Christmas is nearly here and whether you’ve one or two last presents to get, or you’re about to start panic buying, trying to ensure that your presents are better than a pair of socks, or a tube of hand cream can get harder and harder with each passing year. Luckily we’ve rounded up some more quirky gift ideas to help get you out of a Christmas-gift-shaped rut, no matter who you’re buying for.
For the Romantic
Whether you’re weeks or years into your relationship, what could be more romantic than a map of your first date? From the entire city to the specific neighbourhood, you can decide the style, colour and text to create a bespoke romantic gift for your loved one. positiveprints.com
For the Food Lover
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If you think you’ve taken your food lover to every restaurant in the city, fear not – there are always more options popping up. One restaurant that is keeping things fresh is Six By Nico which debuts a new menu every six weeks. Better yet, you’re not limited by location with restaurants in Scotland, Wales, England, Belfast and Dublin, so you can combine a gourmet meal with a weekend away if you really want to push the boat out. sixbynico.ie
For the Chef that has Everything
If the one you’re buying for is a bit of a foodie, with a kitchen stocked to the brim with all the latest gadgets, the Santoku knife, might just be the gift that gets you a lifetime invitation to their dinner parties. knivesandtools.ie
For the Animal Lover
Animal lovers are a different breed entirely (pun... unintended...), so while they may want you to get them just one more puppy, kitten, or bearded dragon, here’s a gift to assuage their animal-loving heart without adding to their menagerie. Whatever level the lover might be at, there’s a trek for them through the beautiful Wicklow countryside and animal lovers from 8 years old and up can take part. wicklowequitours.com
For the Cinephile
While lots of people may call themselves cinephiles, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ present for this class, given that their tastes could be action/adventure, romance, classics, horror and more. For a gift any cinephile will love, head to the Light House Cinema shop where you can find a range of quirky gifts including prints of the McAllisters’ house (Home Alone), Uma and John T jiving (Reservoir Dogs), or Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in that iconic scene from La La Land. Regularly updated with recent movies (including Barbie), there’s something for every type of movie lover. lighthousecinemashop.ie
For the Adventurer – and GOT fan
If you’ve got someone in your life who’s somewhat – or very – adventurous, perhaps a trip canyoneering at Ballyhornan would be right up their alley. With 25-foot cliff jumps, shoreline swims and aquatic exploration of sea caves, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The Clear Sky Adventure Centre is located at Old Castle Ward Demesne – or Winterfell Castle to any Game of Thrones fans – where you can also take an archery lesson from a costumed instructor, or ride the Westeros Cycle Trail through twenty filming locations across the castle ground. clearsky-adventure.com
For the Decidedly Non-Adventurous
Some of us are a little less adventurous and a little more massages, facials or spa days. If this is the type of person you’re getting a present for, how about a half- or full-day spa experience in Rainforest Day Spa, Enniskerry. Voted Best Day Spa, Ireland in 2023, as well as Wellness Centre of the Year in Ireland, 2023, you know they’ll be in good hands. rainforest.ie
For the Star-Gazer
If your giftee always has their head in the clouds, gazing at the stars, a star map print, pendant, or bracelet might be right up their alley. Choose a special moment from their life and commemorate the exact time and place in the stars for a gift that will always be timeless. thenightsky.com