Nov 14,2024
Whether you're a Christmas eve shopper racing up Grafton Street, or a smug planner who has their gifts under the tree in time for The Late Late Toy Show, buying for loved ones can be exceptionally tricky.
With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on, we want to ensure that you reduce your carbon footprint, source local suppliers, and support your homegrown entrepreneurs while you search for that special something.
Black Stuff Soap
Founded in Wicklow by John Larkin, this kitchen table business has grown into quite the success story, with batches of handmade natural soaps being created mindfully and sustainably. Creating his own scent profiles by mixing essential oils, the soaps tend to veer towards masculine notes, with 'The Good Room' smelling of black pepper, honey and orange. The cruelty-free prodct promises 21+ showers and costs €9.
Sarah McKenna Ceramics
Sarah McKenna makes all of her pieces from her workshop in Dundalk, Co Louth. Using clay from Northern Irish company Scarva, each piece of pottery is slab-built with a focus on minimising waste. As well as beautiful bowls and eye-catching wall art, Sarah has a range of Christmas ornaments including this set of three handmade porcelain baubles for €55.
Paula's Vintage Plates
Based in Dublin, Paula Moen upcycles old plates and saucers into modern wall hangings that can be personalised on request. From marking important occassions, to having fun with pops of neon, these plates can be customised to suit any home. The midnight mass plate is ideal for Christmas and costs €30.
Current.
In the summer of 2022, following a pandemic filled with sea swimming and beach walks, Caoimhe Corbett and Cathal Boyle created Tide Clocks to track the lunar day. The clocks complete a full rotation every 12 hours, 25 minutes and 14 seconds – the average time it takes the tide to come in and out on semidiurnal coasts - and their designs include Banna Beach, Dunmore East, Vico Baths, Tramore and more. Each clock costs €65.
Keep Her Lit
What started as a once-off gift for a family friend has quickly turned into a buzzing business in North Dublin. Hand crafted at the kitchen table by couple Alex and Dan, these cocktail and pint-inspired candles can be ordered over the Keep Her Lit Candles Instagram page. Pint candles cost €20, cocktails cost €15.
Amber + Willow
Interior designer-turned event stylist Amber Clery created a business that celebrates artisanal design and craft and supports female-led suppliers from across Ireland and the globe. The bohemian collection of gorgeous homewares and lifestyle items include this limited edition ruffle tablecloth. Handmade in Ireland in collaboration with Irish artisan maker by Lulu, this piece costs €150.
The Designed Table
PR professional Tara O’Connor – a long-time devotee to table scaping – wants to bring everyone back to the table with her range of beautiful linens and accessories, each inspired by the countryside near her home in Co. Kildare. These burgundy velvet bow napkin rings would look perfect on the Christmas table. A pack of four costs €28.
Unbound
Opened in 2012, Unbound is a family-run boutique shop based in Cork that is home to homeware, eco-friendly cleaning products, cute stationary and quirky gifts. The Irish Christmas Postbox with Robins ornament costs €16.99.
CMB Scents
Based in Belmayne, Dublin 13, CMB Scents creates artisnal candles, wax melts, and fun activities. The handcrafted scented candles are designed to delight any candle enthusiast with a wide range of scent options. Their €40 candle painting kit comes in two shapes (the long donut or the famous bubble candle) in five delicious scent options.
Huggable Home
Prints of Ireland
Dublin couple Peter and Heather are the brains behind Prints of Ireland, a brand of Irish art prints, greeting cards, tote bags and more. Keeping sustainability in mind, the Gaeilgeoirs make custom prints and illustrated maps of Ireland's most beautiful towns, counties and landmarks. Their Cobh Cathedral print is €30.
Artist Aisling Conroy
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NCAD graduate Aisling Conroy is a multidisciplinary artist who works with paint, print and animation. A member of Visual Artists Ireland, Black Church Print Studio, and Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Conroy has led an impressive career and recently showcased her work at the Ton Gallery in Dublin. At time of writing, her screen prints range from €200-€400.
