As a follow up to my earlier post about Christmas Shopping Online, I just wanted to point out that there are still a few sites where you can get presents in time for the 25th! An Post’s deadline for delivery by Christmas was 17th December, but you still have some options to shop online from Ireland (or anywhere from the net).
I have relatives that live away and I usually have to resort to sending gift vouchers, fearing that it is so impersonal; but many people really prefer to just get what they want. Many of you may have already shopped on the ‘big’ site like Amazon, Lego, etc. but here are some smaller local businesses that have broken into online shopping and provide you with a range of quality gift ideas.
The following sites offer online gift vouchers for notification to the recipient via email:
www.sallymiller.ie – Natural Handmade Aromatherapy Products make excellent gifts to suit women or men of any age: bath products, shampoo, a range of shea butter products, the best soy candles, etc. You can also find a list of shops throughout Ireland that carry her products — in case you do get a chance to pop out.
www.irisharans.com – Handmade Irish Knitwear – a full range of knitwear for men, women and children.
Gift Vouchers sent via post:
www.inishbeg.com – luxury self catering accommodation on a private island off of Baltimore. They also offer Sue Holland cookery courses and now have special package deals as part of Explore Baltimore with boat trips and scuba lessons in their indoor pool!
www.irishwatersports.ie – power boat rentals, sales, courses and trips with locations at Inish Beg in West Cork and Dublin.
www.tridenthotel.ie – gift vouchers for accommodation or meals at this hotel located overlooking the water in Kinsale.
www.whalewatchwestcork.com – gift vouchers for a whale watching trip are a really unique gift idea and for the very special someone who is a real wildlife enthusiast they are offering a range of season tickets.
I am looking to pick up some last minute gifts, and a bit of Christmas spirit, at Hosfords Pre-Christmas Farmer’s Market this Sunday. Earlier this year John Hosford began hosting a farmers market on the first Sunday of each month in his newly expanded Garden Centre. There is always a range of food producers and crafts people of the highest quality. Our client, Louise Manning of Dream Cakes will be there with her Gingerbread Houses. This Sunday Santa will be there and there will also be live music. If you cannot get down there, they are selling gift vouchers on their site www.hosfordsgardencentre.ie (I cannot tell if they are delivered by post or email without actually purchasing, though).
I’ve also just heard great feedback on www.curiouswines.ie, a new online shop. A case of wine was ordered yesterday and was delivered at 10am this morning. According to the owners, if you order by 1.30pm today (Friday 19th Dec) you will get delivery by Christmas. They offer free shipping on a case of 12, which is the minimum order. You can also shop in person at their warehouse in Bandon (ring to check opening hours).
Happy Shopping Online or Offline and have a great Christmas and New Year!
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