By Colette Fitzpatrick
You’ve probably been seeing plenty of gift guides, and specifically Irish gift guides, being posted this year as there is an even greater push than usual to shop local and shop small (where possible) in order to support businesses throughout this incredibly tough year. Do you need another? Maybe. Maybe not. But Bean is a great believer in shopping less, shopping smarter, shopping more sustainably, and shopping local, so I figured it was necessary to weigh in.
Besides, I, personally, have very good taste. If I do say so myself. Which I very much do.
The other thing is the way that this list has been organised makes far more sense to me and is slightly different to many of the lists that I’ve been seeing elsewhere. So, instead of gendering gifts (because, “For Him,” lists are almost always deeply sad reflections on very strict traditional gender expectations often moved past in regular daily life but firmly reinforced gift guides for some reason; does your boyfriend actually want a toolkit? Does your dad need another tie?) or organising them by category, I’ve compiled a list a 30 items at three different price points because money is tight for many this year and being able to immediately find something in your budget is very helpful. You know your people and what they like and you don’t need to tell me what your Mam would be into. Just take my list of cool crap I’ve seen in different places – that you may or may not have seen or heard of yet – and shop if you please and accordingly.
Gifts At €25 Or Under:
If ever there were a year for soaking in the tub, it is 2020, and this seaweed bath kit from beloved Irish skincare brand Voya is the easiest way to replicate a spa experience at home…
There are lots of scented candles on the market but this one is from the self-proclaimed oldest candle brand in the world and smells truly incredible. This is the life hack you need to make your home smell expensive and delicious…
Irish whiskey is the best whiskey; that’s just a fact but if you or someone you know has been missing the experience of enjoying one down the pub and missed out on the Dead Rabbit pop-up in Dublin last year, then this guide, written by two bartenders from the famous NYC Irish bar, a whiskey distiller, and writer is just the thing. With both history and some excellent whiskey-based drinks recipes, it is a great entry-point for getting better acquainted with uisce beatha…
A serious bargain but an excellent face mask, the efficacy of which I can very much attest to. This is a truly brilliant Irish beauty gem…
For those who love the wonderful cultural institution that is the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin and the Pálás in Galway and can’t wait for them to reopen but want to make sure that they do and also love Home Alone, this is the perfect print…
Do they have a face? Do they love the planet? Then get a load of these guys…
Fancy chocolate is always the way to go and this is some fancy chocolate…it’s freaking hand-painted…
Another candle but a particularly sexy one, handmade and from a company birthed by the pandemic…
I haven’t really mentioned anything for kids on here and I’m not really going to focus on gifts for wee ones but these are so cute that I couldn’t resist…plus, they shouldn’t be limited just to children, they’re too precious!
A very Irish piece of décor and an appropriate response to 2020…
Gifts At €50 Or Under:
Books will be even more important this Christmas as the options for recreational pursuits are likely going to be far more limited than usual and one of the best places to get your little mitts on a wonderfully curated collection of books is the Gutter Bookshop. I know lots of people who would be delighted with a voucher to shop in this little gem…
There have been many a topknot rocked this year, make them fancier and take better care of your locks with these bad boys…
We’ve mentioned a few candles on here but this one from this iconic Galway brand is the GOAT. Yes, thanks, I do want to surround myself with the smell of Antique Library…
Another way to bring the spa into your house, this is a tasty little kit for skincare lovers…
Looking for a classy wine gift? Fallon & Byrne have plenty but the organic duo sounds pretty damn good…
Ireland was once famous for her linen and while the industry is far smaller than it used to be, the Emerald Isle continues to produce some stunning linen goods. These beautiful linen tea towels are for those with a keen eye and curated home and the type of lovely gift that you want but would never splash out on for yourself…
Another important cultural institution that could definitely do with your support but also boasts an array of wonderful things in its store is our very own National Gallery of Ireland and a highly romantic gift, in particular, is this print of its most beloved work…
Space Out Sister is a long-standing Bean favourite and if you’re looking for cheeky, sexy, beautifully-curated, sustainable, vintage nightwear and lingerie options, it’s the place for you…Prices starting at €12…
My Granny was in the Irish Country Women’s Association and was a famously good baker. My mother is also an extraordinary baker so I bought her this cookbook last year and it’s one of our favourites now. Those ICA ladies really know what they’re talking about…
Arran Street East make dreamy ceramics but, as with the 31 Chapel Lane linen tea towels, they are not always something we are willing to spring for for ourselves. Getting them as a gift, however, is always a nice surprise…
Gifts At Just Under Or Over €100:
Imara Earth is the cool Irish brand that you have been seeing all over Instagram in recent months. In particular, you will likely have seen their representative, “hag,” a reversible bucket hat that can be transformed into a bag (giving you four pieces in one!), which first inspired the brand’s creation. Sustainably made to order in Ireland by founder Amy and her family members, with the purchase of each of these stylish it-pieces a tree will be planted as part of their partnership with the Irish Tree Council…win-wins all around…
Perfume/scents as a gift is a tricky one unless you know the specific one that someone wears. However, if the person you are buying for is a perfume-lover, in general, who appreciates trying and enjoying new scents then this is a dreamy gift…
Dána Project is the brainchild of Irish jewellery designer, Cillian Hilliard, who has sought to create fine jewellery pieces at reasonable price-points using recycled silver to help reduce carbon emissions and produce heritage pieces that won’t leave you broke…
This is another fancy present that many want but would not gift themselves. If you have a yoga-lover in your life who enjoys the finer things and art, then this is a winner. Designed in collaboration with beloved Irish street artist Maser, these yoga mats are literally designed to be displayed as works of art when not in use. Plus, they are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and made from recyclable 100% natural tree rubber…
Who doesn’t love cake? What about a big hamper full of ’em? ’tis the season and all that…
Holos is one of my favourite Irish skincare brands and this set is full of some excellent products including a serum that my Mother (a serum connoisseur) swears by and a cleanser and rosewater toner that I swear by…
Bring a chic bar experience into a loved one’s home with these craft cocktails from the team at the trendy Bar 1661…
Another heritage item, Foxford blankets are an investment that can be passed down through generations and fit well in any home…
I don’t care who you are: flowers are always a nice gift. Do you know what’s nicer? Getting a monthly bunch to your door for a few months…
Cheese and wine are a beautiful pairing and who to trust more about cheese than Sheridans? This hamper pairs some excellent cheeses from their stock with some great wine for a serious foodie treat…
So, if you’re looking to shop for a loved one this year and want to shop small, local, and in your price-range then I hope this helped!
Looking for more interesting posts? Check out our guide to some of the best vintage stores in Dublin…
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