(Northern) Irish Christmas Gift Ideas!

I am having some last minute stresses about Christmas presents for people despite my protests that I would be beautifull organised this year!  Ah sure, Christmas isn't all about the presents and I have been trying to remember that and slow down a bit this Advent.  I thought I would show you some things I have bought and 2 favourite local brands - for anyone looking for a local (or for non local readers, Irish) gifts!

Bog Standard

If you love all things Cath Kidston and Avoca, you will appreciate this brand's beautiful packaging.  All made in Ireland, and best of all, Northern Ireland in Co.Down so supporting the local economy by buyng from them!

All the scents are named 'Irish'.... So Irish Rose, Irish Winter and my two favourites, Irish Linen and Irish Sea.  I remember buying soaps from them years ago when they were just a stand in St George's Market - I always thought the names were very inventive..I think the soaps I bought then were called 'Piece and Jam'. I have bought their products frequently for American relatives of mine. The Irish names mean they make great gifts to send abroad!

The candles are my favourite part of their range. They are infused with 7% scent, apparently industry standard is 3%-5%.  I pictured the two sizes here but only had one candle left, so you can just see the bigger one's box, sorry!

Buy online from their website to get the full range which includes soaps, linens etc.  I get them from my boyfriend's work place and they are stocked in the Northern Ireland museum shops and tourist shops.

Tee and Toast

Another local brand available online or at their stall in St George's Market, Belfast.

Funny 'Northern Irish' inspired slogans and graphics on t shirts, hoodys, mugs, babygros..!

I bought this particular tee for my boyfriend's birthday last week because he is a tea junkie, more than a Mr. T fan!  It arrived less than 24 hours later which was pretty impressive. I like their Shamrocker and I <3 Veda Toasted slogans...mostly because I do heart Veda Toasted.  Anyone outside of Northern Ireland know what I'm talking about?!

Another Irish brands I love and would be beautiful to give as a gift, is Voya.  I reviewed their seaweed spa products here before.

 I was very lucky in my TK Maxx this year too!  This Works gift box sets reduced to £16, Lollia, which I had only seen in Anthropologie before, and Betsey Johnson slipper socks!

It's awful that I kind of want to keep all of the above!  Oh well, they shall be beautifully wrapped in my very beautiful Ikea bags and paper - doesn't the illustration look quite Victorian?

Last but not least...the winner of the Barefoot Botanicals Giveaway is:

Bride!!  Happy Christmas Bridie, I have sent you an email :)

Thank you to everyone who entered! xox