Magma Magma books is possibly one of the coolest shops I…read morehave been into in a long time! Why you may ask? Because it sells MOOMINS merchandise and books!! They sell all sorts of cool things here like books, magazines, swirly notebooks, cuddly toys (moomin ones!), eco friendly stuff which comes in the shape of recycled objects made into something else uselful, the mother board coasters are pretty snazzy! Like the other shops on Oldham street, its only small but the layout is perfectly set out to seem like there is so much space! I love it!

Situated on Oldham Street, but a hop and skip from the Night and Day Café lies this fantastic…read morebookshop. I've been visiting this place for ages, even if it's just to browse through the store and short list future gifts. I've recently acquired some American Film Making/Studies from there (the Steven D. Katz shot by shot/cinematic motion - books that are usually pretty hard to get hold of unless you're on the net. This is one of those places where the staff know what they're talking about and can help either find what you're looking for or influence you enough to take a punt on their own expertly led recommendations in the vast array of different books and magazines in this store (increasingly rare in the accountant led 'United Chaindom'). It's a shame many more shops were as enthusiastic and passionate as the folks behind magma...I know they can't all be this way but it's currently unfairly balanced. One large chain book store dominates now (and with unfortunately less choice, more celebrity led airport reading fodder) and with supermarkets getting in the act of the book market (albeit with a truly disturbing 'array' of 'books') we should be thankful that places like this are still open in our cities. A large section of this shop sells magazines which are more like the aforementioned coffee table books the higher echelon of mags if you will. Film, Architecture, Typography, Illustration, Photography, Graphics, Fashion, Art, Design, Cities all these creative acts and scenarios collude together in the books and magazine range. They sell a top mag called 'Specialten' which is a 'bi-monthly collection of short films, music videos and exclusive interviews' which comes with a DVD for the media. Just reminded myself to pick up the next edition as I type this... This shop (alongside one or two in London village possibly the other two Magma's as it happens) was the only such store to stock Daniel Johnstone's graphics/drawings books (and as such is referred to in the fantastic Daniel Johnstone documentary). Reanimate your creative synapses and spare at least half an hour to imbibe the glorious fractions of the arts world we don't see as much as we should. It's always a pleasure to walk into a store like this, find what you're looking for (or see something jump out at you which grabs your interest by the book ends) and after downpiping your debit/credit details into the 21st Century piggy bank walk from the shop, freshly acquired book in hand. Rifling through the pages of a new 'Ilva Table book' in a nearby boozer/café is one of life's great, small pleasures.

When you visit the Lowry complex, don't neglect to look-around the gift shop. Aside from the more…read morepredictable items on offer, there's an appealingly quirky and well-priced selection of fridge magnets including the purple- rectangular:You don't need brains to be a painter, just feelings quote from LS Lowry, himself. You'll also find a good range of notebooks and other stationery items together with jewellery and practical-but-pretty fabric bags. Children - and those harking-back to their childhood - will be tempted by the nostalgic confectionery choice (with Parma Violets as my personal highlight) accessibly priced at just 40p. It only seems fair to raid your piggy bank and make a purchase here, after your free entry to the galleries, as the money you spend will be re-invested to keep the complex going and available for all to enjoy. The staff here are helpful, approachable and happy to let you browse freely.

This will be quite a quick review…read more The gift shop does have some quality product but they are ridiculously overpriced for what they are! I am not a cheap person and this isn't a charity shop so why are the prices so high?

I have visited this shop on numerous occasions over the years and been happy until today. I bought…read moresome scarfs on Sunday which having worn literally shed the wool over everything that they come into contact with, making them unwearable. The lady behind the counter today, could not have been less interested in my issue, didn't even put her phone down and suggested I wash them and that I am the only person this has happened to... Hardly outstanding customer service. Clearly the advice with this shop is buy with caution, as if the lady in there today is anything to go by, you have no recourse if you are not happy. You've lost a customer today

No 68 is one of those shops you'll never tire of. So called because of its position on Beech road,…read moreit's a difficult shop to categorise. They sell a large range of products including gifts, interiors, bags, accessories, jewellery and novelty items. From the frilly knickers in the window, to novelty mugs, to their large range of costume jewellery, you're sure to find something in here that appeals and will suit your pocket. Check out their range of illustrated journals which are on the right at you enter the shop. There's an emphasis on kitsch and fun items and prices vary from a few quid to a few hundred.

what a fantastic shop, got everything in store bongs, pipes loads of smoking stuff!, they have wood…read morecraft art, jewelry, phones, vaporizers, and if your that way inclined you can buy herbal/legal highs and laughing gas paraphernalia. great shop loads of funky stuff you dont really see!!

