Wish List: Ten lovely things for December
Anyone else hate cold toast? The butter has to melt, people. Avoid Christmas morning squabbles with a four-slice toaster, €89.99, part of the stylish Eclipse range from Russell Hobbs. It features six options of variable browning control plus up to 55% faster toasting and includes extra wide slots. Also in the range, the fab Eclipse kettle €69.99.
Find out more at https://www.russellhobbs.com/
Great news for fans of the man in red! Santa’s Magical Cabin is open now and runs until Christmas Eve in The Ilac Centre and Kilnamanagh in Dublin, Dunnes Stores Patrick Street in Cork, Jetland Shopping Centre in Limerick, the Kyle Centre in Portlaoise and Dunnes Stores, Friars Walk in Ennis. Get your appointment with the man himself at https://santaexperience.ie/
If you’re looking for something to lure your kids away from those blasted screens, try out this unique collection of traditional crafting kits. Pop Out Projects is a brand new range of traditional crafting kits with a unique Wild Atlantic Way twist, from Outcrop Design – a family business run by Aran and Maeve Pudney in Sligo. Pop Out has kits to make a mini model airplane, Bamboo bookmarks in Irish designs, and more, all for under €20. www.popoutprojects.com
Looking for something for that crafty creative in your life? Did you know that as well as art exhibitions, the Lavit Gallery stocks a variety of Irish art, craft and design offerings. These woodland creatures by Joanne Robey are a great example. There’s fine art options beginning at €70. Pop in to Wandesford Quay in Cork, or browse online, www.lavitgallery.com
My favourite brand motto of 2023? She who dares, swims! Wild swimmers know all about the health benefits of facing the freeze, but getting warm can be the hard part. Enter the WYLDING boilersuit, designed by Daniela Bohling (from Monaghan) and Millie Dornan. Lined with micro-fleece, lightweight and flattering, the WYLDING boilersuit is designed to get you dry and warm. This all-in-one outerwear piece is durable, flexible and functional — and could be the perfect gift for the ‘blue health’ addict in your life. €199.95, find out more https://wylding.eu They are also stocked in Escape Boutique in Greystones Wicklow.
If you like your jewellery rustic, artisan and bijoux, have a gander at this stunning range by Vestopazzo, an Italian brand specialising in unique jewellery and accessories. Made from 100% recycled aluminium, each piece is handmade, water resistant and extremely light. Retailing from €34.95 at L’Atelier Stylist & Boutique at Coach Horse Lane, The Square in Midleton. https://latelierboutique.ie/
Giftsdirect.com’s hampers deliver a very Irish experience anywhere in the world. Spoil someone with The Christmas Eve Casket, €221.50, a sumptuous gourmet feast presented in a leatherette trunk featuring Giftdirect’s ‘Bernard Remy’ Champagne teamed with every type of accompaniment to make the perfect Christmas Eve. See Giftsdirect.com for more.
Looking for a coffee table book or a gift for a loved one? The Devil Wears Farah by CJ MacCarthy is a “hilarious but thoughtful account of the experiences of one boy growing up in the Ireland of the Seventies”. It’s a gorgeous book that will transport you right back to the good old days. Available from O’Mahony’s Booksellers and all good bookshops in store and online.
www.omahonys.ie
Ahhh, cuteness overload! The Europe Hotel & Resort is delighted to welcome back Bertie Bear and his cousin, Charlie Bear, who always come to stay at the five-star hotel for the festive season! Charlie Bear can be yours for €25 with all proceeds going to Down Syndrome Kerry. You’ll also be entered to win an overnight stay at The Europe Hotel & Resort for two people sharing. See killarneyhotels.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and www.theeurope.com/target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and downsyndromekerry.ie for more.
