Staff are friendly, even when they are under the pump (so to speak). This newsagent always has a happy vibe when you walk in, they treat all the customers with respect, and have a nice range of last minute gifts, cards and giftwrap

What a fantastic school. Parents happy to chip in at the canteen and the library, teachers who care about their students, a library that has a wide range of book catering for all tastes and abilities. This school is welcoming and supportive kids facing a whole range of challenges

This shop begs you to spoil your kids as you walk past. The window displays are always beautiful in the extreme. The range of Osh Kosh and Fred Bare is always there, they have a great choice of clothing and shoes and the gift lines for children run from traditional Christening style gifts to hot pink scrunchies that will please the biggest Barbie wannabe

HUGE range, great staff, guarantees on quality (money back if it's a dud), happy to exchange with a receipt on change of mind purchases. Nothing seems to be too much trouble. The basics (from milk, bread, to giftwrap, 600ml cokes and plastic crates) are always there and always cheaper than at the local supermarket

Chips are always that perfect crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, takeaways in general are always hot, even the ones in the bain marie. The family who run it are always happy to see you and are great with the kids. The lolly range is heaps of fun too, all the big name confectionary lines and heaps of the fun novelty lines too.

*Update* They're currently not open on Sundays, so you'll have to go to Dellas on Clarence St for your fix.

Approximate cost: $8.00

Run by a local woman, Xtras Direct is a shop selling women's fashion items, some clothing, but mostly accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewellery. Around cup time, beautiful hats are also available. The staff are helpful without being intrusive, the stock is always gorgeous and tempting, some of it inexpensive, other items are more on the "treat" end of the scale, all of it wants to come home with me :D

My daughter attends their vacation care program at Bellerive Primary School and has loved each and every part of it (well, ok, maybe not the AFL day they have...). Excursions and other activities are widely varied yet all age appropriate, carers all genuinely care and take the time to get to know the kids. Opening hours are as good as anywhere else

Approximate cost: $15.00