This independently owned gift store is worth a look for buying gift for him or her. I was intrigued…read moreby the tasteful battery powered, flameless candles made from real wax (set of three for $70). They have quite a bit of jewellery, a lot of which were pieces I'd not seen before. So many boutique gift shops stock the same ranges - I guess because they sell. But it's nice to come across a store that takes the risk of stocking something unique - it makes me go back for original gifts. There are also eco shopping bags, hand made woven bags, scarves, beautiful kaftans, bright kitchen wares, vases, journals and retro cards. For him there are funky cuff links and a pretend pencil size match to select phone or IPad applications. Friendly staff.

Rapture Living is one of those stores you shouldn't visit if you're feeling weak-willed. The…read moregorgeous array of accessories, homewares and keepsakes are just too tempting for words. Just this week I ventured in - fortunately with a mind to buy a birthday gift - and within 30 seconds I had found the perfect present. Of course I then spent the next 10 minutes wandering around trying to justifying buying the rest of the store for myself! Luckily the lovely lady in the store offered to giftwrap my pressie, which provided enough of a distraction to keep me away from buying up all the jewellery!

Messy and cluttered, bitsy and busy. This was my experience of Home & Giving and I've got to say I…read morewouldn't want my home filled with this shops energy... that is, if I was in to Feng Shui. There are all sorts of house wares and gifty things so if you're stuck for a home warming present you could try this place. There's a lot of stuff in here - from plates, cups and decorative bowls, wooden cookware, picture frames, pillows, candle holders, paintings, baby gifts, lamps, Christmas decorations, clocks, bags and cards. It wasn't as cheap as a two dollar shop - in quality or price but because it is so cluttered it has the feeling of one. I'd go here for a wooden pepper grinder though - I've never seen a proper wooden one so cheap at $25. I guess there are some gems here after all.

Enjoy visiting this shop. Absolutely love everything inside. Not the best in terms of customer…read moreservice asking if you need help but there not rude. But I love love love the shop.

I love the cards, the books, the gift wrapping paper, the jewelry, the soaps... pretty much…read moreeverything they stock in here. If you are looking for something unique and quirky, this is a wonderful shop to visit. They'll even gift wrap your items for you. Another Newtown gem. A must visit anytime I'm in the neighborhood.

Where else can you find quirky book titles…read more(http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=3BfrHgYU-JPUd8VE63urDQ), a stack of journals (http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=hq1Rm0TOTs-eUpeU3_Du_Q) and colourful homewares by Mud (http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=RpBmC-yA9LUS7TJBS2zYlQ) all under one roof? As far as I'm concerned, nowhere else. Pentimento in Newtown has got it all. Pentimento is one of those places I go when I need to buy a gift of some description for that friend who already-has-everything-and-is-so-darn-hard-to-buy-for. Unique and eccentric, you can guarantee to find a present that no one else has thought of - 'The Moustache Grower's Guide', anyone? There are things that will make your friend laugh, inspire them to create, give hints on their travel destination or provide them with something beautiful to display in their home. Whatever the case, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know what to buy someone (or perhaps you would like a self present), wander through Pentimento, it is sure to stimulate some original ideas.

It's hard to escape this establishment without caning the credit card, or growing a wishlist as…read morelong as your arm. An array of leather goods that would make any tannery proud spoils ladies for choice. In fact, if you're after a handbag or wallet, this place has it covered. They've got every style and colour under the rainbow and they must come from some seriously special cows because this leather is as soft as it gets. If you're in a hurry to find a gift, get here. This is also jewellery central. Not to mention, one of those places you can just spend forever in perusing nik naks like picture frames, homewares, cushions and general décor bits and bobs... but prepare to be faced with an agonizing purchase decision... unless there's enough room on your creddy card to get one in every colour. Better yet, bring your sugar daddy and get every style in every colour. One for each outfit. ... a girl can dream can't she?

You can scarcely imagine my excitement when I discovered this shop. Primarily because there exists…read morea Cottage Emporium in India, which sells the finest Indian arts and crafts, at admittedly steep prices. I was very interested to see how this apparently Australian branch would compare! It was beautiful. The crafts were beautiful, the ambience was beautiful, the incense was heady (in a good way), and I saw a lot of the same type of crafts that you get in India. It seemed authentic enough.. until I caught a glimpse of a price tag. $500 for a small bowl? ...Really? Now, I might just be a poor student, but... who the christ would pay $500 for a BOWL? What would they keep in such a bowl, emeralds? I mean.. if you HAVE emeralds, and no place to keep them.. please buy this bowl. I guess I should have expected ridiculous pricing when I noticed the saleswoman's snooty, condescending demeanour, and choice of outfit (a pantsuit and high heels... seriously), but heavens. Waste of time unless you're loaded, I'd say. And even then, surely you have better things to spend your money on than insipid bowls which derive their value simply by being from India. Heck, just go to India instead!

