Utopia is my first port-of-call when I know someone's birthday is coming up, or at Christmas…read moretime...you're pretty much guaranteed to find something in here you know that person will like. The variety is huge - massive wooden chess sets to quirky key rings and everything in between. There's nothing cheap or tacky, just beautiful gifts at incredibly affordable prices. The last time I was (it was only last week, due to their being a friend's birthday on the horizon), I was served by the most friendly lady I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to. She really was genuinely lovely, and that really made the trip for me. There's nothing better than decent customer service, and I definitely experienced some top class service that day. With some of the loveliest ranges in town, and wonderfully helpful staff, Utopia really is a must see...you won't be disappointed.

Yeah I have no complaints about Utopia. I'm glad there is only one of its kind in Belfast as that…read morekeeps the family who run it in trade and the customers flocking back. I love to go in at Christmas time as my mum has a thing for Christmas decorations and this is the best place in town to get a quality piece at a really good price. It houses such a mixture of goodies you could spend hours just browsing. There is a massive selection if ornaments such as statues of dogs, animals and fairies. They also have a large collection of really nice inexpensive costume jewellery. You can pick up anything in here from a rubber chicken to a ceramic panda. It is definitely the place to go for gifts of any sort. I was bought a poker set from here many moons ago and I still treasure it as although it wasn't really expensive it has the feel of a luxury item.

I think deep down somewhere I know that I am too old to shop in Urban Outfitters but I also have no…read moreshame so I hold my head up high and continue to go. This is the only branch in Northern Ireland and it's an absolute treasure trove of funky clothes, jewellery, accessories and home wares. Clothes are of the leggings/obscure t shirts/floral dresses type so beloved by teenagers (and sad older people like me), while the jewellery is big and funky and best of all affordable. You'll also find sunglasses, hats, handbags (big, slouchy and fashionable) and footwear. There is a section of vintage clothes and jewellery where you'll find one off pieces that you can be sure no-one else will have. Also, there seems to be a perpetual sale so although some of the pieces are pricey, you can still find a bargain. The home wares section has some really terrific stuff - my favourite thing from Urban Outfitters so far is my technicolor Wonder Woman apron. And I am indeed a wonder woman. The staff in this store are all young and funky and the good news are that they are friendly and super helpful, even when the shop is jammed with customers.

Hey there, kid! Do you want an expensive 'designer' t-shirt that is just a red t-shirt with a…read morepenguin on it plus some funky wallpaper, a shower curtain and the latest cool music that no one has heard of? Well step inside and leave all sense of what is expensive and what isn't outside with the sane people. This shop is almost the most pointless shop in the world. Basically, every shop has a target audience. And some shops have maybe two target audiences. This seems to be aimed at anyone who wants to come in with money. I walked around the entirety of this shop and absolutely everything had an extortionate price tag, or looked so out of place it confused me. It's kind of an up-market version of a shop selling stuff that as fallen off the back of a lorry, except that the lorry was a very fancy, soft-top BMW and the box was decorated with diamonds. The shop specialises in clothes for men and women, accessories, wallpaper, novelty gifts, music, helmets, art, books... Call in for a look around by all means. If you can work out the point of this shop, answers on a postcard please.

Describing itself as modern vintage, I think this is more of a sweet shop for grown ups. From the…read moremoment you walk in your senses are overwhelmed by Kidson's trademark flowery designs on everything from lunch boxes to wellington boots. It is a bit twee for some, but for pieces here and there, there is always something for an ideal girly gift or something to perk up your pantry. It isn't cheap for what it is, but for a hint of pretty I'd be glad to take any of it.

Oh boy, oh boy…read more.. I'm one of these people who always wanted to be artistically creative. My mum can paint, sketch, knit, crochet, and all the rest of it, but unfortunately I didn't inherit her arty farty genes. Stick men and colour co-ordination is really the height of it for me. Well, at least my stick people will be well dressed... Thank goodness for Craftworld, a haven of every possible kind of art form known to man. To my delight, this includes those colourful beads which you place on a random plastic shape, cover with iron-proof paper, and iron. Cue excitement. I actually made one of these a number of years ago. A blue and red place mat in the shape of a star which sits on my desk. Craftworld appreciates the lesser forms of art. Happy days. If you're not one for fusing together beads (and let's face, apart from a five year old and myself, who really is?), do not fear. Everything from dolls houses to thread, from glitter to polystyrene shapes can be found in Craftworld. There's a lovely wee wedding section at the very back too. Lovely jubbly.