April and the Bear
Former fashion buyer Siobhan Lam and her partner, Jamie Hughes, launched April and the Bear 10 years ago. When doing up their own house, they found a gap in the market for a different type of homewares store. As well as selling furniture, lighting fixtures, and Irish decor, they have an impressive collection of art including Dublin-based illustrator Marina Marinina's 'Meet me for a glass of wine' print for €35.
Niamh McKeown
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Folk and Nest
Emma and Sam - two best friends connected by a love of all things beautiful - created Folk and Nest as a way to to enhance milestone moments in the lives of their loved ones. They offer a collection of luxury greetings cards and prints to celebrate life's significant days. This personalised Boho Birth Poster costs €30.
Dóchas Design Studio
A Black-owned business run purely on dóchas (hope) and grá (love), Dóchas Design Studio is a haven for those who value bold colours and fun designs. Based in Cork, it is a hub of vibrant prints and cards as well as one-of-a-kind gifts. The 'Do it for the Plot' print costs €12.95.
Ciara Makes Things
Ciara O'Neill is a Dublin-based artist and illustrator. An NCAD graduate, she is now one-third of 4 Walls, a collective that raises money in aid of Dublin's housing crisis and homelessness. She creates colourful scarves, beautiful jigsaws, trendy mesh vest, stickers, and cool cards and prints. This 'So Hot, So Spicy' piece is €8 and is made from recycled paper.
Jessica Louis
Jessica Louis is an Irish-based, Nigerian-born illustrator whose work features colorful characters, shapes and scenes. She has exhibited with DesignOpp in Dublin and recently had her illustrations featured in Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers and Everyday Heroes. Her drawing of Rhasidat Adeleke is currently being sold through studio BLVCK. Contact them directly on Instagram for details.
Fierce Nice
Founded by Ruan Shiels in 2019, Fierce Nice is a Galway-based online art gallery dedicated to showcasing the work of Ireland's leading contemporary artists. The above print by Ross Cunningham, (named 'Gillie Graham and the Complications of Freedom') costs €79 and was inspired by the colourful life of his great uncle, Gillie Graham, who left Belfast in the 1950s to live in the USA to work with NASA.
Flying Fig Studio
As an eco-conscious vegan, Karla Finnegan packs her small-batch, made-to-order pieces in plastic-free packaging from her base in Offaly. Running the business since 2019, the designer handles every order with care, often adding a personal touch to make your gift extra special. Her personalised paper cut creations cost €35.
Badly Made Books
Badly Made Books is a book factory and print studio based in Cork city. Specialising in sustainably-minded paper notebooks, they use post-consumer waste papers to play their part in the circular economy. These are locally-produced, post-consumer waste paperbacks with blank pages for you to scribble your thoughts on. Get your drawings and ideas for 2025 down in this sustainably minded €25 notebook.
Ecoset
There is an estimated two million disposable coffee cups used in Ireland every single day. To combat this, Ecoset have created a range of reusable coffee cups, water bottles, food pots, cocktail shakers and even champagne flutes for any number of outdoor events. Their stainless steel insulated tumblers come in a range of colours and cost €26.
Siest
Designed and created by Síne Dunne, Siest is a weighted sleep pillow that aims to help you achieve better quality sleep. Handmade in Dublin, the pillows act as a comfort for those who prefer to rest with a pillow between their knees or struggle with positional sleep apnoea. The weighted long pillow costs €250.
Low Chaser Golf
If you have a golfer in your life, or you fancy taking up the sport yourself, look no further than Mícheál Halpin's Low Chaser Golf. The Kerryman founded the company in 2023 and has created a line of grips that could improve upon old or second hand clubs. The baby blue golf grip costs €10.95 and comes in a variety of sizes.
Final Bend
Founded in 2018 by Emma Coffey - a then-fifth year secondary school student - Final Bend is an athletics brand with roots in track and field. Today, the Cork-based brand specialises in creating fun fitness apparel, sports bras, crew socks, beanies and lounge wear. The navy Off Track hoodie costs €45.95.
