Suka Junin

There’s nothing better than ticking off tasks on an old-school to-do list. And though online notebooks are convenient we still have a soft spot for hard copy notebooks and traditional letter writing. Luckily, there are still specialist stationers in Sydney where you can flick through an endless supply of paper diaries, greeting cards and pretty gift tags. Looking for a present? Here are the best gift shops in Sydney. Or get nesting with the best homewares stores. 

This aptly named store has an inviting open-plan space with its back wall lined with cards from one end to another, where you can grab any three for $15. Their team of in-house designers creates new designs daily. They’ve also got a giftwrap station complete with colourful ribbons, and not-so-essential stationery needs like travel diaries, event guestbooks and to-do list clipboards.

Satisfy your organisational cravings at this pastel wonderland. The Scandinavian retailer has  stationery sorted by colour scheme and you’ll want to buy the whole whimsical set. A dream journal to record your sleeps? Check. A travel organiser for your next trip? Double check. A leather-bound, yearly planner? OK, things are getting out of hand.

Not only a pitstop for last-minute gifts, Mr and Mrs Jones have loud and bold stationery like Kate Spade’s black-and-gold polka dot notepads, as well as pencil cases and binders plastered with banana leaves and flamingos. You can also get novelty heart-shaped pens for as little as $3 or splurge on a holiday notecard set for $50.

As the name suggests, this little Mona Vale shop is compact – but their limited space doesn’t deter them from stocking many variations of blush pink daily planners, list makers and gratitude journals. You’ll also find an abundance of crystals, soy wax candles and crystal-infused candles all made by Little Paper Lane, which make perfect study desk companions for your new peachy desk planner.

This Scandinavian store is known for its modern furniture, but it also sells contemporary stationery. They’ve got candy-coloured graphite pencils, scissors in the shape of a bird’s beak, wooden rulers and ceramic desk-tidies. The range is limited and certainly not cheap, but we bet you’ll walk out with at least one new item for your pencil case.

Pulp Creative Paper sources stationery from artists all over the world. The shop is lined with wrapping paper for $4.95 a sheet, there are shelves of notebooks and you’ll find the littlest of cat-print washi tapes and handmade Opal card covers in the store’s nooks and crannies. You can spend hours just browsing their hand-drawn thank you cards featuring cheeky monkeys and whales.

You read that right: Storehouse on the Park has taken the meaning of doggy treats to a whole new level. The bar/dining space at Vibe Hotel in Rushcutters Bay has introduced a pooch-friendly degustation menu. Why should you leave your pup on the sidewalk when you can treat yourselves to a fabulous meal together? It’s true, we’re a nation of pet lovers, so Urban Herd – an animal health and wellbeing service – and Storehouse on the Park have created this memorable experience to share with your doggo. They’ve created healthy pet treats using only organic human-grade ingredients with zero traces of preservatives, flavours, fillers or colours. Plus, the dishes are completely safe for both canine and human consumption! The dogustation is a four-course meal, including puppyccinos, pawtein balls, watermelon chews and sesame pup wafers. And just for peace of mind, the menu was created by animal nutritionist Anna Felton with sensitive pupper bellies in mind. Storehouse on the Park is open daily from 7am-late. 100 Bayswater Rd Rushcutters Bay, Sydney 2011. Do you have a love for all things animals? Check out this baby shark named Fluffy.

Joining the long list of new shops and eateries in Darling Harbour’s Darling Square is Melbourne’s very own 8bit. This burger joint is known for its Nintendo-themed stores in Melbourne’s CBD and Footscray, which come complete with arcade machines, colourful mosaic tiles and Super Mario brick walls. The Sydney venue will be their biggest store yet, with plans for over 100 seats. It’s still under development but it is set to open around April next year in between the Convention Centre and Haymarket area. 8bit will be running the same menu as their Melbourne stores but will release a special burger just for the Sydney opening. Just like their original stores, 8bit will be fully licensed with beer taps dedicated to NSW-based craft breweries. Don’t expect to wipe your wallet clean at 8bit; their burgers range from $10.50 for a classic cheeseburger to $14.50 for a double beef, double cheese and double bacon. They’ve also got a vegetarian called the Zelda, with a chickpea, corn and quinoa patty with grilled haloumi and avocado – a nice change from a mushroom burger. 8bit also make hot dogs. For eight bucks you can get the staple smoked frank with onions and pickled relish. Otherwise, try their version of a chilli cheese dog with a chilli and cheese kransky, chilli beef and jalapeños. They’ve also got a grilled bratwurst hot dog that is topped with slaw, curry ketchup and mustard mayo. Loaded fries, onion rings and potato gems make an appearance, as do classic milkshakes for eight-

Ever dreamed of attending a super-secret concert? On Wednesday September 20, there’ll be secret gigs around the world to unite people in welcoming refugees. The best part? These gigs could happen in your living room. Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds are collaborating to run a series of free gigs called Give a Home, which aim to raise awareness for the refugee crisis by holding 300 concerts in 200 cities. Megan Washington, the Jezabels, Ngaiire and Kate Miller-Heidke are among the Australian artists who’ll will take part in intimate shows across Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Musicians of refugee backgrounds are set to perform too, including Sydney’s own the Mesopotamian Ensemble. The secret locations will be revealed closer to the date. Aside from good jams and vibes, there will also be talks from activists on helping refugees find a place they can call home. To be a part of this special event, fans can apply for two tickets per person up until September 10. Not everyone who applies for a ticket will ‘win’ one. However, the funds raised through ticket purchases will support Amnesty International’s work to secure better refugee rights. Did you hear? Drake is bringing his arena tour to Sydney.