This is such a cute boutique. My sister and I were in the area looking for a brunch place and we…read morestumbled upon this little gem. It's really cute and girly and there are plenty of things to buy here. I was looking for little gifts that I could bring back home to family and friends and found a lot of things I could get. For the most part, they have unique trinkets that you could buy. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but they do have some really cute things. If I'm in the area next time, I'll stop by again.

For the woman in your life that has everything, but still loves just that little something more,…read moreRose St. could be just the place to shop. The vibe here is luxurious and the price tags are just what you'd expect for a store that focuses on high quality items that you don't see in many other gift stores. There's luxurious floaty sweaters, rich candles, silky scarves, soft leather handbags and small decorative home wares that most Mum's and ladies of fine taste would enjoy. Make a beeline here the next time you need to say "I'm sorry" "I love you" or "Happy Birthday" to your favourite female.

For parents who can't bare the idea of yet another Barbie or Frozen toy in their house, Tickle Your…read moreBrain might just be the answer. The focus here seems to be on educational toys to help your rugrat learn while they play (sneaky!) but that doesn't mean that these toys are boring. There's a large selection of books, fun jigsaw puzzles and other colourful games that kids would absolutely love. I didn't spy any mainstream "trendy" brands, which is just the ticket when you want a timeless toy that can be passed along to younger generations once yours outgrows it.

I love Holy Sheet! And yes maybe it's because it has a funny name but more so because it has a good…read morerange of bedroom and bathroom gear in one store. I remember running all over Melbourne trying to kit out my home when I first landed and it wasn't fun! So naturally, when I found Holy Sheet, I was thrilled to bits. Not only was I able to get my bedsheets, doona, some cushions and bathroom stuff in one place, they also had some pretty nifty home décor items that called out to me. The girls at Holy Sheet in St Kilda have always been really helpful and often will bend over backwards to help you get the right bedding to suit your needs.

Holy Sheet is a fun and wacky homewares and manchester store. It's a little bit too novelty for my…read moreliking but I certainly know people who are really into decorating rooms with quirky furniture and bedding. It's pretty expensive but they're really nice there. I went in to try and find a gift where they do have some good quality products. I did like some of the sheets and bedding they had but the less novelty it is, the higher the prices are. So perhaps if you're serious about getting some new proper sheets, it may not be the right place, however if you want something to liven up a guest room, then it could be perfect. It actually has that vibe of a "guest room" where it's ok to put a few novelty pillows and decorations.

Wilkins and Kent stock some beautiful things. Kitchenware, ceramics, organic soaps and candles, and…read moreof course well-made and divine woodwork are scattered around the space. On my last visit I spent a lot of my time eyeing a long handmade redgum bench. Sleek and simple it stood in the middle of the store and radiated comfort. Unfortunately the price tag (well over $1000) and lack of space in my house meant that I didn't have a hope in hell. But I can dream. Wilkins and Kent have some great kitchenware ranges including the Nigella Lawson range, and some exquisite ceramic bowls. On my last visit I bought some ceramic birds that hang from the wall - glazed with beautiful colours they are beautiful little pieces of art and around the ($50) mark, weren't too expensive. The service at Wilkins and Kent is always great, although the store can get very busy so it may take a while to get some service. But friendly and well meaning, the sales assistants are helpful and knowledgeable about the products.

Wilkins and Kent is one of those must-visit stores for me on Brunswick street. Filled with a…read morekaleidoscope of products from pretty table ware to chic bakeware and printed lamps. This is also one of those stores that you need to slowly work your way through in order to appreciate it for what it really is. Incidentally, it would be easy to mistake this shop as a homeware store, but in actuality, Wilkins and Kent specialise in custom designed furniture. And from what we hear, the bosses Jeremy Wilkins and Stephen Kent are the actual furniture makers. If you're looking to create a custom designed piece or are just looking for something to complement your home with, check out this lovely store. Wilkins and Kent also carry a wide range of household décor items, stationery, gardening tools and other bits and bobs - perfect as gifts.