Ulluv
Cork-born, Kerry-based woman Siobhan Stack founded Ulluv in May of 2017. With three children under the age of five at the time, she was well aware of how over-whelming things could be when having to pack for the hospital while running a busy household. Initially aimed at expectant mums needing helpful hospital bags, the brand grew to accomodate busy mums and non-mums who needed solutions following a serious diagnosis. The Signature Quilted Large Holdall costs €129.
Simone Walsh
Irish artist Simone Walsh, who has a brand new gallery in Bridgetown, Co. Wexford, has a range of prints, books, notebooks, tea towels, mugs and more. For those looking for a mindful moment, though, a beautiful jigsaw drawing on nostalgic moments of Irish life may be the perfect way to avoid screens and stress. The Growing Up in Ireland jigsaw costs €16.50 and would make a lovely piece of art if framed.
Cuando
If you're looking for a screen-free activity, or something to keep your hands busy while you watch the telly, a grown up colouring book may be the ideal solution. Cuando.ie is an online gifting platform that supports small Irish businesses. The 'Into the wildflowers I go' colouring book holds 43-pages and costs €20.
Faro
To sleep soundly, and care for your hair and skin while you do so, you may want to invest in a silk pillowcase. Co-founded by presenter Mairead Ronan, FARO is a multi-award winning range of hair care products and accessories. The pillowcases are made with Mulberry silk, are machine washable at 30 degrees, and cost €45.
John Ross
Based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, John Ross Jewellers has everything from baby gifts and communion tokens, to wristwear and anklets. Their silver Claddagh ring costs €39 and is a gorgeous gift for men and women alike.
Pale Raven
Irish designer Sarah Herbert of Pale Raven Jewellery has a love for all things ancient and relic. Inspired by old objects and themes of dreams and adventures, she makes jewellery that will help mark the milestones of an individual's journey in a very stylish way. The Danú Crescent Moon pendant costs €250.
Inner Island
Inner Island founder Gemma O'Leary celebrates the unique and enduring bond of sisterhood with her latest 'Sister Collection'. Proudly crafted in Ireland, these pieces are the ideal Christmas gift for the remarkable women in your life. Crafted in South Kilkenny, every Inner Island piece is meticulously handcrafted using recycled silver and gold metals. The Sister Hoops cost €65.
Lu & Mol Rose
Designer Áine Breen's jewellery captures familiar symbols in pure gold and silver. In 2023, she opened a bricks and mortar store called Lu & Mol - a home for Liwu Jewellery alongside other carefully curated jewellery and gifts. The Celtic Spiral Silver Necklace (symbolising joy) costs €69.
Dúil
Dúil designs are inspired by 'nature, colour and fun' and are handmade in Clondrohid, Co.Cork. South-African-born designer Rieleen Bn Uí Dhuinnín has released a range of sustainably-minded floral earrings that are lightweight and eye-catching. The double pink rose dangle earrings cost €36.
Réalta
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Founded by Aoife Malone, Réalta is a range of waterproof and tarnish-free jewellery that promises to survive the sea, shower, and gym. Réalta (meaning star) is home to gorgeous pieces that are inspired by Irish symbols and words. The Grá ring costs €48.95.
Cementique
Handcrafted in small batches, each Cementique product takes anywhere from two days to two weeks to make by creator Robyn. Her eco-minded jewellery is lightweight and made with eco-resin and metal components. The asymmetrical earrings in aqua and yellow cost €30.
Crystals & Co
To celebrate their 15 years in business, Irish costume jewellery brand Crystals & Co has collaborated with podcaster Vogue Williams on a gorgeous new collection. The pieces give a nod to the 70s and 90s with large hoops, chunky bangles, and statement designs combined with versatile everyday layering pieces. The reversible chunky gold necklace costs €130.
