This time of year always catches me out.  We no sooner get over the christmas and new year period, sighing thankfully as 02 January lands heavily at our feet.  But instead of this calm continuing, I find myself haring about like a mad thing because I actually have two or three family birthdays and a wedding anniversary to acquire stunningly gorgeous and unusual gifts for.  This used to be a simple task – there used to be an absolutely fabulous independent retailer down the road – a family run firm with a good eye for quality and financial common sense.  I don’t think I ever failed to find exactly the right gift there in 20 odd years.  Then sadly the family retired and it slowly and painfully closed down.  Nothing can replace that store but I have since consolded myself by finding very much the same beautiful quality giftware on this site – such joy to behold!