We’re into the home-stretch now but there’s still time for some food-spiration with these gifts that won’t last long…because they’ll get eaten
Not all gifts have to arrive on Christmas Day. If you’re looking for something to bring to family, friends or relations as you do the visiting rounds over the holidays, here are some of our top recommendations:
Lir Chocolates – From €2.50
Irish chocolatier Lir is known for its delicious flavour combinations. And can we take a moment for their eye-catching packaging in such a beautiful turquoise? All its chocolates are hand-finished by Lir’s talented chocolatiers in Navan, Co Meath and would make a really thoughtful and decadent gift for any serious chocolate lovers in your life.
Muckross Wild Irish Gin Gift Set – €65
Distilled with a stunning blend of botanicals, if you’re in the market for a new gin, we highly recommend Muckross Wild Irish Gin. This beautiful gift set includes the classic and beautifully designed bottle of gin and two elegant stemless Copa de Balón gin glasses.
Lismore Food Hamper – From €32.50
Irish brand Lismore Hampers are filled with the most delectable and delicious treats – packed into quite fabulous orange hat boxes. How unique. We are eyeing these up for a wonderful feast at home, to share with family or friends or delight someone you love with a special and very tasty gift.
Ballymaloe’s New Sauce – €3.40
Is it even Christmas or Twixmas if we are not chowing down on condiments? Ballymaloe Foods, is known the world over for its iconic Ballymaloe Relish, but did you know it has collaborated with i-Stil38, a Premium Irish Vodka to create a limited-edition product? None other than Ballymaloe Vodka Cranberry Sauce. This seasonal condiment is infused with i-Stil38 Pink Berries Vodka and has a rich fruity flavour. It is described as a grown-up twist on a traditional cranberry sauce. So, if you need to dial up the taste of roast turkey, nut loaf, or even your cheese board, this is the sauce for you. this is definitely a handy one to pop in the bag if visiting friends and loved ones. Available in stockists nationwide.
Buíoch’s Caramelized Chocolate Chip & Sea Salt Bar – €4
Buíoch Irish Chocolates was born when two friends, Ryan and Daryl, decided to join forces to create some beautiful chocolatey products. The name ‘buíoch’ comes from the Irish word for gratitude. Ryan and Daryl want Buíoch to be a way for people to say thank you to the people they cherish. We have our eye on this one which is a creamy Belgian milk chocolate that melds with chunks of slowly caramelized white chocolate chips, punctuated by sea salt. You can include a personalised message for free, and the great thing is they ship worldwide so if there’s any last-minute gifts you want to send and you know your loved one won’t mind if they arrive in the post-Christmas haze or the January blues phase, go for this and expect lots of smiles.
Avoca ‘Bubbles and Truffles’ Hamper – €32.50
Enjoy a little Avoca indulgence with these deliciously rich and creamy chocolates paired with sparkling prosecco. The perfect way to mark a special occasion or to simply show someone that you care.
Powerscourt Distillery’s Fercullen Whiskey Start Pack Hamper – €66
This is a lovely one to give to any whiskey-loving friends and family. Not only will they get to enjoy the superb hamper, which features a trilogy of Powerscourt Distillery’s Fercullen whiskey, a metal hip flask, and a Glencairn glass, it also includes a complimentary whiskey tour and tasting experience for two. Having something to look forward to in the new year is always an added bonus!
Afternoon Tea at Johnstown Estate – €86 for two people
The Johnstown Estate in Co Meath might just be the place you’ve been looking for to whip away your loved one and celebrate them as we move into the new year. Afternoon tea is available daily with their exquisitely crafted chefs’ selection of sweet pastries and petit fours. All are accompanied by a choice of JJ Darboven’s herbal and green teas, freshly brewed coffee, or seeing as it’s Christmas (we are planning on using this as an excuse right up to February), a glass of prosecco.
