What : Personalised Crossword puzzles by Dinshaw and Yazad Dotivala, to order call 9920431595 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 500.

(Came) Across: Professional puzzlers and father-son duo who create word games for almost every newspaper in the city, will tailor-make you a crossword in 48 hours (see: football trivia test and romantic wedding proposal). They also do other word games and Sudoku.

When: You don’t have a clue about gifting. 

What: The Warehouse, 07, Jagdamba Commercial Complex, New Link Road, Malad (w), call 9869039002, open 24/7, rent starts at Rs 200 an hour.

Why: At this slick jam room, go from amateur musician to rock star in one afternoon. Not only do you get access to top-quality instruments and audio recording facilities, you can also have your  jam session captured on video. Look out for their coolest feature which kicks in next month – live streaming your performance to fans through The Warehouse’s website.

When:  You want to do time in a Sing Sing cell.  

What: Comic book rental service, Leaping Windows, call Bidisha on 9833731309 or visit the Facebook page here, Rs 500 monthly membership fee. 

Why: Pick from an online catalogue of over 1,200 titles featuring all the regular suspects – Batman, Asterix, Tintin, Twinkle, Manga – along with a nice collection of indie graphic novels, all of which will be delivered and picked-up right from your doorstep. Just remember: you can’t borrow more than one book at a time, and never ask for Archie comics.

When: You like them in all capes and sizes. Slated to launch May 22.

What: Artisan gifting stationery by Etcetera, to order call 9820948454 or visit the Facebook page here, Rs 120 for a set of two gift paper rolls, ribbon and tag. Also available at Contemporary Arts and Crafts (Napeansea Road), Loose Ends (Bandra), and Granth (Juhu).

Why: Tanya Anand and her arty partners can cover up the biggest gifting faux pas with their adorable stationery. bpb loves the pensive owl print and retro stripes. If you have a big enough order, they’ll custom design as well.

When: You want to take the (w)rap.

What: Bachelorette party supplies from Trio, call Radhika at 9833737095 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , start at Rs 30.

Why: Because your last night of singlehood should be taken lying down. Let Radhika spice up the revelry with the most attractive (and cheesiest) equipment - dick of cards, x-rated toothpicks, inflated love dolls - sourced from around the globe.

When: You want to party hard. Email her for a product brochure.

What: Art lessons by celebrity tattoo artist, Al’s Tattoos, Magnet Mall, diagonally opposite KFC, Linking Road, Bandra (W), price depends on number of sessions. 

Why: bpb found the most unlikely masterji in famous tattoo artist Al Alva, who has just opened his third studio. Ask him nicely, and he’ll give you lessons on how to draw in his intricate, grungy style that has adorned miles of celebrity skin.

When: You want to make flesh scrawl.

What: Package forwarding and personal shopping agents from the US, visit www.myus.com, membership fee starts at approximately Rs 475 annually.

Why: Because sweet talking your sister’s best friend’s aunt to bring back loot from the States is a drag. Not only will this award-winning service give you a US address and forward packages within a week, they’ll even order your stuff from sites that only accept American credit cards. bpb’s shopping cart: Bumble and Bumble hair tonic, Paul Smith fedora, Searle metallic flapper dress.

When: You want to build parcels in the air.

What: Surreal bookcases, call Sheetal Bhatija from Threads 'n' Homez on 9819995027 to order, start at Rs 3,500.

Why: Lewis Carroll would approve of these trippy shelves that appear to be leaning, melting, twirling. They can also be shaped like violins, alphabets, and more.

When: You want to book-a-prize.

Quick fixers, copy cats and upcyclers: we round up six of the city’s quirkiest tailors to dress you up. Read our complete list and view the photographs on CNNGO.com.

Upsykle Cotier: Ring Out the Old

When National Institute of Design (NID) graduates Nitya Amarnath and Juhi Pandey turn old saris into 2,000 rupee totes, they call it upcycling. "Recycling is associated with inferior quality. We take old swatches and turn it into superior satchels," explains Nitya. The design duo will also buy old fabrics and antique tapestries you don’t need. Look out for their Upsykle Cotier label, launching soon at some of the city’s swishest fashion stores.

Call Nitya or Juhi on +91 9819212065 or +91 9820039110

Avocados mixed with the first mangoes of the season, strawberries and cream, coffee-tangerine, peaches dashed with honey - wipe that sin of your face! Or not. Skin Kitchen’s natural beauty remedies are delish and super fresh, with each product customised to suit your skin type and whipped up just minutes before you purchase it. Radiance a la refrigerator! And yes, men can bask in the glow too.

Top Chef

Diya Dembla, qualified skin aesthetician from the International Dermal Institute in Boston and magic alchemist at Skin Kitchen, has an organic fix for every part of your body, from your scalp to your sole. “We do relaxing face masks, beauty potions and foot scrubs, but also offer remedies for more serious conditions like acne and psoriasis,” she explains. Diya also guarantees that her products are 100% natural, and mostly contain fresh fruit, veggies, plants and herbs currently in season.

Rosemary’s Baby

At Skin Kitchen, a product is rarely dished out without a consult. Our diagnosis yielded a fresh rosemary cleanser and a strawberry nourishment pack stuffed with anti-oxidants and a shelf life of 45 days. These were subtly scented (read: lacking the cloying chemical aroma of most products) and left our skin feeling softer and brighter.

You can also get a more complex treatment at Diya’s by-appointment studio in Bandra. Just remember to take along your spoon. Bon Appetit!

Getting there: For an appointment at Skin Kitchen call 9870017000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , products start at Rs 450, clean ups at Rs 1,250 and facials at Rs 1,500.

Like this story? Get similar updates on things to do/eat/buy in Mumbai in your inbox by signing up for bpb Breakfast, our daily newsletter.