Hello! When did this wee gem spring up?…read more It's not really wee, and it looks new - I'm guessing it's only been on Cockburn Street under a month. Old Town Context is a refreshing, traditional store on Cockburn Street, steering away from the style of the tourist traps on the Royal Mile to offer alternative gift ideas. They have some old English, French and American advert poster art, cards, stationery, gifts, mugs with pin ups on them, clocks made out of recycled glass drinks bottles - a very eclectic and classy selection. Its inspiration is clearly from bygone era's, and I was very impressed with their postcard range. They also have some cracking cards and original prints with cats on them. These cats are wearing kilts and rugby shifrts, quoting Burns and other Scottish poets within the print. It's a very odd idea but entirely up my alley. Overall a very enjoyable shop for the family. It's difficult to walk out of here without buying anything.

I am glad that my 200th review is on this hidden gem... actually it isn't that hidden, but I have a…read morefeeling that lots of people just walk right on by. In a very different and almost vintage way, it is a souvenir shop. I say that because there were lots of prints, cards, coffee mugs of the city and various British 'things', but they are not the types of souvenirs that you would find in the every single store on the Royal Mile... yeah, you know what I mean. I loved the different prints of the city, my favourite was a very art deco-ish print highlighting the castle in a yellowy-orangish hue against a dark background. They had it as a large print, a card, and a coffee mug. I am now kicking myself that I did not buy it. If you love globes or tin signs, they have loads of them! If you are looking for a different kind of souvenir for someone... or just something for yourself, stop in here because they have some really wonderful items.

Gift shops are my Achilles' heel, and Edinburgh has a wonderful selection of them…read more Curiouser and Curiouser is full of lovely artwork and prints, gifts and other things you never knew you needed until you walked in here. They also offer a fantastic bespoke framing service. A few years ago I was looking for a very specific size and design of mirror. I asked for help on Twitter and Curiouser and Curiouser saw this and replied offering their services. I went into the shop, they made a framed mirror exactly as I wanted and of fantastic quality. If you are ever around Broughton Street area then I definitely recommend you popping in here. And maybe go to Treacle for some food after :)

Why am I only just discovering this little gem today?!…read more A stop off in Edinburgh is always great fun, and a wander along Broughton St is always great. Today the highlight of the wander was coming across this place. Filled with lots of cute and wonderful things - from books on how to knit zoo animals, greetings cards, ceramics and prints and artwork with price tags that won't break the bank. It appears to be a small family business and the staff are pretty relaxed and more than happy to chat; but the dog didn't seem all that interested in what was going on. I bought some prints for my living room, a book on print-making and a ceramic bowl for my coffee table. I could easily have purchased most of this shop. So if you're in search of a special card or gift, I can't recumbent this place any higher!

Those looking to unleash the interior designer within themselves can do no better than to come…read morehere. It's not particularly cheap, but if it's modern and slightly more unique items you are after then this is the place you are looking for. However, it should be noted that this place does not deal exclusively in lights and also offers other interior items generally including some sort of relationship to light in one form or another such as a number of items of furniture consisting of mirrors as their external surface. IF you do want something a bit more specific and have the money to spend then a visit here might be in order.

I was a little confused as I walked up to Cotterell Lighting store in the Newington area. I was…read morepresented with what appeared to be a beautiful old church but the "Sale now on" said something different. Then, I noticed the huge signs for "Cotterell Lighting" and I decided to pop in. I was still really confused and wondered if I was entering some kind of bizarre lighting cult. As soon as I entered I realised that it was indeed a shop, and it sold lighting, all kinds of lighting, in every design you could think of. There were two friendly staff members working who just told me to give them a shout if I needed any help so I decided to browse. I couldn't believe how many different lighting styles they had and if you're looking for a new lampshade or light then you will find exactly what you're looking for here. In addition to lighting they also do a small amount of furniture. I noticed a really cool mirror ball light, a lampshade on a stand that was designed to look like a fish bone and a huge mirror that I like instantly as it made me look better than I actually do. I have to admit, it was a little odd walking around an old church and it was pretty much intact apart from the missing pews. When I looked up I could see that the upper seating of the church was still there and if that area was still accessible you could have taken a seat and looked down at the now lighting shop. The creaking floor boards were still there as were the stained glass window and painted high ceiling. It seems a waste that such a beautiful church is now just a shop and even stranger that it hasn't been disguised as a shop. I'd recommend visiting under the guise that you need a new lightbulb, as it really is an experience.

This gorgeous homewares shop opened about 5 months ago but somehow I'd completely missed it in this…read moretime. It's got some really lovely bits and pieces - Glasgow road signs, vintage map wall art, luggage cases, Shetland wool blankets, chandeliers, furniture as well as wee decorative pieces. One of my favourite finds was a glass pineapple that has a silver coating and now sits on my lounge room table. I didn't realise but they also have a shop through in Edinburgh and an online store. With fantastic customer service and great, unusual pieces, I'll definitely be popping in more often.