Bláithín Ennis
So far in her impressive career, Irish designer Bláithín Ennis has collaborated with celebrated designer Paul Costelloe and designed jewellery collections for his catwalk shows at London Fashion Week. In 2012, she founded her own brand which focuses on both cutting-edge jewellery and large scale body pieces. Inspired by angelfish in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the Angel Stripe Duo is crafted with dozens of the finest quality Czech glass crystals. At time of writing it costs €200 (was €220).
Elayor
Using carefully curated components, each piece of Elayor jewellery is created in Galway in the hopes of bringing a splash of colour and elegance to your jewellery box. Designer Ro Chigozie creates luxe gemstone collections that are handcrafted and feature semi-precious stones including lapis lazuli, rose quartz, and amethyst. The strawberry quartz gemstone necklace costs €64.
Clo Chocolates
Clo Chocolates is an artisnal, family-run business that crafts classic and novelty chocolates in small batches from their base in the Le Fournil bakery in Sligo. They have a wide array of treats on hand but their Lego Bricks Bar is especially fun for kids and costs €8.95.
Ealú Chocolates
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Founded by couple Clíona and Kallam Moriarty, Ealú Chocolates offers up an indulgent gift of handmade luxury treats from the Dingle Peninsula. Their eight-chocolate gift box is a meticulously crafted collection of delicacies that costs €25.
Folláin
Folláin - the Irish word for wholesome - is a Cork-based, family-founded business that has been running since 1983. Their perfect Christmas Gift Box will spice up any festive meal with spiced marmalade, mulled wine, winter berry jam, winter spiced rhubarb jam, spiced Irish apple jelly, cranberry sauce and caramel with Irish cream liqueur on offer for €30. Partnering with The Simon Community for the third consecutive year, they are pledging half of the proceeds from all online sales to the charity.
Harry's Nut Butter
Harry's Nut Butter was born and raised in Dublin's trendy Fumbally Café. Sweet, salty, spicy (and incredible on toast), this spread will be a welcome gift for any foodie. The chef-made peanutbutters come in a variety of flavours ranging from smoked paprika to hazelnut and cacao. The mixed box of six costs €36.
Winestation.ie
Winestation.ie - Kildare's newest destination for accessible wines - offers a range of curated wine packages that are sure to delight any afficianado. The Celebration Set costs between €49-€89 and brings together two to three modern wines, each with unique flavour profile, combining the best of traditional and innovative winemaking techniques.
Hanna's Bees
Hanna's Bees is run by Hanna Bäckmo, a Cork-based beekeeper with a passion for edible gardening, nature, and sustainability. A hive-to-home business, Hanna has several apiaries in East and South Cork, with around 60 honeybee colonies producing honey, beeswax and propolis for her range of products. The Irish Honey Giftset costs €22.
The Sibly Food Co.
As a fitness enthusiast and food lover, Sibly founder Matthew Collins wanted to create nutritious and delicious treats, whether it be breakfast granola or coconut macaroons. The Cacao Box costs €3.99 and has four truffle-like textured energy balls that aim to fuel work, study, or athletic performance. A welcome stocking filler for any fitness fanatics.
Hi-Spirits Wine Club
Hi-Spirits Wine Club is a Black-led wine club in Dublin that celebrates diversity and culture through curated experiences. Partnering with fashion, drink, and literature brands, the brand is constantly evolving, with Zorelle Gin - Ireland's pioneering Pan-African inspired spirit - set to arrive soon. You can pre-order now.
Hollow Leg Wines
Hollow Leg Wines is an Irish brand offering up non-alcoholic versions of rosé, cabarnet, alberino, and sparkling white cuvée. Boasting a "unique process" that preserves the mouthfeel, taste, and aroma of the original wine without relying on added sugar or unusual flavour additives, they claim their wines have "everything but alcohol". Their non-alcoholic cabarnet is a top-seller on Irish website DrinkNolo.ie and costs €13.
