Is there anything better than buying gifts for family and friends? With holidays throughout the year there are so many opportunities to spend time finding the right gifts and wrapping them beautifully for the people you appreciate the most in your life. 

When you get to a birthday or Christmas, you get to put thought into what you buy and for whom you buy, and when you go on a holiday or mini break, gifts are so much more than just travel trinkets or decorative items. They are tangible pieces of memory when you're exploring a new city or visiting a hidden coastal town. Gifting is exciting, and whether you're buying from a unique local store like The New Gifts Toys and Candle Shop, or you're mass ordering from a huge retailer, there are always gift options. 

1. They keep you connected to each other. It says a lot about how well you know people based on the gifts that you buy them when you have the chance. A small candle, a handcrafted mug, or a personalised keychain from a local shop can instantly remind you of people you love, and every time they light that candle or use the mug, they'll feel connected to you, too.
2. It's a thoughtful thing to do. Gifts make you feel good but they're not just for you. They are perfect for sharing your feelings with others. Whether it's a quirky toy for a child, a scented candle for a friend, or a piece of local art for a family member, thoughtful gifts matter most. They're often more meaningful than generic presents because they carry a story. Giving someone a gift that you picked out while thinking of them adds that layer of care that can't be replicated anywhere else.
3. They support local businesses. There are plenty of gifts that are made by local artisans or sold in small, independently owned stores. When you buy from these shops, you're supporting the local economy and often contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts and cultures. Unlike mass produced products, handmade or locally designed gifts have a story and a soul. This is especially true when you find unique shops off the beaten path. These are the places where the treasures are hidden.
4. They are fun to give. Gift giving is an entire process and experience. They can be packed with personality and meaning, too. A candle from a beach town, a toy from a bustling market, or a handmade ceramic from a mountain village doesn't just look good, but it tells a story and you get to pass on why you chose those items, too. These items become conversation starters, each with its own memory and origin.
5. They spark joy. There's something undeniably joyful about giving a gift to someone you love. Whether it's weeks, months, or years later, that gift can bring a smile to everyone's face along with a wave of nostalgia.