If it 'must' be velvet or suede, you may have to go custom. Here is an inexpensive one in gray microfiber (suede look) on Wayfair. HERE.

At approx. 4 times that price, THIS ONE from Pottery Barn has several of their fabric in gray shades, but not their velvet.

Gray velvet with nail heads at Target. HERE.

Safavieh Sherri Grey Ottoman at Overstock in gray velour - HERE

Several gray in various shades and fabric at Wayfair HERE

Here are a bunch, and you can choose the fabric on a lot of these.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/ProductSearch2#w=storage%20bench

I like this idea, if you have bookshelves

Thank you very much for your suggestions, I live in the UK so I want to order from here in order for a delivery by christmas. I'm looking for something a bit on the bigger side for my living room, say about a metre long...I am still on the search!!

Its amazing what a google search can bring up, I narrowed it down to two sites, http://www.johnlewis.com/ and http://www.decur.co.uk/ however john lewis is on the pricier side. The second site has a large selection of grey stools :) Now i'm undecided on which one to go with either this one http://www.decur.co.uk/upholstery/tiffany-buttoned-velvet-footstool-large-slate.html or this? http://www.decur.co.uk/upholstery/mila-modern-buttoned-velvet-footstool-large-slate-with-optional-storage.html

I'd be concerned with the depth of the storage area. They both look a bit shallow, so it would depend on the size of the "bits and bobs". Neither will likely be ready in time for Christmas if they are custom made as noted. Their delivery info says to allow 30 days though they try to deliver within 15 days. Perhaps you can call?

Hi I don't need to fit in anything overly big its more the odd few toys and books, I called the company on Monday and decided to go with the Tiffany they assured me I would receive it by next Tuesday at the latest. I received my samples this morning, I ended picking a silver crushed velvet fabric and have confirmed it with the company :)

WayFair is good.

Why does this feel spammy? I hope I'm wrong.

K Sissy - Wayfair didn't have the size I wanted in velvet but thank you...aunjen - Lol you are wrong, dont worry no spam here

In that case, my apologies and I hope you enjoy your new piece.

I think that you could make one yourself, even if you have never upholstered before. The key is finding the correct size cube that you like. There are probably a lot of videos on line. Something to think about.