Malarkey

This is a consistently excellent gift shop with a diverse range of cards and the person who runs the business is a particularly nice person. I would recommend a visit when in Brighton. 

If you are someone who likes to put thought into your friend's card then this is the place to go. Having been told from an early age that 'the card is just as important', I can get a little too focused on finding someone the right card. Luckily, Malarkey makes life a lot easier in that respect. Malarkey and Paperchase tend to be my greetings cards sources.

The prices of the cards are reasonable and there is a great range. Their speciality being those slightly quirky or funny cards. I also like the two baskets they have of dicounted cards. There are normally some good'uns in there too at a reduced rate. Last time I went I stocked up on some lovely cards with inspirational sentiments like 'change the world' and 'follow your heart', for only 99p each. I don't know exactly when I will use them but I have them now and I'm glad I do.

The shop also has a decent array of wrapping accessories and a few decent gifts scattered around from calendars to key rings.

Another reason why Brighton is so brilliant, forget Clintons and Birthdays, for something a little more individual and imaginative when looking for a silly card or gift for someone, step into the world of Malarkey.

The walls are lined with funky, unique, kitsch and humorous cards (and by humorous I don’t mean the tacky types you get in most mainstream card shops).

To give someone a card from Malarkey requires a certain level of humour, as some of them are hilariously offensive, often verging on vulgar, and therefore may not be suitable for old aunt Grace as she manages to drag herself through to yet another birthday.

There’s also a selection of inane tit tats, such as jelly boobs, funny fridge magnets, rude wrapping paper and novelty games.

This is most definitely the place to go if you're buying a greetings card for anyone with a sense of humour, or if you're just feeling a bit glum and fancy a giggle. While most of the cards are a bit on the naughty side (don't even think about finding one in here for your Grandma), others appeal massively to my surreal and downright odd sense of humour. They stock some quirky little gifts too, including a range of my personal favourite brand: The Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton.

I usually find it impossible to leave this shop without buying at least one thing that makes me laugh – whether it's to give to someone else or just tack up on my wall (I practically wallpapered my university bedroom from here). The cards are a little pricier than your average Clinton's, but it's well worth it as they probably won't end up in a recycle bin any time soon.

Malarkey stocks the funniest cards on earth. As long as you’re not embarrassed by being unable to control your giggles in a public place, it’s the best card shop in town!

They also stock lots of really unusual little books and gifts, most of which are also hilarious. Brilliant place.