A Local Gift Guide For The Last Minute Panic Buyer

I have to confess a festive habit of mine: I'm a classic last-minute shopper. I do it every year! I think I'm way ahead of myself, practically giving myself a pat on the back only to realise when I'm wrapping that I'm actually I'm a few people short. Cue a shot of me, sweat lashing off me in a packed store swearing to myself I'll do better next year. And here we are, the week before Christmas and I've given myself two challenges:

1. Be organised enough to avoid the Christmas Eve chaos
2. Shop local

The local high street and small businesses enjoy their busiest time of year at Christmas however in most circumstances they are out-beaten by massive online retailers as convenience is highest on the consumer list. I get it, it's super easy to just click and order everything on Amazon but it's the smaller guys who suffer. We're spoiled for choice here in Belfast and NI and just in case you're the last minute shopper like I am, I thought I'd share my favourite local businesses depending on the kind of person you're shopping for. There's one for everyone on this list! FOR YOUR DAD WHO LIKES TO BRING HIS OUTDOORS INSIDE... Bearded Candle Makers Michael is a true artist and has cemented himself as one of the finest chandlers in Ireland. His scents tell a story that most of us will identify with (Turf Fire is a firm favourite which no doubt your Dad would love!) and he continues to try new combinations, challenging people to tap in to memories when they take a whiff of his gorgeous candles. FOR YOUR HUSBAND WHO WEARS A BEANIE ALL WINTER... Bramble Green Bramble Green is a family-run business headed by Claire from her home on the North Coast. Their knitwear is handmade by local women and they have pieces for men, women and children - their bonnets are adorable! I've been wearing the Donegal Hipster beanie for a few winters now and it's kept my head toasty on the coldest of days. FOR YOUR SUPER COOL SISTER WHO YOU WILL ALWAYS IDOLISE... Lines & Current A local jewellery brand, Lines & Current was started by Rebekah, quite possibly the coolest woman in Belfast. Her jewellery is simple but stunning and can be worn every day. FOR YOUR DISORGANISED WORK PAL... Shared Threads Shared Threads is a wonderful community of creatives who have been brought together by Kirsty, an incredible local woman who wanted to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable women. Her team make and distribute sanitary products using second hand cotton and towels to lower the environmental impact and to help aid their work, they've created a beautiful calendar that you can buy over on their website. This would be a beautiful gift that would help an incredible cause! FOR YOUR BEST MATE WHO IS READY FOR A MAJOR SHIFT... Mel Wiggins Sometimes all it takes is gentle encouragement to make the change we've been longing for. Mel Wiggins is a super talented coach from Portadown who I feel blessed to have met through the Assembly community she created a few years ago. I have been a member now for a year and I've been able to tap in to ideas and dreams I didn't realise I had permission to explore. You could buy your pal a membership or a voucher for a course of Mel's - I guarantee you it would make a life-changing gift. FOR YOUR ECO-CONSCIOUS COUSIN... Do Your Bit Teal has been a huge inspiration for me in trying to make my life as plastic-free as possible (it's HARD!). Her shop is full of alternatives to plastic products and it would help anyone who is trying to make that change too. The Homely Haven Laura Jayne has been another inspiration this year as she's started her journey in sustainable living. She runs workshops from her home in Co. Armagh that teach others who are trying to rid their home of toxins amongst other creative workshops too - a voucher to one of her workshops would delight anyone who's keen to learn a new and more intentional way of living. FOR YOUR UNCLE THAT IS ALWAYS RECOMMENDING YOU OBSCURE BOOKS... Books, Paper, Scissors This is probably my favourite bookshop to explore on a rainy day in Belfast. Located just across the road from the Ulster Museum in Stranmillis, the shop is full of books to satisfy every age and taste including some beautiful stationery too. Turf & Grain Magazine Turf & Grain is a beautiful local publication that's full of stories, poems and stunning photography all told by those from the island of Ireland. An issue would make a beautiful stocking filler and will no doubt be shared by the family. FOR YOUR MUM WHO LOVES A HAMPER... Pomegranate & Fig OK, I know she's my sister and I may be a bit bias but honestly, have you seen her grazing boards?! Shannon's boards are a work of art and a voucher would delight anyone who wants to have a board for a family event or just for a cosy night in this winter. Neary Nogs Nestled along the Mourne Coast, Neary Nogs is the first bean to chocolate makers that have been cultivating a variety of flavours and combinations over the last few years. I've been buying my Granny their drinking chocolate for her midnight cocoa for months and it's a huge hit! Indie Füde In the village of Comber lies a wonderland of local delicacies and treats. The folks at Indie Füde have worked hard to curate an amazing range of food products all sourced from the island of Ireland and that change with the seasons. A perfect spot to gather goods for a festive hamper! FOR YOUR BROTHER WHO THINKS HE'S MASTERCHEF... The Edible Flower Erin & Jo have opened their Co. Down home to food lovers since 2016 and since then their supper clubs have been in huge demand. They also run a variety of workshops from their home too; veggie cooking classes, thai cooking classes and even a home-brewing workshop! A ticket to one of their events would be a perfect gift to for anyone looking to branch out on their culinary skills in 2020. Enrich & Endure

