Christmas is almost upon us once again. After a year of ups and downs, one thing that can’t be stopped is our Christmas Spirit! Don’t leave your Christmas shopping until the last minute this year and risk battling long queues and delayed online orders. This year, rely on local, independent shops, makers and businesses to give your loved ones an extra special gift after an extra special year.
It’s more important than ever to shop local this year, giving the Irish economy a much-needed boost. Spending your money in Irish owned businesses gives small suppliers and shops a chance to recover after a very difficult year. It keeps local people in employment and ensures Irish made produce, gifts, clothing and so much more have a home on our high streets. Lucky for us, Dublin is a treasure trove of local and independent businesses and online shops, many of which are on the doorstep of our Ballsbridge accommodation.
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Unique Toys
Did you know Santa speaks as Gaeilge? If you’re passionate about passing on a cupla focal to your little ones, www.cluiche.ie is an ideal shop for you. They specialise in producing games in the Irish language, releasing something new and exciting every year since they opened in 2013. It’s a great way to make learning fun and encourage discovery and problem-solving in young minds. If you’d like something more traditional, head to Nimble Fingers https://nimblefingers.ie/ one of Dublin’s favourite toy stores. They sell a great range of quality children’s toys, scooters, books, games and more. Best of all, both are independent, Irish-owned businesses.
The Gift of Imagination
There is nothing quite as special as a book that allows you to explore the furthest reaches of your imagination. This year, gift someone special the gift of an escape without leaving the comfort of their home with a book from the extra special Gutter Bookshop. They specializing in offering something a bit different from the range you find in chain or online bookshops. You’ll find some real treasures ranging from adults to children’s books and if you have a specific request they can usually source a great quality new or second-hand copy within 24-hours! This unique shop has two locations, one in Dublin City and one in Dalkey and you can also shop online.
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Musicmaker
Do you have a budding Elton John at home? Musicmaker has the perfect gifts for music lovers young and old, novice and experienced. Musicmaker was founded in Dublin in 1981, moving to their current premises, a stone’s throw from Grafton Street in 1986. They have a great selection of instruments, accessories and absolutely anything you need to encourage or perfect your musical style. Their staff know everything there is to know about musical equipment and are happy to recommend but if you can’t make up your mind, buy your musical prodigy a gift voucher so they can enjoy choosing for themselves!
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Luxury Christmas Hampers
Nothing says Christmas like a hamper filled to the brim with once-a-year treats that we wouldn’t dream of during the year! Food hampers are easy to come by but if you’re looking for something extra special, try Dollard & Co. They have a signature hamper range filled with Irish artisanal goods, fine wines, cheeses, cakes, sweet treats and culinary delights with prices from €49. They specialise in Irish produce, bringing together the best food, drink and treats from across the island and supporting local producers. A Dollard & Co gift hamper won’t be a forgotten gift and if you’re lucky, they might even share some of the delicious goodies inside!
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Jewellery
If you’re planning an extra special Christmas for the one you love, and are planning to mark it with something especially shiny, Fields The Jewellers is the best in the business. If you’re looking for certified diamonds, the best watch and jewellery brands in the world and extra friendly service, visit one of their 14 stores across Ireland. They have over 40 years’ experience in the industry and have something to suit all budgets. If you are planning to pop the question, they also have a great range of unique and beautiful engagement rings and their staff are happy to help you choose something perfectly suited.
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Local Gifts
Whether you are looking for a gift to send abroad to someone who can’t make it home, or to commiserate with a couple that have had to postpone their vows, Kilkenny Shop in Dublin City Centre is a one-stop-shop. They have a range of good quality Irish goods, including clothing and textiles, ornaments and keepsakes, the finest Irish craft, food and so much more. They have been specialising in Irish brands and gifts for over 50 years and have such a huge selection. The Kilkenny Shop in Dublin is located in the middle of the city, a scenic walk from our serviced apartments in Ballsbridge.
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The Gift of Choice
We’ve missed out on a lot this year. For some of us, that means missing long-awaited holidays. For others, its spending time with loved ones. The best way to make up for lost time is to create new memories and we have the perfect solution. Give the gift of choice this year with a PREM Hospitality gift voucher, redeemable in any of our properties in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands. Gift vouchers come in an amount of your choosing and can be spent on any of our services, from delicious dining to exciting weekend accommodation.
If you’d like to book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Ballsbridge, or purchase a gift voucher,. Contact our friendly team today on the phone or by visiting our website. We’d like to wish all of our guests, clients and friends a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy start to 2021.
