It is best to stock a range of gifts to reflect the different circumstances in which a gift is bought. Grandparents for example, might wish to purchase a practical item such as a travel system, while a friend might choose baby's first moneybox, in which case a selection of trinkets and keepsakes is a must.

"If a baby gift is beautifully wrapped, it suggests that the person who is giving it really cares about the recipient. Extra details such as pretty pastel bows and co-ordinating gift tags make a real difference," says babycentre.co.uk. Taking the time to carefully wrap a gift for your customer will make the purchase seem all the more special and the occasion one to be remembered. Having made your customer feel at peace with her choice of gift, you are much more likely to enjoy repeat business.

Consumers also like to buy gifts for no reason at all, often they are impulse driven purchases. With that in mind, good POS and effective merchandising in this sector will help you boost profits and maximise sales. If a grandparent is buying a cot for example, a beautiful frame or trinket box on the till may well catch their eye too. While gifts bought for special occasions are long and considered purchases, the sudden realisation that someone would like something is often reason enough.

Gift buying continues throughout a child's life, so it makes sense to have a full gift-ware range to accompany a child through the pre-school years. In 2005, an insurance company survey highlighted by the BBC revealed that four out of 10 grandparents treat their grandchildren all year round; the average cost of grandchildren's presents was £58.

Tapping into the giftware market is, therefore, a sensible choice. Yes times are hard and while some may not spend as much as they may have done a few years ago - they will still want to buy something. This is where you can step in and advise accordingly.