Image from Enrich & Endure

Brother/sister duo Lorcan and Sarah started Enrich & Endure with the vision of reviving the local linen industry which had all but disappeared in recent years. Their aprons and tea towels are made right here in NI and are designed to last making them a gift that will be cherished for years to come. FOR YOUR GRANNY WHO LOVES A GIFT SET... The Natural Beauty Pot Shauna started The Natural Beauty Pot when she struggled to find products that didn't irritate her sensitive skin so she made the brave decision to make her own. As a trained beautician she was well qualified for the task and she now has her own studio in Co. Fermanagh where she creates products using gentle but effective ingredients suitable for everyone. FOR YOUR GRANDA WHO'S FAVOURITE CHORE IS WATERING HIS PLANTS... Wild Thing This little jungle is a haven on the North Down coastline and each visit is such a treat. Karen sells a huge variety of plants as well as sourcing a range of candles, jewellery and homeware. A new plant would brighten up a corner of any home or a voucher would mean they would get to visit the jungle themselves. FOR YOUR WIFE WHO SMUGGLES IN HOMEWARE LIKE IT'S CONTRABAND... Studio Souk This is the place I recommend to visitors to Belfast who want to find something special as a souvenir because all three floors are filled with local treasures. There's not just tourist gifts sold here, there's also beautiful art, design and crafts all locally made and each making the gift for anyone proud of their home. Maven This shop is a Scandi dream and it's clear that a lot of thought has gone in to choosing a range that reflects design and purpose. Sisters Catherine and Patricia have sourced stunning pieces that would make perfect stocking fillers or, if you're after something larger, then there's gorgeous furniture upstairs too! BTS Concept Ah, I love this shop. I can't help but call in when we're up around the north coast and I always pick out a gift for an upcoming birthday or celebration (or just for me!). BTS offers a selection of interiors and giftware inspired by the muted tones and natural textures of the coast that draws folks that want to bring the outside in to their home. FOR YOUR SUPER COOL AUNTIE WHO ALWAYS WEARS THE COOLEST CLOTHES... Alf & Roe Vintage

Our local girl Cleo Parkinson modelling Alf & Roe and captured by Filly Campbell Photography

Who knew there would be such a treasure trove in the tiny village of Donaghmore?! This wee shop in rural Co. Tyrone has a gorgeous collection of vintage finds that would bring joy to anyone who loves to wear something a little different, a piece of clothing with history. FOR THE LITTLE ONES IN YOUR LIFE WHO ARE GROWING LIKE WEEDS... Wu Concept Possibly the sweetest children's boutique I've been to! Each item has been carefully thought of and encourages individuality and creativity. I always turn to this place when I'm buying for friend's children and I know I'll be back when I have my own one day.

Merry Christmas!!