So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.

Ok so there are a lot of German souvenir shops in Hahndorf, but this is definitely the best and…read moremost authentic. I have been to Germany and their equivalent to this shop is very similar to the German Village. It had stein glasses, clocks and every other German artefact. I love the cuckoo clocks. My friend recently got a tattoo of one on her leg and I have realised how beautiful they are. I don't know if I would be a fan of having a bird tweet at me every hour but they are so good to look at. I also love the stein glasses. 1 litre of beer! If you are not up for this challenge, they are great water glasses. Especially when you are thirsty, normal glasses never seem to hold enough water. Stein glasses on the other hand hold heaps, perfect for next to your bed when you come home from a big night (of drinking beer ofcourse). Unfortunately I didn't talk to the staff too much so I didn't find out whether the owners came from Germany. However, with the accuracy of the shop I wouldn't be surprised if they were. If you are looking for an Australian rip-off of German souvenirs I would recommend heading here!

The German Village Shop is the most German shop you can find in Hahndorf, seriously. Walking in…read morethere made me feel like being back in Europe because they sell all the most cliche goods you could possible imagine. Nutcrackers, 'Hampelmaenner', cuckoo clocks, beer glasses, kitschy tea towels etc. Even if you're not planning on buying anything it's quite fun to have a browse.

The name of this shop really reveals nothing about it. When I went into it I had never heard of it…read moreor seen anything like it. I think it is even going to be a struggle to explain. Walk in and you see what looks and smells like a block of chocolate. Next to it, a tin of biscuits. Around the room there are cakes, bottles of wines, soccer balls etc. However, they are all books. Yes books that are made to look like what they are discussing. Inside each of the books it discusses the history of each item, including photos and quotes. I can't decide if this is tacky or cool? Mum and I decided that they would be a lot better if they were notepads or diaries. How good would it be to have a diary that looked and smelt like chocolate? You can't really use a history book too much, but it could be a good dining table book. The lady working there told us that the books were great for presents. Hilarious giving someone a bottle of wine and it actually being a book (I for one would be extremely disappointed). However, it is a good idea for children. They would think it was fun, whilst also learning about their chosen item!

Toots Books is a truly creative concept of a book store and I can't say I've ever seen anything…read morelike it before. They sell books that come in shapes of actual objects such as a chocolate bar, a football, a shoe or a CD. At first glance I didn't even know what it was until the friendly lady behind the counter explained what it's all about. Take for example the book that looks like a bottle of wine: they sell it in a cardboard box that looks like a box with real wine. The book inside then tells the story of wine with plenty of pictures and trivia. I really like the idea of the shop and it's certainly fun to look at all their things. Would I buy it for myself? Probably not, but it can be a great gift idea!

When visiting Mt Barker my partner made sure we stopped here. It's one of those stores guys are…read moregoing to stand outside of and wait for their partners to come out of. You know the ones guys... You know what I'm talking about... It's full of little figurines, jewelry, the sorts of things girls love. There's not much here for the guys except maybe a place to shop for birthdays, Christmas etc. The main draw for girls seems to be the vintage clothes which my partner spent ages flicking through. Hats are also sold that seem to accompany the clothes nicely. Well, I'm no fashion expert but they look alright to me... There you go, if you're a girl you'll love it. If you're a guy it's the ideal gift shop for your other half.

Knick knacks!! and so many different kinds!! Ah Stylehouse, when you walk in it's like being in…read morethis peaceful shopping heaven that smells really nice with perfect room temperature. It's one of those stores where you can spend 15 minutes browsing out the front only to walk in and think, gosh, I need to come here on a day trip! You need it, you name it and its there! jewelery, clothing, pillows, candles, perfume mists, lamps, frames, ornaments more jewelery: Stylehouse covers everything you could possibly want for around the home or around yourself! I guess the downfall is that this stuff doesn't come for free, not even nearly free - no bargains to be found here is what I'm saying. But I still love it, even if I personally cant afford anything, it's fun to browse and try all the pillow scents on your arm (yes, they have perfume for pillows). Quite simply, they have everything! sad that everything has to come at such a high price.

Positioned across the road from the Aldgate Pump Hotel and away from the general shopping strip,…read moresits this hillbilly looking shop from the outside. But on the inside it's all whole new world of modern home decor, which is sure to keep you occupied for a while. A good range of homewares, accessories, definitely lots of gift ideas, apparel and one label in particular is popping up everywhere I go called 'I love my clothes' love spelt with a red heart. It's comfortable, cotton, flowy styles and funky colours or plain to suit either taste. A few really interesting wall ornaments and an awesome put together tree ornament, which I thought was cast iron but once picked up it's actually light weight. On my travels I made yet another purchase here of a pair of perforated black oblong leaf style earing and I don't even usually wear earings but felt like I had to take something away with me. There were several other items I could've taken with me also but out of budget range. Don't go past this place on your travels through the hills, especially Aldgate...share the love as they need it....as Stirling is being loved alot.

Don't be confused by the name! Yes, there is a room inside full of toys and kids rubbish, but most…read moreof the store is full of random coolness that will take you a good while to fully ponder. I was drawn in to this store by the funky little metal sculpted animals out the front. The ants, in particular, are very well done. If you ignore the kids room (which is where the cash register is) and concentrate on the other areas you will find some amazing present/gift options and more than likely find one or two golden items that will make their way into your home. Being tight as a fish's butt hole I didn't buy anything, but check it out. Definately one of my favouite spots in Hahndorf.