Keeping it local.

Ever since the start of the pandemic, many small businesses have shouldered a heavy financial burden. Forced to both close their brick-and-mortar stores and try to compete with giants such as Amazon for online retailing, it is no wonder we all feel very passionate about supporting local and Irish this Christmas. In fact, recent surveys have shown that many of us are planning to steer clear of large international businesses when it comes to our festive shopping this year, and instead opt to spend our money with small, local businesses that matter to individuals and communities across the country. Want to buy local, but not sure of where to start? Here are 15 cool, cute and creative gifts – all from small Irish businesses: 1. Nobo Chocolate Bar Collection Warning – the dairy-free chocolate from Nobo is all sorts of addictive, and I would be hard pushed to find a favourite bar, as they are all seriously delicious. And this is the reason their Choc Bar Collection make the perfect Christmas gift for someone you care about – or, indeed, for yourself too. The Nobo Choc Bar Collection contains a selection of four large creamy chocolate bars in a bespoke Christmas gift box; Salty Caramel Bar, Coconut Bar, Smooth and Creamy and Orange. All of Nobo's chocolates are handmade in Ireland using ethically sourced single-origin cacao beans. They are wrapped in plastic-free compostable film and recycled paper and bundled with a recycled paper band. €22.95, Nobo.ie 2. The Ireland Posters Store Poster The Ireland Posters Store's mission is to help Irish people everywhere—or people who just love Ireland—to proudly show off where they come from, where they’ve been, or where they feel they belong. They create artworks of Ireland, its beauty, and cultural heritage in the style of the golden age of railway posters, and each poster is a unique composition based on the artist’s own drawings and sketches. €30-€75, Irelandposters.ie 3. Peachylean Dusty Pink Oversized Hoodie The kind of hoodie we want to live in. Peachlean's oversized Dusty Pink Hoodie is made from super soft, cotton mix fabric, has a relaxed fit and features a drawstring hood, pockets, and a longer length for extra cosiness and comfort. The hoodie also features an embroidered logo on the right sleeve so you can always wear your heart on your sleeve, and on the right side of the head to remind you to be kind to your mind. €99, Peachylean.com 4. The Head Plan Mirror Markers Use The Head Plan Mirror Markers to write your positive affirming messages on your mirror. When you pass your reflection throughout the day stop and repeat your affirmations three times while looking at yourself. This simple practice will be remarkably transformative if embrace it. The markers can be used on mirrors, glass, metal, glossy board, LED boards, plastic and non-porous surfaces. €13, Theheadplan.com 5. Ashfield Macramé Wall Hanging With Tassels This beautiful wall hanging is made with 100 percent cotton cord and acrylic yarn, and will look perfect on the wall of a nursery, home office or anywhere where you want something pretty to look at. €25, Ashfield Macrame 6. Bold Bunny 2022 Don't Forget The Stuff Calendar The perfect calendar for anyone wanting to keep on top of their lives, love to plan and are organised or not. Bold Bunny's Don't Forget The Stuff Calendar comes complete with stickers making it easy to keep tabs on meetings, work-outs, dinners, appointments and everything else someone might have got going on. €26.50, Boldbunny.ie 7. KDK Dreamer Dreamer Navy Silk Cotton Pyjamas Who doesn't love the perfect pair of pyjamas? These gorgeous silky soft pjs from KDK are perfect for a little luxury at bedtime. Oh, and when not going to bed, you could totally pair the shirt with your favourite pair of jeans too. €150, Kdk.ie 8. Kotanical Blush Rose Essential Oil Diffuser As beautiful as it is functional, this blush-coloured stone diffuser from Irish company Kotanical is easy to use, and a great way to sublty scent your home or workplace. Kotanical also produces some of the highest quality essentials oils you can get your hands on in Ireland, all of which will pair perfectly with this diffuser. €59.99, Kotanical.ie 9. Rathbornes Beyond The Pale Dublin Tea Rose Diffuser and Candle Gift Set Got a candle love to buy for this Christmas? Or just have someone who has everything on your list? Rathbornes Beyond The Pale Dublin Tea Rose Diffuser and Candle Gift Set is the perfect gift which includes a luxurious 100 percent natural wax candle and reed diffuser, and comes beautifully presented in a lovely gift box. €90, Rathbornes1488.com 10. Vico Thermal Robe Any seaswimmer will no doubt go crazy for the Vico Thermal Robe – a fashionable unisex changing robes designed to keep you warm and dry regardless of the weather. And never mind just dips in the freezing Irish sea, these robes are also perfect for chilly evenings, al fresco dining, sporting events – in other words, a total essential. €130, Vicorobes.com 11. DeDanu Renew+ Facial Oil The perfect gift for wellness lovers, deDANÚ Renew+ facial oil is a super nutrient, deeply hydrating oil that will leave you with glowing, healthy and utterly radiant skin. The oil is choc-a-block with powerful bioactives, plant stem-cells and tons of natural, balancing nutrients, and the incredible anti-inflammatory benefits will leave your skin thanking you, even in years to come. €74, Dedanu.ie 12. Clay Gift Card Green plants are (still) having a moment, and with a gift card from Clay, whoever you are buying for can pick the plant they want. Oh, and Clay also has some seriously beautiful pots and other plant accessories. From €10, Clayplants.ie 13. Tinnock Farm Beeswax Twist Candle Beeswax candles are non-toxic,  good for the air, and are the perfect candle for people who suffer from Asthma and Allergy sufferers. It has also been shown to aid in stress relief and promotes sleep. We love these beautiful candles from Tipparary-based Tinnock Farm, made from pure Irish beeswax. €18, Tinnockfarmtipparary.com 14. Holder Eight Constellations Ultimate Grip Yoga Mat Yogis will love Holder Eight's ultimate grip mats, made to provide comfort and cushioning while giving the ultimate support. The mats come in several different designs, and have the perfect grip, ideal for someone who is serious about their yoga practise. €99, Holdereight.com 15. Ethos CBD Balm Another great Irish wellness company doing great things. In Ethos' Repair CBD balm, CBD is blended with organic hemp seed oil and therapeutic grade essential oils including Lavender, Clary Sage and Eucalyptus to stimulate circulation and support the body’s natural ability to soothe and heal. Arnica and Black pepper help to reduce inflammation and swelling of the muscles and joints. €39.99, Ethos-cbd.com