Baileys Choc-Tails
If you're looking for an after dinner treat or something small to gift a friend, look no further than these Choc-Tails. The cocktail shaped chocolates are infused with one of two festive flavourings, the Baileys original flavour or the rich Espresso Crème flavour. A box of four costs €6.
Fussy Food Plates
A mother of three, and the Director of Engineering for a Pharmaceutical company, Samantha decided to add a little more to her plate (pardon the pun) in 2020 by creating Fussy Food Plates, a range of story-led items that help turn dinner time into play time. BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, these plates encourage kids to interact with their food in a stress-free way. The original Fussy Food Plate costs €15.
Sensational Kids
Sensational Kids has a range of toys and products selected by their clinical team of Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language Therapists. These items are chosen to support children's development while delivering hours of fun. Their Arctic Cog Board is a 10-piece wooden puzzle and shape sorter toy that costs €20.
BambooBaby
Founded by Enda Barton, BambooBaby was one of the first in Ireland to offer bamboo baby sleepwear and tableware. Since their launch in 2021, they have been delivering products that are perfect for families looking to choose eco-friendly gifts. The Bamboo Baby Suction Bowl and Plate Set costs €27.99 (was €35.98).
KID
KID is an Irish-owned children's toy store specialising in wooden toys and developmentally-led products. The little farm activity triangle is perfect for little ones while they lie on their stomachs. It is machine washable and is packed with playful features and fun textures that stimulate a baby's senses and imagination. Costs €47.95.
Feed Me Mother
Feed Me Mother is a breastfeeding clothing brand and community that supports mothers in their postpartum journey. The brainchild of mum-of-three Fiona Fahy, the brand is dedicated to empowering mothers to breastfeed with confidence while wearing a a sustainable fabric called Tencel, which is not only kind on the environment but kind on skin. The Danú Mother Goddess double layer t-shirt costs €55.
Mimitoys
Specialising in toys that will last, Mimitoys steers away from battery-operated and character based toys, instead opting for a wide range of toys ideal for open-ended play that encourage imagination. This Janod Magneti'stories Pets toy is a magnetic game with an illustrated backdrop and 30 pets-themed magnets that costs €11.95.
Velvet + The Fox
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Bethaney and Rachel are two sisters who endeavoured to create a personalized sculpture business that combines their unique talents, passions, and values. Based in Dublin, the 3D photography session allowes expectant mothers to capture a special moment in time, turning their pregnancy bumps into a beautiful keepsake. Prices and more information available on booking and gift vouchers are available for purchase.
Treasured Toys
Irish online sustainable toy store Treasured Toys is urging those buying presents for little ones to think sustainably and invest in a toy that will last generations. Celebrating one year in business, Treasured Toys sources and curates a range of toys that are durably made and developmentally focused for growing minds. They also have pre-loved items available to keep them from landfil. This pre-loved animal jigsaw is €23.
JUNIOR 30 SECONDS
With support from his friend in South Africa, Irish man Greg Dooley developed the Irish version of the super-popular board game back in the early 2000s. The Junior version was created in 2013 and proved to be a big hit for primary school children and their families. The quick-thinking, fast-talking, description game that is perfect for some post-Christmas dinner entertainment. The Junior game is suitable for those aged 12 and older and costs €24.99 in Smyths.
Emma Larkin's Izzy's Magical Soccer Adventure
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Author Emma Larkin publishes and sells her own range of Irish children's books, each following the story of an eight-year-old Irish girl who is obsessed with sports. Written by Emma and illustrated by Paul Nugent, the latest book of the series, Izzy's Magical Athletic Adventure, will follow Izzy and her friend Cara as they learn about inspirational Irish athletes and experience sprinting, hurdles and more. Costs €9.
Maggie O'Farrell's When the Stammer Came to Stay
Northern Irish author Maggie O'Farrell pulls from her own experiences with stammering to show children that sharing painful situations with a loved one can make all the difference. Illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, the picture book is particularly aimed at those aged 8-10 and will be published by Walker Books on November 21.
