TOYS
duffystoyworld.ie
The good news is that Santa Claus takes care of most presents for children, but for those who want to supplement what comes from the North Pole, there are a whole lot of options out there. Duffy's Toyworld, in Dunleer, Co Louth, stocks all manner of imaginative, creative and fun-filled toys and has grown its online presence significantly since the start of the pandemic.
nimblefingers.ie
This Dublin toyshop can take at least some of the credit for The Late Late Toy Show, for it was after a visit here that researcher Pan Collins came up with the notion in the 1970s. The site is broken into age categories from zero to adult and covers all the toys that you might need in the weeks ahead.
jiminy.ie
In a world of plastic, this Co Kildare website, which focuses on environmentally friendly toys, is a breath of fresh air. It has toys for all ages and is an effortless site to navigate.
lottie.com
There is an inventor doll who has engineering as her superpower, one who can travel to infinity and beyond faster than Buzz Lightyear and lots more to be found on this site, based in Co Donegal. Lottie focuses on body-positive dolls doing smart things and bases many of its dolls on real kids and real people.
cogsthebrainshop.ie
If you want toys and games that challenge and engage, Cogs the Brain Shop is the place to go. There is a physical store in Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin but the site is an excellent alternative.
mimitoys.ie
"Play, learn, have fun," is this site's mantra. We like the fact that this company largely steers clear of plastic junk and focuses on an impressive range of environmentally sound toys for kids from preschool to preteen.
littleones.ie
Super-cute shop based in Ennis, Co Clare, Little Ones is stuffed with the cutest of presents, many of which are sourced in Ireland.
sensorylearningsupplies.com
Great for educational toys for children with additional needs this Christmas. They offer products that have been designed to improve motor skills and to develop learning for all ages.
thecoolfoodschool.ie
This site aims to excite kids about food through cooking, reading, play and more and it has a wide range of kitchen implements for sale, many of which can be used by children as young as two.
openingminds.ie
Really good educational toys are so much fun kids don't realise they're learning. Opening Minds stocks a wide range of clever toys from well known brands as well as some cool wooden toys and science kits.
FOOD & DRINK
gourmettartco.com
A Galway bakery which celebrates its 20th birthday this year. It has been growing its online presence and now delivers almost nationwide, which means it's not just those in the west who can enjoy their excellent treats and hampers.
allirelandfoods.ie
Supporting local is more than just a catchphrase for this business selling all kinds of Irish produce. A family-run social enterprise based in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford it says "if it's not grown, raised, produced or even caught on Irish registered trawlers, it will not be sold on our website".
sheridanscheesemongers.com
The sensory delight of shopping in Sheridan's Cheese Shops in Dublin and Galway might not be replicated online but you can still get your hands on some great grub. Blessed be the cheesemakers who will deliver all the cheese, cured meats, crackers and other accoutrements you could want straight to your door .
grachocolates.com
Since Gráinne Mullins launched her chocolate businesses in the early days of the pandemic, people have been bowled over both by the quality of the products she sells and the gorgeousness of the presentation.
beanandgoose.ie
Bean and Goose make great chocolate – sometimes in flavours that you would not have thought possible. They've been gearing up for Christmas for months now and are promising "big, delicious, generous slabs of chocolate with all the classic flavours and aromas" of the season. They do hampers, as well as a monthly subscription service.
manofaranfudge.ie
You'll struggle to find better fudge than this. There are 24 flavours to choose from with free shipping anywhere in Ireland on orders of more than €50.
grangransfoods.ie
Run by former chef Nigel Murray and his Peruvian wife Magaly, Gran Grans food is inspired by traditional Irish recipes (thanks to Nigel's granny) and the couple's travels around the world. Their condiments, sauces, relishes and preserves are excellent; we love the rhubarb and ginger jam. This year they've got an advent calendar with 24 mini jars of delicious foods.
winelab.ie
A lab? For wine? What's not to love about this? They don't actually make the wine, but they do have all sorts of fine wines to suit most budgets. There's also a subscription service if you are in the market for a gift that keeps on giving.
ardkeen.com
Ardkeen Quality Food Store always features on our lists of good food shops and it has grown its online presence significantly of late which means it isn't just the good people of Waterford who can take advantage of all that is has to offer.
