Since moving to Auckland, I've found it really difficult to find a store that sells nose rings,…read moreflesh tunnels and other pieces of piercing jewellery at a reasonable price (some of the tattoo and piercing parlours along K Road are really expensive for such things). Then I stumbled across this Cosmic Corner on K Road, where I was able to buy a new nose ring for $5 and stud for $3. Absolute bargain. The only thing that annoyed me was that they didn't have one of those wrench-looking devices that measures jewellery size, which made it really hard to gauge which size ring I needed to buy for my nose. I was also left up to my own devices when deciding as the guy behind the counter went back to reading his book by the till as I was choosing, clearly not bothered about helping me. I honestly don't know how they get away with selling all of herbal highs and smoking paraphernalia in here, but they've got a massive selection of it...but I guess you'll have to wait for someone else's review to find out how good that merchandise is!

It was only a matter of time before Cosmic Corner came to K'Road - this part-time smoke store,…read morepart-time quirky clothing store set up shop on Wellington sister street Cuba some years ago and fit in really well. The Auckland Cosmic store is a much lighter, brighter affair, and can be pretty bustling a lot of the time. When I go in there to buy concert tickets or quirky socks, there tends to be a lot of teenagers in there - the Hot Topic/mall goth type who huddle around the Manic Panic hair dye and decide which colour they're going to be this week. While Cosmic Corner is not for everyone (unless everyone likes synthetic highs and paraphernalia), it fills a gap on K'Road that was previously left empty. I bet this place will be around for a long time yet.

Lovely people, excellent service. Much better option for gifts and knick knacks than a $2 Shop or…read morethe Warehouse.

Now and Then is a very small store for those small and infrequent gifts you need to pick up, or…read moremaybe the more frequent pipes and accessories you need. While it is easy to walk past this store with out paying any real attention to it, inside you can find some great treats. There are plenty of lighters, ash trays and smoking "accessories", even including a small selection of corncob pipes (though you can't get the pipe tobacco there). Now and Then also has some tacky but great macabre gifts, like skeletal ashtrays and skull statuettes. Incense pipes and paraphernalia, this is what we use to have instead of places like the brightly lit Cosmic Corner. This friendly store comes complete with Bob Marley T-shirts and ceramic dragons.

One stop legal high shop, I'm not sure how these guys stay ahead of the legislation but for now…read moreCosmic Corner is doing a legal trade in powders, pills, pipes and papers and other paraphernalia. Plus crazy clothing, outrageously funky eye wear. Some select sounds, posters, stickers, lighters, jewellery and accessories. I managed to find a daring pair of glasses and a snappy wild things t shirt on one visit. Although slightly dreamy the staff are helpful and dish out free advice (and stickers) on what is undoubtedly a subjective experience. Open late for all your cosmic needs, check it out and have a happy time.

If you want to make your next night out really interesting (insert disclaimer here), then you need…read moreto stock up on equipment at Cosmic Corner. This is where all those in the know, come to get their rocks off! While the store is small, it definately doesn't skimp on an array of different products, from legal highs to alternative clothing and accessories to random as posters, stickers etc. My brother says that he bought his favourite bong from here if that's useful to you. They also do ticket sales to many mainstream and alternative gigs and festivals happening across New Zealand which is super helpful, and you can access this service online also. Don't expect the staff to be of much use to you however, I'm sure most of them don't even know what year it is.

Situated in the centre of Mt.Roskill shops, a huge store that you couldn't miss if you tried!…read moreThe best store for all your Vaping needs!! Everything there is displayed brilliantly, and the Staff were very friendly and helpful, and were very easy to understand. They really know their products!! Vaping is the perfect alternative to cigarette smoking; and way cheaper than the common tobaccos and packaged cigarettes you can buy, saving you loads of cash every time. Vaping is so much better for your health and state of mind, as well your pocket.I used to smoke at least 3 packs a day, and really wish I that there had of been a shop like this around in those days,as it would have been a better alternative to quitting - Using will power, cold turkey withdrawls,and getting itchy patches or elephant sized pills to swallow... thatalways lead to failure and smoking twice as much! Go now and visit the guys at Shoshana,for all of your Vaping needs... I highly recommend you do.

