Utopia is my first port-of-call when I know someone's birthday is coming up, or at Christmas…read moretime...you're pretty much guaranteed to find something in here you know that person will like. The variety is huge - massive wooden chess sets to quirky key rings and everything in between. There's nothing cheap or tacky, just beautiful gifts at incredibly affordable prices. The last time I was (it was only last week, due to their being a friend's birthday on the horizon), I was served by the most friendly lady I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. She really was genuinely lovely, and that really made the trip for me. There's nothing better than decent customer service, and I definitely experienced some top class service that day. With some of the loveliest ranges in town, and wonderfully helpful staff, Utopia really is a must see...you won't be disappointed.

Yeah I have no complaints about Utopia. I'm glad there is only one of its kind in Belfast as that…read morekeeps the family who run it in trade and the customers flocking back. I love to go in at Christmas time as my mum has a thing for Christmas decorations and this is the best place in town to get a quality piece at a really good price. It houses such a mixture of goodies you could spend hours just browsing. There is a massive selection if ornaments such as statues of dogs, animals and fairies. They also have a large collection of really nice inexpensive costume jewellery. You can pick up anything in here from a rubber chicken to a ceramic panda. It is definitely the place to go for gifts of any sort. I was bought a poker set from here many moons ago and I still treasure it as although it wasn't really expensive it has the feel of a luxury item.

Describing itself as modern vintage, I think this is more of a sweet shop for grown ups. From the…read moremoment you walk in your senses are overwhelmed by Kidson's trademark flowery designs on everything from lunch boxes to wellington boots. It is a bit twee for some, but for pieces here and there, there is always something for an ideal girly gift or something to perk up your pantry. It isn't cheap for what it is, but for a hint of pretty I'd be glad to take any of it.

It's happened to all of us- you realise it is Auntie Joan's birthday, or a mate has a baby or the…read morekids announce there is an unexpected party to go to and the thought of trailing into town fills you with dread. Well fear no more, problems always solved here. They have a great selection of cards and gifts for all occasions and little nic naks like picture frames and mugs, bags and books to cover most emergency gift situations. You can park outside and it won't break the bank, bingo! They also have additional space upstairs with seasonal stuff and party requirements, as you probably think you have birthday candles somewhere, but you don't. ;-)

Just For You has been on the Belmont Road for absolute donkeys (since 1985 apparently), and is…read morestill going strong. It's wide variety of cards, gifts and stationery make it an invaluable outlet for birthdays / Christmas / other occasions. I have fond memories of coming in when I was a kid, and my mum searching through the masses of cards 'til she found the perfect one. Now I've started doing the same thing (yikes), and find Just For You a wonderfully tranquil setting for doing so. The staff are friendly and laid-back, and you can really take your time gazing at the vast array of beautiful gifts. Among my favourites are the cute mini novel clocks which come in the form of pianos, golf bags, animals and the like, as well as the Bridgewater Candles which smell simply delicious. The best bit, however, is the hidden section upstairs, containing Fiorelli handbags, Disney figurines, gorgeous furniture, tapestries and luxurious scarves. At Christmas time, this area is buzzing with Christmas gifts, ornaments and decorations...it really is like Santa's grotto, exuding such a lovely cosy atmosphere. In fact, the whole shop really is very comfortable and intimate all year round, making for a truly lovely shopping experience. Just For You of course...

I can't believe I am the first person to review The Cove. This is a true Yelpers paradise. This wee…read moregift shop is literally full to the brim with antiques, cards, gifts and presents that your mum would like. Thy have a huge rang of vintage items set outside the store, this is what actually caught my attention. It's a bit like an upmarket car boot sale. There didn't really seem to be a theme to the items. There was a mix of furniture, household decorations and general bric-a-brac. I loved it - there is something really exciting about sifting through all their products. Almost like a treasure hunt. Antiques collectors would love this place. It also had a range of vintage camera equipment that was behind lock and key. Upstairs houses more modern handmade gifts, cards and part accessories. If you want a unique gift for a loved one or are decorating your home and want something a little different look no further than The Cove! Couldn't recommend it highly enough.

Yes this shop is great. My first car was a Morris Minor, dark blue. I got a little Corgi car…read morejust like it, even the registration number is similar!

Pretty funky little shop that caters for kids, and the inner geek inside us all! They sell toys,…read moregames, crafts, puzzles, etc. They have a Star Wars section with toys and games for sale, RC Helicopters, drones, collectible diecast cars, beanie babies, mugs, musical instruments, you name it. Would be absolutely ideal if you are having a kid's birthday party and want some inexpensive fillers for party bags, or indeed if you need to get a fun present for your Secret Santa!

