Although the service here can sometimes be lacking and most things are quite expensive it is still worth a look if you want to see some of the latest trends - Mark is usually ahead of the rest in his selection and is VERY knowledgeable about true design trends, history and general information - nothing in this store is there without his direct and lengthy consideration.

Another of the best design stores in Melbourne - worth a look if you are after something uber cool.

Beautiful cakes and croissants, and the huge selection of patisseries is one of the best in Melbourne - I strongly recommend sitting down for a coffee if you have the time.

Gorgeous gifts for little girls, in particular. A lovely range with lots of reasonably priced items.

Trying to find a venue to gather the your nearest and dearest, and its even harder if you have lots of little people to consider. We recently held our daughters birthday at the Edendale Farm and it was a HUGE success - I thought that the older kids would need to head over to the Eltham North Adventure Playground (just 5 mins walk) at some stage but no - they were all engrosed in the farm animals (of which there are many babies this time of year) and following the trail. They even got to feed the baby goats! Everyone was happy - I strongly recommend it - you can book ahead as we did to secure a shelter for yourself or you can risk it. With the walking track and playground just out the back it is a full day of fun for all the family.

Approximate cost: $Gold coin donation or booking fee

We were sent two of these - Singing Balloons - can you believe it. A huge hit with my toddler! Have emailed before re-ordering for my own functions and they have never had what we were looking for but they do have unique balloons so worth giving them a call to see what's on range when you need them.

When my usual Balloon supplier was booked out I decided to pop into Party's A Go and I'm glad I did. They have a HUGE range of balloons, banners, candles, streamers, plates, cups, cutlery, servery - if you need it for a party, it'll be here. The girls are very helpful and the prices were less than I remember them being a year or so ago.

Approximate cost: $15

I haven't actually bought anything from here yet - I always ring too late ;) BUT, as an honorable mention the women who work here are FANTASTIC, so helpful, full of advice and suggestions - if you have a cake dilemma give them a buzz.

My daughter recently turned two and mid-week before her party she started telling ALL her friends and family she was having a Thomas Cake!!! I have no idea where she got this from but she was adamant so out came the phone and I rang and rang every cake shop in our area and slightly beyond. After running out of time I rang Pelligra back, as they have the yummiest cakes around here for the best price and when explaining my dilemma the young girl on the phone said "hang on a minute, I'll check that there isn't something we can do for you" and when she came back she said "we can scan pretty much any image to put on the cake so why don't you bring some images of Thomas that you like and we'll scan the best one" - YAY! The Thomas cake was BEAUTIFUL and because we had been able to alter it slightly to be a bit more girly it was unique and my daughter couldn't have been happier, nor prouder ;) She still want to see photos of it! Oh and the total end up cost was really reasonable and it was YUMMY! No matter what you want, pop in and ask, you'll be surprised what they'll be able to do - and while you are there indulge in a cup of the best coffee this side of Carlton.

Approximate cost: $10

This is another one of my fav's but I doesn't get over to SA as much as I used to - a HUGE range of gorgeous home-wares/decor/gifts both for indoors but mainly for outdoors - picnic sets/decks. I can't remember their website but its well worth popping in when you're next there or try a google search to get them online!