I have been lucky enough to receive a number of pieces from the Willow Tree collection as gifts over the years. I have also purchased them for gifts for others too. I think that they are lovely to receive to mark special events or occasions and I received a piece as a wedding gift and one when my son was born too.

The Willow Tree collection is by Susan Lordi and began in January 2000. The collection is of columnar figures carved from wood. The creator, Susan Lordi, hand carves each of the original new designs for the figures. The figures are beautifully natural looking - with just a hint of colour, so they do appear to be very natural wooden statues. The figures are very collectible and a collection can be as small or large as you wish it to be. The figures are very well made and, I think, beautiful and interesting to look at. This is just a matter of taste and opinion though as I know that the faceless design of these is not to everyone's taste.

The prices of the figures range for Around £10 to around £40 and there is something in the collection to mark most occasions/relationships. I have received the 'friendship' model from a friend which is a lovely sentiment and a gift that I will treasure. It is also quite a small, non-intrusive model that is nice to display. There are also lovely figurines for sentimental times - a new birth, for grandparents and sisters etc. In my experience, the figures are sturdy and well made. They feel solid to hold and smooth to the touch. They are of very good quality. They look simple and will complement most interiors as they are naturally coloured rather than bright or garish. They have a flat bottom so stand upright well too.

Over the years, the collection has expanded and I was intrigued to see just recently that it now included nativity figurines. This may be an expensive way to recreate a nativity scene but I bet that it would look fantastic! I really do like this collection and hope to add to my collection some more over the years - they look lovely on a fireplace or sideboard. For me, what really makes this collection so nice is the sentimental factor - you can receive them as a special gift or to mark a momentous occasion in your life and they will always remind you of that. They are not cheap but, in my opinion, they are worth the investment - a lovely gift to receive.