It probably won't come as a surprise to hear this shop is a bit expensive but there's usually a…read moreclearance rail so with a bit of luck you be able to find something a bit more affordable. Alternatively you could try George at Asda which often has Disney branded clothing at more realistic prices ;-)

All your child's favourite characters in one place, what more can you ask for…read more Its difficult to walk past with children without popping in. Plenty of cuddly toys, stationary, dressing up outfits, cars, party bag stuff etc Staff seem to be bubbly and energetic. Located in the heart of Chester city centre so no parking.

This is a decent little card and party supply store. It's small, but they offer a full range of…read moregreeting cards, party balloons, gifts, plush toys, and more. You'll find the staff here are quite friendly--at least they were when I was there-and it's an all around nice atmosphere compared with some of the card shops where it feels like you have to push your way through the crowd with a bulldozer to get anywhere.

Not your run of the mill tacky adult shop but a brightly lit inviting store with a superb range of…read morepretty frilly underwear as well as their more flamboyant racy ranges. Find everything from edible undies to animal themed posing pouches, naughty nurse outfits, sexy santa and a whole heap of battery powered toys on display in the over 18s area at the rear of the shop.

This little shop, otherwise known locally as 13, is situated at the start of Lark Lane. It is an…read moreamazing little shop, with a definite tardis effect apparent as soon as you walk in. The shop is filled with cards, postcards, jewellery, wrapping paper, stationary, lighting, novelties, books, artwork, watches, bags, clothes, toys, ceramics, cosmetics and much much more. The shop is cluttered with hundreds of different items but at the same time it is tidy, clean and well organised. Whenever I have to buy a present or a card this is my first stop. There are gifts suitable for people of all ages and appropriate for all occasions. There is a huge range of cards available for all occasions. From the cute handmade cards to give to your mum, to the hilariously offence cards to give to friends, there is something here for everyone. My favourite part of the shop is the jewellery cabinets by the windows. The stock in here is changed and updated regularly and there is always something in the cabinets that catches my eye when I feel like treating myself to something sparkly.

A fantastic little shop that seems crammed from floor to ceiling with all things kitsch and…read moredesirable. From jokey Jesus statues to gorgeous mirror compacts, beautifully delicate jewellery and quirky cookie jars, this shop has it all. Similar to Utility in town, this has a more homey feel about it, and the staff are very nice. The only problem I found is that because it is so small I was scared to turn around in case I knocked something over and had to pay for it. Prices range from inexpensive to a raised eyebrow, as, for example, the compact mirror I was gushing overturned out to be £8. For a bit of plastic? I gasped. Yes, we all know I'm a miser. However, there are some truly hilarious bits and bobs in here, and it is hard not to buy anything. I especially loved the Carry on Camping plates that were on display in the window - imagine serving dinner on them and seeing Babs pertly staring at you...

A wonderful high end specialty chocolate shop made with chocolate grown on their own St Lucia…read moreproperty. Incredible selection of milk and dark chocolate with all kinds of goodies. Delicious truffles, unusual bars as well as gift samplers. Bet you can't eat just one

Nice store with great staff. If you love chocolate and just…read moreabout any product that can include chocolate in it this is the place to come. They stock everything from chocolate gin to balsamic vinegar. Not to forget the chocolate itself. There is a wide range of products so you will never be stuck for choice. It is a little pricy but you get what you pay for. Staff are nice but seem to struggle when it gets busy.

Here 2 Party is a little card and party goods shop on Market Street in Hoylake…read more Besides your average all occasions cards, balloons, gift wrap, and other party items, they also sell a fair amount of stationary items. It's a good place to look if you need some note cards or a writing pad. The prices are decent, and the quality is not bad but it's not high end either.

The gift shop now, and this is one of my favourite places to browse-not-buy. You know what I mean -…read moreall this stuff looks great but you can't really justify buying it. Can you...? This shop is a favourite of mine because it has fantastic baby clothes and accessories, which comes in handy when you don't know what to get your mate who's just had another baby. My favourites are the t shirts with cute logos on. Almost makes me wanna have kids... But anyway, I digress. I will stick to my guns on this one and say that Utility is one luxury I know I can't afford, but would never object to having!!

This just has to be, one of my favourite shops. I would just love to run a shop like this. I must…read moresay that I like Utility - Gift Boutique better than Utility - Home Store, just a few doors up from the gift boutique at 60 Bold Street. Maybe it is because I like gifts more than home stuff. Anyway, great great place if you are wanting to buy unique presents for friends and family. They sell the cutest shoes for babies and have products for pregnancy and after pregnancy including Neal's Yard, Mother's Massage Oil. For the children as they grow older, they sell the Face Food Plate, which is meant to encourage kids to eat up their food by making faces with their food...why didn't they have these 20+ years ago! Peas for the hair and tomato ketchup in the ears.

A well-stocked party goods and novelties store, with exceptionally friendly, helpful (and patient)…read morestaff. Wide range of tasteful greetings cards, tags, calendars, balloons, wrapping paper, cuddly teddy bears, and so on, to cover all the bases when planning for a party - or any other celebration. Prices seem reasonable enough, and the variety of stock on display makes it worth making the trip here as a 'one-stop' option (to coordinate your purchases) rather than to, say, a supermarket. Talking of which, parking being the only tricky part (places are at a premium on Banks Rd, where double-yellow lines abound) its maybe easier to park at 'Morrisons' supermarket near the marina, and walk back.