thefrenchmarket.ie
How could we say non to this site? Is the wine Irish? Of course it isn't but does it look lovely and are the hampers super-fancy? Yes, yes they are.
smokehouse.ie
A lot of fish smokehouses stop at salmon but not these guys; they have traditionally-smoked mackerel and tuna alongside their impressive looking smoked salmon.
chezemily.ie
Ireland is spoiled for choice when it comes to Willy Wonka types and the chocolate that made at Chez Emily is certainly something to write home about.
hazelmountainchocolate.com
From bean to bar, this Burren based chocolate company is promising a chocolate revolution. We love the individual bars while the festive hampers also look excellent.
thecounterdeli.com
If you are looking for wine, sweet treats, cheese and coffee, you can find it all on the Counter website.
boxofwine.ie
This might be the place to look if you are in the market for a present for yourself – we won't judge. You take a quiz to help them determine what wine you like and then they send you a box of mystery wines. It can be a one-off gift or you can sign up to a subscription and get a couple of bottles of wine to your door each month.
thetinyturnip.ie
Grazing boxes made up entirely of local and Irish goods. There is also a special Christmas grazing box: You can expect crackers, chutney, dips and cucumber pickle, cheeses, meats, breads and more. They use entirely compostable boxes and containers from a local Cork company.
wineonline.ie
A huge range of wines, and delivery is fast. They also have a large Christmas range including all manner of fine wines in presentation boxes.
thewinebuff.com
Lots of lovely and some unusual wines to suit every budget and taste, from stocking fillers to curated wine boxes.
mccambridges.com
McCambridges have been selling the finest of foods to people in the West for generations and in more recent years have spread their wings with a decent online offering. Christmas hampers full of Irish products take the hassle out of gifting.
frankhederman.com
Smoked salmon is synonymous with Christmas and some of the finest sides of salmon in Ireland can be found here, including wild salmon caught in Irish rivers that you will never find in a mainstream supermarket.
GIFTS
designist.ie
For years, we have been relying on the Designist people to sell us unusual presents that make us look smarter and more thoughtful than we are. During the pandemic, they put even more of their stock online and provide excellent, speedy service.
dakidakidesign.com
Super-cool site selling funky earrings and other accessories using materials such as brass, aluminium, polymer clay and cotton.
alittleidea.ie
A site that sells fun and colourful accessories, gifts and stationery. Everything comes from Ali, a designer and maker based in Dublin who creates laser cut acrylic jewellery, buttons, handmade greeting cards and retro headbands and hair accessories.
carraigdonn.com
Always an easy place to find a present, the site will have you covered if you're in the market for everything from homeware to clothes, jewellery to accessories. It also have a fine range of Christmas decorations.
rowanbegdesigns.com
"Slow crafted as it should be," the site says of its gorgeous looking homewares, bespoke furniture and candles including Atlantic Storm and Ancient Forest.
ballyshane.com
Who doesn't love a nice cheeseboard? And these cheesboards are really beautiful. Everything is made using only sustainably sourced wood.
finderskeepersthestore.ie
"We created the shop that we wished existed in our hometown, then we took it online for the world to enjoy," the site tells us. That shop is a gorgeous home and giftware store with a keen focus on cool and beautiful things and a strong emphasis on sustainability. That hometown is Waterford, but the site offers flat-rate shipping all over Ireland for a fiver.
k9connectables.com
If you want to buy your dog a present this Christmas, you won't go far wrong on this website.
hunddog.ie
And if you can't find anything your mutt might like there then you might look on this site, which stocks a range of natural dog treats, toys and other accessories, including Irish brands.
wildatlanticliving.com
This lovely site promises to "do the gift wrapping, so you don't have to! But, we don't mind if you take all the credit. That's what we're here for". And truth be told, the wrapping does look lovely. Not as lovely as the stock, though. Here you will find everything from gifts for kids and adults to homeware, fashion, books, stationery and more.
greendotdesignshop.com
A lovely Clonakilty shop – with a big presence online – where you can source lots of Irish-made treasures and curated gift boxes. Much of what it stocks is made in Ireland by "talented, creative people living in our towns and communities". It is also reckons it is home to Munster's best dedicated eco-toyshop.
wildfern.ie
Irish gifts which are both luxurious and beautifully presented made up of products from local suppliers. The boxes even come with a hand written note to add a more personal touch.
