soft-shoe shuffle:As a manufacturer of bespoke shoes, James Brennan made a pair of soft leather shoes for his niece Megan, who was just learning to walk and needed shoes to keep her little feet clean and warm.
Socks were too slippy to allow her to walk safely on hard floors and were too easily removed by little hands. And hard leather shoes are not recommended by doctors for such tiny growing feet. Brennan's gift to Megan proved a great success and not long afterwards when his staff were sitting around waiting for a delivery of leather to arrive from Italy, he kept them busy making babies' shoes. The Footzees range were created. They use water-based coloured dyes and anti-allergenic vegetable tanned leather so that children can chew on the shoes in safety. There are more than 200 designs and they are elasticated so are easy for a parent to take on and off, yet difficult for the child to remove. For babies from about six months to about two years of age, €26.95 for one pair or €40 for two pairs, from Tara Leathers, 1 Tara Street, or 19a Talbot Street, Dublin, or telephone 01-6797850. Isabel Morton
hot night out
Black-tie charity balls stick to a tried-and-trusted formula, but an event in aid of the World Mercy Fund in the Mansion House, Dublin next month adds an oft-neglected ingredient. The Fireball, organised by a committee of young voluntary professionals, has been running for the past seven years, and in that time has managed to raise more than €200,000 for the fund, which helps finance numerous community projects in the developing world. Guests will be met by musical performers, jugglers and, yes, fire eaters. The cocktail reception, meal and party that follow will undoubtedly raise the heat even further. The eighth annual Fireball takes place on Friday, February 15th, and if you're interested in sponsorship or buying tickets, which cost €150 each, call 01-2961360 or e-mail info@worldmercyfund.ie. Davin O'Dwyer
top form
Formality in Glasthule village (tucked away at the side of the village car park) has become an all-time favourite with anyone looking for something a bit different. It mainly sells topiary trees, timber garden pots and furniture, and the most coveted (and expensive) range of magnificent classic style garden buildings such as gazebos, summer houses (the Lavenham style shown ranges from €14,000 to €18,000, depending on size), arbours and pavilions. It does, however, stock a great variety of fun accessories. Eco-friendly bird houses made from recycled materials come in a large range of sizes and styles from cabins to cottages, terraced to high-rise, from €34. A further selection of houses are available made from zinc - these, however, are for T-light candles and create interesting shadows as the candlelight is seen through its windows and doors. They are available in a number of sizes and styles from €30 to €60. They also have a good range of lanterns for use indoor and out. One of their most popular items is their seven-day chalk boards which are available in two styles at €72 and €130. Isabel Morton
little boxes
These hand-painted, wooden boxes are novel gifts to mark the arrival of a new baby or a christening, and can be personalised with the name and date of birth. After grown-ups have consumed the truffles within, they will make a useful container for keepsakes. The Skellig Chocolate Company makes boxes of all sizes, shapes and purposes, and fills them with award-winning indulgences made beside St Finian's Bay in Co Kerry. Since joining forces with the Cocoa Bean Artisan Chocolate company, they're hard to resist. Look out for the chocolate bars made with sea salt or the gin and tonic bars when you need a sugar surge round about 5pm. See www.skellingschocolates.com for stockists. Patsey Murphy
goal setting
GOAL's new limited-edition calendar, 30 Years of Hope, marking the life-saving work done by GOALies, the charity's volunteers, is now available from www.goal.ie and selected retail outlets nationwide. It is a collection of images including photographs from the charity's projects in the developing world. The calendar costs €10, and is supported and produced by Jerry Kennelly and Create Africa. Stockists include Sam McCauley pharmacies, Carraig Donn shops, Galvin for Menswear, and www.goal.ie. All proceeds go towards GOAL's programmes in the developing world. Alan Betson
fun buns
Yes, we're all supposed to be tightening our belts, but it's January and it's cold and everybody needs a post-Christmas pick-me-up - what could be better than buns? Home-made by Kildare-based baker Paula Coyne, these luxury cup-cakes come in 10 tantalising varieties, among them Hummingbird, Butterfly and the deliciously decadent double-choc buns. Perfectly presented and decorated with the likes of edible flowers, coconut dusting and fresh cherries, they are free from artificial preservatives and colours, packed instead with lashings of natural, fresh naughtiness. Even the packaging is both wholesome and pretty, with a half-dozen coming in recyclable cardboard boxes tied up with ribbon. Our answer to the cup-cake craze that swept the US, thanks to the likes of New York's Magnolia bakery. Buns is a family affair and caters for parties big and small. Contact Paula on 087-7571087 or see www.buns.ie. Failing that, keep your eyes peeled at farmers' markets, with Paula and co setting up stall at various locations, because these are buns worth loosening your belt for. Fiona McCann
baby's first bauble
Jewellery designer Moritz Schurman has spotted a gap in the market for stylish personalised pieces which celebrate the birth of a child. His Treasurering is a ring pendant which depicts the finger size of a newborn baby made in sterling silver. The ring hangs from a sterling silver chain and is handmade and personalised with the child's name, date of birth, birthstone and a diamond for eternity. The boy's version has the ring set into a dogtag-style disc. The pendants, which cost €235, are designed to be worn by a parent for safekeeping until passed on to the child when they are grown up. Moritz Schurman can be contacted on 031-4937767 or mail@thetreasurering.com Isabel Morton
FASHION DATES:The National Gallery's 2008 Diary, Costume and Art, researched and written by Sara Donaldson, would make a lovely new year's gift. It is illustrated with 37 paintings from early Renaissance up to the 20th century. There's a wonderful portrait, of Elizabeth Fitzgerald, daughter of the Earl of Kildare, painted in 1560 in full regalia, bedecked with jewels, velvets and ruffs, and Lavery's famous painting of his wife Hazel in her red-heeled shoes, blue feathered turban and strings of pearls. Finery knows no boundaries of time. Published in hardback, the diary costs €19.95. Deirdre McQuillan