Running Rising Tide Gifts is one of the greatest joys of our lives, but there are a few things we wish more people knew about what we do behind the scenes.

1. We’re a really small team

From the outside, it might look like we’re a big operation. In reality, it’s just the two of us sisters steering the ship, and one full-time employee (hi Thomas!). Luckily, we have a small but mighty crew of helpers who pitch in during the busiest seasons. Every gift that leaves our shop has been touched by one of us, literally.

2. We actually have a storefront!

Every week, someone walks through our doors and says: “I didn’t even know you were here!” Our shop isn’t just online. You can stop by, browse, and chat with us in person. It’s one of our favourite parts of the business. We're not necessarily in a retail-heavy section of town, but we are here if you prefer to shop in person or need something right away.

Check out our store hours here.

3. It’s not cheaper to DIY

A lot of people think building a gift themselves is the budget-friendly option, but we have almost never found that to be true. Beyond the fact that we buy everything — tissue paper, bags, boxes, gift fill (we do mean everything) — in bulk, there’s a massive savings in time. When you consider the hours it takes to track down, buy, assemble, wrap, and ship a gift, you may just come to the same conclusion as us: it’s cheaper and certainly easier to outsource.

4. Every single order has a ripple effect

Whether it’s one box or a hundred, every order helps sustain real people in our community. You’d be surprised how genuinely thrilled local makers are to see even one product sold in a gift shop. Your purchase supports not just us, but a whole network of artisans, food producers, and small businesses.

5. Online reviews matter more than you know

It might feel like just another click, but reviews are one of the most powerful ways you can help us grow. They build trust with new customers and boost our visibility online. If you’ve ever received a gift from us or ordered one yourself, leaving a quick review is like cheering us on from the sidelines. We can’t tell you how much it means. Here is where you can leave them, if you're feeling so inclined.

6. When we make a mistake, we fix it

Customer service is one of our biggest strengths because we know how frustrating it can be when things go wrong. Yes, we’re human and mistakes happen. But we always treat them as opportunities to create a positive experience. You’re so used to getting brushed off by big companies that it doesn’t take much to turn a problem into a genuinely pleasant interaction. We value your business, and we’ll always do our best to make things right.

7. We notice repeat customers

When we see your name pop up online, or recognize you’ve been in the store a few times, we notice. Repeat business is a huge compliment to us. It means we’ve earned your trust, and that’s the highest praise we could hope for.