2020 Christmas Gift Guide- Irish Online Retailers

Back in 2017, I compiled a Christmas gift guide filled with (mostly Irish, mostly small business) goodies. Suffice to say, a lot has changed since 2017. But yet, revisiting that post, I realise how timeless those pieces were. It’s been three long years, and they still look as fresh today as they did then.

My hope is that the pieces I’ve chosen for this year will also stand the test of time. A lot of us have been hit financially this year, and buying handmade and local isn’t always cheap. I get it. I’ve always thought that one of the most difficult parts of my job has been getting to know and love so many creatives, and only being able to financially support a fraction of them.

That being said, if it’s in your capability, I’d encourage you to support small businesses this Christmas. Economics isn’t my strong suit (you’d think that being locked down with an actual economist would’ve rubbed off on me, but nah!) so I can’t tell you the ins and outs of what buying Irish will do for the economy. But I can tell you that cheering on people who live and breathe their craft, and who give it their all under incredibly unsteady circumstances will make a difference. To them personally and to their practical ability to keep making art for all of us.

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that without art, we’re screwed. Some days all I had to cheer me up was drinking tea out of a handmade mug, curling up in a handweaved blanket and listening to music. All of which was created by the likes of which you’ll find listed below.

Figured bigging up the collective was the least I could do to thank them!

To dine

These Rosemarie Durr plates are the perfect addition to any tablescape; festive or everyday. You’ll also find some pieces from the Kilkenny-based potter on both my 2017 list and my recent working from home essentials guide. Long-term fan!

Abstract porcelain bowls by Andrew Frew are the ideal size for festive nibbles. Also really into the idea of keeping one on your desk or bedside table as a sweet little catch-all.

For the coffee lover in your life; a white ash coffee scoop from Eoghan Leadbetter. Also great for baking supplies (to aid you in all of that banana bread making!).

The subtle texture of these linen tea towels from 31 Chapel Lane makes for the perfect addition to any kitchen.

You might not get to the seaside this year, but you can bring a little memento of it to you. This You, Me & The Sea enamel mug is a sweet offering from Strandhill seaside cafe, Shells.

These Sarah McKenna impressed ceramic bowls that can be personalised with your favourite quote or song lyrics. Such a unique gift idea!

Say goodbye to single-use plastic wrap and level up your environmentalism with these Millbee beeswax food wraps. The reusable wraps are available in a variety of sizes; handy for wrapping loaves of bread or packing school lunches.

Serving boards from Wicklow-based Two Wooden Horses are add rustic charm to a cheeseboard or dessert platter. Two Wooden Horses is another long-term love; having used them on a shoot for Camile Thai and then featuring them in House and Home and on my 2017 list.

A set of grey embroidered napkins from Irish Linen House is the kind of gift your recipient would treasure forever- and I say that as someone who has inherited linen napkins I fully intend to pass down to my grandkids.

To wear

The Áras shopping tote from The Irish Design Shop, designed by artist Shane O’Driscoll is a super cool addition to a grocery run.

A ‘Forest’ check scarf from Foxford Woollen Mills offers a classic west-of-Ireland vibe, reminiscent of all those summer staycations.

A pair of woolly socks from Kathryn Davey is exactly the kind of cosiness we all need in our lives.

M.I.O. Prints headscarf in ‘Enough’ from the Kenyan-Irish owned textile company is the most gorgeous way to top off an outfit. Check out the M.I.O. site for more amazing African patterns.

A Per Dozen Design porcelain necklace is only one of the snazzy offerings from the creative powerhouse Catherine Keher. If you follow Catherine’s (@ck_ireland) home renovation journey on Insta, you’ll know that there’s very little she can’t turn her hand to!

These Juvi cufflinks add some subtle bling to the wrist of any loved one! I particularly love the faceted Labradorite stone in earthy teal tones.

To pamper

Essential oils from The Nature of Things can be used for any number of homemade potions. I’ve made a few DIYs using essential oils that you can check out here (shameless plug!). Also absolutely love the packaging design of The Nature of Things, making it an extra special gift.

