Lily and the Weasel

I always find just the right gift here. One of my favourite shops for ticking everyone on my Christmas list.
And I always manage to get a few extra treats for myself! This year I sent my family a little list of things I want. I figure it makes it easier for them not to stress out trying to find something I like, and hopefully it will give them the message for next time– basically just buy me anything from Lily and the Weasel and I will be happy! Actually happy. Not just the «oh… You shouldn’t have… «
Fingers crossed!
And the staff are always really lovely– they actually do help!

The first time I passed this store, the window was filled with gorgeous and colourful little model hot air balloons. Which kind of added a bit of confusion to the huge ‘Global Ballooning’ web site sprawled across the side of the store. It’s actually a lovely little gift store inside. No idea if they’re associated with actual hot air balloons, but the model ones are really pretty and would look equally nice in an office or kids’ room.
Really nice collection of ceramics, jewellery, homewares, cards, other ‘gifty’ things and home furnishings. The kind of place you beeline to for Mother’s Day, housewarming, baby shower, or friends birthday. Also totally worthy of a treat yo’ self shop. I have been guilty of finding more things for me than others when gift shopping here!
There’s usually some nice Skipping Girl and tram themed Melbourne memorabilia if you’re visiting.
Definitely one of the nicer stores on Swan Street and worth ducking in to if you’re in the area.

I found this place the other weekend after a breakfast down the road with my mum and partner. I saw the stuffed toy meerkats from the other side of the road and decided that we had to go in.
The space is very open and relaxed, this seemed surprising to me considering the sheer amount of stock that is in this store.
There are a lot of products that you can find in Lily and the Weasel, from Skipping Girl pillows to hanging glass vases, skull earrings to soft toy lambs. I adore the eclectic mix and thought it was great that the store promoted a whimsical and nostalgic view through the cute animals and stationary, as well as funky and interesting glassware and home décor
I think that the jewellery is exquisite and there is a great variety of metals and styles. From delicate silver studs to funky resin rings, there are quirky little bird pendants, and flashy skull studs.
I am actually waiting for a call from them at the moment about a giant white ceramic owl lamp that has a golden glow when turned on. They had Scottie dog, bunny and doe versions — but once I knew that there was an owl I was sold. The prices ranged from $ 120 — $ 150.
I have to say that the service is brilliant. The sales assistant who was working when I went in was charming and helpful. She managed to juggle a couple of customers and a Whole Sale rep that was visiting.
Keep an eye out for Lily and the Weasel, the sales assistant even mentioned that they had just had a photo shoot done for Frankie magazine.

Two reviews have already been written on this place but I thought I’d share a story about a very stressful third year anniversary present. I first laid eyes on it in May — a Victoria Mason cup and spoon ring. It was beautiful, but how did I know it was going to fit my lady’s finger? Well, a few awkward moments of trying to fit different sized rings onto her fingers without explaining why and I had a pretty good idea.
I went back to the store and the owner remembered me and my story. I gave her the size, which she didn’t have in stock. She said she’d order it in so I gave her my number.
I didn’t really expect anything to happen, but two weeks later she gave me a call and kept apologizing for the wait. ‘I’m so sorry, Victoria was on holiday and I couldn’t get onto her. Am I too late for the anniversary?’ This woman was amazing, how did she remember? And why did she care? Thankfully she was just in time, so I picked up the rings and the rest was history. Oh and my partner adores them.
I suppose this story is worth telling because it’s so hard to find retail assistants who will actually go that extra mile. Well she exceeded that mile and made my anniversary a very special occasion.

Lily and the weasel is one of those stores that you pass while driving and it catches your interest because of the clever display windows. And after driving past so many times without stopping because I was always rushing home after work, I decided to walk there today. And boy am I glad I did! Unlike most of the grotty discount stores and outlets on Swan Street, Lily and the weasel (a fictitious character) is a delightful little store with all sorts of loveliness. From Scottie-​dog lamps and figurines to iconic Melbourne motif cushions and tea towels, to quirky jewellery and accessories, this store is a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.
I did my rounds and I have to say it was very difficult not buying anything but I was good in the end. That being said, I’m sure I’ll find an excuse to be here again before Christmas with a list of things I’ve already made a mental note of to buy for some special people in my life.
Oh and don’t be confused by the global ballooning signs that dominate. Lily and the weasel is not part of global ballooning at all.

I swear my wallet must groan every time I walk into Lily and the Weasel, but I just can’t help buying their adorable stuff! I think it’s technically a ‘gift shop’, although how you’d be able to give your friends any of their cute soft furnishings or jewellery and not buy a duplicate for yourself is beyond me.
My weakness is definitely the silver jewellery — at the moment I’m coveting a silver ring and earring set. They’re from a Geelong designer, and feature little hearts that look like they’ve been stamped with doilies! Cute! The pet accessories are another favourite.
There’s definitely a local flavour to a lot of the merchandise in Lily and the Weasel — think the Make Me Iconic range of home wares that feature motifs of the Skipping Girl Vinegar sign and Melbourne Metro train map. It’s worth a visit for tourists after a stylish souvenir of the city — not that there’s anything wrong with little trams inside of snow domes.
P. S. If you live locally it’s worth going to the website to sign up for the newsletter to get advance notice of sales.