During the festive season, glittery shops like Paperchase really come into their own…read more Presents can be given a boost with the right wrapping paper and decorative baubles and this shop has a great selection. There is also a nice range of gifts Like most of the shops this year, there is discounting already happening before Christmas has arrived. I think it's a sign that the economy isn't doing well If your presents need a little lift, pop in here for some inspiration!

The Orange Tree is a small shop filled to bursting with stuff. Not a chain store, it's one of those…read moreplaces you will find that gift fir the awkward aunt or favourite friend. Definitely one to look in if you are in the area.

I like this place a lot! It is like a wonderland, even if I don't need to buy anything I like to…read morepop in and see what's there:) And it's not a chain, which means that a lot of things are unique and I don't have to wonder whether I'm bringing the same birthday gift as the person next to me!

I am not able to visit this shop without a purchase ... it has also served as a last resort source…read morefor last-minute panic almost-missed birthday presents on various occasions. It is best to enter with an open mind rather than a pre-determined idea of what to get. Rise stocks a very personal selection of predictable and more eclectic gifts. And the most original choice of greeting cards. I usually find a little treat for myself, too, when looking for gifts.

This quirky little shop on the borders of Kensal Rise is the best place to get little gifts, cards,…read morewrapping paper, and unusual pretty, girly or pop-art gifts. The staff are always sooo helpful, they usually help you shop for the personality you describe. Ive bought everything from decorated mirrors, to tea cups, to pretty umbrellas and hanging lights. Do drop in there.

I guarantee you that if you are looking for a pressie for your mum or nan, you will find it here…read more It is a mum and nan heaven! Sitting conveniently opposite the entrance to Hampton Court Palace, The Gardenarium sells garden gifts (not big stuff like lawnmowers), such as trowls, matts, watering cans etc, as well as a full range of home gifts. I spied a cabinet full of jewellery, candles, cushions, kitchenware, organic jams, chocolates etc. The items on sale here are well chosen. The food comes from places like Daylesford Organic, the kitchenware includes a range from Emma Bridgewater. I love her stuff so much. But it is pricy. My dream would be to have a kitchen with all of her spotty range in. Spotty crockery makes me happy. There were plenty of yummy mummies visiting when I was here. I'm sure this shop gets its full share of tourists. Even though I live in this area, I don't see why I can't shop like a tourist too - why let them have all the fun?

A lovely shop for browsing and finding little treasures and treats for the home and garden. If…read moreyou've always craved a French bistro chair, you'll find them here, in an impressive and surprising range of colours, from sky blue to aubergine. Their other garden furniture is pretty, tempting and often well-priced. Also worth looking here, for sweet, inspiring and sometimes quirky items for gifts - suitable for all age groups and tastes - or as a personal treat.

I love this shop, really. It's a gift shop. The items inside are really unique and there's…read moresomething for everyone. There's a gift for literally every occasion that comes up. They also sell Fireworks of all types, all year round. It's on Stroud Green Road which, if you've been there before you'll know, is a fairly quiet place. It's one of the most noticeable shops on the road so you're bound to see it.

This is a great little gift shop in the broadway (the heart of leigh on sea). I always go in there…read morefor cards as they have a great selection of varying prices (although note that they don't sell family cards, i.e. happy birthday mum, etc.). Their range of gifts is excellent, candles, photo frames, lovely toiletries, nik naks for the home, etc. They also sell a few clothing accessories, ie. scarfs, pashminas, bags, etc. and some jewellery which is reasonably priced. They always have beautiful christmas decorations too (worth a visit in January when they are all half price!). Their prices aren't cheap but they're not too over the top either. Worth a visit.

If you've got a Cath Kidston shabby chic home you'll love natural edge, they have beautiful claddy…read morewooden home gifts and statement pieces and the further into the shop you go the more there is to see. It's nicely laid out into sections ie bathroom, kitchen, garden and general home. A good place to shop for awkward people as there really is something for everyone!

This shop stands out from the outside as a fun and exciting little gem. And it is! You can find all…read moresorts of goodies in here to that you can use to make your own cards and jewellery etc. There's a lovely selection of stamps, ideal for personalising Christmas cards or wedding invitations. It's not too expensive and the staff are friendly, creative and helpful. Scrap book making classes are taught here which anyone can sign up for. Parking can be difficult so try one of the residential side roads and you should find somewhere fairly nearby.

Love this shop, i can get everything i need from here all for reasonable prices. I recently went…read moreand it has been opened up and re-furbished. Not so crammed now. I strongly reccomend this to anyone who is intrested in craft!

This sweet little shop in Stoke Newington has a great selection of gift idea's, ribbon's and…read morewrapping paper. Almost everything has been designed by the shop owner's themselves so you can expect to find a lot of original and unique item's. Personally my favourite item has to be the mugs printed with 'I LOVE STOKEY' which I think would make a great present for anyone in the who lives in the area. It's important to point out that this shop isn't all about novelty and stocking fillers. Most the cards and wrapping paper are stylishly understated and there is a large selection of posh toiletries and candles too. Though it might be a bit expensive for me to buy my wrapping paper from Early Bird every time there is a birthday on the horizon, I would definitely recommend it for the occasional special gift.

It wasn't until I went on their website that I realised that the people behind Earlybird not only…read moresell their wares, but also design all those wares themselves. (well, not everything, but a lot of the bits in the shop) They sell their own designs- brightly-coloured illustrations and repeated patterns of butterflies, birds, dinosaurs and animals- on occasion cards, blank cards and wrapping paper. There are a number of fun gifts such as 'I love Stokey Mugs' and novelty moustaches as well as more sensible presents such as moleskin notebooks. The two men who work there are lovely and very funny- they spent the half an hour I was in there arguing about Doctor John and who should do the washing up that had been there for three days. Far nicer than Paperchase.