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.

I think Greenhills is pretty neat if you're looking for a gift, I've been in a couple of times and…read moreI can usually find something for my mum first up. They have a pretty eclectic range, from little collectible hobby figurines, to china wall hanging, Moorecroft style vases & Venetian masks. They also have a range of jewelery available, most of which is made from Venetian Murano glass, it's not what I'd call cheap but it's very pretty and on par with what you would find in Venice itself. Another thing which is pretty darn cool are the novelty teapots, the giraffe is my favourite with it's neck posing as the handle, you don't find teapots like these just anywhere. The only issue I have with this store is it's size, you can browse the whole shop in 5 minutes, the second room is for the embroiderer in you, threads and cross stitch patterns, all your embroidery needs! Pity I don't know the first thing about following a pattern, could be time to learn.

The proprietor Malcolm Hill is very passionate about his art and craft as he was carefully working…read moreon a tapestry as we entered the shop. I was taken with the big black and white tapestry hanging high up on the wall of a scrolled column, which had a 3D effect, but it was very expensive and didn't come home with me. Up on the walls is a large range of sepia photo like tapestries of people and pets, a technique and service they provide all stitch by hand. Otherwise a kit can be pruchased for the confident crafty person. This is the largest shop in SA containing machine embroidered tapestries which were hanging everywhere, and also had a rug hanging hook system for the massive ones for easy turning. A European feel was evident throughout the shop with various items like Venetian masks, china, tin toys, jigsaws, puzzles, etc and also a rear section full of tapestry supplies. A selection of children's books with pop ups as the pages are turned just like those music cards, but playing a tune as the story is read. Malcolm said they're great for grand parents as they can read a memorable bedstime story and is something different. Also mentioned was they are the only shop in SA importing English 3D novelty cards such as for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Housed in a 1880 village blacksmith building in Hahndorf's main street, Storison is a delight to…read moremany, and one of my favourite gift store for family abroad. Be prepared for a visual and sensorial feast as you browse, touch, smell and see the various products featuring Australian design, eco-friendly recycled creations and ethically sourced handicrafts from around the globe. I've had many chats with the lovely owner Andrea, and she shares stories of each artisans products, from Australia and overseas. What draws me close to Storison is their concept of running a local co-op showcassing handcrafted products from Work At Home Mums, Stay At Home Mums, emerging designers and more! Storison also host pop up stalls outside their verandah. Here you'll find creative, unique and quirky handmade gifts, vintage wares, home made food and treats, delightful and soft tailored pillows with gorgeous prints and textures and more! Some of the eclectic labels carried here are Elkwood (my fav!!), Mulberry Ave, Sweet Cuddles and more. Uncoventional, creative, unique and a 'sui generis' of its own. All this and more in Storison, a must visit!

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.

Messed things up with your lady friend? need to make amends? Need some posies?…read more See Michelle, the floral genius behind Adelaide Hills Flowers, with exquisite flowers at commendable prices, guys, your girlfriend should ever be without a bunch of flowers - in every room of her home. Michelle is and experienced professional in floristry, she has an excellent eye for design and she's a bit of quirky fun too. Adelaide Hills Flowers does deliveries so if you can get the flowers to your girlfriend then don't worry - Michelle will. Now, Her business has recently moved and I believe she is still listed in the phone book at her old address, so dont be surprised when you walk into the Woolworths mall only to find a sad empty shop. This is not time for tears, just skip on across the road and you'll find her opposite Westpac in the Gardiners mall. Yay, looks like you can make it up to your lady friend afterall!