Five Brisbane Cafe Stores for Unique Gift Shopping

The saying “to kill two birds with one stone” is a motto embraced by many and partially responsible for the success of dual purpose objects such as smartphones, or even the humble spork. Another ingenious method of saving time are all-in-one cafe and gift stores. These establishments are like the best friend you could ever have — a wonderful cook who provides copious amounts of delectable food as well as an endless source of inspiration for new accessories and cute gift ideas.

So listen up time-poor readers: we've found the best cafe/gift stores so you can enjoy a meal and find a special gift for a loved one (or yourself).

Ma Belle Amie

Ma Belle Amie is all that is cute in this world jammed into a cafe gift store. From the footpath you can quickly see that this place is a bit different. White tables and chairs set up on squares of AstroTurf protected by shady and colourful umbrellas give a sneak peek as to the feel of the store. Inside, there are knick-knacks and quirky gift ideas for men, women and kids, making gift-buying a breeze. The cafe has a vintage feel, with a bold floral feature wall and carefully thought out touches. In terms of breakfast, Ma Belle Amie are traditionalists, and you can find favourites such as as bacon and eggs on toast, eggs Benedict and homemade pancakes.

10 Albion Road, Albion

Woolloongabba Antique Centre

Why not treat your inner Fonzie or rockabilly girl to a day of exploring? Located in Woolloongabba is this mecca for vintage lovers. The huge centre is filled to the brim with clothes, jewellery, knick-knacks, books, furniture and records from bygone eras. Strolling around the stalls will get your tummy growling, so head towards the 1950s-style cafe after you've selected your new treasures. Here, you will find cabinets stocked full of sweat treats and savoury options. Try the chicken and pumpkin tostado and sip on a chocolate malted milkshake.

22 Wellington Road, Woolloongabba

The Providore Store

Close to Albion train station and with a huge cup and saucer on its roof, you'll find a quaint little store. Stepping into The Providore Store is a bit like visiting Nan's as it is filled with lovely tea cups, bottles of jam, old keys, vintage suite cases and gorgeous garlands that breathe life into any room. What's more, it smells like baked cookies. After feasting your eyes on the gift selection, settle into one of the doily adorned table settings. Choose a strawberry muffin with an iced coffee for a morning tea treat. If you're looking for a hunger buster, try The 'Ben', avocado, feta and mint on rye, turkish, white or gluten free bread.

59 Albion Road, Brisbane

Gallery B

Past the screwdrivers, hammers and tool boxes in a little hardware store lies one of the northside's best kept secrets. Gallery B is an oasis for lovers of vintage, featuring an abundance of unique handbags, jewellery, knick-knacks and clothes. It also offers a humble range of sweet treats and drinks, all homemade on site. For morning tea, select the scones with jam and cream and an orange and poppyseed gluten-free friand. The light scones are deliciously warm and uphold their status as a morning tea staple, while the hearty friand is presented with peach slices and a drizzling of syrup and proved to be just as tasty. Both sweet treats come on quaint mismatched crockery, perfectly matching the eclectic feel of the gallery. For drinks, try the iced coffee and iced chai latte.

178 Enoggera Road, Newmarket

Making Lemonade

Making Lemonade is the new kids on the block in Bulimba, having only opened late last year, yet they have already impressed their clientele. These guys are a cafe, book shop and gift store who also boast a selection of homewares and quirky finds. Oh, and they also offer the best homemade lemonade that would top the most successful lemonade stand. Join the bevy of locals who make this spot their meeting place and select a chunky slice of chocolate monster cake before browsing for gifts and enjoying the good life. After morning tea, stay on for lunch and try the delicious roast beef sandwich with pickles, cheese and rocket. You'll leave with a full tum and plenty of goodies.

Shop 3/77 Oxford Street, Bulimba

Top image: Ma Bella Amie.