By Kathy Kurtz Ferrari
Staff Writer
12/14/10
For those seeking the spirit of the holiday season, a short walk up the stairs at the Milton Marketplace is all it takes.

The Gift Garden, located above the Fruit Center, at 10 Bassett St. in East Milton, is exploding with Christmas cheer right now.

Twinkling ornaments, glimmering lights, smiling Santas and a multitude of other Christmas favorites peek out from every corner of The Gift Garden. The location has long been a sought-out destination for shoppers looking for unique gifts and home décor.

And this time of year is the best time to visit.

“This is our busiest time of the year. But it’s our most fun time,” says Janice Conlin, owner of The Gift Garden. “We have lots of things to see.”

The store has a wide variety of ornaments, ranging from delicate angels and icicles, to hardy Santas and snowmen. Christmas trees greet customers as they enter the store, one ornately decorated in gold and glittering ornaments, the other a white tree more traditionally festive with a peppermint theme.

The Gift Garden is famous for its wide variety of Byers’ Choice carolers, a favorite among collectors. The whimsical figures pose as Victorian-era carolers with various themes.

“This time of year we do well with the ornaments, but we also do well with our scarves and our handbags,” says Conlin.

The Gift Garden carries lots of colorful patterns of Vera Bradley purses and accessories, as well as bags by other designers like Baggallini.

Complimentary gift packaging is also available at The Gift Garden. Staff members are happy to package any purchase for customers for holiday giving.

“We try to service our customers well, and send them off with a pretty package,” Conlin says. “A nice box, bow and tissue, and just make it look like a gift. It’s a little bit less stress on the customer.”

Shoppers can also find essentials like wrapping paper, candles and holiday cards among the many choices at The Gift Garden.