The window displays are so beautiful here, it almost put me off because I was scared my…read more'clumsiness' would mean I would knock everything over! Anyway, needed a mother's day gift and I'm glad I went in. I was focussing on the unique candle scents, rhubarb and ginger or fig to name but a few, for the gift. These were so delicious I came away with one for mum and one for me. Other things that caught my eye were the range of blankets/throws and room diffusers. Staff here are extremely helpful and friendly (none of the pouncing/smothering approach some people go for) and a pleasure to do business with. If you need something lovely...time and tide. (Even if you are clumsy!)

Located in The Hive building off Argyle Street this is Glasgow's first branch of The Scandinavian…read moreShop. I think they've primarily been an online retailer but have a shop in Helensburgh too. They stock Scandi brands like Skandinavisk, Menu, Sagaform, Broste, Pappelina and lots more. They sell homeware, gifts and a lot of candles! The shop is very spacious and well laid out. If you have a craving for some nordic style beyond IKEA then this is the place for you.

This place is a hidden treasure ! Not located on the bustle street of High St. You would have to…read moreseek it out or be staying near the Holiday Inn Express. It's located right next to Rama ( very good Thai food & I wrote a review ) . Little shop is filled with hidden gems- love love the sparkly reindeer head, and cute cards and frames black and whites of Dundee .. They have fantastic little things that would make beautiful gifts for birthdays and house gifts, they have fantastic cards for birthdays and Christmas too!! I found a beautiful green scarf on sale. This place is definitely worth a visit - and to support local shop owners! The owner was super sweet and gave great recommendations to places to see and eat around town !

From the owner: Looking for inspiration, a present or accessories for your home? Lovely Things is an independent…read morestylish interiors and gift shop located in Dundee, Tayside. The shop is very much an eclectic mix of stylish, modern furniture and gifts with the occasional vintage piece thrown in. A selection of our stock is available online at www.lovelythingsonline.co.uk The shop offers customers in Tayside and beyond (via the magical power of our online shop) a glorious offering of:- * photography, art, jewellery and interiors created by local artists and designers * classic danish design * soft furnishings: cushions, blankets, draught excluders, door stops, fake fur throws * stylish and unique gifts for birthdays, engagaments, house warming and weddings * vintage furniture from footstools to wardrobes which can be painted on request

This is a really exclusive shop, and certainly for those who have the excess money to spend. The…read moreproducts are unique, well made and certainly exquisite, but unfortunately, the prices do reflect it. The exclusivity of the store means that the item you buy is likely to be unique to you, and certainly exclaimed at by friends and family.

Lovely shop, lots of great presents for yourself or someone else.read more

This review is for two shops : Spektakular and Lilla. They are sister shops that sell a range of…read moreScandinavian products, the former geared more for adults and the latter for children. I stopped in here today because they had Moomins in the window. The fact that they sell Moomin mugs would be enough for 5 stars in my mind, but that is not the only endearing quality. They sell a great selection of products and the staff are kind and friendly. Emma was very nice and helpful to me today, and patient while I squeaked with joy over the merchandise. They have a great selection of holiday ornaments and gifts. You should definitely visit them for any gifts you may need this upcoming season!

Little independant shops are so much nicer than big chain stores and this place is no exception as…read moreit brightens up the street. I often go in when im buying gifts for people but of course I always come out with something for myself too :) The best thing about this shop is that the goods are very affordable but the quality is not compromised..a combination that is hard to find!I'm slowly building up a Spektakular collection and when I move flat in a couple of months i'll be making space especially (and i'll have to arrange a party so I can buy the gorgeous martini glasses I have my eye on too). definitely worth a look, particularly if you are looking for gifts.

It's downstairs you go into the rabbit hole…read more And this isn't just being cute. It is a place to find weird but awesome pieces and gifts. Like a pillow that has a photo of a cat, in the shape of a cat, so that it really seems like a cat is sitting there when you first look at it. Or a small white desk lamp made from a cast dog's head. Or animal teeth jewelry-probably casts as well, but I didn't want to know. They have redone some furniture into unique and totally enviable center pieces. Lounge chairs, side tables, bookcases, coffee tables...probably more and I'm forgetting. Some looks like decoupage, but they find really creative ways to do it. Oh! My favorite was a set of small mirrors that were all scratched up and had been written on in erasable marker "you look great." Seriously, you don't need to look in the mirror, you're beautiful. The art is bizarre, sometimes cartoony though strangely fitting, but you know that when you leave this shop you will remember back and think wtf? It's good. I like when people who visit me see something and have to stop and wonder 1. where I got it 2. why I got it 3.what it tells them about me if I am just strange or just like to mess with people. I change my mind on this one a lot. When it's just me at home, I am the strange one with questionable art. When people are around I am messing with them. See-two for the price of one :)

From the owner: Shop featuring artwork, jewellery, cards, gifts, paintings, household items and furniture…read more Everything is made or upcycled by local artists, mainly by Dodo, who you will usually find working in the shop making the items. She will also do commissions if you have an old piece of furniture you would like brought back to life.