Adam King's Farron's Adventure
Ten-year-old Adam King launched his first book, Farron's Adventure, at The Book Centre in Waterford City ahead of the 12th annual Winterval Festival, with proceeds from the sale of the book going to the charity Junior for Juniors. Illustrated by Dave Duffy, the book tells the story of the mischievous Viking elf, Farron, traversing through Ireland’s oldest city during the Winterval festival. Costs €9.95.
Ground Wellbeing
Founded by Peigín Crowley, Ground Wellbeing was born at the kitchen table in a quest to make wellness and self-care accessible to all. With 20 years experience behind her, Peigín is a wellness curator, creating award-winning spa experiences. Hand-crafted in Ireland with natural ingredients, the sleep ritual gift box includes a nighttime body oil and a sleep pillow spray, both designed to nourish and soothe the body and mind. Costs €38.
Ayu Cosmetics
AYU is an Irish-based and Irish-owned company set up by makeup artist Suzie O'Neill. As well as selling quality cosmetics, the brand has a range of fake tan and some handy gift bundles for Christmas shoppers. Their 'Brighten and Glow' set costs €25 includes their instant undereye concealer (a top seller) and illuminating face cream.
6XTY Pro-aging Skincare
6XTY Skincare was created specifically for those going through the stages of menopause. Created by award-winning formulator Nancy O'Reilly, the products are filled with active ingredients that works to nourish, hydrate, and revitalize maturing skin. Their 'Discover Set' costs €38 and includes the Fresh Gel Cleanser, the Glow Serum, and the Hya-drate Moisturiser.
This Creative Fashion
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TCF (This Creative Fashion) was founded by Nigerian-Irish designer Morenike Ajayi in the hopes of celebrating and embracing African culture and heritage. The brand launched in 2018, while Ajayi was living in Direct Provision, which led her to think outside the box in terms of resourcing. She upcyled fabrics to create her handmade apparels and now has an impressive range of African print accessories. Her satin-lined hair bonnets are specifically made to cater to kinky hair and cost €15.
The Moher Soap Co.
Raquel Ruido has created an impressive range of handmade soap bars, candles, lip balms, bath salts and more from her base on the west coast of Ireland. Her natural body scrubs are a soap and a scrub all in one, with both a zesty poppy seed scrub and a warming coffee scrub option on offer - each costing €7.95.
14 Day Mani
Intrigued by the popularity of salon gel nails, Suzanne Fowler saw the potential to DIY it and created an at-home gel manicure kit. Proving to be particularly popular during the COVID pandemic, Suzanne carved out her space in the industry and now has over 200 nail shades to name. The Berry Nice Hema-Free Gel Polish At-Home Kit costs €190..
SEABODY
Dr. Helena McMahon is a trailblazing cellular biochemist who grew up along Ireland's coast. She is the driving force behind SEABODY’s science-led, sustainable solutions. Their Aquasurge Day Serum costs €55 and has a blend of high purity bioactives that support the key building blocks of a healthy and youthful skin.
Doctrine
Founded by industry veterans Mark O'Sullivan, Tracey Ryan, and Caoimhe Donoghue, Doctrine is a skincare brand that aims to deliver effective and plant-based solutions with a small range of quality products. The Radiant C Serum costs €54 and aims to revitalise skin and combat visible signs of ageing.
HBA Studio
Founded by Adizat Oseni, HBA studio is a hair and beauty salon based in Dublin's Smithfield. Their online shop offers lace systems, clip ins, tape ins, wigs, hair brushes, edge brushes and many more hair accessories. Their silk roller set costs €18.50 and will help users achieve "easy, effortless heatless curls".
Janni Bars
This Christmas, discover luxurious, zero-waste gifts from Janni Bars. From shampoo bars and conditioners, to soaps and lip balms, the Longford-based brand offers eco-conscious gift options made with natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. The Men's Gift Set contains a Stout Soap Bar and Snowflake Soap and costs €24.
