Cheeky Monkeys is a lovely children's store in Rottingdean and my personal favourite, this is where…read moreI come when I need to buy something for my nephew and I'm flat out of ideas. There's lots of original ideas for gifts in here from the award winning mini and maxi micro scooters to Mini IQ books. There's also traditional toys that hark back to a simpler time: wooden animals, knitted booties, lots of classic books, bears, puzzles and handmade clothes. It makes me wish I was 2 again. A lovely seafront location where they also organise 'Boddler's' groups for mums and Toddlers to break loose.

As a 22 year old male, I probably don't really represent the target audience of Altjeringa, but as…read more22 year old male needing to buy his Mum a birthday present, Altjeringa was ideal. It's a relatively small shop, but they have a very good concentration of lady's clothes, accessories and home ware. It's all very tasteful, pastel colours and 'homemade' looking items that all seem rather characterful. I bought my mum two white cushions, slightly embroidered cushions. I also picked up a pair of earrings that had been reduced to £6. For solving my birthday crisis, I can't really say a bad word against Altjeringa.

This is a nice little shop in Hove specialising in women's accessories. It has a homey feel to it…read morewhich puts you at ease so that you feel comfortable picking things up, touching the fabrics- women love to touch fabric, have you noticed that- and trying things on. I've only ever been into the shop in the winter so I can only comment on their colder weather stock- they have lovely soft wool shawls, striped scarves and leather and sheepskin gloves. The prices are quite reasonable...for Hove!

I've shopped for presents for my wife. Amazing ethical products that Madeline delivers at lighting…read morespeed. Lots of top brands: Ting, Rosie Weisencrantz, Ciel, Minna, Tiki, Luxandlove, Lu Flux, Elm, Mimi Odette, Atelier Bricolage, Nancy Dee, Ciel Bath n Body, Carry a Bag, Wickle.

What it sells hasn't really changed but this store is now called Store 21. It stocks budget…read morechildren's, men and women's clothing, toys, home wear and gifts. The children's clothing is so cheap, I've bought a few items for my toddler. The quality has been a bit hit and miss, but then I wasn't expecting anything amazing for the price. I've picked up a trendy looking pack a Mac here for my foster son and he still uses it. I also purchased a £2.50 table lamp and £2 storage boxes the other day as a present, both looked far more expensive than what I actually paid. If you're looking for a bargain this is the place!

Not having any kids or maternal yearnings, I rarely have a reason to shop at baby and toddler…read moreoutlets. If I did though, I'd probably spend quite a lot of time in Yummies. The board outside invites you to 'Follow the trail of magic and sparkle' an the staff seem to genuinely like children. Always a bonus, I know! Aimed at babies, toddlers, pre-school and youngsters, they sell dolls, wooden toys, building blocks, mobiles and blankets as well as cute and colourful baby grows, trousers, tees, jumpers and winter warmers. Wait! Did I just say 'cute and colourful' in reference to kids! Damn. Maybe that clock has just started ticking...

I think Yummies is a great name for a baby-themed shop. It did, indeed offer an assortment of…read morenon-edible yummies...Things I'll be picking up before Christmas to send to my little nephew in Canada. Baby clothing and many of the toys were made from 100% organic fabrics - wool, cotton and even bamboo. Yummies also sells washable nappies and staff are willing to answer questions regarding use and care. Décor for baby rooms included various trinkets (wooden ones were usually bamboo) and unique, multi-coloured mobiles. Other unique gift ideas included children's world music CDs and personalised lullaby CDs. For parents who've chosen a less popular baby name, these can be ordered from Yummies staff. However, by the end of the afternoon's perusal, I was leaning toward some knit booties and matching trousers - made from natural, organic cotton, of course.

I first heard about the Cath Kidston brand from the British beauty vloggers I watch on YouTube…read more Pajamas, lunch boxes, kitchen furnishings & tableware -- the cute, pastel prints were eye catching on the screen. And, the more unavailable a product is where I live in California, the more I covet it & set out to acquire it (why am I like this?!) I came across Cath Kidston while strolling around Brighton. Although many of their prints aren't exactly what I'd call my style, I did find one that was to my liking -- a pale pink background with crude sketches of British landmarks & icons. I picked up a makeup pouch & passport holder (along with a few other bits & bobs for my fRamily back home) & am happy to have a piece of the U.K. with me wherever I go! If you're a true girly girl or if you've got young kids at home, Cath Kidston will add adorable touches to your life. I don't happen to fit in those categories, but I appreciate a fun & functional souvenir. Thank you to the lovely store employees for their helpful suggestions!

In a parallel life, I have a big house in the country that's filled with smiling kids, cats and…read moreCath Kidston homeware. Each room is decorated with French furniture that I stumbled across on various trips across the channel and the walls are plastered with cute floral, polka dot and cowboy wallpaper. There's vases of home-grown flowers everywhere and a constant supply of fresh coffee and cakes on the kitchen counter. This is the image that comes to mind whenever I walk through the door of Cath Kidston and am surrounded by beautiful, carefully thrown together, homeware. Thankfully, one glance at the price-tags - £150 for a roll of luxury wallpaper, £200 for a digital Roberts radio, £135 for a rose bedspread that could have been my grandma's - usually jolt me to my senses and reminds me, I've never had a desire to be a domestic goddess or desperate housewife.

Owned by the same peeps as Igigi General Store and Cafe a few doors away, this lovely boutique…read morespecialises in elegant and stylish womenswear. Refreshingly, they stock sizes 8 to 18 and their niche seems to be classic dresses, skirts, trousers, shirts, blouses, jumpers and dresses made from beautiful and ethical materials. Turning it into a one-stop destination for shoppers in a hurry, they also sell shoes, bags and accessories. Designers include Beyond Skin, Sam Ubhi, Ally Capellino, Best Behavior, Hartford, Anna Nygards and Anouk. If you see something you like and it doesn't quite fit, they also provide alterations and styling advice. If they could make me a size smaller, I'd buy my whole wardrobe from there!

As with the I Gigi general store a few doors down, their women's boutique leaves me in two minds. I…read morelove some of the labels they stock- most with ethical stances, great mixes of classic and avant-garde, particularly Humanoid, Beyond Skin, Fillipa K- admittedly expensive brands. The women's boutique has a harder edge to the decor which is welcome after the crisp clean neutrals of the homestore, yet ultimately, combined with the stiff staff, comes across as snooty.

They have the most stunning shoes by Kurt Geiger and Carvela, they're expensive but very well made…read moreand designed. The staff that work here are very helpful and friendly. I definitely have a splurge here whenever i can afford to. From funky stilletto's to lovely leather boots its well worth a visit.