Every year around this time, I look around at the growing piles of ‘stuff’ in our house and quietly vow not to add to anyone else’s. Most of us don’t need another novelty mug or something that ends up at the back of a cupboard. What people do appreciate are gifts they can enjoy and use – things that nourish, comfort, or bring a small moment of pleasure during what can be a stressful and hectic time.
Choosing simple, natural gifts from local businesses keeps your money circulating in your own community, supporting real jobs and real craftspeople. That feels far more meaningful than adding another product to the endless December rush. So here are some thoughtful, healthy ideas that won’t clutter up anyone’s home – but will absolutely make their day.
Time to read
I love both getting and giving books over Christmas, so I’m really excited that Bantry Bookshop has received a makeover recently and is bursting with new stock. I like that you can pass a book on, and particularly over Christmas, I’m planning to make lots of time to read.
Edible (and drinkable) treats
A personalised hamper: A hamper from your local health food shop or deli is a gorgeous gift – and a wonderful way to support Irish producers. A lovely idea someone requested recently is a breakfast hamper with: Red Strand Coffee, roasted locally; a bag of Organico granola (or your own homemade version!); a loaf of Organico sourdough; a pack of good breakfast tea; a pot of Folain jam or marmalade; and a delicious Organic orange juice.
If you don’t have time to put one together, we’ve a selection of ready-made hampers featuring tea, chocolate, and West Cork products. And to reduce packaging, you can gift the hamper in an Organico Jute Bag that will last for years.
Homemade goodies: There’s something very personal about giving something you’ve made yourself. A cake, some truffles, festive granola or spiced nuts – they’re all thoughtful, enjoyable gifts that disappear in the best possible way. Personally, I love the Irish tradition of gifting a Christmas Cake – it reflects the importance of preparing and anticipating the joy of the holiday season. I also love making marmalade (much easier than making a cake – and still makes a lovely gift that the right person will enjoy for weeks afterwards).
Chocolate and reduced-sugar gifts:Chocolate is always a winner, especially when it’s made locally. We love new Irish brand Van Velze truffles for a proper treat, and Mella’s Fudge from West Cork is always a hit – buttery, rich and handmade.
For lighter treats, the Cosmic Dealer nut butter squares are beautiful – rich and satisfying without lots of added sugar. Their gift box is especially lovely.
Non-alcoholic tasty drinks: There’s no shortage of delicious non-alcoholic options these days – craft kombuchas, Gimber, sparkling elderflower, and soon the first Irish Aronia Juice grown just up the road. Mixed with sparkling water, it makes a refreshing, nutritious festive drink.
Irish wine: It’s always a talking point that Ireland makes wine, but the Viking Wines really are a pleasure – and make a brilliant gift for anyone who enjoys trying something a bit different. We love the Pet Nat, which is a gentle sparkling Red that you serve chilled at the start of a meal.
Natural skincare and
everyday bodycare
Giving the gift of luxury skincare is such a treat – we can give each other things we might not buy for ourselves.
WaSi in Bantry makes gorgeous soaps and a seaweed-infused body oil scented with Ylang Ylang.
Naturally Balanced in Kinsale create exquisite body oils – my favourite is their ‘Restore’ blend with Neroli, Frankincense and Lavender.
A bath self-care pack: Instead of one item, why not make a small set to encourage someone to take a quiet moment for themselves? All you need is: a naturally scented candle; some mineral-rich (and deliciously scented) bath salts or bath oil; and a calming herbal tea (and maybe a little sweet treat to go with it!).
A rich hand cream: If you need a small but dependable present, a hand cream is one of my favourites – especially in winter. The Kinvara hand cream is particularly nourishing and fits into any budget.
Gifts for calm and reflection
A Moon Calendar makes a beautiful annual gift for anyone who likes following the natural rhythms of the year. Pair it with a Moon Mná Diary or Wellness Guru Journal, and you’ve got a simple, grounding gift that supports reflection and resets for the year ahead.
Irish crafts
(not made in China)
We also have a wonderful craft shop just up the road from us in Bantry – and they have an online shop if you don’t live near here. They stock all manner of fabulous cups, jewellery and of course Birkenstocks! I love knowing that everything in there has been personally selected.
And finally – plants
If you know someone who loves gardening, you can’t go wrong with a living gift, and close to us here is the absolutely amazing Future Forests, which is another family business, and they also have an online shop.
At the end of the day, to me, some of the best gifts are the ones that get used and enjoyed. Natural, local gifts avoid excess packaging and clutter while supporting the varied small Irish businesses that keep our communities vibrant.
December 8 – Christmas Shopping Day
If you’re around Bantry on Monday, December 8, we have 10 per cent off nearly everything for the day. Only here in Bantry though, not online. See you then!
We’re open 9am-6pm, with our Deli serving coffee, cakes, and lunch from 9am-4pm. If you can’t visit in person, our online shop is shipping across all 32 counties at www.organico.ie.
