With just five sleeps and four shopping days (thank God) left until Christmas, there are likely a fair few readers who, like me, find that they have, yet again, left the serious business of presents mostly to the last week before the big day.
Every year I am tempted to bear witness to my ever-deepening belief that Christmas has become too-commercial and too-far-removed from its real meaning and refrain from adding to the jingle of the tills, but then I relent, mostly because giving presents brings its own deeply satisfying reward and also because I’m terrified of being considered mean.
So, with just a few days left, here’s some ideas for the other eleventh-hour enthusiasts who’d like something other than socks (though there are socks!) to give on Christmas Day. But be warned: if ordering online, get to it today!
IRISH HONEY
Locally produced Irish honey is about as far from the gunk sold at known-down prices in the supermarket as you can get.
Slievenamon Honey says that if you are still looking for Christmas gifts, they have some sweet deals.
100% Pure Irish Local Honey ???? from our apiaries in Toor, Ballyknocken and Killurney on the slopes of Slievenamon: Gift set A – two jars of Slievenamon Honey , honey spoon and gift packaging. Gift set B(ee) – one jar of Slievenamon Honey, wildflower seed pack, honey spoon, beeswax, keyring and gift packaging.
Delivery at no additional cost to Clonmel and surrounds – call them at 083 4545970 to order. Yum!
IRISH KNITS
A warm blanket is a gift you’ll be thanked for for years to come, and will keep both older bones and small toes warm.
Check out this beauty amongst others in Skellig Gift Store – and they have lovely jewellery too.
Foxford Woolen Mills also make fabulous blankets, scarves, bed linen and other wares, any of which would make a lovely present.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND TREATS WITH A DIFFERENCE
Why not set aside the overpriced designer creams with their promise to make you look like a 7-foot super model and think about some hand-made products which support local families and are made from natural ingredients and packed with care.
The founders of Ancestral Cosmetics say they were left unimpressed by the ingredient lists on many products sold as natural skin care, and decided to resurrect the ancient ingredient beef tallow (fat) which they say is “plentiful in Ireland”.
Then there’s perennial favourite HomeGrown Home – based in Cork, this local business ships nationwide – and packages all the handmade gifts made by Michelle and her family to perfection.
There are hand-poured candles, candle-making kits, bath salts – all made or infused with organic flowers and herbs grown in the garden. Check out sweet crafty gifts like hand-made wreaths, bunting and coathooks.
One product that brings customers back again and again are the stunning bars of homemade soaps, which are beautiful to behold. “Close your eyes and imagine yourself holding a large bouquet of an assortment of wildflowers in your hands. Inhale their scent. These soap bars emanate a breath of clover flowers, honeysuckle, lavender with a hint of lemon. You can feel the sun on your skin & the fragrance on the wind through a wildflower meadow,” says Home Grown Home and in my experience it’s true. The soap is made using quality natural ingredients including organic Shea Butter and sweet almond oil.
See the shop on Etsy or on their website – and get your orders in before Friday!
MUSIC
Support local musicians who aren’t sponsored by huge record labels but who make the very best albums you’ll listen to again and again. The good news for us time-strapped shoppers is that digital copies can be bought with minutes to spare!
These are two wonderful trad offerings this season:
Keane, Connolly, McGorman from Raelach Records which is an exceptional debut release from this exciting traditional quartet featuring Pádraic Keane, Aidan Connolly, Fergus McGorman & Ruairí McGorman. Beautiful music you’ll listen to again and again.
Then there’s a favourite of Marty in the Morning: the new album from the very talented Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh who has released a new album which features works composed in Fanad Lighthouse.
The album ‘Cuimhní Rúnda’ is a journey through the times and places that have inspired Nodlaig over the last 20 years. It is a compilation of original, contemporary music that reflects her classical and traditional influences. ‘Cuimhní Rúnda’ is available on all major streaming platforms Spotify/ Bandcamp/ iTunes/ Apple Music and from the website https://nodlaig.com/
BOOKS
People who love books will always love a voucher so that they can spend happy hours browsing the smell of new books (and marvel at how many there are) so never feel that an envelope with the promise of a good read isn’t a great present.
If you’d prefer to hand over the gift on the day here’s some last minute suggestions, but again, some are best available to buy online, so you may need to hurry.
For children
From My Irish books, this is a gorgeous offering for kids, including Six traditional Irish songs/Sé amhrán thraidisiúnta – and the songs can be heard at the push of an embedded button
There are also nine musical instruments/Naoi n-uirlis cheoil áille playing on the songs.
PLUS
Also for books in Irish, Cló Iar Chonnacht has its Sladmhargadh na Nollag (Christmas sale) on right now – so you can grab a book in Irish for children or adults. Check them out at https://cic.ie/.
For Adults
Rob Cross produces gloriously re-coloured images of Ireland in the past. and they make for a nostalgic browse on Christmas Day.
Look what arrived in the post! It's the first ever copy of my new book! It's amazing to finally see it in person and I'm really happy with how it looks.
The book will be released on the 26th October!
You can pre-order a copy now here: https://t.co/BXRaRbBkIJ#TheColourofIreland pic.twitter.com/VaptjDDD51— Rob Cross (@RobCross247) August 13, 2023
Then there’s Rí Rá – a collection of photos from the Mullingar Fleadhs with some beautifully shot memories of two years of music and craic.
Or what about pre-ordering Rob Henderson’s much anticipated ‘Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class’.
Henderson, who delves into many informed and interesting topics on Twitter says the book “contains my reflections and recollections of the trials and anguish of my youth, and the path I took to climb out.”
“The squalor of all the foster homes, the poverty and dysfunction of my adoptive family, family members shot, my decision to break away and start a new life for myself by enlisting in the military, the cost of all I went through, and my subsequent attempts at recovery. These experiences ultimately culminate with my entry into higher education and what I witnessed at Yale and Cambridge. I share my commentary and observations of current and future members of the American elite, and how this led me to pioneer the framework of “luxury beliefs”—ideas and opinions that confer status on the upper class, while inflicting costs on the lower classes.”
AND SOCKS
The very best place to get your socks is from Thomas Barry – see the range here.
Thomas has Down Syndrome and other serious illnesses including a heart murmur and an under-active thyroid. However, his Dad Finbar says that’s never stopped Thomas from achieving his dream of owing his own business – and with the help of his family he’s built up a loyal following pf people who like to give and wear funky socks.
The company was inspired by Thomas’s love of socks and his wish for his son to have a career to call his own.
“I looked at options over the years in the hope to provide some way for Thomas to feel like he can have a job just like everybody else (bearing in mind his disabilities) and the answer was staring me in the face,” said Dad Finbar.
OR
Your time and your company can be the best present of all. Give your Nan a voucher to tidy her garden, or make a home made cake for a neighbour. Offer a novena for a sick friend, or walk the dog if a family member is incapacitated. We’re all short of time, so its the most meaningful and valuable gift you can give.
Nollaig Shona everyone. See you in 2024.