Gifts

It can be hard to anticipate which toy out of many a young child will return to time and again. The most popular toys are ones which are interactive so dolls houses or castles or mini-cities which can provide hours of imaginative play away from screens and gadgets.

Toys don’t have to be educational but most parents like toys which are beneficial to their child's development even if they are not overtly educational. Toys which encourage problem-solving, free thought, imagination or creativity will always be popular with parents and children.

Take advice from a friend or work colleague who has a child of a similar age to see which toys are enduringly popular.

Wedding gifts are tricky as most people live together and have already set up home so the old fashioned present lists of yesteryear are not really so relevant. The key aspect is to make the gift personal even if it is something much wanted and utterly functional.

Some people choose a gift from the list but then add in something else which is unique and may even be handmade; the personal touch is always very special and doesn’t have to break the bank.

There are lots of niche gift retailers and independent shops which can help provide inspiration if you are looking for a decorative item or a one-off card and gift wrap.

Fountain pens offer a glimpse into a bygone age with a touch of style and class. They are unusual and go against the grain in the modern era of keyboards and swiping screens so their individuality is attractive ensuring you will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Fountain pens are beautiful to use, a voyage of discovery for some people and a reunion with an old friend for others. They are a very tactile and personal experience both for the writer and the recipient of the letter or message.

Fountain pen sales have been steadily rising for the last decade and matched with a pencil, they can make a beautiful and timeless gift.