This gift shop in Mairangi Bay gets a thumbs up for always having something new, you've got to be…read morequick if you see something. Beautifully stocked with decorative pieces for your home and things that ladies love - candles, jewellery, handbags. This is where I come for that special gift for a friend and maybe a little something for myself.

Even when I don't plan to have a browse at this shop I always end up stopping in for a quick snoop…read more The staff here cleverly arrange a display outside, which is guaranteed to catch your eye! There's funky cushions and tables and accessories and because of these things I'm always tempted inside. This shop isn't that big but inside is packed with lots of wonderful goodies. The prices aren't extremely affordable and I think it would be possible to find similar kinds of things elsewhere for a cheaper price, but if you wanted to treat yourself or a friend, or you were after something simply amazing and of great quality then head along to Spoilt and spoil yourself!

Love this shop - it's the place to go for gift buying for that person in your life that seems to…read morehave everything. They carry a wide range of contemporary kitchen and homewares plus other gifts such as candles, keyrings and money banks. Sometimes difficult to push a pram around the shop, especially with all the fragile merchandise...I can't imagine how a wheelchair would fare in here!

This place is a real find - make sure you have lots of time because there's bargains galore. I…read morepopped in to get a gift and ended up stocking up bigstyle for not very much money. Aromatherapy kits (bottle of oil and sticks) start at $3 and everything is beautifully packaged so your dinner party host/neighbour that fed the cat/person you just met and is now having a birthday won't think you're a cheapskate. And who ever buys decadent scented candles for themselves? There's a huge range of different smells available in lots of styles - there's a gardening range, men's range, cupcake "flavours" etc etc. Plus some cool random homewares (beach umbrellas and stuff), along with beauty accessories like cosmetic purses, Party Feet, lip balms and more. My husband swears by the Man After Shave Balm (score brownie points with surprise presents for loved ones) and I really love my $2 Eye Cream which smells and feels delicious. The shop is really well laid out, the stock seemingly perfect and the prices low. A ssshh shop - don't tell everyone.

If you like the products from the Aromatherapy Company, you absolutely have to visit this outlet…read moreshop. They have so many of their products here that are so much cheaper than they are in the retail stores. The most useful thing about this store are their gift packs they make such excellent gifts. They have mens gift packs that have soap, after shave cream and shower scrubs. They have baby ranges, gift packs of diffusers, candles, fragrances and creams. Nothing is over $30 here, it really is a bargain hunters dream. They also have homeware items such as candle holders, bags and décor like this amazing hot pink buddha candle, oh my goodness I wanted it so badly. They have really good free parking outside so you don't have to feel bad about spending a long time looking around. The staff are really friendly here but they aren't intrusive, they leave you to look around and only help you when you need it.

If you're after a good night out then pop on into LK Ponsonby where they have everything from beer,…read morewine and spirits. LK is a Lion owned liquor store. Here they predominantly specialise in Lion products such as Speight's, Mac's, Steinlager, Becks, Corona, Little Creatures, Emersons, Guinness, Smirnoff, 42 Below, Appletons, Bacardi, Coruba, Jose Cuervo, Wild Turkey, American Honey, Isaac Cider range, and much MUCH more. Not to worry, you'll find all other alcohol brands here at LK as well. At LK they also have party supplies on offer to hire. These include ice bins, glass trays, punch bowls and ladles and much more. At LK you also have the option to buy gets. This involves giving a $30 keg deposit free which you get back once the keg is returned. Another perfect addition when having a party. With so many gift ideas for others ....or yourself....as well as party supplies and some snacky food, pop on into LK Ponsonby or jump on their website and get ordering for your next event.

Located right next door to Nosh so very handy: Nosh Ponsonby do not have a liquor license so you…read morecan just pop next door, for all your wine needs! I have been here a few times to purchase red wine namely Pinot Noir & Vodka. The staff are very knowledgable and helpful. They asked me if I needed assistance with choosing anything - have offered to carry my alcohol to the counter and chatted to me all the way through! They have regular offers & discounts on many brands so that's appealing! They sell soft drink, have a separate refrigerated beer room and stock all snack food too - at a premium price. I never feel under pressure to choose what I want (there is a big selection), which is good! Easy parking, open 7 days.