First of all, the nag champa is not too overpowering. This is a very good thing. Here you can gaze…read moreat Jaipur necklaces, enormous silver chains and Bollywood earrings. If you're in the market for a painting of Shah Jahan, a Tibetan singing bowl or an inexplicable mermaid coffee table, this is your place. 'Indian Cottage Emporium - for all your Tibetan deity needs.' Has a ring to it, don't you think? The lady staffing it suggested I 'enjoy wandering' and as everything is clearly displayed with prices visible, I didn't need to bother her in order to assuage my morbid curiosity about how much a turquoise cuff the size of a limb costs. I remember this store from when it used to be down King Street a bit, and it's certainly travelled up the food chain since then. Amazing jewellery, as well as lampshades, beadspreads, scarves, even furniture. Not quite a trip to the Himalayas, but I can dream.

Waiting for my take away coffee at the cafe outside I was attracted to this up market gift shop by…read morethe Rob Ryan plate displayed in the window. I hadn't seen a Rob Ryan artwork since I lived in London and use to go into his Columbia Road store to give my eyes a love soak with his delightful paper cutting masterpieces. On seeing this I knew there would have to be a treasure trove of quality gifts inside. And there was. There is quite a large range of contemporary styled homewares including glass vases, silver fruit bowls, simple wall clocks, silver candle stick holders and pink leather diary organises. But there's also some original quirky designs like the Alessi 'Chip' Paperclip Holder ($129.95 mind), aluminium red water full circle globe ($315), stainless steel Penguin books water bottle with On the Road, Jack Kerouac design ($25.95) and a glass bird feeder sphere ($90). Definitely worth a look if your wanting an original and interesting gift. Complimentary gift wrapping available.

Design. I love it. There are so many ingenious designers all over the world. Wooden Rosendahl…read moretoys from Denmark, Alessi home items from Italy, Tivoli Radios and a number of items from Australian designers such as Apple & Bee, Glasshouse Candles and Oobi Baby. Bristol & Brooks carries a number of home ware and gift items from all over the world. One of my favorite things I've found there was some limited edition Tin Tin ceramics and authorized merchandise. It's a well stocked shop and they have some really nice gift ideas (corporate, wedding, baby, birthday or other important event) or if you want to buy something nice for yourself or your home. The Chiefly Square store is bigger than the one in the QVB and carries more stock, but I've found a couple of different items in the QVB location (like the Tin Tin pieces).

If you're looking for an extraordinary and unique gift for a friend or family member, Eighteen Ten…read moreis the shop you want to visit. Eighteen Ten is a shop that sells a wide variety of products from imported homewares to luxury personal gifts to even luggage. Their products are imported from the US and Europe. Some of the brands in the shop include Alessi, Toywatch, Eva Solo, Lexon, J Fold, Voluspa, and Bambu. Aside from the unique offerings, they have personalised service and complimentary gift wrapping. This is the perfect store to buy a gift for someone who has everything. Highly recommended!

I don't now if men are biologically capable of feeling clucky, but if we are, I was after my visit…read moreto Minimee. This store and its staff wraps you up in a kind and loving embrace, something akin to being in the womb. They're so soft, and friendly, and helpful, and surrogate mother-y, that I walked out the door feeling like the youngest marshmallow born into a 1950s nuclear family. I know nothing about kids, or presents for kids, and the lady there spent 10mins walking me through all the options, then another lady at the counter gift-wrapped (au gratis) my present - a tiny UV-impregnated onesie - and sent me on my way with a smile that was as good as a hug. Whenever I'm feeling down I'm gonna stop in here and soak up the good vibes.

I've been to a lot of baby shops. When you have your first child there seems to be so many types of…read moreprams, cots, car seats, reusable nappy brands... that's just the start. It can be overwhelming at best when your 7 months pregnant and pumped with natured hormone boosters. This is why when I found a good baby store that had reasonable prices I went back to it. When I say good I mean - good range, good service and space - space... when you're as big as a house (or at least feel like it) or you have a pram with curious reaching toddler in toe you want space to maneuver on your shopping sprees. Minime has a huge selection of brands and good gift ideas - in fact they have a gift registry for those planning baby showers. My only real grit with this place is the space. It feels crowded. That's all. Brands include Bugaboo, Bori, Baby Bjorn, Lamaze, Mamas & PapasSeed Organic to name but a few.