I had an free afternoon last week and a Princesshay ‘Gift of Choice Card‘ burning a whole in my pocket! The sun was shining and it felt like the right time to hot foot it into Exeter’s city centre to see what was new for the upcoming season. Now, I am not always one for the latest trends but I do like to have a little sneaky peak every once in a while to see what fashions are about.

The Princesshay gift card works just like a debit card with denominations available from £5 to £500. My card was loaded with £100 so I was in for a real treat. When it comes to paying then you hand over your card like a normal debit or credit card. Instead of using a chip and pin you just sign for your transaction. The amount of your spend comes off the grand total until you finally get to zero.

If you want to treat yourself or a loved one then you can purchase from the customer service kiosk on Bampfylde Lane between Superdry and Chandos Deli. You can also purchase online here:

www.princesshay.co.uk/gift-card/

Until I was given my Princesshay gift card  I didn’t know that such a thing existed. Now that I’ve had the experience of using one I think it’s a fabulous idea. Instead of giving a standard gift card for just one shop then this card can be spent in all the 70 shops, cafes and restaurants within the complex. The gift card is registered to the user so if it was lost or stolen you can retrieve the balance. A great selling point. You can also keep track of your balance by visiting https://getmybalance.com/. This way you can keep on top of your spending. Perfect for birthday presents, thank you gifts, secret santa, wedding presents and a starting Uni gift. Like other gift cards the Gift of Choice wallets are available in multiple designs. Which currently includes an exclusive ‘Great Big Rhino’ design which would prove pretty popular with younger shoppers. My Gift Of Choice card had cupcakes all over it which was perfect for a foodie like me!

So, let’s get into my afternoon in Princesshay and how I used my card. As a foodie, shopping at Chandos Deli was on my hit list of places to visit. Chandos Deli is one of the few independent stores in the development and a particular favourite of mine. The staff are always very welcoming and you can always find something a little more unusual. They have a small cheese deli counter where they stock local cheeses plus others from further afield. I plumped for a chunk of Sharpham rustic made just down the road at Ashprington near Totnes plus a piece of Stilton. I also picked up some halloumi from the chiller as that’s always a staple in my fridge. Perfect on salads or barbecues.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from and I do love to eat yummy goodies as my regular readers will know! I had booked a table at Jamie’s Italian for a late lunch. Before I headed down there it was a little treat for me in the form of a manicure and gel polish at The Cove.

The Cove is another one of the independent shops in Princesshay. I visit The Cove regularly for manicures and facials so when I found out that my Princesshay gift card was accepted as payment I was over the moon. I sat myself down and let Zoe work her magic. She filed, shaped and sorted out my cuticles before painting my nails in a beautiful nude colour. What a treat to be able to pay with my gift card.

Once the final layer of gel polish was applied and set I made my way down to Jamies Italian. We decided to sit outside as it was so warm. I perused what was on offer but decided to order from the set lunch menu. Jamie’s Italian do a great set lunch menu which costs £10.95 for two courses and £12.95 for three courses. I enjoyed a fabulous superfoods salad and for dessert, frozen strawberry yoghurt with berry sauce and crushed amaretti biscuits. When my gift card was swiped and the payment was made it felt like I was being treated like royalty! No need to carry cash when you have your Princesshay gift card!

After leaving Jamie’s Italian I mooched around a few shops to walk off my lunch. I got sucked into Tiger. A shop full of wonderful gift ideas that I first discovered on holiday in Barcelona last year. I was so pleased they came to Exeter earlier this year. It’s a great place to pick up gifts, stocking fillers and household goodies. I picked up some of the colourful candles from their wide selection to use at my dinner parties and gatherings. I love a few candles scattered here and there when entertaining. I always feel it creates a wonderful ambience.

Moving around the corner to Inside Out, another one of the independent stores in the complex, I got pulled in by their wonderful window displays. They have a fabulous greetings card selection alongside their homewares and gifts. I had a christening and a few birthdays to buy for so I stocked up, swiped my gift card and made my exit.

My last point of call was The Gap. I am not really driven by fashion generally however I do like to have a peep at what’s in the stores every once in a while. I always find something in The Gap. Their basics are always great quality and you’re always provided with great service. On this occasion I was helped by store manager Vicky. She talked me through the new arrivals and as Autumn is fast approaching I picked up a couple of sweaters and a dress. Thankfully for me they were holding a promotional event so my money went so much further. I handed over my card and Vicky swiped it, popped my goodies in a bag and off I went!

As you can see by my afternoon out in Princesshay, you don’t have to just spend your gift card on clothes. I had a great two course lunch, had my nails painted an exquisite colour, picked up some deli goodies, got myself some candles for my next dinner party, purchased some greetings cards and got my winter wardrobe sorted! I am one happy bunny and love the fact that the card is so easy to use. A perfect gift for your friends or loved ones.