Whistlefish Card Shop - St. Ives

You'll find Whistlefish tucked away in St. Ives - it's a proper card shop that actually stocks the sort of cards you want to send, rather than the syrupy mass-produced stuff. Walk in and you're surrounded by independent designers and small presses, which makes a refreshing change from what you get in Boots. The shop does greetings cards mainly, but they've got that local edge that makes them feel like something worth keeping after the recipient's binned yours.

It's the kind of place card enthusiasts will linger in for twenty minutes. If you're staying at Haven Riviere Sands Holiday Park just down the road, it's a two-minute walk worth doing on a rainy afternoon or if you need a last-minute gift that's actually thoughtful. Those camped at Higher Trevaskis Caravan & Camping Park further out might not trek all the way here specifically, but if you're already exploring St. Ives - which you should be, because it's got proper galleries and beaches - then Whistlefish slots in naturally.

Don't expect it to keep kids entertained for long unless they're the crafty type. It's quick in and out for most visitors. No entry fee, obviously - it's a shop. The real value is that it saves you from the generic card aisle elsewhere and gives you something with actual character to send home.