With so much of our shopping now sorted via online outlets, some of the joy of picking gifts has disappeared.  there’s something rather lovely about being able to handle products to check if they’re what we’d like to give, and receive for that matter.  Although the online shop is much quicker and quite a lot cheaper if an organised properly before we start, there being no impulse buying opportunities . . . there is something slightly clinical about just clicking on the search button for homewares, gifts, flowers, cards etc.  these were items that were lovelingly selected from huge ranges in each store – a joy to look at and select for a loved one.  Going to out of town to garden centres, farm and country fare stores can still offer a nice choice of goods, gets us out of the house, and helps us retain the feeling that there is life outside the home still.  they also offer a unique selection of goods that can inspire the old purchasing spirit!