These Irish-made gifts will be the perfect gesture to celebrate special occasions we missed over the last few years with friends and family
If you’re like us and have missed a lot of birthday parties, weddings, christenings and more, and need some inspiration for gifts, here are some fabulous Irish-made ones by our previous winners and runners-up of the Gift Category in the Irish Made Awards. From prints, candles and uniquely painted tiles, you won’t have to look much further.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Guaranteed Irish to the Irish Made Awards 2023 as our Gift Category sponsor, as well as our headline co-sponsor. CEO of Guaranteed Irish, Brid O’Connell, says: “Guaranteed Irish is delighted to support Irish Country Magazine as co-title sponsor of the Irish Made Awards 2022 in association with Design & Crafts Council of Ireland for its third consecutive year. We partner with Irish Country Magazine because, like us, their ethos is to support local and develop small enterprises throughout Ireland.
We encourage all makers and designers to get involved in the Awards this year, it’s a terrific opportunity for brand exposure, publicity and well-deserved recognition of local makers, designers and brands across the country. Guaranteed Irish is delighted to support it and look forward to working with new producers and designers.”
Have you got a gift business based in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! Deadline is midnight on 30 May 2023. For details on how to enter, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.
Meet the past Gift winners and runners-up of the Irish Made Awards:
Hazel Mountain Chocolate: Our 2022 winner was Burren-based business, Hazel Mountain Chocolate. The team collaborated with artist Corrina Earlie in Howth to create a unique set which took gold in the Gift category at last year’s awards. Formed from a commitment to support independent producers, both have fostered strong relationships with the cocoa bean farmers and co-operatives they use. These small batch producers believe in minimal processing, from the grass-fed, free roaming cows that produce their milk, to the eco-friendly packaging. Need a gift for someone with taste and integrity? We recommend the Hazelnuts in Dark Chocolate with Cinnamon.
Hazelnuts in Dark Chocolate with Cinnamon €7.90
Lainey K: Our 2021 winner and 2019 runner-up was Lainey K, founded in 2016 by Elaine Kellegher and born out of love for typography, illustration and all things design led. Elaine creates high quality products here in Ireland. Over the last few years, the business grew and went to a wide range of cards and art prints that are now on sale right across Ireland and beyond. Are you in need of a birthday card? Give someone a little laugh with this beautifully designed one.
Brooke & Shoals: Our 2020 Irish Made Award gift winner was Brooke and Shoals, founded by Alison Banton in Greystones, Wicklow. Alison’s vision was to create candles that were simple, high quality, had a divine fragrance, natural wax and were Irish made. This luxury Green Fig and Vetiver Wood candle will be the perfect gift for any occasion this summer.
Scented Candle – Green Fig & Vetiver Wood €22
Bearded Candle Makers: Our 2019 Irish Made Award winner was Bearded Candle Makers. Founder Michael finds that his passion lies in creating intriguing scents based on stories and memories. By developing our own scent blending profiles and studying the science of candle making they truly believe their candles will smell amazing and last longer than their counterparts. Try out this seaside themed candle below and give someone a gift they will remember.
Shells Seaside Cafe Soy Candle €14.95
Jando Design: Our 2017 and 2018 Gift winner (and first ever Overall Winner in 2017!), was Jando Design. Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Julie and Owen Loughlin, Jando is an award-winning printmaking studio based in Dublin. Combining cinematic perspective and their love of architecture, with a pop culture sensibility, their work is exciting and modern. Check out this gorgeous Liberty Mood print:
BEO Wellness: Our 2021 runner-up was BEO. BEO’s Sleep Well range lets you give the gift of a good night’s sleep. Inspired by the west of Ireland, their organic collection aims to encourage and promote good sleep hygiene, getting your body ready for rest. It is packaged using recycled and biodegradable materials, and prices range from €16 to €68.
Alanna Plekkenpol: Our 2020 runner-up is Alanna Plekkenpol, who creates illustrations on tiles that are fun, tongue-in-cheek and inspired by Irish landscapes and pop culture. Every design features playful detail, in which traditional Dutch Delft Blue patterns contrast with modern elements using a combination of digital illustration and collage. Give someone this unique gift that will look beautiful anywhere in their home.
