I am so passionate about this shop, it's like falling in love over again but with an innate object…read more Yeah, that sounds corny but it's true and anyone who sees it can't drive or walk past without going inside, it definitely has the 'IT' factor. A small shop but chock a block as its black and white colour scheme with neutral tones and spots of colour here and there, is a lovely combination. Black exterior, big picture windows, white interior and the name MAPLE in white against the black in simple font, is a classy effect plus the items they stock are just as dramatic. Once you look past the candles, jewellery and all the filler stuff every other shop in Adelaide carries, it's certainly different to what you'll find anywhere else and you can be sure of that. If this was the only shop available for lease when the owner was looking, she has chosen well....I think any larger and it would have taken the charm away. The owner has sourced items from everywhere including overseas, I remember once seeing these cute little, rustic fabric looking birdhouses, which came from New York made by a textile artist by the name of Tamar Mogendorff, and I noticed there still some of her creations in the shop like the little owls. Unfortunately I have to add they're mega expensive, hence I didn't buy one. The hessian sack textile crafts from India, Dinosaur Designs resin bowls, clothing, wall art, glassware, home decor, vases, nautical items and driftwood themes and tones, really too much to mention. It's a shop where the feel comes through of the owners' desire to source and stock items they love, otherwise what's the point of doing something you don't love day in day out! Do yourself a favour, it's summer, the Adelaide Hills are a short drive from the city and....go to there.

I guess it's a home wares store... or something. Kind of a random set up, it's been there for quite…read morea while but my sister only just noticed it the other day, so it's making a really great impression on the people of Stirling... It's a 'things' place, if you need a new thing for your bookshelf or your mantlepiece or your walls or your dresser, this is where you would find that thing. the latest is this weird feather piece, looks like the feathers are stuck to a plate, it's really expensive and similar to what they have on the walls at Parisi's. Again, if you don't have a fair bit of cash or aren't willing to spend it, then don't even bother going in. luckily if you do go in and the prices are enough to put you into shock, the pub is 2 seconds walk away.

So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.

I go a little bit weak at the knees when I think of gift boxes, ribbons, candles and vases. The…read moreessential niceties of party favours can be found at Baldocks, along with any cake decorators dream supply of icing bags, cutters, edible flowers and chocolate making kits. Baldocks has a wonderful variety of ribbons that you can buy in bulk but unfortunately does not sell gift boxes by the carton. It is also a tad more expensive and limited in range than your typical Spotlight. However, if you're looking for something a "little bit different" and noice then Baldocks is your place for every crafters/event organisers need. The ladies behind the counter love a good chat about any craft or cake decorating project you are doing and always willing to offer an opinion. They are a tad unwilling to come out from behind their desk and help but that just allows you to browse the store for hours unattended - something I strangely love!

From the owner: The Merchant on Queen Street. Open to wholesale and retail customers.read more

Presentation is everything as my mother would say, and this gorgeous store's front gets top marks…read moreevery time. Now located a few shops down the Regent Arcade from their Renew Adelaide pop-up, the store has settled in and the Arcade's vibe suits it well. Stocking the hand poured Zuki & Boo soy candles in some truly delectable scents, this is my primary reason for swinging by. I'm a real lover of a 'natural' smelling candle (as opposed to the saccharine qualities many other scented candles give off) and this stock is top notch. Available is different glass jar sizes and also available poured in a tea cup (with the saucer to match), they make great presents for yourself or others. My current fave is Bergamot & Banksia but the Coffee Bean is just right to get your day started (I work night shift so burning candles after waking is perfectly acceptable at 6pm!). Check the candle 'menu' for some potential favourites and the staff can let you know when they become available (or pour some for you). The store also has a beautiful array of posies and floral arrangements with the ladies happy to create a floral arrangement to your colour palette or floral taste for an excellent price, however I can never go past the gorgeous bouquets often sitting in the store front (and often so cheap!). Succulents at various stages of growth and in an array of pots plus terrariums can be picked up and once again, all very reasonably priced. Other assorted soft furnishings are available, cushions and throws, as well as some stationery and assorted homewares. A great place to find a gift for yourself. I'm a fan.

*Insert the same surprised and delighted face of a baby who has just played peek-a-boo here.*…read more Shop owners note: if you want to attract me into your shop just display unusual bunches of flowers, succulents in tea pots and candles that you want to stick your whole face into in your front window. Enter Boo & Who?? on one unassuming Wednesday when I thought I was just going for a coffee in town. Exit a happy Chloe with a candle that smelt like waffles, a postcard and bookmark with a hilarious hedgehog drawn on it and a longing for that ridiculous looking brass teapot with a succulent in it that I knew I couldn't keep alive for more then 2 days. These guys know how to do gift shop: - Service is friendly but not pushy - The selection of cards, flowers, candles and body lotions are well balanced and mean the shop isn't cluttered with too much to select from - Prices are ridiculously good for those on a budget of $10-50 (ie. for those workmates who you have to give a gift to through to good friends you love) I hope this Renew Adelaide venture is able to stay on and continue to brighten up Regent Arcade in the future!