siestsleep.com
Unlike many of the sites we are featuring, this is very specific and sells a small handful of products that aim to do just one thing: help you – or someone you care about – to sleep better. It is a long pillow that you can use to hug away the anxiety keeping you awake. It is made with ethically sourced materials and 10 per cent of the profits this year will go to mental health charities.
thecatandthemoon.ie
Art, jewellery, clothes, kids' stuff and a dedicated Christmas section. Everything sold here "is 100 per cent designed and made in Ireland, using skills and makers traditions which have been handed down through generations".
gracediamonds.ie
This ethically sourced diamond business is the brainchild of Gráinne Seoige (yes, her off the telly) and the place where you will find custom jewellery, we are told will suit all budgets. There are also ready-to-wear pieces
marketstreet.ie
"Let's find something you love" is a great welcome to any website. Market Street offers thoughtful gifts that have been handmade by more than 200 creative Irish makers and designers.
myshopgranny.com
Great name and great stuff to be found here from novelty socks to knitted things and jewellery and prints. We may be biased but we like the Galway theme to some of the things we found here.
woolow.com
We've been fans of these 100 per cent natural Irish wool pillows since they launched a few years ago, and now they've launched a range of 100 per cent wool mattress toppers to keep someone you love snug in winter and cool in summer.
29bridestreet
Gorgeous and sustainably designed and screen-printed lifestyle products and accessories made entirely by hand in Dublin.
madeofirish.com
Art candles, chopping boards, bath bombs ... All the things you might expect to find on a dedicated gift website and everything from Ireland. This site is doing hampers as well; create your own or let them do the hard work for you.
nativecirclesart.ie
Going around in circles has never been so beautiful. These circular works of art are truly a thing of wonder. The designs are hand drawn by artist Emily Robyn Archer in Dublin and consciously produced with a "native Irish tree planted for every set purchased.".
shopthatnearlywasnt.ie
This site is stocked with products made by Irish cancer survivors and as well as offering a sales platform to those people - all artists, authors, painters, jewellery designers – it also funds cancer research in Ireland.
stitchedupgifts.ie
This site prides itself on "supplying stunning custom gifts for all occasions, from personalised occasion bears to custom hampers". So if you're looking to put someone's name of their gift in a way that is sweet and stylish these folk will look after you.
croiaireland.com
A company that was born out of Covid, Croía Ireland is a one-stop-shop online platform in which small Irish businesses get to sell their products. It was born from the passion of wanting to help Ireland, its small businesses, and overall, its people.
evadorney.com
Handmade, bespoke jewellery covering everything from simple pearl-drop earrings and contemporary silver pendants to gold bangles and platinum dress rings.
irishdesignshop.com
Some of the best of Ireland's designers and makers can be found doing the business on this site.
jamartprints.com
Here you will find ceramics, textiles, jewellery and some very cool street art .
thewordbird.eu
The home of personalised and original pre-printed word art by Susan Brambell. You can either buy something off the shelf or send her a list of words and she makes them into a shape of your choice.
jandodesign.com
We love the soundwave prints made by this husband-and-wife printmaking studio in Dublin. They'll make a print of the soundwave of you saying something lovely to the recipient (it better be lovely) plus a discreetly positioned QR code that will take them to the audio file of you saying that thing. A brilliant, unique present for someone you love.
birthdaycufflinks.ie
Cufflinks made of Irish coins from the year the recipient was born? Sounds like an ideal present to us, not least because there will come a time when coins won't even exist any more.
chouscottage.com
Julie and Paul are a French couple who came to Ireland five years ago and opened a craft shop in Clonmel selling handmade gifts from small Irish makers. On the site you will find baby items, wall decor, cosmetics, clothes, candles, cards, and jewellery – all of it is handmade from around 80 makers.
edgeonly.com
Who says luxury jewellery can't be rock and roll? This ethically made range for men and women comes in solid gold and sterling silver and the company was founded by the former radio DJ and music TV presenter Jenny Huston.
cuando.ie
A huge range of unique gifts from makers and designers around Ireland and the site is designed to make it easy to narrow your searches for those you are buying presents for.
