Would be perfect if:…read more A: I were so metrosexual that I felt I could pull off a sarong (and that the weather were ever good enough to warrant wearing of said sarong). OR B: I were inclined in a transgender colonialist sort of way and able to sack up in a sari. Unfortunately neither case is true and I'm left only with the want to buy thread at this store. Not bad considering it is close to my house and useful enough, but I could use a bit more selection beyond the bolts of silky indian fabric found here.

When in Oxford and in search of a quality art supplies selection, the Broad Canvas is pretty much…read moreyour only places to go, no literally, other than a few stores selling art stuffs here and there, the Broad Canvas is the only full art store in the centre of Oxford. I've always greatly appreciated the customer service and selection here, top notch, and I love finding new and interesting craft items. They have an extensive selection of everything for the brooding painter to the impoverished architecture student (yay student discount) and everyone in between. The only thing they are missing a significant selection of are fabric supplies, however this can be forgiven. Before checking anywhere else, always try the Broad Canvas.

Broad canvas is a super little shop. As an avid crafter, I love going there to see the latest…read morestamps, inks, and crafting supplies. Despite the small size of the shop, they cram in an awful lot of goodies- it is like an Alladin's cave, and so you need to allow yourself time to explore it thoroughly! They stock a wide selection of paints and other artists materials upstairs, and then the small staircase leads downstairs to the craft section. They sell some lovely toppers and are great inspiration for card-making and scrapbooking. The prices are quite expensive, but then sadly most craft shops are. A lovely shop and well worth a look for avid crafters as well as beginners.

Brilliant place full of wonderful stuff for making things. They collect and sort through stuff that…read morecompanies no longer want and then sell it to the public, schools, play groups, etc at minimal costs. We've had silver and gold card for Xmas decoration making at playgroup, sticks and material for making flags with the New Parent Network, paper for craft activities with my children, some rather nice train give away bags containg all sorts of things to keep children busy on journeys that really did keep my children busy on journeys. I've a friend who has found knitting wool there. And I know there usually wall paint and garden tools. Sometimes there are bikes and books. Check out their website which tells you what is new. And visit often because their stock is always changing. Also, next time the place you are working at is getting rid of old CDs, supplies of card or files, rolls of wire, buttons or whatever give them a call and see if they can use it.

This is a wonderful store staffed by enthusiastic, helpful and devoted people. They take useful…read moresurplus reusable stock that would otherwise be trashed and sent to landfills, and instead offer them for sale at super-cheap prices. The stock changes frequently so it's always full of surprises. You can find various paper, carboard, craft materials, garden tools, office supplies, kids crafts, party things, useful paint and much more at virtually give-away prices. You can find plenty of useful things, save money, and be environmentally friendly all at the same time. They're online at http://www.oxorinoco.org and open to all on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Highly, highly, highly recommended!

Jewellery, clothes, pottery, painting, sculptures - there are all sorts of beautiful things in this…read morelovely shop. I liked the hanging world with little people and animals stuck all over and the clothing made out of old clothing but remade into something new and wonderful. If you are looking for something unusual, beautifully made and beautiful to look at then have a look in North Parade. If you can't find anything you like here then have a look in Pula and the Taurus Gallery.

I love this shop. It is a shop within Borders. It is downstairs near the children's books and it…read morehas the sort of toys my kids love. Lots of science and craft kits, some outdoor things, some pocket money toys, some educational toys (though my kids have now sussed I'm trying to make them learn "stuff" and are reluctant to play with games that feature phonics or multiplication tables) and a great range of unusual card games. The staff are very helpful and know their stock. If you are interested in the software and games they'll let you play with it and point out its good and bad points. Last week I went in looking for another card game so that I could have a change from playing "Frog Juice" - it is a good game but we've playing it every day since Christmas and I'd just like a change. The lady I chatted to knew all the different games, she got out several sets of cards and showed me how to play to play some of them. The game I bought after she recommended it is now being played daily by the whole family and we're all enjoying it. When I feel I need a change I'll be going back to Fun Learning and asking for another recommendation. There web site is also good. We'd lost the instructions to a craft kit that we'd only half used. I looked on the website and there were the instructions. Brilliant company.

What a fabulous shop! I was utterly charmed from the moment I stepped through the doorway. The…read morestaff in the shop were unfailingly kind and patient with me as I tried out a variety of fountain pens. At the end of my visit, I walked away a wonderful new purchase and a smile on my face. I will happily visit this shop again when I am next in Oxford. Good customer service is an increasing rarity, but this shop has it in spades!

If I could live in a store, it would be this one. Amazing ranges of antiques, curios and gifts, and…read moreof course stationery supplies. As a calligrapher, I am especially partial to their amazing selection of inks! Best yet, the staff is friendly and enthusiastic about their products - they'll happily do a test run with inks so you can make a well-informed decision. Unfortunately, it does fill up with tourists a bit, making it harder to get service, but still worthwhile.