I first came across this lovely store years ago when I was just visiting Melbourne. I didn't have a…read moreclue where it was at the time because my sister who was already living in Melbourne drove me here. I fell in love with this store all those years ago but never thought take a business card or find out where it was. Years later, after moving to Melbourne myself, I finally found Crate Expectations in Malvern. And today I made my inaugural trip for 2011. This fantastic little store always has the best homewares and gifts. Today I fell in love with the printed fabric poufs and cushions. It's amazing how much is available in this store, which is just off busy Glenferrie Road. They've also got a gorgeous range of home scents and body products, flowy kaftans and dresses and a great mix of home products, kids's products and fashion accessories.

Great place for baby and toddler things. Pretty good parking with A huge selection of products…read more Most of the time their is enough staff but when their isn't it's difficult to make major purchases like prams and bedding. Friendly staff and warehouse people. Some large products are collected from the back. More staff is the only small irritation.

Sweet Meck is a chocolate and confectionary shop in Bayswater…read more A family business, these guys have been importing and selling wholesale sweets from around the world for years now. Quite like the shops you'll find on tourist trails in the hills nearby, this shop is great for trying new chocolates and candy, and picking up your favourite sweets that aren't stocked in bigger stores. Although they are priced higher than your average Mars Bar, these are specialty items that you cant pick up just anywhere. Personal favourites of mine are the Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, and the cans of Dr. Pepper, who used to be stocked everywhere, but somehow disappeared from the mainstream stores a few years back.

This store is a little hidden from the main road. Inside you will find a good range ad Australian,…read moreAmerica. And English candy. Pre wrapped bars of weighed bags. The prices are great and they also have a lot of party supplies aswell

One of the smallest Witchery's I have been in…read more Whilst compact, this store is still handy for women's accessories and casual pieces for gifts for friends or for yourself. Unfortunately, the store seems to miss it's key demographic by not stocking enough xsmall and small sizes. There is also a children's section at the back of the store. Despite it's size there are plenty of change rooms and it is generally not too busy unless it's Christmas or a serious sale - in which case be prepared to queue when paying at the only register. Don't forget your loyalty card.

Australia has not one amazing stationery chain, but two (the other being Kikki.K) From time to time…read moreI prefer one over the other, and after checking out both of them at Southland yesterday, Typo definitely has a better range at the moment. Typo is a bit more trendy and also a little bit novelty, but actually the stuff they currently have is amazing. From glitter covered notepads to pug Christmas ornaments and rose gold pineapples, it's all very on trend and coincidentally, all the stuff that I really love. I wasn't actually planning on buying anything but couldn't resist - I got a glitter notepad in rose gold + a silver glitter 2016 planner, doggie Christmas decorations and was upsold some charitable tissue packs when I was at the counter (they were only $1 and had pugs on them!). For what it is, it is a little pricey but I think it's worth it as I've never seen a range like they have at typo. I will definitely back for more stuff before our holiday is over.

The name pretty much sums up what you will find in this colourful shop located behind Rosanna Train…read morestation. This compact yet bursting with stock family run discount store has the typical goods you would expect to find in any discount store or $2 shop, however it is its party goods selection that makes Blokker stand out from it's competition. When birthdays, Christmas, Halloween or Australia Day get near this is where I head for cheap decorations. Anything you need to take your event to the next level; from costumes, masks and wigs, to disposable cutlery and glasses, decorations and balloons can be found here. If your looking for expensive looking party decor then maybe give this place a miss, but for cheap goods designed to make your next party a hit, just drop by and see what you can find.

Melody Nelson is a great little nook of surprises, full of things you didn't realise you wanted…read moreuntil you saw that it existed. Full of little knick-knacks, thing-a-ma-bobs and trinkets, it's an especially good place to visit if you're gift shopping (particularly as it bills itself as a gift shop). The goods are sourced locally and from Europe, and range from leather gloves, dresses, fancy hats, scarves and cushions through to brightly coloured and chunky potato peelers, rainbow water glasses and cute little tea sets. It's the sort of shop where you go around making little noises of approval as you browse. It's not cheap, but also not all that expensive and the things are nice. It's always worthwhile to drop in if you're in the area.

Every Sunday morning it is worth a stroll along the Esplanade market in St Kilda…read more You'll find lots of local arts and crafts among the stall holders. It's a great place to pick up some St Kilda / Melbourne landscape photography. There's no food at this market but don't panic, Acland St is just a 2 minute walk up the road. Some of the most popular stalls are home made jewellery, hand crafted wooden chopping boards, window wonders, home made soaps and the various art stalls. If the weather is ordinary this place is very exposed and has very little cover. Best avoided if raining.