Shauna Courtney London
Killarney woman Shauna Courtney started out as a celebrity stylist and fashion assistant before going on to create her own brand, Shauna Courtney London. Since launching this summer, the London-based designer has enjoyed great success, having been selected for a Designer Profile in British Vogue. The Dress - which featured in Vogue - costs €156.95 and is sure to wow at any Christmas party.
My Vintage Brocante
Artist Tonja Maguire has created mystery gifts from her collection of French vintage homewares, clothes, handbags and accessories in Dublin's Pete's Antiques. To order a Mystery Box, simply decide on your budget, specify who you're shopping for and let Maguire do the rest. Ideal for the vintage-lover in your life.
Polly & Andy
Polly and Andy are a mother and son duo based in the fishing village of Cheekpoint, Waterford. With a focus on those who are sensitive to certain fabrics, and those who may not have the ability to vocalise their needs, the two have created a line of sensory socks for kids and grown ups alike. You can build your own sock gift boxes for a range of prices on their website.
Ora Clothing
Designed in Ireland, Ora is specifically designed and crafted to provide quality items to plus-size fashion. Sizes range from 0+ to 6+ or 14-24 in a collection that is designed to fit and flatter a range of body shapes. The Ora waiscoat costs €179.95.
Orwell & Browne Donegal Tweed
Orwell & Browne is an award-winning Irish heritage brand created by Catriona Mc Ginley in 2014. Starting with her grandad, John Mc Ginley, the craft of weaving tweed fabric has been passed down through three generations of the family. Orwell & Browne products are designed and made in Ireland using locally sourced tweed. The knit scarf and hat set costs €110 and is made from 100% Donegal tweed wool.
Nina's Boutique
Nina's Boutique has been at the heart of Trim for almost 70 years. Under new ownership since 2020, the store has recently undergone a major refurbishment with some exciting new additions. With Irish and European brands on offer, the shop has a large collection of clothing, footwear and accessories. Their 'Best of Irish' selection includes this reversible Doggy scarf is €24.
Sinead Keary
Sinead Keary The Label is an Irish fashion brand that was founded in 2020 by personal shopper Sinead Keary. The first collection came to life after 12 years of working in luxury retail, with the designer working to create a capsule wardrobe collection, enabling women to get more wear out of their clothes. The Sandra satin trousers are a great addition for the festive season and costs €125.
CAYO
CAYO knitwear is designed in Ireland and created in Italy by expert knitters with the finest quality premium, 100% Peruvian alpaca wool. After a trip to South America, founder Orla Daly started looking into the sustainable benefits of working with Alpaca wool. The Button Up cardigan in vibrant green costs €345.
Órga Retrowear
Established in Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, in 2019, Órga Retrowear specialises in the reproduction of classic county jerseys as well as t-shirts and jumpers. This Cork Retro 'Barry's Tea' Change Jersey 1994 and 95 priced at €44.99.
MIO
In 2018, content creator Florence Olufemi-Ojo started her fashion brand M.I.O Prints (an abbreviation of Moulded-Inside-Out). Having found a gap in the Afro-Irish market, and having embraced the natural hair movement herself, Florence began creating satin har bonnets using African prints. Since then, she has gone on to create a line of pyjamas, scarves and swimwear. The fuchsia pink Amora pyjama set costs €59.99.
The Boatyard Distillery Tour Experience
Situated on the banks of Lough Erne, the Boatyard is Fermanagh's first legal distillery since 1890. Distillery tours last 90 minutes and include a visit to Lough Erne to see how the team produce their wares, a guide through different serves and cocktails, and a history lesson on the origins of the Boatyard Distillery. Tour tickets cost £55.
Sauna at Ballynahinch Castle
Ballynahinch Castle has launched an exclusive outdoor sauna experience right in the heart of Connemara. Set against the backdrop of Ballynahinch Castle estate's woodlands, the saunas overlook the lake, offering a unique opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate in a stunning setting. Each sauna session lasts for one hour and can accommodate up to four guests. Prices vary.
