The little shop with big ideas - Welcome to our web site

A story of map gift shop

'map gift shop' was established in 1990 by the design partnership of Ian Morris and Kathryn Phalp. Renowned for their interior printed textile ranges, they ventured into the world of decorated china and glass, showing both in the UK and the USA. As their international reputation grew, the pair ran MAP mainly as a wholesale company supplying top retailers around the world.

In 2000 MAP moved to their new premises on Junction Road and began to concentrate on the retail element of their business with Kathryn producing beautiful one-off pieces of jewellery and Ian continuing to make original pieces of artwork in sandblasted and handpainted glass. As the retail side of their business grew, it became necessary to take over the studio space for shop space in 2008 and now MAP runs exclusively as a gift shop.

2013 brings more exciting changes with our current rebranding to 'map gift shop', a fantastic new exterior and interior project due to start mid April and our leap into e commerce with this new website.

Our range is eclectic and our buying policy comes from a love of design, to inspire and provide unusual gifts and an ethos of supporting local designers and artists.

We are firmly planted in the community, supporting the local schools, businesses and community-based events with the Archway Town Centre Group.

A favourite among locals and not-so-locals (repeat visitors often carry foreign passports!), a visit to 'map gift shop' is an experience that transcends the routine everydayness of shopping and makes the business of buying gifts an absolute pleasure.

New technology has now enabled people all around the world access to map gift shop’s extensive collection from the comfort of your home. We guarantee fast delivery, our famous gift-wrapping and the superior service that you would find if you physically entered 'map gift shop' but is sadly often missing online.

Happy shopping!

map gift shop
Ian Morris and Kathryn Phalp