Forget about fighting for car parks at the big shopping centres - if you are needing to purchase update a room, buy a bunch of flowers or simply need to get a gift, Swing past Alchester Village and drop into Bloomin’ Goodies.

The Jefferies family has grown! You’ll know the original in Croydon Hill’s McAdam Square, but let Mamma introduce you to the new store in a brand new location - in Blackburn.

Show Mamma a bookshop and you have one very happy family. Novel Nook is the latest addition to the Yarra Glen community. This giant space is filled from cover to cover with books for all ages.

You have to know - Mamma squealed in delight heading into Maisie’s Milkbar in Emerald! It’s a lollyshop and slushy bar, indoor play space and party venue in one!

Mammas if you need a gift then this is the place to go. So many homewares, plants, pots, candles, jewellery, books, clothes and more. For the little ones there are some toddler clothes, bibs, playmats, lunch bags all in beautiful, bright colours. There is even a section of teacher’s gifts- AMAZING.

Mamma loves a party and having a big bunch of balloons to celebrate is half the fun. Perfectly Pumped is a new local business, open in Lilydale and Leah has all the things you need to celebrate any occasion.

Wednesday - Saturday - Resource Rescue. The place where left over lids, containers, offcuts, and crafty goodies go for a second chance at life!

Enter Erin - the owner and hero of junior literature - of The Kids Bookshop in Mitcham. This local mum and librarian knows her stuff about the world of children’s books and has a knack of helping matching wonderful stories for the kids that visit the cutest little bookshop in Britannia Mall.

Re-use, Revive, Re-invent, Revamp, Renew and Reduce! That is the motto for Reverse Art Truck in Ringwood, a not for profit organisation that promotes creative re-use within the community. An awesome spot for recycled art supplies

Healesville Candy Emporium is a wonderland of sweet treats. It’s got your favourites from near and far, you are bound to be delighted with all the options.

When you are looking for that once-off - never-to-be-repeated - perfect-for-that-spot-right-there kind of item ... start here!

Red Robin Milk Bar has almost every lolly IMAGINABLE! This family run and well loved milk bar is a sweet tooth dream. Wall to wall full of all sorts of lollies and candies, soft drinks and chocolate.

The House of Books - the name pretty much tells you all you need to know! It is a house that is filled to the brim with books. This beautiful little cottage found on Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, is the home to hundreds … possibly thousands … of great quality, second hand books.

Take your time to scour all the bright and beautiful confectionary and choose your recent favourites, and also some old ones you haven’t seen since you were a kid!

This Mamma knows that you need to have a great gift shop, florist and cafe in your hood. The Posie Project ticks all THREE of those boxes.

There is nothing quite like a beautiful bunch of blooms that can transform a room, brighten a home or bring a smile to you face.

Shop small. Shop Local. The Village is a pretty vibrant spot with everything that a community shopping strip could ever need. From the drycleaners, barbers, beauticians and florists. The whole retail community is warm and welcoming.

Mamma is currently in that tricky time. The time that the baby is still needing two naps a day and we have that three hour gap that you have to fit EVERYTHING in before the afternoon snooze arrives. This week, with a list of errands and a number of gifts to buy, Mamma and the little ones hit Heathmont Village.

The brothers that know their parsnips from their turnips and know how to pick a good melon! 

Next time you have to clear out the wardrobe, think about dropping your donations to The Mustard Tree in Lilydale and stay for a coffee and cake. 

Skip the big shopping centres - this is THE go-to toys shop in Ringwood!

Geppetto's Workshop is so brilliant in its toy collection that there are two stores in the Dandenong Ranges and they have been a beacon of light for parents and children alike for years.