The Beautiful Welsh Words You’ll Find on Our Gifts (and What They Mean)
Why Words Matter in Wales
Language is at the heart of identity — and for us in Wales, Cymraeg is more than just a way of speaking; it’s a living expression of who we are. Every Welsh word carries a rhythm, a melody, and a sense of belonging. It connects us to our land, our history, and one another.
At Welsh Gift Shop, we’re proud to weave the Welsh language into so many of our gifts. Whether it’s a mug that says Cwtch, a bracelet engraved with Cariad, or a print of the word Hiraeth, these words are more than decoration. They carry stories, emotions, and centuries of heritage.
The Beauty of Welsh Words
If you’ve ever tried learning Welsh, you’ll know it’s a language full of poetry. The sounds roll like the hills, and the words often capture feelings that English can’t quite express. It’s no wonder so many people — even those without Welsh roots — fall in love with its beauty.
Here are a few of our favourite Welsh words, along with what they mean and how we celebrate them through our products.
1. Cariad — Love, Sweetheart, or Beloved
Pronounced KAH-ree-ad, this word is one of the most recognisable Welsh terms, and one of the most loved. It means “love” or “beloved”, but it’s often used as a term of endearment too — much like “darling” or “sweetheart”.
When someone calls you cariad, it’s said with warmth and affection. It’s the kind of word that makes you smile every time you hear it.
At Welsh Gift Shop, you’ll find Cariad on mugs, cushions, cards, and jewellery — perfect for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or simply to remind someone how much they’re loved. Each Cariad gift is a small celebration of love, in a language that has been whispering the word for centuries. Explore "Cariad" Gifts
2. Cwtch / Cwtsh — A Hug, or a Safe Place
This is perhaps Wales’ most famous word, and for good reason. Pronounced kutch, it’s often translated as “hug”, but really, it’s so much more than that.
A cwtsh isn’t just a physical cuddle — it’s a feeling of warmth, comfort, and safety. It’s that moment when everything feels okay because you’re with someone who loves you.
When we wrap our children up on a cold evening, that’s a cwtsh. When a friend puts the kettle on and says, “Sit down, love,” that’s a cwtsh too.
The spelling differs but the Welsh way is with the S — so Cwtsh. The Anglicized version is with the C — cwtch. Mix them up at your peril!
Our Cwtsh products — from home décor to soft blankets — embody that same sense of comfort. Giving one as a gift is like giving someone a hug that lasts forever. Explore "Cwtsh" Gifts
3. Hiraeth — A Deep Longing for Home
Few Welsh words are as evocative as Hiraeth (pronounced HEER-eyeth). It doesn’t translate neatly into English. It’s a mix of longing, homesickness, nostalgia, and love for the place you come from — even if you can’t go back.
For many of our customers living overseas, Hiraeth strikes a deep chord. It’s the tug at your heart when you see the Welsh hills in a photo, or when you hear the lilt of the language after being away for too long.
We carry Hiraeth-themed gifts to help people express that feeling — from art prints to keepsake jewellery. They’re little reminders that no matter where life takes you, Wales is always part of who you are. Explore "Hiraeth" Gifts
4. Croeso — Welcome
Pronounced CROY-so, Croeso is one of the first words visitors see when they come to Wales. It’s on signs and shop doors everywhere — a word that perfectly captures the warmth of Welsh hospitality.
To us, Croeso is a way of saying “you’re home here.” It’s friendly, open, and full of community spirit. We love this word so much that we feature it on doormats, wall art, and cards. It’s perfect for housewarmings or to gift someone who’s just moved to a new home — a heartfelt reminder that welcome begins at the doorstep. Explore "Croeso" Gifts
5. Diolch — Thank You
A simple but powerful word: Diolch (pronounced DEE-olkh) means “thank you”. Whether you speak Welsh fluently or not, it’s one of the easiest words to use in everyday life.
We’ve seen so many people gift Diolch mugs and cards as ways to say thank you — to teachers, friends, family, or colleagues. There’s something extra thoughtful about saying thank you in Welsh. It adds a little touch of cultural pride and personal charm. Explore "Diolch" Gifts
6. Calon — Heart
The Welsh word Calon (KAH-lon) literally means “heart”, but it can also describe courage and kindness. In Welsh culture, Calon appears in many songs and sayings — like the beloved hymn Calon Lân (“A Pure Heart”).
You’ll find this word engraved on our silver pendants and printed on art pieces. It’s perfect for someone who’s brave, caring, or simply wears their heart on their sleeve. Explore "Calon" Gifts
The Role of Welsh in Our Business
As a small family-run business, we’ve always believed that language is a way to connect — not only to our culture but to one another. Every time someone buys a Welsh-language gift, they help to promote and preserve the language.
We work with Welsh designers and makers who proudly include Welsh words in their creations. Some of them learned Welsh as children; others are new learners who’ve fallen in love with the language as adults. Either way, each word they write, carve, or print helps keep Cymraeg alive in everyday life.
Why Welsh Makes the Perfect Gift
A gift with a Welsh word isn’t just beautiful — it’s meaningful. It tells a story. Whether you’re Welsh yourself or simply love the culture, giving a Cariad mug or Cwtch cushion says, “I see you, I understand you, and I care.”
These gifts also make wonderful conversation starters. People love asking, “What does that mean?” — and before you know it, you’re sharing a little piece of Welsh magic.
We’ve even had customers tell us they bought a Hiraeth print for a friend, and that single word inspired them to start learning Welsh. That’s the power of language — it connects hearts and inspires curiosity.
How to Incorporate Welsh Words in Your Home
If you’d like to bring a touch of Wales into your everyday life, here are a few easy ways:
- Start small: A mug or coaster with a Welsh word makes you smile each morning.
- Wall art: Words like Cariad, Croeso, or Cwtch make perfect wall décor in kitchens or hallways.
- Greeting cards: Send Welsh cards, even if you’re not fluent — it’s a lovely way to introduce others to the language.
- Wear your heritage: Jewellery inscribed with Welsh words makes subtle, stylish conversation pieces.
These little touches remind you daily of your roots — or perhaps your love for Wales.
Keeping the Language Alive
Welsh is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, and while it’s grown stronger in recent years, it still needs champions — people like you who choose to speak it, gift it, and celebrate it.
By giving Welsh-language gifts, you’re part of that story. You’re helping to ensure that the next generation grows up seeing these words not just in textbooks, but in homes, on shelves, and in hearts.
From our family to yours — Diolch o galon (thank you from the heart) for helping us keep our beautiful language alive.