Whether you are shopping for the holidays, a birthday, a graduation, or any other special occasion, finding the perfect gift for your friend, family member, or colleague can be a challenge. The bonus: succeeding and finding something you know will make them happy can be quite a rush!

While many of us do most of our shopping online, sometimes you can find specialized and unique gifts by visiting a gift shop near you – either at home or on your travels. Online gift shops exist as well and can allow you to shop in another city without leaving home.

There are many different kinds of gift shops, so a good first step is to think about the person you are shopping for and consider their interests and personality. Choose a gift shop that reflects that, and you are one step closer to finding the right gift for any person.

Some of the types of gift shops you may consider:

Tourist and souvenir gift shops: Whether you are shopping in your hometown or on your travels, tourist gift shops will have gifts relevant to where they are located. If you are shopping for a neighbor who loves to cook, you may find some local spices at a tourist gift shop near you. If you are traveling, you may find them special foods from faraway places. If your friend loves Broadway, a gift shop in New York may yield the perfect find. If they love movies, a gift shop in Los Angeles may be the ticket. You can also find souvenirs like snow globes, t-shirts, or hats that represent the place where the shop is located.

Special interest gift shops: If you know the person you are shopping for has particular interests, you can look for a gift aligned with those themes. Whether it's a friend who loves Disney movies, a family member obsessed with a particular restaurant, or a co-worker devoted to a specific sports team, chances are you can find a gift shop to find something related.

International gift shops: Some people you are shopping for may be particularly interested in where they or their families came from, so you might visit places like Asian, Indian, or Irish gift shops. You'll be able to find unique items that make them think of their families and the places their families originated.

Religious gift shops: Religious gift shops can be an excellent place to shop for some family members or for people you know from your church, synagogue, or mosque. Especially around religious holidays, a gift like a nativity scene, menorah, or prayer rug can be incredibly thoughtful. Spiritual gifts can also be appropriate for milestones like christenings, confirmations, bar or bat mitzvahs, or weddings.

Boutique gift shops: Sometimes you don't know what type of gift you want. A boutique gift shop may serve you well. It may not have a specific theme or specialize in a particular kind of gift, but it will likely have a wide variety of special items that people don't generally buy for themselves. You may find jewelry, home decor or personal items that will brighten anybody's day.

Card and gift shop: If you also want help wrapping and presenting your gift, you may be looking for a card and gift shop. In addition to your gift, you'll be able to find cards, wrapping paper, gift boxes and bags, and other things to make your gifts extra special.

Pawn shops, consignment shops, thrift shops: If you're not finding what you want at traditional gift shops, you can try pawn shops, consignment shops, and thrift shops. You never know what kind of unique or antique gift you will find that was hiding in someone else's attic until they brought it to one of these outlets for pre-loved items.

No matter where you are shopping, make sure you are clear on their return policies, especially for gifts, and get a gift receipt when possible.

Online shopping can be a great complement to visiting gift shops. Learn more about finding the perfect gift, shopping safely, and avoiding scams by visiting BBB's Online Shopping HQ. You can also get tips on finding the perfect gift online.