As the sign on the front of the shop clearly states "amazing cards at fantastic prices!" this is…read moreindeed a shop that forfills it's own hype! It can be very difficult to find the right card for the right person. Sometimes you are after a funny card that is just good clean fun and wont offend anyone, sometimes you want something a little bit more riskey but you know the person and it fit's in with their character, and sometimes you want a card with a nice message but you don't want it to be too soppy, well I can saftley say this shop will cover any of those occasions! With a very clearly laid out shop and some wonderful designs and concepts to look through this is a great card shop for any occasion.

Here we have a shop that sells, well, cards. Cards and party supplies that is…read more It's not quite Clintons in terms of quality or range but then also in terms of price, which is nice. It's much more of an independent store here but essentially the same sort of deal. If you're after a card for any occasion then you'll probably nip in here. If you're not after a card I doubt you'll be going to the Card Factory. They also have a range in small presents and accessories which are again not big in quality or price the same.

In a world where things are getting increasingly automated and less personal, it's refreshing to…read moresee independent businesses rising out strong above the rest. Having only been in the area since June this shop, run by a six strong craft collective is a unique glimpse at the production of some beautiful products. I think it's the shop split in half that makes Fig such an enjoyable place to poke my head in: half the shop given to racks for gifts and cards and the other half to the in house artists. I asked the always friendly staff what it is that stood them out above the rest. They can't stress enough the importance of products being hand crafted, on the spot. They say it's a very refreshing and unique approach to their work. Pop in and see for yourself.

Not to be confused with Sage, a shop of a similar name and nature a few doors down, Fig is a great…read morelittle find on Gloucester Road, choc-a-bloc full of beautiful arts, crafts and handmade delights including greeting cards, prints and jewellery. Made up of a small collective of local designers and artists, Fig is a fantastic place to go for gifts but also for inspiration to brighten up your own home. The felt embroidery of underwater scenes by Katy Tarling and quirky prints by Jane Orme are some of the highlights while the greeting cards are charming but at around £3 each are a little pricey. Although the listings on the website say this shop is only open Thursday to Saturday I recently popped in on a Monday morning so it's worth stopping by if you're in the area a the beginning of the week as opening hours may be changing.

Although Romantica is just down the road, a bit further up you will find Hallmark Romantica - which…read moreis essentially Romantica but without the gifts. This small shop sells cards, wrapping paper, gift bags and essentials for every occasion. It is a little pricey but there are some really beautiful cards. They have cards for every occasion and although it is expensive, you won't find nicer cards anywhere else. You will be sure to find the perfect card or wrapping paper here!

From the outside, this shop looks tired, dated and perhaps a little tacky. For this reason, I had…read morenever been in it until the other day despite walking past many times (and my boyfriend said he'd never been in for the same reason). I can't remember why we went in but once inside it was completely different to how I expected it to be. It is a really decent gift shop with a brilliant selection of stock - from cards ad wrapping paper to figurines (not tacky ones though, funky fashionable ones) and other funny stuff. Definitely was some stuff in there that I am going back to buy! The guy who owns it should change the sign on the front and make it more in keeping with what he stocks inside

Wyatt and Ackerman is a nifty little family run packaging and stationary shop. Located on North…read moreStreet, it's a great place for Bower Ashton (UWE) art students to go and stock up on canvas boards, pens, paints etc. Selling everything from bubble wrap to catering supplies, till rolls and black sacks, this shop is a great place to stock up on all things practical. And if you're a business that needs bags designed, Wyatt and Ackerman are at your service, designing bags to suit clients' needs. Staff are friendly and helpful and prices are reasonable.

I know I get overly excited about stationery, but I know I also have friends out there who also…read morethink that a new pen is probably the best thing in the world. This is a great local stationery shop with a photocopy service. Staff are really helpful and there are plenty of pens, sheets of paper for crafts, a few canvas boards and lots of office equipment.

A lovely shop to visit if you're in Bradford on Avon. Can always find a gift to buy in there and…read morethere are cards for everyone.

On the occasion, which is rarely, that I cannot make my home made cards I do source them out,…read morehowever, I am not the type to often pick something off the rack. I was made aware of this company a while back and I love their food and pastry photography, therefore, I ordered a 12 pack of ice cream and macaroon cards for birthday mail outs. Even though it was all the way up in England and with the exchange it was still ironically cheaper than some of the ones that I have seen locally. Shipping was fast.

I have one real word for this shop...Pricey…read more Granted the cards are very nice but the are very expensive. If it's a special birthday - like 18/21/50/60, or you want a really lovely mother's day card or you want your valentines day card to really say 'I love you' then this is certainly the place for you. The choice is quite staggering. I personally prefer the 50p card shop just down the road for the everyday card. It's saving grace is perhaps the Thornton's counter - if you need a quick one-stop card and chocolaty gift then this is a good call, just don't expect any change!

Mother's Day, Easter Day, birthdays and anniversaries.. Half…read morethe reason I eat so much come Christmas time is the relief of having tiptoed through another minefield of upset family and disappointed girlfriend(s). When one does remember these precious days, however, Pack of Cards is on hand to support. Least not remembering all these special days and warning us well in advance they also stock a wide range of greeting cards and wrapping up paper for any occasion. It is the Thornton's chocolate counter where the real browny points are purchased. All the crunchy, smooth, spicy, delicious ones you remember and some you don't - they're all here.

This is the place if you're looking for quirky, individual cards, wrapping and gifts. It's bright,…read morepacked with must-haves for stationeryphiles like me. Ranges change regularly so there is always something new. Bright and cheery store and bright and cheery staff.

This card shops on Milsom Street makes a refreshing change from Hallmark or Clintons. When I was in…read moresearch of the world's best Happy 60th Birthday card for my Dad, I made sure Mayther was my first port of call. In all honesty, if you're looking for an obscure card (for example, Happy Hanukah) you won't find it hear. What Mayther is best at is selling beautifully designed, humorous or unique versions of standard greetings cards. They're reasonably priced, and a cut above what you normally find on the high street. They also sell a host of wrapping paper and ribbons to brighten up even the dullest of presents.