Incredible art store. I was blown away by how well stocked the store is. I loved the top floor with…read morecool crafts and unique art gifts to purchase. The second floor had every art supplies I could dream of, and the bottom floor was an amazing selection of paper and canvas. Truly a great art store for all

Incredible place, but dangerous at the same time as you could easily spend a lot of money in here!…read more The first time I popped in was when I needed a few items for an event and I thought I'd gamble on Fred Aldous having the stuff I needed - they did! Anything you need for arts & craft or decorations they have it and with some good choice! I've now been in a few times when I need to pick up bits and bobs or essentials for work i.e. scissors etc. Loads of interesting present and gift ideas in here as well so if you're out and about birthday shopping or it's coming up to christmas - I'd say Fred Aldous is a great option with some similar style stuff to Oklahoma! Most of the stuff here is well priced and I've always been fairly surprised that my total wasn't higher when purchasing as I think the interior and style gives off an expensive vibe but really it's good value for money! A short simple review for a top NQ shop!

This duck-egg blue gem of a gift shop is perfectly located in Chorlton's famous Beech Road. The…read morewindow is a vintage festival of crafts littered over a gorgeous white dresser. Once inside, you are bombaded with individual and unique curiosities: wooden letters spelling love( £16.95) how sweet, snuggle next to Cath Kidston floral mugs. There is pottery everywhere and something to buy for friends, colleagues or family alike. The lady who runs Hurricane is very friendly and helpful, she invited me to rummage around in the room at the back where I discovered teeny weeny baby bath bombs which looked delicious enough to eat. This is a little independent curiosity shop, it doesn't have a website so you will just have to take a trip there. Your journey will not be wasted!.

Great range of household goodies, but rather disappointed that the owner does not keep to her word…read moreespecially when she has taken nearly £80 of you she did not even take the 50p off to round up the transaction, then you kindly ask her to make enquiries with a local artist on items that you had shown an interest in purchasing, I still am waiting for this call.

You don't have to go into Manchester to get inspired gifts & funky ideas to adorn you Pad with! If…read morefact ... i challenge you to go here, and not leave with something... go on .. try it! They sell such a wide range of goodies like, original artwork, bespoke jewellery, cool lighting ideas, gifts for children, unusual and beautiful home storage ideas and a dizzying array of home trinkets both useful and decorative! There is also a lovely range of cards for all occasions and wrapping paper! The shop is situated just across from The Unicorn in Chorlton, and the staff are incredibly friendly... you can also order from their website if you don't live near the area... worth a look either way!

Another great little gift shop in Chorlton, which I try to stop myself from going into, as I know…read morethat I'll come out financially less well off. Having said that, 20cm by 20cm canvases are going for £19.50 and include a good range of Banksy's work - I don't think that's too bad for canvases I haven't seen anywhere else. From looking at my Yelp ratings I realise that I am much more useful than cool, so I'm not sure I fully appreciate some of the 'cool' items that Pad sells. If you are a fan of superfluous paraphernalia such as candles and candelabra, embroidered photo frames and Wizard of Oz beanies (?) then you'll definitely love Pad. They also stock some vaguely useful items such as his and hers hooks (shaped like the toilet symbols), which I think I'll be purchasing when I move in with the boyf! As Alison rightly says, the staff are friendly (but they're very rarely rushed off their feet!). If you order from the website, delivery is free for orders over £50.

Ever wanted a frying pan that makes heart-shaped eggs? How…read moreabout a grill that makes toast with religious figures engraved on? Or a polka dot suitcase with a smaller polka dot case inside? In short, Oklahoma's Gift shop is a living and breathing homage to the art of Kitsch ahd Colourful accessories. There's big items like lampshades and clocks hanging from the walls and ceiling, wallpapers and posters behind the main counter and dozens of shelves and tables stacked high with all kinds of weird and wonderful nonsense. One of my favourite items is the old American Popcorn Machine filled with jewellery and the desk overflowing with stationary, plastic moustaches and candy cigarettes.

