If you need to buy gifts for anyone, then this is the place to go. You can browse around, and there…read moreis nobody looking over your shoulder. The store is laid out for a quick stock turn around, leaving one item on show and the rest packed in boxes ready to become much loved gifts. I have yet to enter this store and not find a suitable gift for anyone and everyone. They stock vases, bowls and home decor pieces. During the Christmas period, they were selling the most beautiful decorations you could find, and they were cheap as chips. Initially I thought they were just opening up to cash in on the Christmas gift rush, but this outlet store's popularity is making them it the one stop gift shop on the Shore. The lady that served me offered to wrap my gift, a service that adds to the five stars they've already achieved.

If money was no object, Weekend Trader would be my number one stop for furniture and home decor…read more The new location looks like it's come straight of the pages of Architectural Digest. Lots of clean lines, raw metal, marble and rich fabrics. I am particularly taken with their brass anglepoise lamp, which I am saving my pennies for. I'm also a fan of their horse prints, which, dare I say it, are similar to the ones in St Clements. Slowly, as I start to buy pieces for the new house that I plan to cherish for a long time, I predict there trips to Weekend Trader will become more frequent, even if it's only to dream...

I love Love Cast. Geddit? Well, that's okay, it wasn't really a joke was it…read more This isn't the kind of shop that you'd come to for one thing in particular, it's much more a browser (nothing to do with computers). It's definitely a girly-girl, nana-ish type of place, and as all of the stock is Asian, may I say Asian-y? The best things are these little microwaveable porcelain bowls that come with plastic lids, so that you can store leftovers classily in your fridge and then reheat them easily. So now you know that you have to appreciate the dinky to really like Love Cast. No wait, the best things are these plastic spoons. I'm not sure I can give them full credit here though. They come in lots of different sizes (from eating to serving) and colours, and are I think made of melamine. I have quite a collection and find them superior for desserts and cereal consumption when the thought of the cold metal of an ordinary spoon is deeply offensive to one's sense of culinary aesthetics. And perhaps they're so appealing because we all ate off them as babies. Also, they have slippers (in the manner of thin-soled things to offer to guests), some pretty quilts down the back of the shop, and some extraordinarily kitsch clocks. There's also jewellery and other bits and pieces.

'Nest' is an urban, chic, contemporary brand that oozes style. If you haven't ventured to 'Nest'…read moreyet - go now! They offer (Winter) wool 'moss' (dark grey/light grey/indigo) blankets for $299, charcoal/duckegg/seafoam linen sheeting and duvet covers from $59 (pillowcases)... Stunning. I adore the marble enamelware in grey that is both practical and stylish. There is a bargain table of discontinued product (by the entrance) which is worth looking at... From $6 for duck egg facecloths and other essentials. You are left to your own devices to browse and do as you please. It would have been an exceptional experience if the staff interacted with me about the product! Maybe next time?

I was going to go to the Newmarket store for a few things, but I was told this one had a larger…read moredisplay of stock. It's in a warehouse, not a storefront, with easy parking outside. Brimming with beautiful bed linen, home decor and tableware, I was easily able to make my choices. Must bring my daughter here, there's loads of things that would appeal to both of us. Love the blush pillow, copper baskets, wooden hooks and the classic white risotto bowls for only $8. Great city find.

I am kind of over the affirmation wall art but if you were into them they have loads at Island gift…read moreshop on Waiheke Island. What they also have is a neat selection of other gifts with a beachy bachy theme befitting of island life, hence the name I guess. We'll have a nosey every time we visit Oneroa village, which is where this shop's located. New Zealand made is big here. There are lots of local and Kiwi artists on display here and needless to say plenty of Kiwiana gifts. The surfboard on the toy car, the mirror in the shape of the north and south island to name a couple. We love the jewellery range, there is so much to choose from and it is really reasonably priced. In all, don't miss a visit to Island on the Island if you are after a little window shopping or some purchases you won't come away disappointed. Opposite the coffee Kiosk you won't miss them.

Oh my god I want everything in this store. I wish I had my own house! And lots of money to be able…read moreto fill it with the beautiful pieces Harrowset Hall stocks! Mohair blankets, ornate mirrors, waffle cotton sheets, velvet cushions, linen bedclothes, cow hide rugs - Harrowset Hall is a treasure trove of textured and eclectic home decor delights! Everything in Harrowset is gorgeous and the quality is undeniable. This fine quality does mean that most of what Harrowset Hall stocks is quite pricey, but boy is it worth it! Your house would be the envy of all your friends and just by purchasing items from this store you feel better. I know when I bought a classic lace and embroidered nightgown from Harrowset I felt like a million dollars - I felt like a 'real lady'. Harrowset Hall is just that kind of place - it makes you feel like you've found hidden treasure. Exploring their signature store on Nuffield Street is a great way to lift your mood and motivate you to redecorate your home! Tip: Handmade soaps both from within New Zealand and imported from Florence are also available in Harrowset and they smell AMAZING. Not too fragrant, as a lot of scented soaps tend to be, these are just right and would make lovely gifts.

Citta is every home lover's dream. In fact, I don't own a home and it's still one of my favourite…read morehome decor shops. French provincial furnishings, bedding and lovely knick-knacks, Citta inspires grand designs and grand ideas for redecorating! Whether you are looking for a nice throw for your couch or bed, plush towels, elegant chests and coffee tables or a fabulous centrepiece, Citta will have you well and truly covered. Everything in the store has a really fresh, innovative feel about it. You can just imagine how beautiful the items would be in your own home, however it's also a great place to buy gifts for others. Mothers and in-laws in particular would love anything Citta has to offer. The outlet store makes Citta products very affordable, while maintaining a really high standard of quality. Highly recommended!

If I could live at Citta Design best believe I would! I love the sale prices they have there…read moreespecially the bags. The bags range from picnic bags to those funky basket bags. I have bought at least three bags from there and they have all being under $30. Other than the bags the bath robes there are those thick white fluffy ones that you get in those lovely spas! I wear mine all the time, when I am lounging around at home. My mum and I always go to Citta outlet to get a few things for the bathroom. The selection is always tasteful and classy with modern designs. We bought my fave wine glasses here and tea towels for the kitchen amongst other things.

For being located on such a busy road, Sunhill Garden Centre is surprisingly peaceful. Perhaps it…read moreis the tree-bound setting combined with the trickle of the water features that distracts you from the sound of traffic, I don't know. But what I do know is that Sunhill Garden Center has a really great wide range of plants, from perennials and succulents to dwarf shrubs and citrus, which are all clearly labelled and well organised in the garden out the back. You can also pick up Oakdale Organics vegetable and herb seedlings starting from 3.99 each or 3 for 10, which seems to be a good deal. Inside you will find all sorts of gardening supplies and also plenty of gifts, such as potted plants, ornaments and various gardening accessories. And if you have a little one with you, then Sunhill has arranged for that too, with a small playground at the back overlooking the Apirana Reserve.

Yesterday was the first time I've visited Sunhill in 20 years. Amazing and beautiful, and really…read moregreat service from helpful and knowledgable people. I'll be back! Rose, Epsom