When it doubt, give the gift of a scented candle. This beautiful Bluebell Woods from Tinnock Farm in Tipperary is made with natural soy wax- a cleaner option that won’t contribute to headaches (something I’m always mindful of when giving others a candle, as someone who often falls victim to what I call “crappy candle” headaches!).

A teak wood soap holder by James Billings at Scout is great for those who are trying to eliminate plastic packaging from their bathroom. The teak wood not only looks amazing, but is water resistant.

To sleep

Granted I’m biased towards Irish businesses with the word 'moon’ in their name! But I think everyone will agree that Moon Mood’s selection of children’s bedding, swaddle blankets and (as seen on a previous post I did), face masks is incredibly cool. Is it bad form to steal a blanket from your baby…?!

I turned 30 in September, and let’s just say it wasn’t exactly under the circumstances I’d have wanted. As a very boujie pick-me-up, I treated myself to a silk sleep set from White & Green. I’d been eying them up for years, intrigued by their promises to improve skin and tame frizzy hair. I’ve had it for 2 months and I now believe my splurge was not a treat, but an essential! I don’t mean to sound silly… but everyone NEEDS a silk pillowcase. Worth every penny.

I can think of few things more comforting than a cashmere hot water bottle cover from Ekotree. You might not be able to hug all of your loved ones this Christmas, but give them something to cuddle up to anyway.

You’re probably sensing that I place a big priority on comfort and sleepy time (even though I often can’t sleep, but not the point!). I’d estimate that 2020 has been spent with 75% of us in pyjamas about 75% of the time. With that in mind, I reckon it’s totally justifyable to treat yourself or a pal to this white linen pyjama set from Loom. Pricier than your average set from Penneys, sure. But is there anything more beautiful than crisp Irish linen?! Nah.

To write

A distressed leather notebook cover from Galway-based leather workers, Mishnóc makes for a thoughtful pressie for a student, professional or that pal who fancies themselves as a wordsmith. Mishnóc also do leather keychain clips in aid of Irish charity Alone which would make for a nice stocking stuffer.

As a long-term disciple of Oprah, I’ve been hearing about the positive effects of journaling all that you are thankful for for years. Embrace your inner Oprah and get your hands on this beautiful gratitude journal by Cork-based Leanún . Lovely gift for yourself or a pal.

Here’s to even slightly more certainty in 2021! This A4 weekly task pad from Nóta Póca will keep you on track, no matter what the year throws at us.

To live

I think we’ve all learned the importance of a good home workspace this year. Better still if it can do double duty or allow you to hide away your work documents at the end of the day. That’s why I love this minimalistic ash dressing table/desk  from Colin Harris Furniture.

Love both the autumnal aesthetic of this print and the sentiment. The tough Irish woman print from Rachel Corcoran is the ideal gift for all of us tough Irish women.

This walnut moon suncatcher from Artwood can be personalised or inscribed with your favourite quote. I love the simplicity of the sturdy timber juxtaposed with the twinkliness of the crystal.

This new company is one that I’m super excited about! Clay plants is a plant delivery service providing the green (and less green) fingered Dubliners all they need to freshen their space up. Looking forward to Clay delivering nationwide (or better yet, moving back to Dublin and buying myself a housewarming gift!).

This wall hanging from Firefly Designs is only one of many very cool wall art pieces you’ll find on Helen’s online store. She has the most amazing eye for shape and texture.

Merino lambswool throw from McNutt of Donegal is a super soft addition to any couch. Your Netflix binges deserve it. These throws come in all kinds of colours, but I’m partial to a pale blue.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge home organisation nerd. Like, the kind who queues up for meet and greets with The Home Edit. BUT I’m not the biggest fan of plastic containers, in garish colours. So yay for this stylish essentials tray designed by Kerry native Tricia Harris. The reclaimed Carrara marble, brass and ash wood is the perfect combination of texture and tone.

Finally, some prints from one of my favourite artists Irene McCabe. The meeting of simple nature finds with the age-old method of cyanotype printing makes for an elegant collection. Blue and white is a comfortable and familiar combo, and I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t love to receive one of these as a pressie.