It’s less than two weeks to Christmas and the shopping stampede is in full swing. I’ve put together a list of gift suggestions, which include some slightly alternative options and range from €0 upwards. I’m being mindful of sustainability and local suppliers, I’ve aimed to avoid ‘stuff’ as much as possible and tried to keep to a theme of physical and mental well-being and best of all you can pretty much avoid that stampede.
Babysitting Vouchers
My first gift suggestion will cost you nothing. No I’m not suggesting sticking a few selection boxes up your jumper and making a run for it. One very precious gift that you can offer your loved ones is your time. The price of a babysitter can be a big fat expense and often a deterrent for parents trying to get a night out right? My suggestion here is babysitting vouchers, and you’re the babysitter. You can give as many as you like and you can vary them – evening out, Saturday off, cinema night…you might want to add some terms and conditions but I’ll leave that up to you.
NB some proven child wrangling skills may be necessary here.
My friend Mary’s daughter Zoe, giving me a lesson in babysitting.
Homemade Hamper
If you’re a talented and seasoned agent preservateur, homemade chutneys, jams, vinegars and all that jazz in a homemade hamper can make a lovely gift – add in a couple of nice Irish cheeses (you can cheat and buy those) and bobs your uncle. Of course I’m suggesting supporting local and getting the best from your local fruit & veg shop / farmer’s market for the ingredients. Here’s a link to some lovely relishes, jams and some seasonal sauces. https://greatfood.ie/jams-and-preserves-recipes-and-techniques
Christmas Decorations
I know this comes under ‘stuff’ but if you’re anything like my Mum, she’s been recycling the same decorations for nearly fifty years…As a result there is something very nostalgic about Christmas tree decorations. Each year when the tree goes up, you unwrap the baubles and there’s always an ‘aaah, I’d forgotten about that one’ or in this case ‘ah yes, I’d forgotten about that one, that’s the one that our dear friend ____ gave us’. There are some great tree decorations to be had from the classic bauble to the quintessentially quirky. Or of course if you have time and the creative talent, make your own.
https://irishdesignshop.com/collections/christmas
A Bit of Culture
No I’m not talking about a night at the theatre (all that’s a good idea too), give the gift of fermentation this Christmas. If you have a friend who likes a project and is in the market for upping their gut game via fermented goodies, Kefir or Kombucha Cultures can make an interesting gift and it’s something that can engage all the family while improving their health, the benefits for which are plentiful https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-offermenting
Indeed nothing says I love you like bacteria.
It’s worth pointing out that Kefir / Kombucha are not just for Christmas, they do need tlc on an ongoing basis, although not quite as much as a puppy. From what the experts tell me it’s best to go for the hydrated grains you will find them online at Limerick based Kefir Grains www.kefirgrains.ie prices starting from €14. NB they have an ‘activate by’ date.
Essential Oils
I do like an essential oil and Irish Company ‘Kotanicals’ offer a wide range of great quality organic essential oils which are certified ‘cruelty free’, aswell as roll on blends and diffusers. The company has a strong commitment to minimal waste and their website features a helpful explanation with each oil as to their benefits and uses. Prices range from €10 to €49 for oils. www.kotanicals.ie
Book Tokens
Yes! Book tokens are the biz AND you will be supporting your local bookshop with a National Book Token, which you can buy online. https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/
Multi tasking - Reading while lounging by the pool
Massage Voucher
If you have a tried and trusted massage therapist why not treat your poor friend with the achey back or tense shoulders?
Yoga / Pilates Classes / Courses.
Yes of course I am going to include this! Many studios offer a beginners class pass where you can do as many classes as you like in a month for around €60,. Alternatively what about a beginner’s course? Maybe something you and your friend, partner, relative could do together? And of course there’s always one to one sessions, Pilates, yoga, personal training...Who wouldn’t love it? www.graforfitness.ie
Retreats
If you’d like to splash out, a retreat is a lovely gift – I loved my stint in Macalla Farm Yoga retreat on Clare Island in Mayo – if your gift recipient is an animal lover, they offer a ‘yoga with horses retreat’ which by all accounts is magical. https://macallafarm.ie/
Macalla Farm Sati Yoga Retreaters
Cliffs of Moher Yoga Retreats offer a variety of retreats including one day and weekend - they also run Wim Hoff Method retreats for the hardcore. https://www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com/
Both retreats are family run.
If you’re contemplating a gift for someone who runs or wants to start, take a look at www.forgetthegym.ie who offer courses including couch to 5k and marathon training aswell as running holidays.
Cookery Courses
For those who want (or need!) to improve their skills in the kitchen – you’ll find these all over the country. Prices vary. Here are a few I have my eye on…in case anyone’s asking;
https://mamanagis.ie/product/group-cooking-classes/
https://www.iinh.net/taste-health-cooking-classes/
https://macallafarm.ie/retreats-courses/category/food-courses
Macalla Farm Culinary Treats
Meditate On This
More and more people are taking to meditation and what a nice way to start the year; by starting a daily meditation practice. There are weekly courses, you could gift a weekend away in that piece of heaven ithat is Dzogchen Beara in West Cork – Andrew Warr runs amazing weekend meditation retreats down there https://www.dzogchenbeara.org/events/
Alternatively, the well known meditation app offer subscription ‘Gift Some Headspace’ vouchers https://www.headspace.com/buy/gift
A one year subscription is €57.99. I can highly recommend it.
