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Shopping for books, novelty gadgets or unique gifts can feel like hunting for a hidden treasure. You want quality, good value, and something that makes the recipient smile (or you, if it's a self-treat). Picking the right store matters because each retailer brings different strengths — specialist curation, quirky novelty items, children’s learning resources, or simply unbeatable prices. Let’s walk through the best places to browse in the UK for media, novelty gifts and kids’ books, starting with the stores highlighted in the data.
Menkind has carved a reputation for bold, cheeky and sometimes downright brilliant gift ideas. If you love novelty titles, pop-culture nods and experiences packaged as presents, this is a store to bookmark. From tongue-in-cheek books to experience vouchers and collectible items, Menkind fuses humour with quality — perfect when the goal is to give something memorable.
Based on the listings, Menkind’s selection covers a broad range: “How To Apocalypse — An Illustrated Guide” for survival-humour fans, “Personalised Liverpool On This Day - Father’s Edition” for a sentimental father’s gift, and the “Star Wars Dad Jokes Book” for the pun-loving fan. There are also unexpected gems like a “Winning Black Record Album Frame” ideal for a 12-inch vinyl collector, and experiential gifts such as “Scuba Diving For Two” if you want to gift a shared adventure rather than an object.
Menkind shines when you want something with personality. Their items are conversation starters: books that get a laugh, personalised keepsakes, and kits for hobbies or display. It’s a go-to when you’re shopping for birthdays, Father’s Day, or that hard-to-buy-for person who seems to already own everything.
While Menkind targets novelty and grown-up gifts, Ebebek concentrates on early years and baby-related media. If you’re shopping for board books, touch-and-feel titles or activity pads that help little ones learn and play, Ebebek is a strong choice. It’s ideal for parents, grandparents, and anyone buying for toddlers or preschoolers.
The listings show classic children’s and learning titles: “Versatiles Learn At Home Introductory Book,” “Usborne That’s Not My Monkey Board Book,” “Peter Rabbit — The Tale Of Peter Rabbit,” and “Barbie Travel Activity Pad.” Sensory titles like “Mizzie The Kangaroo Be Active Touch & Feel Book” and playful starter kits such as “Janod Magnetistories The Farm” highlight their focus on engaging little hands and big imaginations.
If you’re preparing for a baby shower, building a first-library for a toddler, or sourcing educational, tactile books for nursery use, Ebebek’s range is tailored to that need. The pieces tend to be durable (board books for tiny hands), colourful and designed around developmental milestones like fine motor skill practice and early vocabulary.
Think of Menkind as the quirky adult cousin who brings novelty gifts to every party, and Ebebek as the dedicated early years specialist stocking up on the essentials for small children. Both excel in their niches: Menkind for novelty, personalised and experience gifts; Ebebek for baby books, activity pads and tactile titles. Together, they cover a big chunk of what shoppers search for when hunting for memorable media-based gifts in the UK.
If you want to broaden your search beyond the two stores above, several UK retailers offer complementary ranges. Big-name bookshops, toy specialists and lifestyle retailers each bring different strengths depending on what you need — value, breadth, or specialist collections.
Waterstones is a natural stop for readers. With an extensive selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, it’s the place for bestsellers, signed editions and knowledgeable staff picks. If you’re after a special edition or a carefully curated children’s picture book, Waterstones often has staff recommendations and book events that help you discover new favourites.
WHSmith blends books, stationery and travel-friendly entertainment. It’s great for picking up classics like “Peter Rabbit,” activity pads for journeys, or a quick gift. Their high-street presence makes it easy to grab something last-minute without sacrificing quality.
When you’re focused on toys and activity kits, Smyths and The Entertainer bring a broad selection aimed at multiple age ranges. Both stores carry licensed titles, playsets and learning toys that bridge the gap between media and hands-on play — ideal if you want book-plus-toy gift combos.
If your gift list includes vinyls, movie box sets or pop-culture merchandising, HMV remains a strong option. That “Winning Black Record Album Frame” mentioned earlier finds a natural companion here, because HMV caters to collectors who appreciate physical media like 12-inch vinyl and special-edition releases.
Amazon offers almost everything, from novelty books and personalised gifts to obscure children’s titles. Use it when you want the widest choice or hard-to-find items, but balance price and delivery time against the curated experience of specialist stores.
Choosing a gift should be fun, not stressful. Start by thinking about the person more than the product. What are their interests? Do they like practical items, humour, or experiences? A vinyl frame is fantastic for a music fan; a personalised “On This Day” book hits home for someone with strong local ties; a toddler will cherish a touch-and-feel book.
Do you want to make them laugh, teach them something, or give them an adventure? A joke book or novelty title creates immediate amusement. An educational book or magnet story supports development for kids. An experience voucher creates memories. Picking the right store helps you match that intention to the right product.
Great gifts don’t need to break the bank. Setting a budget first helps you narrow choices. Many stores offer tiered products — board books for a few pounds up to personalised or experiential gifts that cost more. Look for seasonal sales, bundle offers (book + toy), and clearance sections for bargains.
Think beyond the price tag. A well-chosen book can be read dozens of times, handed down, or treasured as a keepsake. A novelty gadget might be used for years if it’s well-made. When in doubt, favour quality and meaningfulness over flashiness.
Sustainability matters more now than ever. If this is a priority, look for stores that stock eco-friendly books (recycled paper, non-toxic inks) or toys made from sustainable materials like wood. Some retailers advertise ethical sourcing and lower-waste packaging — small choices that make a difference.
Check product descriptions for materials and certifications, choose board books with FSC-certified paper, and prefer brands that avoid single-use plastics. Even choosing a second-hand book from a charity shop or reputable online seller reduces waste and is often kinder on the wallet.
Personalised books and framed collectibles are enormously popular. When buying personalised items, double-check name spellings and personalised text fields — mistakes are common and costly. For collectibles, verify dimensions (a 12-inch record needs a 12-inch frame), authenticity if relevant, and whether the item is a limited edition.
Think about where the recipient will store or display the gift. Will a framed vinyl fit on their wall? Does the toddler have a shelf for board books? Practical questions like these help ensure your chosen gift gets used and appreciated, not tucked away and forgotten.
Timing can influence both selection and price. Major sales around seasonal events (holiday sales, Black Friday) bring discounts but can reduce stock levels for popular items. If you want the best choice, shop early for personalised items since they require processing time. Last-minute shoppers should prioritise retailers with reliable stock and quick dispatch.
Before you click “buy,” run through a quick checklist: confirm the recipient’s interests, check product dimensions in inches, validate personalisation details, compare prices across a couple of stores, and consider pairing a book with a small related item to elevate the gift (for example a storybook with a plush toy or an activity pad with crayons).
Whether you’re hunting for novelty gifts at Menkind, building a baby’s first library with picks from Ebebek, or exploring the wider UK market at Waterstones, WHSmith or HMV, the best choice depends on the recipient and the experience you want to create. Combine thoughtful selection with a little research and you’ll find gifts that amuse, educate and create lasting memories. Happy shopping — and may your present always land with a smile.
