I have visited this shop on numerous occasions over the years and been happy until today. I bought…read moresome scarfs on Sunday which having worn literally shed the wool over everything that they come into contact with, making them unwearable. The lady behind the counter today, could not have been less interested in my issue, didn't even put her phone down and suggested I wash them and that I am the only person this has happened to... Hardly outstanding customer service. Clearly the advice with this shop is buy with caution, as if the lady in there today is anything to go by, you have no recourse if you are not happy. You've lost a customer today

No 68 is one of those shops you'll never tire of. So called because of its position on Beech road,…read moreit's a difficult shop to categorise. They sell a large range of products including gifts, interiors, bags, accessories, jewellery and novelty items. From the frilly knickers in the window, to novelty mugs, to their large range of costume jewellery, you're sure to find something in here that appeals and will suit your pocket. Check out their range of illustrated journals which are on the right at you enter the shop. There's an emphasis on kitsch and fun items and prices vary from a few quid to a few hundred.

Fantastic little gift shop selling the usual fare aimed at the laydees and the kids. A well-chosen…read moreselection of handbags, scarfs, gloves, stuffed toys, handmade cards and jewellery and a very helpful shop owner, if you're looking for something a little bit different or special you'll find it in here. In particular they carry a great range of silver including the popular brands Lovelinks and Trollbeads. I'll be buying myself a few well-deserved Christmas presents from here!

Harriet and Dee is tucked away on Warburton Street in Didsbury. I didn't notice this at first but…read morethey have two shops on this street, one selling general gifts and the other focusing on jewellery. It's the gift shop I'm writing about today. This is a pretty little shop. You're greeted with tinkling mobile sounds as you walk in and they have a huge selection of unusual and novelty gifts. A few things that caught my eye were a range of cake forks, complete with plastic cupcake embellishments, paper weights with inspiring slogans, shoe shaped soaps and a rather splendid cup carrying the slogan, 'I'd rather be The Stig'. Other items include toiletries, candles, ceramics and cards. There's a good selection with lots to choose from. You won't come away empty handed if you're looking for a gift.

This mid sized florists is central to a row of shops in the town of Heaton Moor, well technically…read moreit is a town but it has a distinct villagey feel with its larger than life characters and points of local interest. The stunning window display of this floral utopia is such a local talking point that people visit it just to take a photo. What sets this florists apart from others is the owner Michael, a flamboyant award winning chorister who sings with The Manchester Gay Choir. This multi-talented chap is (a self-professed) Kylie's number 1 fan and now I am Michael's number 1 fan. His staff are a combination of more mature experienced professionals with younger enthusiatic florists all in awe of the ever exuberant Michael. The Flower Emporium hosts an annual Christmas stock launch every November during which customers are treated to a glass of champers and canapes or a cup of tea ( more my mother's tipple). This florist's quality is not just noted by its patrons, it also supplies the John Lewis group with unique and exotic flowers. It sells plants, gifts and candles and also operates a delivery service. Additionally, if any blushing bride-to-be sets her heart on a bouquet that is a bit off the bridal track, then she will find it at the Flower Emporium. On a more solemn note, the reason why I find this establishment such a find is the care and consideration the staff show to those who have lost a loved one and need flowers for a funeral. My friend recently lost her mum and Michael did her mother's memory justice with a touching floral display complete with peacock feathers. He also prepared a little basket for her grand-daughter to take home on the day. This goes far and beyond the call of service and its nice to know in this cynical world that places like The Flower Emporium do still exist.

Michael provided the stunningly elegant floral table centrepieces as well as multiple breathtaking…read morearrangements for the Mayor's Reception at Stockport Town Hall. This was the occasion when my husband and myself were inaugarated as Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport on the 17th May 2010. We cannot thank Michael enough for his skill and artistry which complimented our day to remember. Thank you Michael.

The only things I've ever bought from this shop are greetings cards, of which they have a really…read moregood, but admittedly somewhat pricey, selection. When I popped in the other day they had a sale going on, and many cards were knocked down to just £1. This kind of offer would definitely appeal to people like my Mum, who has a whole chest of drawers full of various cut-price greetings cards for every occasion - just in case someone moves house or gets engaged or turns 16 (we don't know any 15-year-olds). Apart from cards they had offers on lush smelling bath bombs and toiletries, mirrors, mugs and rugs. In the back room they also have a range of really nice furniture - I'll be back in about 30 years, when I have enough money to buy and furnish a house in Didsbury. Great for gifts and cards, and I'd recommend popping down soon to catch the end of the sale if you have the drawer space to store year's Christmas pressies!

