Design or home decor lovers can be the fussiest people to shop for at Christmas — or any occasion. This edit of design-led goods is sure to delight everyone, from architecture buffs and craft fans to new parents and keen cooks, so make it easy on yourself and check it out before hitting the shops.
For craft lovers
In the throws
If you have a friend who wants to try something new, a voucher for an Arran Street East pottery workshop may be the nudge they need. Held in the Dublin 7 studio from January, a Saturday or Sunday all-day throwing class costs €145. arranstreeteast.ie
Press release
Inspire a new hobby as well as a love for nature with one of Kerry-based stylist Ann Marie O’Leary’s handcrafted flower presses. They’re made from birch plywood that can be veneered in chestnut or sycamore wood. Prices start at €150 for an A5 press. theflowerpresscompany.ie
Into the woods
While a trip to west Cork for one of Alison Ospina’s stool or small table-making workshops will have to wait until spring 2022, a voucher popped into her book, Green Wood Stools, will make for a more tangible gift. The book, usually €32, is available for €20 when you buy a voucher for the one-day course, which includes refreshments. The course costs €200. greenwoodchairs.com
Stir it up
Glint Glass Studio will start its Make Your Own Cocktail Glass class in spring 2022. Not only will your pal learn how to saw, grind and engrave their own glass, but they’ll enjoy the fruits of their labour with a cocktail-mixing hour at the end. The five-hour class at the Sandymount studio includes all materials and cocktails. A spot costs €110 and
can be booked online. glintglassstudio.com
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For entertainers
Murder, she writes
Fiona Sherlock is a Meath-based crime writer who entered the world of interactive mystery games during lockdown. Her kits are the perfect dinner accompaniment to be played in person as well as remotely, which should suit remote teams or families spending Christmas apart. Prices start at €40. etsy.com/shop/bespokemurdermystery
Serves up
Presentation is key for those who enjoy feeding the masses. These cutting boards with leather handles are the perfect match for cheeses and charcuterie. Prices range from €12
for a small board to €24 for a large one. industryandco.com
Mix tricks
A cocktail gift box by Nicolas Vahé is sure to shake things up in the drinks department. The box has three recipe cards, garnishes, syrup, a measuring cup and spoon. Simply add gin and tonic to the mix and let the flavours unfold. It costs €49. aprilandthebear.com
Dig in
Play your cards right and buy a gift that you’ll get to try yourself. Filled with food made for sharing, a hamper from Hedgeroe Home is bound to go down well. The treats include Christmas cake, chutney, chocolate biscuits, tea and coffee, plus lots more, all presented in a smart white wicker hamper to be reused well after the food is gone. It costs €225. hedgeroe.com
For design fans
Capital gains
The Dublin Architecture Guide: 1937-2021 will give any building buff the lowdown on 255 projects to spot around the city alongside architects’ sketches and original photography. The book, €25, was written by the Dublin-based architects Paul Kelly, Cormac Murray and Brendan Spierin. gutterbookshop.com
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Bring the heat
Shot by Jessica Klewicki Glynn, an American photographer who now lives in Co Mayo, Beachside by Hadley Keller, €60, gives us a look around Windsor, the exclusive community located on a barrier island in Vero Beach in Florida. brownthomas.com
Bird’s-eye view
Architecture According to Pigeons is a children’s book that aims to teach them about the world’s most famous buildings through the eyes of Speck, a bird with an enthusiasm for design. Find it in the RIAI bookshop for €19.95. riai.ie
One for all
The pages of A Blissful Nest by the interior designer Rebekah Dempsey are packed with inspiration for every room in the home, so it won’t matter if the person receiving this book lives in a rustic country farmhouse or a minimalist city apartment. It costs €26.59. easons.com
For new parents
Blanket fan
Soft and cuddly are two things to look for when buying for newborns. This Jellycat rabbit together with a merino wool blanket, a board book and a Dublin Herbalists handcream makes up one of the hampers available at Russborough House in Co Wicklow, in store and online. It costs €115. russborough.ie
High-end dry
New parents can never have enough muslin cloths to hand. These Atelier Choux Paris designs can be used as light blankets or changing mats and will add luxury to messy situations. They measure 105cm x 100cm and cost €49.50. overthemoonmonkstown.com
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Weave right now
Storage that’s very much for show is perfect for adding fun to the nursery. Made from braided rattan and in the shape of a pear, this large basket, which costs €85, will make tidying up a breeze. wearebarn.com
Kind campaign
A garland that promotes kindness will bring good vibes to the nursery. These ones by the interior designer and silversmith Sadhbh Royce are hand-painted with Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White. The shimmering gold lettering can be customised on request. A five-letter garland costs €60 and is available to order through Royce’s Instagram page. @scottieandwoof
For new homeowners
Makes scents
Scented gifts can really bring familiarity and cosiness to a new place. This candle gift set contains a two-wick candle and reed diffuser and is available in two scents: Dublin Tea Rose, Oud & Patchouli and Cedar, Cloves & Ambergris. It costs €90. rathbornes1488.com
Stain over
New homeowners will appreciate you thinking of their brand-new coffee or dining table. This set of four futuristic coasters, in black, pink, coral, grey or lilac, is by the Dutch brand Puik Design, and costs €25. cadesign.ie
Glass act
Whether it’s moving-in day or the first Christmas in their new home, prepare for the popping of champagne in style. Everything’s coming up rosy in these pretty mouthblown flutes, which cost €12.95 each. article.ie
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Vouch for it
It’s hard to hit the nail on the head when it comes to picking out interiors for someone else, so gift cards are a good option. A voucher for Pieces can be used against all products and lets the receiver pop to the George’s Street shop for a peruse whenever they like. This modern Lulu lamp in Cantaloupe is €100. Vouchers can be picked up in store. pieces.ie
For keen cooks
Ace the base
Made of enamelled metal, this red lobster trivet will protect counters and look good hanging on the wall when it’s not doing its job; €18. orianab.com
Pot luck
Cast-iron cookware that can take a hit is bound to go down a treat. This shallow casserole dish from Tower measures 28cm in diameter and would be ideal for dinner parties and batch cooking. It costs €79.99. littlewoodsireland.ie
On the block
Keeping knives in tiptop condition and within easy reach are musts for anyone who lives in the kitchen. This block is simple in design and magnetic on both sides. It costs €55. stockdesignonline.com
By the book
A recipe book would make a great work secret Santa gift or stocking filler for cooks who like to experiment yet stay organised. It’s part of Helen James’s Considered range for Dunnes Stores and costs €8. dunnesstores.com