mymilis.com
This candle-making enterprise is another baby of the pandemic, having started out in March of last year. It couldn't get more homemade either, with all the items made from start to finish at the maker's kitchen table. All products are made with natural, recyclable, reusable or ethically sourced materials the company always "strives to find these as locally as possible".
littlegreengrowers.ie
An online organic plant nursery which empowers people across Ireland to easily grow their own healthy organic veg and bee-friendly flowers. The family-run Connemara farm produces a curated range of certified organic Irish plants, seeds & supplies to save time and give easy, fast results.
chupi.com
If you want to buy someone special something special then Chupi is a great place to start. All her pieces have a uniquely Irish air to them and are almost instantly recognisable as hers. Prices range from around €100 to more than €3,000 meaning there should be something for everyone in the audience.
CLOTHES
irishsocksciety.com
With a growing range of funky socks this company has really found its feet – see what we did there – and will meet all your Christmas related sock needs. We have to give special mention to its Imperfect/I'mPerfect range which they describe as an "ode to the vastly varied female form". The company is donating 50 per cent of the profits on the range to charities supporting women in Ireland.
wooliee.com
What's a wooliee you may well ask. We certainly did. It's an Irish hoodie that doubles as a blanket. It is not terribly flattering and looks like a large, heavy dress but we have it on good authority that it is brilliant for keeping out the chills on these dark winter days .
happiclose.ie
As anyone who has ever tried to wrangle a recalcitrant child into clothes they might not be overly keen on wearing will testify, being able to fasten them fast is key. HappiClose is an Irish company which makes children's clothes that are easy to fit and fasten.
electronicsheep.com
If you are in the market for a cool scarf or jumpers or even a deadly cassette tape pendant, then these folk will see you right.
scoutdublin.com
You could easily get lost – in a good way – wandering the virtual aisles of this store which sells clothes, shoes, homewares, kids' stuff and a whole lot more. The site's ethos is to provide "a range of timeless products that steer clear from trends, instead offering functionality, good design and longevity".
buachaill.com
From socks to jocks, the buachaillí are back in town. And what can you expect from them? Well, according to the site, the plan is to make sure that their underwear is the best underwear on the planet. Oh, and they also celebrate Ireland, the Irish language, and Irish people. It's a lot to ask of a small Irish underwear brand to be honest, but they give it a decent shot.
hairybaby.com
"It's a face mask, not a chin nappy", "I want to live like Roscommon People," "Did you turn off the immersion?" and, um "Marty Whelan". Sure where else would you find hundreds of t-shirts that will make you laugh in a way that few people outside of this land of ours would ever possibly understand.
spailpin.com
The Spailpín shop is selling a grand line of Irish language Christmas jumpers and face masks and more. But it is not just for Christmas and has all sorts of other things all with an teanga beo at its centre.
siolog.ie
This is the place for high-quality, ethically made childrenswear and lifestyle products from independent Irish brands.
ohhbygum.ie
This site has a physical shop in Clifden, and has added a significant "curated collection" of ethical and sustainable fashion, accessories, skincare, homeware and more to an impressive website.
thriftify.ie
When it comes to sustainability, it doesn't get much better than second hand and this Irish-owned and run business offers an ecommerce storefront for charity shops. It might not be what you are looking for when shopping for gifts but definitely worth a look if you are shopping for yourself.
nativedenims.com
If you thought you couldn't buy jeans made in Ireland than you were wrong. These guys make "high-quality, well-fitting, sustainable fashion items" in Dublin 8.
sockcoop.com
"A little bit of Ireland for your sole," is the promise made by this socksy website based in Dublin. Their socks celebrate the unique places and landmarks around Ireland.
rainbowkidsboutique.ie
Rainbow Kids Boutique started out selling ethically made and sourced children's clothes but has been expanding its range to include eco-friendly toys as well as clothes for women and men.
monaghanscashmere.ie
If you want to buy someone a present that will last then you won't go far wrong with cashmere – just as long as you don't wash it at 60 degrees and then tumble dry it that is. This Dublin shop has been selling cashmere clothes and scarves for more than 60 years and has grown its online operation of late.
hannahats.com
And speaking of businesses selling clothes that will last forever, there is also Hanna Hats from Donegal. This third-generation family business make all their products in Ireland with a team of skilled cutters and machinists using "authentic, locally sourced materials including Irish tweed, Harris tweed and Irish linens".
