Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are aflush with a huge variety of shops, with some great independent ones in the mix as well.

If you're looking to find a gift for a loved one for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas present then you won't be lacking in choice.

Additionally, if you're just needing to find things like crafting supplies, books or records you'll be well serviced too.

With there being so much to choose from, we thought we'd ask Daily Echo readers what their favourite independent shops are.

In a Facebook post asking "What's your favourite independent shop in and around BCP?", there were more than 90 comments.

The best independent shops in the BCP area according to Daily Echo readers

Among the comments, there were a wide range of recommendations, with it being very rare for a shop to be mentioned more than twice.

One spot that was brought up by a couple of readers was Craft Bliss over in Canford Heath.

Its website shares that it offers a "vast array of top-quality card making, scrap booking and crafting tools and supplies from well-loved brands".

A reader on the Facebook post gave it a glowing recommendation, writing: "Craft Bliss in Canford Heath, they have developed a lovely crafting community and not just the shop!"

Meanwhile, another shared: "Craft Bliss in Canford Heath. Fantastic craft shop. Owners Julie and Barry are lovely and very willing to help. They also run brilliant, fun workshops every week. Highly recommend".

A shout-out was given to BH6 Books & Home in Southbourne, with a reader praising their "excellent selection of sweary socks as well as lots of lovely books".

It has earned a 4.7/5 score on Google Reviews from 39 reviews, with one person writing: "Love this bookshop. Popped in yesterday for the first time and immediately appreciated the great curation of books.

"Beautiful little knick-knacks are dotted around which were all very tempting to buy. As a new resident of Southbourne I will be visiting this shop a lot!"

Another wrote: "I love this book shop, small but it has a little if everything. Very good for socks funny tea towels and other sml gift items. Lovely owner who is always very welcoming. A must visit if you find yourself in Southbourne".

Bookends in Christchurch is another spot that was brought up if you want to add something to your bookshelves.

Like BH6 Books & Home, it also sells a number of accessories and gifts for those looking for something a little different.

It has earned a 4.5/5 Google Review score from 284 ratings, with one person posting: "What a fabulous shop! A great selection of stationery, gifts, books etc. Very friendly and helpful staff too. I wish there were more shops like this!"

Ashes Menswear in Bournemouth got a bit of love from some readers, with one sharing they'd shopped there for 30 years.

With a 4.8/5 score on Google Reviews from 49 ratings it has earned a solid reputation, as one person wrote: "Great quality clothes and great service. I normally hate shopping but I can't thank Ashes enough. I walked away with everything I need for a two day business trip."

One place recommended that was a bit different was Just1Swap in Boscombe which is a health food and refill shop.

"Just1swap has some amazing items in their shop! And we love their refillable products too," one reader shared.

Its website says that it is "Bournemouth's largest zero waste natural food shop" with it having loads of plastic-free and loose items available.

This covers dried foods, oils, frozen produce, fresh organic fruit and veg, bathroom essentials and more.

Recommended reading:

If you're looking for some vinyl then a couple of places around the BCP area were mentioned, including Red Rock Records and Boiler Room Records, which are both in Poole.

Red Rock Records has a wide selection of DVDs, games, posters and Blu-rays alongside with music, whilst Boiler Room Records focuses more on vinyl and CDs.

Other spots that were mentioned included Wild Roots in Poole, Frog Bros Comics and Books in Boscombe, W E Boone & Co in Poole and Truly Scrumptious in Poole.