Ballymaloe Festival
Following its brilliant inaugural year, the Ballymaloe Festival of Food is back from Friday, 16 May - Sunday, 18 May 2025, promising another unforgettable weekend of delicious discoveries. A wonderful gift for anyone who is passionate about great food or simply needs a relaxing break away. Weekend tickets are €65 per person, day tickets are €25 per person, and evening-only tickets (Friday or Saturday) are €12. Tickets are on sale from 1 December.
Atlantic Flight Training Academy
Based in Cork and Waterford, Atlantic Flight Training Academy is taking holiday gifting to new heights with a selection of flight experiences designed to delight aviation enthusiasts. For thrill seekers, there are 40 minutes Aerobatic Airplane Flying priced at €240. For those looking to get a taste of flying, there are more straightforward lessons suitable for ages 12 and up ranging from €120 to €240 depending on duration. Perfect for the person who has everything.
Revival Float Rooms
Limerick's Revival Rooms is a family-run floatation and wellness centre. Floatation is a form of stress reduction, sports recovery, and pain management, and this purpose-built centre is home to state of the art equipment. They have art i-sopod float pods, a double float room with starlight ceiling, an infrared sauna and a relaxation space. A one hour float costs €65.
Mystery Trails
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Mystery Trails has treasure hunts, detective mysteries, and Mission Impossible tasks - if you choose to accept them - that will allow you to explore different areas of the country on a self-guided adventure. This is a fun way to explore towns and cities around the country through themed walking games suitable for those aged 5 and up. The €15 adventures can be printed off at your leisure.
FiXX Coffee Subscription
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Starting out as Café de Cuba in 2004 as regional coffee specialists, this award-winning coffee company later re-branded as FiXX and has since broadened their scope to source worldwide. The Dublin 12 business offers coffee subscriptions, with bespoke shipments to suit your need - where and when you like it.
Letterbox Jox
Letterbox Jox is an Irish subscription service that delivers one pair of socks and one pair of boxers delivered to your door every month. Choose from a three month, six month or on-going boxers and socks subscription box. Delivery is free anywhere in Ireland and boxes are sized to fit through your letterbox. Founder Fionnuala Ní Mhaeoileoin works with a range of brands including French Connection, Ted Baker, DKNY, Farah, Smith & Jones, Ed Hardy and more. A trial box for new customers cost €10.
The Book Resort
Avid reader and self-confessed chocoholic Aisling Finn came up with the idea of a sweet subscription service from her home in Co. Waterford. Whether you're looking for a once-off gift (the Christmas Gift Box costs €39) or a monthly subscription, the Book Resort will deliver a brilliant new book, a large bar of chocolate and a small artisan product from a small Irish business.
The Crate
The Crate's concept started in 2017, with flowers, friendship and a love of design by founders Claire Ryan and Steph Hutch. It is an online flower delivery business that offers one style of thoughtfully designed seasonal flowers, that changes every week; with free same-day delivery throughout Dublin and free next-day delivery throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Subscriptions vary in cost.
Christmas can be an expensive time, and many of us feel pressured to spend money on the trendiest toy or gift the most impressive gadget. However, there are plenty of alternative ways to change up how you shop this winter.
If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found in charity, thrift and antique shops such as Saint Vincent de Paul, Oxfam, Enable Ireland, and Needful Things.
Plan ahead by organising a night in your favourite restaurant or local comedy club in 2025 - this will allow you to space out payments and give you something to look forward to in the new year.
Alternatively, you could suggest that your family play Kris Kindle this year to cut down on wasteful spending, or you could host a games night for friends where guests bring a festive dish in lieu of presents.
You could also suggest starting a gifting tradition of swapping your favourite books from the year, booking eachother in for January walks, or any number of activities that involve time well spent with one another.
Whatever you do, be sure to have a very merry Christmas.
*Always drink responsibly
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