The name Elm Interiors conjures up images of soft furnishings and small occasional tables, but the…read moremain reason most people shop in here is for the gifts and cards. If you're not drawn in by the eclectic window displays, then you'll most certainly be drawn in by the aroma of scented soaps and candles. Apart from a huge selection of cards, Elm Interiors specialise in jewellery, mirrors, pictures, clocks, photo frames, rugs, kitchenware, lighting and baskets. I came in here specifically for Christmas decorations and cards. The shop was bustling full of like-minded shoppers. I got a great box set of hand made cards for £5 and a wooden reindeer or two for the tree.

I love Belly Button Designs. It's great to see an independent company which started by selling…read moretheir cards on check-out counters come so far. They have a great range of their own cards and cards from other designers such as Razzle Dazzle or Bon Bon, and also some cute and unusual gifts that make finding a last minute present a doddle. Cushions, bags, necklaces, candles and more in here, as well as gifts for children and babies, there's something for everyone.

A strange name I know but this place is a fab little shop that sells independent handmade cards,…read morejewellery, gifts, bags etc. They also do personalised cards and photo albums that will make a present really special. Staff are extremely friendly and the atmostphere is really chilled out. This place is only a small shop but its got a big heart (sorry for the cheesiness). Support local and independent talent and buy someone special a card/ present from here...I can guarantee it will put a big smile on their face.

This duck-egg blue gem of a gift shop is perfectly located in Chorlton's famous Beech Road. The…read morewindow is a vintage festival of crafts littered over a gorgeous white dresser. Once inside, you are bombaded with individual and unique curiosities: wooden letters spelling love( £16.95) how sweet, snuggle next to Cath Kidston floral mugs. There is pottery everywhere and something to buy for friends, colleagues or family alike. The lady who runs Hurricane is very friendly and helpful, she invited me to rummage around in the room at the back where I discovered teeny weeny baby bath bombs which looked delicious enough to eat. This is a little independent curiosity shop, it doesn't have a website so you will just have to take a trip there. Your journey will not be wasted!.

Great range of household goodies, but rather disappointed that the owner does not keep to her word…read moreespecially when she has taken nearly £80 of you she did not even take the 50p off to round up the transaction, then you kindly ask her to make enquiries with a local artist on items that you had shown an interest in purchasing, I still am waiting for this call.

A bit like Habitat, on a miniature scale this is a stylish interiors and gift shop in Didsbury…read morevillage. Prices aren't cheap, but you pay for quality, style and original designs. From sofas, beds and Dining room furniture, to candles, cookware and framed artwork there's a range to suit most young fashionable home lovers. I love browsing this shop on a Saturday afternoon just to look at all the retro gadgets and bits and pieces that you can find, there's always something new in. They also stock cards, gift wrap and stationary. Perfect for gifts, or just for spoiling yourself 'because you're worth it'.

Handy house wares shop in the middle of Didsbury's high street selling a large range of items from…read morebeds, sofa's, rugs, lamps, picture frames, plates and cutlery, to bedroom furniture and kitchen accessories. Luckily at the time of writing, they are having a huge clearance sale (70% of a lot of items) so it's quite possible you can bag a bargain if your currently looking to adding a household items into you home. I nearly got carried away and coveted a 'snazzy' range of Alessi cutlery/table accessories (given a cheeky glass of wine or two beforehand I may indeed have found myself in the red over daft salt and pepper pots). House Shop is akin to an independent, suburban habitat the furniture and accessories are similar to those found in that particular store, though with seemingly lower prices. At the back of the store is the bed section (tis indeed like a Tardis in here) with designs ranging from 'Po Mo Tokyo' to 'Ironic Quaker'...or so I gathered. With more mugs than the Daily Mail readership and a card section to slightly concern Clinton's (the greeting card store not the Presidency obsessed US couple) the House shop provides a decent niche for home furnishing in this neck of the woods. Currently this business has opened up to nine stores in the North West (from a few in South Manchester to as far flung as Windermere in the lakes). Whilst I was browsing I happened across a pizza stone which I'd been after for years! Works an absolute treat. We have Italian relatives over next weekend so I'm gonna see if I can impress them with my crispy bottoms