| Perhaps only Brighton’s
second most popular shopping district but definitely the best place
to pick up a bargain, North Laine is packed to bursting with wacky
boutiques and second-hand stores.
Here you can buy a whole spectrum of gifts and gadgets from giant
kites and funky clothes to retro music and homeopathic remedies,
making it the perfect place to pick up a present for someone special
– or a little treat for you.
For starters there’s Blackout [map],
an Aladdin's cave of kitsch selling everything from Hello Kitty
purses to Eskimo slippers. This shop is definitely the ideal place
for weird gifts, unique home accessories and inessential bits and
bobs from all over the world.
If its second hand clothes you’re looking for then head to
Rokit [map],
which originated in London's trendy Camden Town. Along with the
coats, scarves, denim, and tracksuits, there is a wide range of
shirts in Hawaiian and Cuban styles and their own range of flared
jeans.
If Paul Weller is your idea of a style icon then you’ll really
like the gear in Jump the Gun [map],
as this is where the man himself has picked up a few shirts in the
past. Selling chic and authentic mod wear, this shop has a window
display of memorabilia featuring a Vespa moped and a British flag.
Among other designer names they stock Ben Sherman shirts and parkas,
but also have their own range of interesting shirts.
For Asian style goodies head to Greenwich Village [map],
where you can find gorgeous saris, Indian jewellery and a huge choice
of bindis. There are also ethnic children’s clothes and an
eclectic collection of furniture, parasols, windchimes and music
with an eastern influence.
Originally based in London's Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard
[map]
is a great place to pick up a few herbal remedies to help ease the
stresses and strains of a hectic lifestyle. The shop sells books
on such subjects such as Homeopathy and Shiatsu, alongside Brightonroom
accessories and oil burners.
Brighton is home to a plethora of bookshops and one of the newest
on the scene is the Green Buddha Bookshop [map],
which specialises in new-age books. Typical titles include Dalai
Lama - A Beginners Guide, The Illustrated Guide to Crystals, Tibetan
Medicine, and The Shamans of Ancient Mexico. You will also find
information here on relationships, ethical science, human rights
and meditation.
Dubbed the ‘zoo for soft toys’, The Animal House
[map]
is chock-a-block with giant cuddly panda bears, cute elephants and
many other friends from the animal kingdom. While for adult animal
lovers there are carved wood pieces, ceramics, stationery and jewellery,
all with a four-legged theme.
If you fancy having a go at flying a kite during your stay in Brighton
then check out Air Born Kites [map],
which is easy to spot by the 12ft kite flying outside. The sales
assistants here are experts in the art of kite flying and you'll
find specialist materials including Quadrifoil options and plenty
of Flexifoil material on reams at the back of the shop.
Finally, for something completely different pay a visit to the Brighton
Peace Centre [map],
a voluntary-run shop selling goods from organisations that promote
peace, justice and environmental issues. Here you can find a range
of books on related topics and environmentally friendly gifts.
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