Oh. My. Word. I think I'm in love. No, I KNOW I'm in love....with this extra-fabulous shop. Sigh…read more Trade Winds is quite possibly my favourite ever gift shop. It stocks such a wide range of, well, everything really, that you'd never be tired looking. It was pretty busy when I went in yesterday, with mainly young girls eyeing up all the beautiful gifts / toys / accessories / jewellery, and their mums keeping a careful watch over them. Amongst the wide variety of stock were gift bags, cards, candles, novelty toys and games, funky clocks, wall-hangings, beaded curtains, bags...and so much more. I discovered the cutest little wooden cat light pull for £3 some odds, and immediately knew I had to buy it. Nothing to do with the fact that it was incredibly sweet and lovely, and everything to do with the fact that my mum had smashed the previous one off the bathroom wall, causing it to break into a thousand pieces. Indeed. Staff were exceptionally pleasant, but kept a business like atmosphere about the place. That sounds like a bad thing, but I guarantee is really wasn't...it was an incredibly well run shop. All I need now is an excuse to go back. Mmmm, when is the next birthday I have to buy for...?

Well what a wonderful wee shop, highly attractive both outside and in. I could have spent hours in…read morethis delightful wonderland looking at all their pretty pieces of pleasantry. What captivated me most were the gorgeous jewellery boxes, sweet note pads / writing books (teeny tiny small ones to super big ones) and amazing mirrors (even one whose frame was made from vines of trees.) All the items were being sold for very reasonable prices. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how cheap most of it was. Maybe that's what a day shopping on the Lisburn road does to you though! I'll definitely be back in here when I've (a) more time and (b) more money. The staff were pleasantly talkative and left us to our own devices after greeting us, not in your face nosy or shyly secretive, just a nice in between. A superb shop selling some splendid stock!

Love this place, although my review focuses more on the cafe than the new-age gift shop…read more Really delicious fresh food : panini's/baguettes/bagels with more imaginative (and generous) fillings than you're likely to find in any chain store cafe, and there's always several soups & hot meals to choose from as well. Oh, not to mention yummy pastries & scones! Sadly I haven't been in a year - prices back then for lunch were round about the £3.75 - £6.00 range. Also has a wide range of drinks : from old-fashioned pink lemonade to sparkling wines - so there's something for everyone. Although very near the Uni, probably attracts more non-student folk. It has quite a nice laid back vibe, as long as you don't mind panpipe music!

Lovely shop with coffee shop attached. Peaceful atmosphere, nice piped music. Alternatice…read moretherapists work upstairs and can be booked at reception in the gift shop. Very interesting shop. well worth a visit.

I don't really like these types of card shops out of principle, as there are loads of independents…read moreretailers who do much better quality products for similar prices. They are also really tightly packed and all together cheesy. This one is no different. I went in and there was so much red Valentines Day stuff about it offended my eyes. I wasn't going in for Valentines Day stuff though I was going in to look for gift boxes but I could hardly navigate my way through all the teenage girls and the tiny isles so I had to abandon my mission. On the positive side Card Factory literally has a card for every occasion. They also stock a whole range of party equipment from balloons to plastic cups. As mentioned this place is cheap, located next to Poundland it is in a similar sort of vein. It won't break the bank if you are getting a Valentines present for someone who you're not actually that sure about. It is also well staffed, I saw at least 4 members of staff in store when I visited.

Obsessed with this shop! There were so many and all had different items. Staff was super friendly…read moreand welcoming, decent pricing and wide selection of merch to choose from. Can't wait to visit Ireland again!

Whoooo Hoooooo! Carolls I love you! There are two reasons why:…read more 1. I'm Irish and proud and when I walk past Carrolls and see the Belfast t-shirts and the tourists mulling around I get a great sense of pride. I am proud that if a Spanish/French/Ethiopian wanted to purchase something, nay anything with a shamrock on it they could get it here. I'm proud that pencils and pencil cases, hairbands, rubbers, sweets, aprons and the like with sheep/shamrocks/leprahauns on them can all be purchased here! 2. The Irish tunes that are being pumped outta this place from opening until closing fill me with happiness and make me want to sing along as I am walking past in the pissy rain on dull and gray winters afternoon - sure you couldn't beat it. For all things Irish Caroll is yer man/woman?