Shifting the focus to others for week eight of Shop Local: Keep it in Copeland, as many of us continue to check-in on loved ones as the threat of lockdown looms.

Whether it’s a sizzling bath bomb, a cosy candle or a box of cheeky chocs, there are so many ways to let family and friends know you’re in their thoughts.

And thanks to the fabulous selection of gift shops across the borough, it's a simple task, with options out there for even the fussiest of recipients!

Offering her gorgeous porcelain messages of love and hope, along with perfume-filled bath bombs, heartwarming cards and a stunning window display for every season, Lara Schwab of Little Whims has it all.

"People are treating friends and loved ones a bit more at the moment, just to show a little thought," the Whitehaven business owner said.

"I think people are a bit more conscious about looking after each other.

"The whole community seems more aware of the local area and businesses, so it's good to see so much support coming in from the community."

On top of her array of lovely gifts, the proud trader regularly decorates her store window with the prettiest scene possible to fit with each season, celebration or event, with her Halloween display coming along nicely – a top reason to pop by and say hello, and maybe treat your best friend to a bath bomb or two.

And just down the road in Cleator Moor, another gift shop owner is thrilled to see a wave of new customers every day, as we all do our bit to spread some joy and lift some spirits through this tough time.

Jade Meagan, of gift shop and florist Jar of Hearts, said plenty of people have been coming in to buy a loved one a special gift, which has certainly made her smile.

"Everyone's been through such a hard time this year, and things have been really hard, so if you can spread a little bit of love with your friend or family member, it's worth it," she said.

"We're all in this together."

Jade added that while the future's uncertain, the two-strong team at Jar of Hearts is hopeful they can stay afloat with their delivery service, which allows everyone to have special gifts delivered straight to their door in a Covid-safe way.

She said: "We do offer delivery, so hopefully if we do go into lockdown again or anything like that, we should be okay – fingers crossed!"

And of course, when buying special treats for your nearest and dearest, it's not just their smiles you'll see, as business owners feel the love as well.

"It means everything to us when people buy gifts from our shop," Jade said.

"The big businesses will be fine – it's the smaller businesses that need support.

"I would hate to see the end of the high street, and I will always fight for the high street – we just all need it.

"It's so nice to go and browse in shops, and it makes gifts a bit more personal when people buy them from a shop rather than ordering from Amazon, and it really does mean so much when people buy from us and keep us going."

But it's not just these two towns who have plenty to offer, with stores scattered throughout the borough.

Head to Millom to be Spoilt for Choice with the brilliantly-stocked store, or visit Egremont's Perfect Gift Co. to find exactly that!

As always, there are endless shops for everyone to visit – whether you're in Bootle, Holmrook, Frizington, Egremont, St Bees or beyond, have a potter round your nearest high street and get supporting those independent gift shops.