commented on the weather, though not in an annoying way. (The weather had actually been pretty horrendous in Melbourne for days and the day I went to the shop was sunny and warm.) As I walked around and stopped to look at things the man would call out bits of information about the product and what it was used for which was really interesting and helpful. I ended up buying a little water-scented candle, which was really cool and only $3.50. And who knew water had a scent right! Very cool. There were some really groovy bulbous colourful candleholders as well. They had amazingly detailed decoration and came in three sizes. Prices ranged from $12 to $60 depending on whether it was small, medium or large. I was very tempted yet again. They also had candelabras, incense and incense holders, and candlesnuffers. Bluestone candles are open from 11-5 every single day of the week and their candles last for ages.