All year round, we seem to be planning potential Christmas gifts to pop under the tree, but December always manages to creep up on us, leaving that inevitable last minute scramble to the check out. This year, we’re making sure that you get everyone on your gift list taken care of ahead of schedule with the This is Galway ultimate gift guide. From stocking stuffers to more elaborate mementos, ‘tis the season for spoiling the ones you love... discover our Shop Local Galway Christmas Gift Guide.
Get Something for the Kids
The magic of Christmas captivates the minds of children all over the world, and that’s why we want to help make sure that this year’s festivities are extra special. A haven of sugary delights, the treats at Aunty Nellie’s will sweeten any day. With chewy toffees, iced caramels, chocolate truffles and flavour-filled jars of jelly beans, let the kids enjoy a taste of the sweets that you have fond memories of and spend the festive period making new ones that’ll last a lifetime. Spark imaginations with a bundle of books from Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery, where they can escape to the daring fantasy world of a Roald Dahl story. Picture books with beautiful illustrations, fictional fairy tales with dramatic adventures and dazzling characters fill every page - they’ve got it all. Kennys also offer free delivery in Ireland on all book orders placed via their website - which is a win-win if you ask us! Unleash their creativity with some puzzles and playful puppets from Wooden Heart, where a cuddly companion will always be found amongst the selection of bashful soft toys. For any comic book fans out there, Sub-City Comics is the West Of Ireland’s only dedicated Manga and Pop Culture store and is full of cool goodies, merch, figurines, collectables, board games, comics, books and much more. Finding them the perfect gift here will be super easy! Regardless of the gift, on Christmas morning their faces are going to be lit up with pure glee as they tear away at the wrapping paper to uncover the hidden treasure.
above: photo of Sub-City Comics
Add to their Wardrobe
There's nothing like a bitta clothes shopping to put you in a good mood so this Christmas why not give them a gift they can flaunt and show off?! An easy and rewarding option is a pair or two of colourful Irish made socks from Irish Socksciety, because we all know that socks that both have the craic and are pure stylish are the best kind. A must-visit every Christmas time in Galway, Kilkenny Design have just launched their stunning new Lennon Courtney x Kilkenny Design collection instore and the shop space is buzzing with bright pops of colours, special discounts, a personal shopping service in both fashion and wellness departments. If your gift receiver is known for their style be sure to call into the fabulous Public Romance as we can guarantee that at this store you will find something for your loved one that they will absolutely love. Specialising in all things vintage, Planet Retro Vintage offers a large and one-of-a-kind selection of unisex clothing. There really is no telling what quirky, retro and down right cool gifts you’ll find here. If your shopping for someone who is passionate about their fitness, Sweaty Betty has loads of pieces that are sure to get you a positive response and help them look and feel amazing while they work up a sweat. Bringing you the best pre-owned authentic designer and luxury handbags and accessories this festive season. Synonymous with fine tailoring and high-end men styles, Louis Copeland & Sons should be your go to for men's fashion offering everything from knitwear to jerseys and fashionable casualwear. The unisex clothing range at Aplomb contains loads of fab wardrobe additions that will look beautiful on your loved one. Each of their products have been made with love and made to last so rest assured you can find pieces here your loved one will love to wear time and again.
Gift them some Jewellery
Giving your loved one some gorgeous jewellery pieces that will last a lifetime always goes down well on Christmas morning. At Ór Jewellery they’ve got such a gorgeous collection of both gold and silver items which add a lovely subtle finish to every outfit. They’ve also got a stunning new collection in stock for the new season so make sure you call in to check out their offers in the run up to Christmas. Heart in Hands offer tons of beautiful Claddagh rings, and don't worry if that's not your thing because they also stock a range of breath-taking jewellery from necklaces and rings to earrings and ornamental pieces. Each of the one-of-a-kind pieces at Cobwebs have been carefully selected, each one unique with a history and character all of its own and make for a gorgeous gift for yourself or for a loved one. If you are dreaming of finding that perfect contemporary piece of jewellery for your loved one this festive season, Silverwood Jewellers can make your dream a reality. As they offer a range of unique wearable work of arts that make for a quirky addition to every outfit. Little touches of elegance transform even the plainest of outfits, which is why Hartmann’s collection of high-end watches and luxurious jewels will awe and delight once the big day arrives.