This place is unbeatable for everything craft, ribbons, buttons, wool..everything…read more I had the very frustrating experience of going here to pick up stuff everyday for two weeks before my wedding...men beware it may just dooo your head in unless your the president of your local sewing club. Prepare for a busy stuffy room with way too much choice!!!!

Ah now. You all know how I love a bargain and wow did I get one here, no not one, sorry make that…read moreabout ten! I love funny wee nick knacks and thoughful little 'stocking fillers' that you can get on the cheap. There's a bundle of them in here. I actually wanted to buy so much of this shop. From dog beds to lamp shades to flower pots, nothing you ever need, but ah how we all want to spend, spend, spend. Good thing pay days not until tomorrow! (Don't worry, I'll be back. 'Cause you know, I NEED that candle stick!) I'd say this was different from your average pound land type store as it actually is quality produce that will last, not break after two uses. Come have a look. I challenge you not to buy!

Beautiful hand-made items. Nikki is also willing to help with jewelry repairs! A true gem in St…read moreGeorge's Market!

I was really pleased I took the time to go into this hidden gem of a shop…read more From the outside it just seems like a little jewellery shop selling fiddly pieces but inside is a tardis to home grown arts and crafts. The Empathy Creations themselves are all handmade pieces of jewellery from basic costume jewellery right up to really beautiful pieces suitable for a special occasion. they will also sit with you and plan a set to your own liking if you are looking for something they haven't got already. The back of the shop is like a little art gallery displaying pieces of pottery, clocks and paintings by local artists - a fabulous treat right on my doorstep! I couldn't resist buying my nephew a hand crafted jigsaw puzzle for a very decent price. Call in some day - the man behind the counter who makes the pieces is not pushy but very friendly. You will be pleasantly surprised at the treasures in store.

I am a big child. I'm putting that in writing and I'm not ashamed of it. Smyth's Toystore is…read morepossibly the greatest place on Earth. From being brought up on Home Alone when he got lost in the toy store, and from watching Toy Story too many times, I get a little bit excited when I step inside any toy shop. I'm not some creepy person that hangs around toy shops by the way, I went here with my mother to get our younger cousins presents for Christmas. The place, as you would expect, is mental in this festive holiday so plan early. You can reserve things on the internet which we only found out after our hectic visit. They have every toy under the sun and at the same prices as Argos or Toys r'us so it's a great place to shop. Plus, if you find yourself with younger children when your shopping on the Boucher Road, I'm sure you can probably treat them to something nice. Recommended for all ages

Smyths toy store is heaven for children and those that do not want to grow up. So my trip there was…read moreperfect! The bright store in Shane Retail Park is filled with an array of colour, games, toys and much more! The assortment of stock is equipped for all age groups as they range from new born babes right through to twelve plus. As I'm twenty-two, the twelve plus has certainly been given liberally!! This store is massive and with that comes pros and cons. If you arrive with children, expect to be in store for days and leaving with a car load of new toys. So, my advice if at all possible leave the kids behind or be very strict about the days events, it will be stressful. The great thing about Smyths is that it answers every kid's birthday and Christmas gifts without too much stress or worry. Also their online check in policy allows customers to check if there wanted product is in store before heading down to get it. Brilliant!

The Candy Box is Millisle's lifeline, because it is one of those wee shops that are totally taken…read morefor granted until we run out of something at the last minute. It is an aladdins cave inside , no matter what it is that you need this we shop will have it from sweeties to dog food and washing powder to gift bags , it really has an amazing stock of everything. What is also very commendable is that the prices are not over the top they match that of the high street stores. So this may not be the biggest store in town but it does have everything thar is needed including very pleasant staff who are more than helpful. They also have everyone's favourite for summer the good old ice cream cone with trimmings!

Sometimes I say to my dog, "I'm going to take you to The Candy Box, would you like a walk?"…read more Of course I am referring to a Newsagents, Tobacconist and sweet shop located on Millisle Main street. This wee shop is a jack of all trades, Milk is 99p for 2 litres and you would be hard pushed to beat or meet that price anywhere. It also doubles as ice cream seller, sometimes the dog and I sneak a cheeky Ice cream on our way home from getting the Sunday papers. This leaves both of us with a bit of a brain freeze but the ice cream is so good it would be hard not to rush it. The Candy Box is a favourite with people visiting the seaside, Millisle must be the only seaside town on the Ards peninsula without a dedicated Ice cream parlour, so The Candy Shop makes a bit of a killing with its cones. Whether it is a paper, a packet of cigarettes or North Downs famous Poor Bear ice cream you should pop into The Candy Box if you are passing. Also try the Fresh Dulce and yellow man, these are specialities of the region.