I have wanted to go to Oklahoma for at least a year now and just never got around to it! Eventually…read moretoday was the day...and I was not disappointed at all! This quirky and cutesy store was everything I dreamed of! I couldn't wait to let my purse loose and I was didn't leave empty handed! This place is great for knick knacks, xmas presents and homely decor for those (like me) that are obsessed with kitchenware, signs and much much more! I was careful and only bought a little Christmas tree decoration (part of a family tradition) I buy my Mum one each year and this winter it will be an addition of a cute glass bottle with a wish and fairy (glitter) floating around inside! Picture to follow...

This children and adults gift shop on Chorlton Cum Hardy's beautiful Beech Road is a treasure…read moretrove. It stocks everything from retro John Lennon prints to slogan mugs ( I bought one saying Desperate Housewife). If you are an attention to detail addict like moi ( some would say suffering from OCD, but I beg to differ), and you like sending beautifully wrapped pressies then Loop is your shop. My heart stopped beating at the divine fairy wrapping paper and I may just return and buy a sheet to put in a frame. Don't laugh, this isn't just wrapping paper, it is art!! There is also a great selection of gift cards and what I found really handy is Loop sells decade birthday cards; I recently found it an ordeal locating an 80th card but loop has these is abundance. Familiar brands such as Burt Bees and Charlie and Lola litter shelves with sweet Mr Men mugs. Prices are varied but a little on the steep side as leather handbags are priced at £105 and Toby Tiger babygrows start at £21.50. Loop has two room packed full of interesting things and the rear room showcased some seriously funky lighting and black and white photographs. The shop assistant was really nice but I left empty-handed. Loop is perfect for a special birthday gift but it would have to be for someone I really liked if I spent that much!

loop! is one of the only shops on Beech Road that I don't feel a bit embarrassed about going in,…read moredue to the fact that it is the only one that is larger than my bedroom. loop! isn't the kind of shop you'd go into every day, but is great for a browse when looking for gifts. They stock games and puzzles (including fun but educational gift sets for kids), pictures and frames, vases and some children's clothes. Personally I love the Edward Monkton series so this is where I go to pick up EM cards and knick-knacks. So if you've got a birthday coming up and have to buy a gift for the person that already has everything, then loop! would be a good place to start. If, like me, once you've found the perfect gift you get the sellotape stuck to the wrong bit of the wrapping paper and then bodge up the ends, then it might be wise to take advantage of their gift wrapping service too.

HomeSense is a chain of discount home furnishing stores, it is owned by TK Maxx, who also has a…read morestore next to this one in the Manchester Arndale. like TK Maxx the branding/styling of the name is different on this side of the Atlantic. The store is large and has a good selection of bits and bobs, from pillows to appliances, from ice cube trays and cheese-graters. Considering, they're supposed to be a "discount" chain, I did find some prices to be a little high, if you're lucky you'll find a high-quality item with a good discount/offer though, so it's kind of like a TKMaxx jumble sale but replacing the clothes with home items. The staff seemed friendly and happy to help me find what I was looking for, and the experience at the checkout was smooth. This is a fairly good store, obviously, some deals are better than others, but probably the best selection of home furnishing in the Manchester Arndale, with a fairly presentable store and helpful staff. 4*

I'm kind of in love with this shop. It's dreamy! The window displays are whimsical and they're sure…read moreto draw you in every time. The seasonal produce is brilliant, both food items and general home ware. They've got the Christmas stock in at the moment and it's absolutely gorgeous, snow globes and crockery, bath products and food. You name it :) I had to drag myself out of the shop before I spent my entire pay check. I love that you can get top quality, one off items here are a very decent price. The staff are always helpful and the store is clean and well presented. They also have a pretty good reduced to clear range. If you're in to DIY like me you can pick up something that's a little damaged for a ridiculous price and fix it up at home. I've saved so much doing this. I also find this shop to be ideal for gift shopping as they stock such a wide range of products, the packaging tends to be beautiful and I can pick up items here that I wouldn't normally see in other shops.