Christmas is nearly here and we're eagerly counting down the days.
All non-essential shops being closed due to the current Level 5 restrictions has made buying presents challenging.
While some people may be thinking of buying stuff on Amazon and other big e-retailers, we must remember that now is the best time to support local businesses and hundreds may be facing permanent closures due to the six week lockdown.
The Google search term 'shop local Dublin' has seen a massive jump by 470% in the past two weeks, while “shop local Ireland” increased by 540%, and “buy Irish gifts” searches increased by 200%.
Alice Mansergh, Director of Small Business at Google Ireland said, “Our Google search data shows that Irish people are actively searching for ways to support Irish small businesses.
"The numbers speak for themselves; there is a very clear commitment by Irish consumers to shop local where they can, and it’s very encouraging to see that more consumers are specifically looking for Irish gifts at this time of year that is crucial to local businesses.”
If you're struggling to come up with ideas then look no further as we bring a list of amazing local Irish businesses you can buy from this festive season:
1) LUNA by Lisa
Eye Catcher €30
Features eyeshadow palette, eyeliner, mascara, lashes, eye blending brush, eye paddle brush.
Lip Vault €35
The Lip Vault includes 5 shades of glosses, the perfect collection of nude and pink tones. Stay pouting with Petal Glow, Dazzle Bomb, Coco Shell, Dazzle Light and Creamy Cloud.
2) Hoopla Focal
Tá Tú Go hÁlainn / You're Beautiful Makeup Bag €30
Baby Tote Bag €35
3) Kevin Murphy
The Antidote €25
A full-size YOUNG.AGAIN DRY CONDITIONER and a handbag ready 100ml FRESH.HAIR DRY SHAMPOO.
Killer Angel €50
The gift set includes their best selling ANGEL.WASH, ANGEL.RINSE plus a free full-sized KILLER.WAVES.
4) The Secret Garden candle by Natasha Rocca Devine €30
You can buy this deliciously scented hand-poured candle here.
5) High-Quality Face Masks by Martha Lynn Millinery €16.50
An apt present for the times we live in. A percentage of the profits will be donated to Doctors Without Borders. Also available in red and green.
6) Layered Interiors
Swirl on Glass Picture €189
Faux Fur Throw - 3 Colours €30
7) Laoise Art Gallery
Wild Atlantic Wave €60
Skelligs at Sunrise €55
8)Minifigure Maddness
Harry Potter Series 2 71028 New/Sealed box of 60 Minifigures €189.99
Super Heroes Iron Man and Dum-E 30452 €6.00
Unikitty Series complete set of 12 Minifigures €48.99
9) Krafty Keepsakes
Memory Teddy Bear Shirt €50.00
Made from shirts and cardigans of your loved ones.
Baby Animal Comforter with rattle €15.00
10) Colour Creations
Adorable painted glassware. Check out their Facebook for more details.
11) Not Just A Princess Series
The Awesome Book Set €26.00
12) SP Gifts
Santa License €3.50
Personalised Christmas Reindeer Soft Toy - Cubbie €34.00
Personalised Hippo and Blanket in Hat Box €50.00
Pack of Christmas Family Cards €17.50
13) Cloud Lights Ireland
Elf Cloud €10
14) Artisan Brew Academy
Beer Making Workshop (Per Person) €49.00
Wine Making Workshop (Per Person) €49.00
15) Arnua
Sterling Silver Ardagh Cufflinks with 14k Gold Centre €175.00
Claddagh Knot Tie Bar €70.00
12mm Sterling Silver Ardagh Ring with Personalised Ogham Inscription €155.00
Handmade 18ct Gold Plated Newgrange Pendant €115.00
Celtic Knot Earrings with Emeralds €65.00
Celtic Trinity Knot Brooch €160.00
16) Katie's Kombucha
Box of 10 €35.00
17) Scratchable Maps Ireland €29.99
18) Aud Designs
At Piece Druzy Earrings €315.00
Into The Light Circle Ring €99.00
19) Drift Knits
MINI SNOOD €45.00
MEGA MERINO SNOOD €160.00
20) Gaga Baby
GagaBaby Miniature Christmas Hurl 10″ €17
Christmas Facemask Home Alone €6
GagaBaby Dublin GAA Babygro and Hat Set €24.99
21) portraitsNstuff
Cute Urban Fox Greeting Card €4.00+
Cute Ginger Kitten Greeting Card €4.00+
Custom Pet Portraits €65+
22) Thomp2 Socks
Autism Awareness Red €9.99
Storm Trooper Socks €9.99
23) Chocolatey Clare
Gift Box Selection of Six Flavours €22.50
24)Holibops €13.95
A cute little stocking filler. Holibops brings your holidays to you with 16 sounds to transport you to your favourite vacation location. They are also donating 10% of every sale to Pieta House.
25) Carolyn's Sweets
Christmas Eve Hamper €19.99
26) Catherine Dunne
Christmas Greeting Cards €3.50
The Kinvara Reindeer who Saved Christmas Children's Book €10
27)Lazydayyz_pjs
Adult pyjamas box (Includes personalisation and some treats)
Satin €35
Cotton €40
Kids pyjamas (Includes personalisation and some treats)
Satin €30
Cotton €35
You can order here.
28) deBláca Jewellery
deBlaca I Am Dreaming Drop Earrings Gold €75.00
deblaca gold you have my heart pendant 30 inch chain €149
deblaca gold leaf cufflinks €135
deblaca nightscapes cufflinks €125
Available for purchase here.
29) Flying Tumbler Whiskey The Bird €56.00
30) Dust + Rock
Surfs Up Wrist Pocket Purse €45
The Venus Wrist Pocket Purse €45
31)Skin Formulas
Skin Formulas SilkySmooth (VitA&VitC) lifestyle €75
Skin Formulas DUO HYDRATION HEAVEN Duo €65
32) Celtic Tweed
Stone Donegal Tweed Flat Cap €49.99
Men's Green Tweed Body Warmer and Gilet Trimmed with Leather €239.99
33) Costelloe + Costelloe
Dorothy Gloves - Navy €19.50
Afton - Red €55
Alva - Nude €24.50
34)Jiminy - Eco-Friendly Kids' Toys
Big Colour-In Cardboard Castle €49.18
3D to-decorate Gingerbread House €5.89
35) Lucy Nagle
THE OVERSIZED ROLL NECK SWEATER IN BLACK €110
36) Finding Nutmeg
A charming children's book by Limerick author Greg Clarke which has been described as a "must-have for all children aged 3-100+ years old".
