I thought this was the bee's knees when it opened at Garden City about ten years ago. Their range of pretty paper, beads, colours and paints appealed to my imagination and I pictured crafty homemade activities every weekend.
Unfortunately, over the years Riot Art and Craft has gotten more expensive and exclusive. Awhile ago, my sister was stuck in hospital for a month and made it my responsibility to buy craft supplies to keep my nephew quietly amused indoors.
I gulped when the shop assistant added up my purchase of crayons, a sheet of stickers, two stamps, a glue stick and a mixed bag of craft paper. My $40 budget was blown.
I paid for the stamps (they were very cute unicorn and dragon stamps) but returned everything else. I ended up buying all my craft supplies from Stacks (a cheap, $2 thrift shop at Garden City) for under half the price.
Although Riot is no longer bargain hunting ground, they still have some great craft activity packs as presents for young people. Look out for the specials at the front of the shop. This week they had pony decorating kits and building a wooden boat kits for $10. read more