22/12/2011 Lamp shades and all those itsy bitsy pieces that…read moremake you say, wow! This nicely hidden, tiny, crammed and crowded shop packs in quite a lot of different things to add to your home. It's all cute, I especially liked the white desk lamps. My eyes were so busy looking around this store. I really liked how the staff asked me if I needed any help, and if I couldn't find it in here, they directed me to three other stores that I could look in. So helpful. The only reason I didn't rate this higher was because it was so packed, and hard to move and look around, that I just needed to find my item elsewhere.

I can't really fault this shop. It's one of my favourites! Full of bags, jewellery, candles by…read moreGlasshouse (which smell amazing by the way), home wares, well-being and inspirational books, journals and unique finds. Each time I have come into Fireflies I've had a warm welcome. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I have bought two Christmas gifts from here and they kindly gift wrapped for no extra charge. I also bought my travel journal from here (after looking everywhere else in the city); the lady got together all the travel journals they had which gave me a range to choose from. In the end I left happy with my purchase. If you are looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself, you'll have no trouble choosing something. Go in, have a browse, and I'm sure you'll come back for more!

Yes Husk is a women's fashion shop with a range of exotic and "artisan inspired treasures", but…read morethere are also brilliant gifts for the women in your life, e.g. books, homewares, jewellery, candles, scented oils, boutique organic teas etc. Also a great cafe/providore with fantastic organic coffee and a range of Moroccan influenced salads, wraps, and other fine and yummy things. Tables to sit and chat while you are waiting for someone else to shop. Fire in winter. Great music courtesy of Pandora, you could request French Cafe or perhaps Groove Armada channel if you prefer? Dancing has been known to occur, happy days!

Décor Matters is a strange shop. It sells such an eclectic mix of items it is hard to classify what…read moreit actually is. Outside the shop there are garden ornaments, mostly animal statues- just incase you can't have pets, clothes, Christmas decorations, a jewellery holder and wine bottles holders. Yes I warned you it was a strange shop. The wine bottle holders are definitely the highlight. They are handmade metal sculptures, mostly people that cleverly hold your wine bottles. They sell the exact same ones down the street at Oscar's, but Décor sells them for less than half the price. My favourites were the one shaped like an old school car and another that was two cartoon chefs. I think these would make a great present for dad (or yourself). In one room of the shop there was random stuff- basically a mixture of what is outside and more. Statues, book holders and yeh... things. The other room for some reason is mainly children's toys. Yes children's toys, just in case the shop didn't have enough different items. There is a cheap lucky dip for kids, toy cars and wooden blocks.

Decor Matters is probably one of the 'not-so-spectacular' shops in Hahndorf. It's not typically…read moreGerman and sells a mix of home- and garden decorations. There are a couple of nice things, but since it's located in one of the most prominent tourist destinations around Adelaide, prices are too high in my opinion for what it actually is. If you're after a new vase, candles or pots, you better try Magill Road or elsewhere. Head to Hahndorf for some German souvenirs or food.

The Ivy Room is one of those stores that represents the next coming of the 'Anti-Dude'! Random…read morelittle gifts, a plethora of hand bags and other random gear that ladies will go 'Ooooooo, isn't that pretty', and we will reply 'no baby, you butt looks really small'. There seem to be a number of chicky specific stores popping up along Jetty Road, and say we need more! The more shops along this strip that will keep the ladies busy, the more time the boys can spend at the Jetty Bar watching the Cricket!

The Ivy Room is a funky little gift shop with lovely clean lines and lots of space. It stocks a…read moregood variety of gifts and accessories without feeling cluttered. The gift ware and jewellery is generally modern in styling; no sign of flying ducks for the wall here. It is a great place to shop for birthdays for your stylish friends and relatives and like most good gift shops they offer a gift wrapping service.

I have what you would call an 'occasional green thumb'. This gererally means that I get in the mood…read moreto get some dirt under my nails, and then I can't be knotted watering! Because of this on again off again relationship with planty things I find myself drawn to nurseries from time to time, which was the case with Blackberry up at Hahndorf. From a plant side of the fence, nothing too special. The selection wasn't very large and the prices seemed a bit steep. The one thing that did stand out as pretty cool were the odd metal sculptures that bordered on the scary (probably why I liked them). They are scattered all over the property and take the form of gremlins (I guess) getting up to, assumedly, wicked things. Probably not worth the drive up the freeway just to check it out, but worth a look if you are in Hahndorf for other reasons.