Evolution

If you’re looking to support artistry or the fair trade movement, this is a good place to do it. I’m always amazed at both the quality and the number of out-​of-​the-​ordinary things I find here… everything from jewelry to picture frames to hand bags. Most of it is locally sourced or supports cottage industries in less-​developed countries — it’s a nice change to feel like your purchases are benefiting others rather than just merely satisfying some selfish need of your own!
There is a decidedly New Age streak to the store… lots of Chinese symbols and meditation candles and altars… but it is not so pervasive that less «earthy» people would feel uncomfortable here, plus the bulk of the merchandise is definitely designed to appeal to those who are more «mainstream.» The jewelry options — from bracelets to necklaces to earrings — are ample and very different and cool (did I mention, inexpensive? Like, really *really* inexpensive…).
The last time I was in here I came away with a relatively inexpensive beautiful black and white storage box made from a water hyacinth — sort of a persistent weed native to Indonesia that needs to be kept in check — which was woven together by the people of a small village as part of a project to help their local economy and simultaneously promote ecology — try finding something like *that* at Ikea!

What a find for me, totally randomly stumbled across evolution, expecting it to be tatty conventional gifts at sky high prices. but i was pleasantly suprised by their unique choices, their kind of indie look and feel to the place and i remember just standing and musing and exploring the shop like a little kid! its fantastic, from the trinket boxes to windchimes to all sorts of goodys! everything for all the age groups, and i would really recommend this place. theres a few other stores so you may find one closer to where you live!

The shop has some nice nick-​knacks and trendy accessories. The goods are well priced and they have some pleasant candles, if you’re a candle person. I picked up a couple for two pounds each and loved them!