Shop Local This Festive Season

Hannah McNamara

From clever skincare to accessories and personalised artwork, there is some great gift ideas out there this Christmas!

This year invest in your own community by supporting and shopping with local businesses. With an endless amount of creative businesses throughout our county here are some of the amazing, unique products we spotted on offer this festive season.

Buy a personalised Christmas ornament from Trim The Tree, a family-run business in Dunshaughlin. Watch the fantastic reaction when they open this special gift with their own hand printed names and see how it takes pride of place hanging on the Christmas tree. A personalised gift is one to treasure. www.trimthetree.ie/

Hanalee Studios based in Slane is an award winning family business, passionate about their beautiful personalised products. Christmas decorations, pillows, stockings and wine bottle labels are among the items you can personalise and gift to someone special this year. www.hanaleestudios.ie/

Instead of buying someone an already constructed gift, why not give them the opportunity to experience crafting themselves. Wilkinstown’s Michelle Power is offering gift vouchers for sewing experiences for adults and teens. These Wreath Making Workshops are available in December and vouchers can be purchased by calling 087 3617140.

Holotoyz, the toy company that was founded by Meath creators Kate Scott and Declan Fahy, is the perfect place to start looking for a unique gift for your child. With stickers, books and temporary tattoos that come to life, your child gets to experience a world beyond their imagination. These one-of-a-kind toys are the perfect surprise gifts and stocking fillers. holotoyz.com

Memory Lane Frames By Sadhbh is a Dunshaughlin based brand that makes occassion gifts made with pebbles, sea glass and leather. You can personalise the pieces to your liking. Nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ like custom made artwork. Order pieces by messaging Sadhbh on her Facebook @bysadhbhmemorylaneframes

Newly founded Ratoath babywear business, BEE & TOM, is the perfect place to shop for the new little additions to your family. Simplicity and comfort are at the heart of their designs. beeandtom.com

Dunshaughlin based business, Rachel’s Aromas specialise in homemade, hand poured and highly scented Soy wax melts, which is a great gift option for any occassion, especially Christmas. Add the thoughtfulness to the gift by picking a scent you know they’d love. www.rachelsaromas.com/

The Jack and Jill children's charity have announced their Christmas Collection, which includes stunning ‘Find a Diamond’ candles and diffuser sets from Paul and William Costelloe, limited edition Tote bags designed by artist Miriam Smithers, Teachers Gift Cards, ‘Gift of Time Cards’ and exclusively designed Christmas cards from Kildare artist Laura Dempsey aka Pickled Pom Pom. The money raised will provide in-home nursing care hours for local children and their families across the country. jackandjillstore.ie/collections/2023-jack-and-jill-christmas-collection

For that bookworm why not purchase the latest installment of Old Ireland In Colour by John Breslin & Sarah-Anne Buckley which features Meath images which have been brought back to life with colour.

Helena's Handcrafts based in Ardee has began advertising their Christmas themed items. Handmade Christmas cushion covers, aprons, fabric wall decorations, tea cosies and hampers are now available for order on their Facebook @helenashandcraftsardee/

Mairéad Harrington a textile artist based in the Boyne Valley has amazing unique and interesting artworks inspired by local historical landmarks and wildlife for sale. These one of a kind items are the perfect gift for that person who 'already has everything'. You can even buy an Irish linen Christmas card (which are coming soon) to accompany the special gift. www.maireadharringtontextiles.com/

Everyone loves being gifted a Christmas ornament, a new edition to their tree. Phoenix Tribe Clay offers a great range of Christmas handmade clay gifts. With beautiful ornaments and magnets that you can personalise, Phoenix Tribe is the perfect place to shop for that 'My first Christmas' or 'Christmas in our first home' tree decoration. www.instagram.com/_phoenixtribeclay/

Stressing about what Christmas gift to send to your work colleague, employee or manager? PalPack a small, passionate business based in Trim have got you covered. Make your own hamper with Christmas Corporate Hamper with their customisable add – ons. Sharing a personal, meaningful gift is a unique way to thank a colleague, business partner, customer or friend. palpack.ie/corporate-gifts/