I love the cards, the books, the gift wrapping paper, the jewelry, the soaps... pretty much…read moreeverything they stock in here. If you are looking for something unique and quirky, this is a wonderful shop to visit. They'll even gift wrap your items for you. Another Newtown gem. A must visit anytime I'm in the neighborhood.

Where else can you find quirky book titles…read more(http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=3BfrHgYU-JPUd8VE63urDQ), a stack of journals (http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=hq1Rm0TOTs-eUpeU3_Du_Q) and colourful homewares by Mud (http://yelp.com.au/biz_photos/qUwMo_ehjAcq3QRu58nfAQ?select=RpBmC-yA9LUS7TJBS2zYlQ) all under one roof? As far as I'm concerned, nowhere else. Pentimento in Newtown has got it all. Pentimento is one of those places I go when I need to buy a gift of some description for that friend who already-has-everything-and-is-so-darn-hard-to-buy-for. Unique and eccentric, you can guarantee to find a present that no one else has thought of - 'The Moustache Grower's Guide', anyone? There are things that will make your friend laugh, inspire them to create, give hints on their travel destination or provide them with something beautiful to display in their home. Whatever the case, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you don't know what to buy someone (or perhaps you would like a self present), wander through Pentimento, it is sure to stimulate some original ideas.

A needlework hobbyists paradise, Lyn's offers classes and all the accoutrement for patchwork,…read morequilting, tapestry, cross stitch and any other type of needlework you care to think off except home dressmaking. She as an on-line store and sells BOM and has several designs to choose from. Needlework books, charts and kits and patterns for doll clothes are all available for those with time on their hands. It's addictive!

Have you ever wanted a remote control robot, or mustache-shaped cookie cutters, or scrabble tile…read morerefrigerator magnets and not been sure where to source such fabulous items. OOOOOOH man, do I have the store for you! Opus is a haven for everything fun and whimsical for your home or office. They have a spectacular toy section with something to make anyone grin from shoulder to shoulder. From stationary, to crockery, I dare you to stop in here and NOT find something for yourself or a friend. How do you feel about a mouse pad that looks like a mini rug? How about a reusable lunchbox in the shape of a giraffe's face? If there was such thing as death by cuteness, this store would be wise to line the back with hospital beds and IVs. Nurse, stand by... she's just spotted the teacups.

Oh, I love this store. It's so much fun. It's like a toy store for adults... (actually rereading…read morethat it sounds wrong).... well think more along the lines of fun awesome prezzies you want to give your friends for their birthdays - because your gift reflects positively on you. Opus is situated on the top half of Oxford street and contains a wonderful array of books, cards, homewares and novelty items. It's all quite classy so even if you're getting a "Captain Ketchup" ($12.95) squirt your tomato sauce gun, its designed so beautifully your house will look better for it. Prices vary as they have a mix of chic and cher. Whatever your budget you're guaranteed to find something you like in this shop. There is a HUGE range - many colours with many different options. I always stop by this store to find something special for my friends. The stores been around since 1968 and I sincerely believe all those years of finessing purchasing has paid off. Friends, if you want to buy me a birthday present - I can recommend anything here....as for everyone else - I promise you, discovering this store is my gift to you....

It's a rare thing, a newsagency that you actually want to browse around not just dash in and dash…read moreout. The guys that run this place are lovely; friendly and chatty and I'm sure this adds to its appeal. It's a pretty large newsagency that sells a good selection of newspapers, magazines, as well as lottery and greeting cards. In addition they've got a good range of art supplies, do-it-yourself invitations and stationary. They've got a good eye for gifts too: Kimmi Dolls, cute little Penguin torches, sun hats and stocking filler type gifts. Not your average Newsagency.

I was visiting Sydney from New Zealand and visited the Mossman News Agency to buy some cards. I…read morewas amazed at the great selection of magazines , cards, wrapping paper and gift lines. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the Mossman News Agency for magazines, cards and gifts. Fay Freeman ONZM

Back in the day, long before we met our future husbands, my best friend and I would stop past Rox…read moreon our way back to the office from our lunchbreak and take turns picking out the most crazy extravagant engagement rings from the window. Rox sells rocks, but not of the pet rock variety. We're talking big-deal bling here, ladies and gents. Think enormous cocktail rings like the kind you'd see in chain stores... but real. If you have some cash to burn and you want to deck you (or someone you love) out with the most beautiful of baubles, this is a darn good place to start.

Excellent service with super friendly and knowledgeable staff. A large selection of art supplies at…read morereasonable prices and a generous rewards program. This my shop of choice for art supplies and advice. i highly recommend this strore

This is definitely my kind of arts and crafts store. Positioned across the street from Lincraft…read more(the generic, mega-chain of the art supply world), Erckrsley's provides style and quality that far surpass the competition. I was recently in the neighborhood looking for supplies to make my fascinator for Melbourne Cup. I was able to find my base materials at Lincraft, but was looking for some speciality origami paper to make paper cranes out of for the purpose of affixing to my fascinator. The Lincraft staff sent me across the way to Eckersley's and I was able to find exactly what I was looking for. Their individual paper selection here is incredible. Not cheap though, that's for sure. I think each individual paper sheet I chose was around $3 a piece. Eckersley's also has a great selection of painting supplies, brushes, canvasses, etc. This is a shop for the serious artist or the crafter who wants to ensure their hard work is accented by only the finest materials. I wouldn't personally be able to afford sourcing all materials for a project here, but it's definitely worth dropping a dime on crucial accent supplies. The staff is friendly, the store is well stocked and the quality is high.

JimmyD's has just had a makeover and is looking shiny and just a little bit glam. With a new coat…read moreof paint and some extra styling, this great local bookshop is coming into its own. Stocking a range of secondhand books covering all the bases including an unusually large crime section, balanced by an unusually small children's one, JimmyD's offers fantastic service and an ever increasing range of eco-gifts. You can pick up a couple of envirosax (stylish shopping bags you can keep in your handbag to avoid ever having to use plastic ones), keep cups (reusable takeaway coffecups) water bottles and funky stationery. The staff are friendly and love their books, and they offer a loyalty program with a free book up to $20 after 8 book purchases over $8. They've got a quirky collector's corner too and I've had a lovely time swapping recommendations with other customers and discussing odd book titles with the staff. 'Contemplating Adultery' anyone? It's a 19th social history book not a howto manual, I swear...

There are a few second-hand bookshops in Springwood, and they're all great. Alas, Jimmy D's ain't…read morecheap; we're talking ~$15 for most of the newer popular titles. But how can you not love a bookshop that's warm, cozy and friendly in the cold cold Blue Mountains? Ya can't.

This is the perfect shop to buy a gift for a curious child or childish adult. There are all sorts…read moreof mystical magical mind messing puzzles and toys to play with in there. It's a little bit like the National Geographic shop but with less of an emphasis on nature and more on investigating the weird and wacky stuff that's been invented by some genius mastermind. Think edible insect lollipops, science kits, fossils and minerals, rockets and kites. There's are real emphasis on gadgetry and science so there's definitely an educational aspect as well as a fun one. The staff are young, geeky and friendly - just what you want from a discovery store. This is a great place to shop for cheap stocking fillers or kids birthday party game prizes.