This is such a fun little store! Part clothing store (both men and women's with a bit of new-age…read morevintage flair), part gifts and crazy knick-knacks, as well as local art and collectables - it's a unique store definitely worth having a poke around in. Great for gifts when you're not sure what to get for someone and looking for a bit of inspiration. The clothing is a good mix of name brands and stuff you won't find in every other shop. Friendly staff to boot - recommended for any Yarraville shopping excursion.

Quirky, colourful and so much fun - would be my description of this busy little shop that never…read morefails to get my attention. It's one of those stores that you need some time to browse and take everything in because there are so many little things to look, feel and experience. Check out the clever little gimmicks such as the stacking Babushka doll measuring cups, the matching measuring spoons and the more recent water carafe. Other interesting décor items include bird cages, bird motif frames and elegant candles stands and candelabras. Gizmo Gifts also has a wide ranges of kid's toys, quirky non-slip socks and slogan t-shirts plus humorous collectibles for the big kid in you. Every time I step into this store, I end up buying something that I really love so if you're in the market for a unique gift idea, Gizmo might have exactly what you're looking for.

This is one of those stores that if you don't like crowds, then don't go there on Christmas Eve…read more This is a tiny little gift buyer's paradise. There is everything from novelty mugs to calendars, to adult toys to key chains, scented candles and wacky mouse pads. The aroma as you walk in, is a fusion of bubble wrap and vanilla incense or whatever cheap incense they seem to be burning. I'm really not a fan of these stores - this is like the epitome of commercialism, I'm surprised that Christmas doesn't own it. This place is like an up-market $2 shop. Most of the products aren't made in china, so they cost you an arm and a leg - but unfortunately it's still worthless crap. Maybe I'm being a bit offensive, especially to those who have a "Magpies supporters only" parking sign in front of their house. If you don't, and you enjoy worthless crap, now you know the place to find it!

Real toys for real kids. None of this Barbie nonsense, or any other kind of collectible doll stuff…read more There's lego, "science kits", nerf guns and lots of other really brilliant things to keep your kids (even if they're aged 23) happy for the afternoon. As far as prices go, they're a pretty good match to some of the chain toy shops, but here I know that I'll get both decent service and won't be distracted by the hundred thousand unnecessary add-ons available. No, I don't need lolly nerf bullets to go with my dart purchase. Ages 2-12 are probably best catered for, and both sexes equally suited. Just because there isn't a huge range of barbies doesn't mean there isn't a great selection of fairy costumes. Well, I had fun.

The Real Thing Craft Centre Olinda was definitely not what I was expecting. Seeing the word 'craft'…read moreI immediately though 'oh yes, pipe cleaners, paint and scrapbooking supplies'... however this was definitely not what I found inside. Instead I walked into the first of five distinct areas, which was full of Christmas decorations and a nice big Christmas tree even though it was only September. That struck me as a little odd but I continued on. The next area had plates and garden decorations, which looked as though they might have been hand made though I couldn't be sure. There were a lot of delicate items and narrow walkways so I'd be careful bringing in prams or carrying big bags in here. The third section had a whole heap of touristy Australian objects like miniature koalas and even a few didgeridoos. My favourite items in this section were some brown mugs that had all manner of bizarre expressions on their 'faces'. At $18.50 I thought they were a little bit pricey but if they were hand made it seems to be quite a reasonable price. The next are had a heap of toy dolls and bears that sang songs when you pressed or pulled one of their body parts. These were being greatly enjoyed by a group of women who were laughing in delight at the range of songs the dolls were singing. The last area was home to large animal floor rugs, children's toys and more outdoor garden decorations. Despite it being nothing like what I thought it would be, the store itself was varied and interesting and I enjoyed exploring it.

Loved this place! We were in town on a tour (from a cruise). Stopped here and appreciated the…read morevariety of items, found some things that needed to travel with us and had a lovely conversation with the woman (owner?). Happy to have stopped there.