On the hunt for a stylish stocking filler or two before the big day? Some eclectic and affordable ideas for you here…
With 135 different stalls, Dublin Christmas Flea is a great place to start your search for stylish, sustainable gifts for the lucky people in your life. The popular seasonal market brings together the brightest of sparks to ignite an interest in affordable gifts with literally something for everyone.
The stall holders and makers at the Point include stalwarts such as Kirk Mordern (mid-century furniture) and Damn Fine Print as well as Moon Mood children’s bedding, Beeswax Candles, Dublin Herbalists and Village Workshops (African woven planters & baskets). Other highlights include Jump the Hedges, Kate’s Sample Sale and Kathryn Davey.
Point Village, Thursday December 13th-Sunday December16th. Thursday & Friday (1pm-8pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am-6pm)
The Irish Design Shop have swept the broom upstairs extending their shop into their old work space on the first floor.
The focus is on their jewellery brand Names Dublin which is entirely crafted by hand in their studio. To celebrate the expansion, they have just launched a new range called ‘Terrain’ which is inspired by the Burren.
All pieces are crafted by hand in a choice of 9ct recycled gold, or recycled sterling silver. They are also bringing out their annual calendar which sees them collaborate with a local creative.
Optic Music specialises in hand-picked vinyl records for the curious listener. Currently trading at record fairs and pop-up shops around the city, as well as hosting a monthly radio show on Dublin Digital Radio; they are going to be popping up in the countdown. Put your needle on their records.
Thomas House (December 8), Hen’s Teeth (December 9 & 23), Mart, Rathmines (December 10, 11m, 12, 17, 18 & 19)
Affordable Chocs & Cheese
If it’s a small bite of affordable luxury you’re after, then you’ve definitely found it in Lismore’s Crisp Apple Stick range. Coming in at €2 for their Crisp Apple Sticks and €2.50 for the chocolate coated versions, we definitely like the sound of them apples. LismoreFoodCompany.com
The crumbly caramel coloured cheese that is Aldi’s 1000 Day Aged Gouda has finally hit the shelves. This delightful example of Dutch gold is both creamy and intensely flavoured and retails at €3.99.
Brews for Booze Hounds
The popular O’Hara’s Winter Star brew makes a welcome seasonal return, delivering a distinctively heady combination of cinnamon, orange zest and a tasty rye breadiness. It’s also included in a nice Christmas selection box featuring a crisp pale ale and creamy stout. Carlowbrewing.com
Meanwhile, the Taphouse Bar & Kitchen have combined forces with Hopfully Brewing Co. to create a lovely brown ale brewed with chocolate and hazelnuts in honour of the season. The mellow Christmassy brew goes by the name Sumthin For Santa, because its inventors reckon the big man might appreciate a change from the usual milk and cookies on Christmas Eve. As an added bonus €1 from the price of each pint sold goes to Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Special edition cans can be purchased on-line for Santa and delivered to your door at drinkstore.ie
