Shelf 01
Welsh gifts
Lovespoons, tapestry wool, slate and dragons, all made in Wales by people we can name.
Slate coasters from £9, lovespoons from £24.
A small shop, full of good presents.
Welsh gifts, cards, homeware and toys from people we can name, in the Royal Arcade in Cardiff. Everything is priced and it can all be wrapped while you wait.
In the shop
Six shelves worth a look.
Shelf 02
Cards and wrap
About four hundred cards from small printers, and wrapping paper worth keeping.
Cards from £3.50, wrap from £2.50 a sheet.
Shelf 03
Homeware
Stoneware mugs, candles, tea towels and jugs. The sort of present people still use in five years.
Candles from £14, mugs from £18.
Shelf 04
Children's toys
Wooden toys, knitted dragons and pocket-money things on a shelf at the right height for choosing them.
Pocket toys from £3, wooden toys from £12.
Shelf 05
Local makers
About twenty makers, most within an hour of Cardiff. We pay on time, and we put their name on the card.
Prices set with each maker.
Shelf 06
Gift wrapping
Paper, string and a proper bow for £3 while you wait, whether you bought it here or not. It is free over £30.
£3, free when you spend £30.
The gift finder
Who is it for, and how much?
Tell us who it is for and what you want to spend, and we will pick six things from the shelves. It does what Bethan does at the counter, though it is not as nosy.
How we run it
Four small promises.
Prices on everything
Every item has a tag. You can see what it costs without having to ask or look underneath.
A name on the card
About half the shop is made by people we know, and we tell you who they are.
Time to choose
The low shelf is there to be touched, and small people can take as long as they want.
Fourteen days
Changed your mind? Bring it back with the receipt within fourteen days for an exchange or refund.
Last posting dates
Do not miss the post.
| Next up | Second class | First class |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Fri 18 Dec | Mon 21 Dec |
| Santes Dwynwen's Day | Wed 20 Jan | Fri 22 Jan |
| Valentine's Day | Tue 9 Feb | Thu 11 Feb |
We will pack and post anything for the cost of the postage plus £2. If it comes in before the 2pm collection, it goes today.
Over the counter
What people told us.
Twenty minutes before my train and I still needed something for my mother-in-law. I said so at the counter and Bethan handed me a jug. It was the right jug. She wrapped it in the time it took me to find my card.
I sent a lovespoon to my cousin in Trelew. They worked out the postage while I waited, packed it very well, and it got there unbroken. I have sent three since.
I asked Iestyn to check the Welsh in my card to my father-in-law and he gently fixed two mistakes without any fuss. My father-in-law has it on the mantelpiece.
Questions people ask
Can you help me choose?
Yes, that is most of the job. Give us the person, the budget and one true thing about them. Or try the gift finder before you come in.
Do you sell online?
Not through a basket. Ring or email and we will take payment by card over the phone and post it, with a note in your words if you like.
What are the last posting dates?
They are worked out on the gift finder page. In short, second class four working days before and first class two, and we always post before the 2pm collection.
Can I return something?
Yes, within fourteen days with a receipt, as long as it has not been used. Personalised things such as carved initials cannot come back unless they are wrong.
Do you speak Welsh?
Ydyn. Iestyn is a Welsh speaker, Bethan is getting there, and learners are welcome to practise on us.
Can you do corporate or wedding gifts?
Yes, in small numbers. Tell us the budget a few weeks ahead and we will put together a table of ideas from the makers.
Number 8, about halfway along the arcade.
Open every day but Sunday morning. Tell us the person and the budget and we will have you out in five minutes, wrapped.