Head upstairs at the Milton Marketplace, 10 Bassett St., to see what’s new at the store voted Milton’s favorite gift shop by readers of The Milton Times.

“We have lots of nice things for summer,” said Janice Conlon, owner of The Gift Garden, as she looks over colorful new bath accessories with a seaside theme. “These bath towels are soft, thick cotton. They make a great hostess gift for someone on the Cape.”

The Gift Garden is the perfect location to pick up something special to thank a hostess. The store has a variety of nautical-themed items, such as hand towels, platters and cocktail napkins with holders.

Other fun items at The Gift Garden include lotions and soaps from Crabtree & Evelyn, wind chimes to capture summer breezes, and beautiful sea glass-themed jewelry that instantly reminds us of strolls on the beach.

Hovering above shoppers’ heads at The Gift Garden are playful mermaids floating in air. Their bright colors seem to beckon someone to take them home to add an enchanting summer touch to any room.

A large selection of Mariposa serving pieces and gift items can be found at The Gift Garden.

“The Mariposa line is so popular for us,” said Conlon, pointing out a beautiful, starfish-themed salad bowl. “The company is from Massachusetts, and they make everything, from great hostess gifts to fabulous wedding gifts.”

Other nice gift-giving ideas include candles by Root, a new company for The Gift Garden. The line offers not only traditional dinner table candles in a variety of colors, but also wonderfully scented candles with names such as Sea Salt Scrub. One whiff evokes the restful thoughts of ocean breezes. Scented candles are $11 each and make a thoughtful gift – for a friend or yourself.

And of course, The Gift Garden continues to carry a large stock of Vera Bradley items. A full, colorful section of the store is devoted to the many shapes and sizes of the popular line of purses and more.

“Yes, Vera Bradley is still going strong here,” Conlon said. “And we now carry luggage pieces that are excellent quality – durable and really sharp and stylish.”

The Gift Garden makes shopping locally easy, with these items and many more from which to choose.