above: photo courtesy of Ór Jewellery
Wrap up their Christmas with some stunning Gift Sets & Hampers
Christmas is the season of giving, and there are plenty of Galway spots putting together amazing Christmas hampers for you to give to your loved ones; Ernies once again have hampers displaying the best of local and Irish produce, Espresso 44 have the perfect hamper for coffee lovers, Ahascragh Distillery’s selection of luxury spirit hampers will go down a treat, Truffle are bringing Galway hampers full of their luxurious signature chocolates and other decadent treats, Galway Food Tours' A Taste Of Galway Christmas gift boxes are an experience that captures the essence of Galway’s food scene and Gourmet Tart Co. has packed boxes full with their famous treats to cater for all tastes. These hampers are the perfect surprise to accompany your family get togethers as you celebrate this holiday tradition. For more information on all these hampers please tap here.
Find them something that's a bit different
Express love through a playful mix of blooms from Yes Flowers, where you can customise your order to capture their character with a beautiful array of floras and colour. Alternatively, get them a stunning present that will last years from Mishnóc, with deep emerald journals and rich red planners made of the finest quality leathers. And, I mean, who wouldn’t love receiving a gorgeous Foxford Throw for Christmas? At The Sheep you can shop their collection of Cashmere, Lambswool and Merino Wool Throws by Foxford and these are the ideal present for that special person in your life who is always cold. Their adorable, handcrafted sheep come in all shapes and sizes and we are certain they are exactly what ewe need this holiday season. If your loved one would consider themselves a lover of the arts, shop the gallery space at Outset Gallery and Plámás. Both of whom showcase the works of Irish artists and offer art pieces that you won't want to have to part with. In Clifden, Connemara Blue's unique handcrafted glass art work will make your loved one gasp in admiration. If your artsy gift receiver prefers to make their own art - Just Art It is the store for you! Make their Christmas all about comfort with a gift of cosy felt slippers from Coffeewerk + Press. Made with 100% pure natural wool with a sole of soft calfskin, these slippers were created with comfort and easy mobility in mind. There’s no better time of year to go all out and treat your loved ones to some incredibly unique presents that only increases in value and importance as time goes by. A winner on every occasion, pop into IT Fix to get your loved one that new and improved phone or tablet. Specialising in natural herbal remedies, West Coast Herbs has loads of terrific Christmas gift ideas. They stock a range of products including; herbal teas, natural perfumes, soap bars, facial moisturisers, joint oil/gel and dried herbs as well as Christmas gift boxes. Get your hands on Standún’s gigantic range of high-quality Irish craft and design, from crystal homewares to pretty candles, leather handbags to wool sweaters and pretty much everything in between, you're guaranteed to find the perfect gift here.
above: photo courtesy of Connemara Blue
Give them a unique experience
It’s the season of giving, enjoying special moments with loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Gift a relaxing weekend away in complete luxury at The Hardiman or pamper them with a meditative spa experience at The g Hotel, allowing them to unwind and detox. At Lough Rea Hotel & Spa you can give loved ones a much-needed escape from their daily stresses, because whether they need it now or later. Let your loved enjoy an unforgettable trip to the Capital of Connemara with a stay at Alcock and Brown Hotel in Clifden. Thrill them with an exciting day of recreational sports and adventures at Wildlands’ exhilarating activity centre. The best thing about these vouchers is that they can be used on so many things, whether it's a delicious meal in Olive Tree Kitchen, a morning yoga session, a day out with the kids or any of the other activities available at Wildlands. Alternatively, give your loved one the gift of beauty with a voucher for their favourite beauty salon or hairdresser and give them the pampering you know they deserve. Popcorn, drinks and the best seat in the house at the screening of their choice, the gift vouchers at Eye Cinema offer the chance of giving someone a cinematic experience they’ll never forget. Purchase it as an e-gift card here, as your Christmas gifting is literally just a couple of clicks away.
above: photo courtesy of Wildlands
Feature photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash
Published on Updated on