magee1866.com
Another family-run business based in Donegal, the Magee Tweed website sells clothes, soft furnishing and a whole lot of lovely looking blankets and cosy throws.
fodla.ie
In a world of fast fashion and climate crises it can be hard to feel good about clothes shopping. It's easier if you are shopping on Fódla, an ecofriendly clothing brand, committed to social enterprise and sustainability. All the clothes come with ethical certification while its gilets and windbreakers are made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. The design and printing takes place in Dublin, and 5 per cent of each sale is donated to homeless charities throughout Ireland.
gaababy.ie
The business which stared out selling GAA-themed baby clothes has been growing its range of late and has added a very cute range of Christmas decorations and - obviously - GAA themed masks to its range to allow people were their colours on their faces.
BOOKS
charliebyrne.ie
One of the most beloved bookshops in Ireland with more than 100,000 books to choose from. While a visit to the website is no match for a visit to the actual shop, it is still worth checking out if you are in the market for books in the run up to the festive season.
Halfwayupthestairs.ie
This children's bookshop in Greystones, Co. Wicklow opened just before Covid hit, but became a firm favourite online and locally, and was deservedly nominated Children's Bookseller of the Year for Ireland and the UK for 2021. A treasure trove of books and gifts specialises in diverse and imaginative titles. If you're stuck for ideas, there's a gift book and subscription service, while owner Trish Hennessy and her staff are always on hand by email and phone with ideas.
justbooksmullingar.com
One of the nice things about an independent book shop is the input of knowledgeable staff who clearly love what they do. That willingness to help is front and centre on the Just Books site. And unlike the algorithm generated matches you might find on some international book selling sites, your queries will be answered by real people.
thebookshop.ie
Browsing in a book shop is a thing of joy and browsing in a book shop that has both new and second hand books is more joyous still as you never know what bargains you might find. While it's not quite the same in the online world, this site based in Tipperary does have tens of thousands of second hand books for sale as well as thousands more new books making it well worth a visit.
kennys.ie
When it comes to online bookshops, Kennys of Galway could teach the world a thing or two. It has been operating a virtual bookshop for longer than any other company in the world – yes you read that sentence right – and is the go-to place for many thousands of people all over the globe both for its eclectic range and its competitive prices.
gutterbookshop.com
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars," said Oscar Wilde. The folk behind this lovely shop were definitely looking towards the heavens when they opened in Dublin more than a decade ago. It was a gamble that paid off and the shop has got better with each passing year. It's online operation is pretty swish too.
dubraybooks.ie
We have tended to steer clear of large operations when compiling this list on basis that most people will be aware that Eason or Smyths or Brown Thomas or Arnotts are out there and open for business. But we will make an exception for the Eason-owned Dubray because it is a great bookshop with helpful and informed staff.
talesfortadpoles.ie
In the wonderfully named Tales for Tadpoles you will find books, prints and other things aimed children with everything broken down online into easy to find sections.
philipsbookshop.com
Lovely bookshop in Mallow, Co Cork, with a clear and easy to navigate site which makes finding the books you want easy.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
gardinerfamilyapothecary.com
For almost 100 years this Dundalk skincare company has been making skin smoother, softer and more luminescent. It remains a family affair and continues to manufacture, package and produce 100 per cent Irish products that are highly regarded all over the world.
thehandmadesoapcompany.ie
Gorgeous looking and gorgeous smelling skincare and home fragrances which are found in high end shops and hotels . The products are free from synthetics, vegan-friendly and sustainably made by hand in Ireland.
thekind.co
This site contains stock from dozens of local businesses, with products to make you and your house smell better as well as toys, homewares and funky gifts. And everything is eco-friendly and ethically sourced.
onesonic.com
Any Irish operation that is willing to take on the big tech giants at their own game is to be celebrated which is why we doff our cap to these guys and their own-brand wireless earphones and headphones and at competitive prices.
OTHER
connscameras.ieTimes have been tough for the camera shops of the world. Massive global players have hoovered up much of the market, and mobile phones have put a high-end camera at our finger tips. That Conn's Cameras is still standing and serving a loyal legion of fans is testament to the quality of its customer care and the range of products it has on offer.
triggerfishcookshop.ie
If you are looking for kit for your kitchen or cookware for the cook in your world, than this site will have you covered.
