Christmas Shopping? Then Support Irish Businesses!

Well, Ireland has moved into Level 5 of the Living with COVID-19 Framework, and Christmas shopping is on everyone’s minds. And for good reason; unfortunately now the retailers have to shut their doors for 6 weeks after the Government has complied with NPHET’s advice. But fret not my darlings, as thankfully many of these retailers do have online stores and we can help them that little bit during this tougher than usual pre-Christmas period.

Killer Fashion has always been a big supporter of Irish businesses, and I will continue to be so during these tough times. Although I would not usually post about Christmas this early in Autumn, given all that’s happening with COVID-19 restrictions in Dublin and across Ireland, I’m here to help your early Christmas shopping! Forget about Amazon, Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Ebay, etc. and shop Irish instead. Doing this, you can help our economy get back up on its feet.

Please help support Irish businesses when shopping for the festive season!

My annual Gift Guides will be back over the coming weeks but for today I’ve rounded up a number of brilliant Irish businesses, many who deliver nationwide, who have fantastic selections of gifts from fashion, jewellery and makeup & skincare to homeware items, arts & crafts, books and more. I’ve categorised the businesses for you to help your Christmas shopping too!

Women’s Fashion

Pamela Scott: An Irish family-run business that’s been around since 1976, Pamela Scott has plenty to offer for your mam, aunties, sisters, cousins, grandmas, friends and even your boss. Unfortunately they now have to restructure and shut down many stores across the country including Grafton Street, therefore it’s vital we can help them live on for more decades ahead!
Madigan: Run by husband-and-wife team with a little help from their children, Richard and Elaine Madigan provide Irish-made and handwoven cashmere-only cardigans, jumpers, dresses, scarves, socks as well as even silk face masks.
Om Diva: Irish through and through, owner Ruth Ní Loinsigh moved much of her stock online via Depop amidst the first wave of COVID-19. Here you can purchase many of her gorgeous eclectic styles, high quality pieces and stand-out statements for your loved ones this Christmas.
Magee 1866: Run by the Temple family, descendants of the original Magee family, this Irish business offers quality women’s and men’s fashion, accessories, outerwear and homeware that’s ideal for a luxury gift under the tree.
Virgo Boutique: A fashion boutique in Limerick, have a look through Virgo Boutique’s beautiful fashion picks from dresses, tops and skirts to their outerwear and footwear choices. You’re bound to find a whole lot of gifts for your family and friends. They also offer Gift Cards from €10!
Lady Lorna Designer Emporium: A gem of a fashion boutique in Kilkenny Town, the ladies in your life will love any gift from here! There are trendy dresses, jackets, tops and accessories, many inspired by designers such as Chanel and Gucci.
Jill & Gill: Not only are these two Irish gals two of the coolest I’ve met, their art is finally on clothing! Ideal for all ages, the Jill & Gill collection includes sweaters, t-shirts, hoodies and totes that are unisex. Gift Cards from €25 are also available.
Alyson Gray: My local fashion boutique, Alyson Gray has been on the scene for over 30 years and is a family-run Irish business in Knockylon, Dublin. They offer stylish dresses, jackets, tops, cardigans, accessories and more for all the ladies, and make for gorgeous gifts this Christmas season.

Jill & Gill Unisex Panti T-shirt

Men’s Fashion

Kennedy & McSharry: From caps and hats to scarves, shirts and ties, this Irish family-run business makes for excellent menswear gifts.
Diffney: Multi-generational Irish store, they launched their online store recently, with a variety of men’s brands you love. You can also help Diffney by purchasing Gift Cards from €50 for your loved one for use at a later date at any of their 5 stores.
Magee 1866: Run by the Temple family, descendants of the original Magee family, this Irish business offers quality women’s and men’s fashion, accessories, outerwear and homeware that’s ideal for a luxury gift under the tree.
Jill & Gill: Not only are these two Irish gals two of the coolest I’ve met, their art is finally on clothing! Ideal for all ages, the Jill & Gill collection includes sweaters, t-shirts, hoodies and totes that are unisex.
Dorian Black: Whether it’s a men’s suit, shirts or accessories you’re after, visit Dorian Black. Their Anne’s Lane shop is currently closed but you can still find an array of stylish menswear online.
O’Neill’s Shoes: An Irish business that’s been trading on Talbot Street, Dublin since 1962, support O’Neill’s when you are looking for a footwear purchase. They have a variety of brands, styles and fits for all the lads!
EJ Menswear: A Sligo-based Irish business, at EJ Menswear you can find all your favourite brands from Tommy Hilfiger to Tommy Bowe-inpsired XV Kings.
Louis Copeland & Sons: For the classy guys in your life, Louis Copeland is sure to have the answer. From knitwear and shirts to their iconic suits and blazers, you are can easily find a special present for your dad or grandad, your brother, cousins, nephews, sons and your mates too. Plus they offer Next Day Delivery and Free Shipping over €95.

Magee 1866

Beauty, Makeup & Skincare

Area9 Barbers: Offering their own range of men’s grooming products and accessories, Irish lads Ciarán Foley and Paddy Corrigan are one of the many barbers who have endured the many restrictions to their business. Therefore buying their products as gifts will make not only the recipient happy this Christmas!
The Brow Boss: Suzy O’Connor is The Brow Boss, and though her appointments are still available to book in, you can also buy your best gal pals a number of Kelley Baker Brows products as well as her own branded range.
Nima Brush: Easily the most famous makeup brushes of Irish origin, Niamh Martin’s creations continue to thrive and make as ideal gifts for the makeup lovers in your life!
Kinvara Skincare: A luxurious skincare brand based in the West of Ireland, Kinvara Skincare have a great selection of face and body products that make for ladies and gents.
Wild Oats: What’s more Irish than our love for oats! This Irish skincare brand champion Irish oats in a natural way that’s excellent for our skin in so many ways. Plus, they also have Gift Hampers available!
Skinfull Affairs: Their Exchequer Street store has been a hub for skincare products, manicure, beauty treatments and more. An Irish business opened in 2016, their online store has a brilliant range of vegan & vegetarian-friendly beauty products.
Couleur Caramel: Irish makeup may be a little rare but Couleur Caramel is the answer. Their range includes stunning eyeshadows, a full palette, lipstick, brow products and eyeliner, all of which are 100% Natural and Organic. Usually availalbe in V. Claire Natural Cosmetics in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, their boutique may have had to close but the online store remains open!

Wild Oats Replenish Luxury Gift Box

Jewellery and Accessories

Weir & Sons: One of the most iconic stores on Grafton Street, Weir & Sons is perfect for buying all things luxe when it comes to jewellery and accessories. Run by the Andrews family, and their ancestors since 1869, pick out a special something and it’ll arrive in their signature red jewellery box, or you can opt for a Gift Card.
The Collective: A beautiful haven for Irish designer jewellery, international brands and stunning collection, The Collective has it all. Irish-run for two years now since their opening in 2018, their jewellery offerings are all online, alongside Gift Cards.
Glitz N Pieces: Dubliners and best friends Ellen Weber and Grace O’ Sullivan started their jewellery business in 2013 and have been strong ever since. Their selections are ideal for teenage gifts as much as for those in their 20s, 30s and up! Earrings, bracelets, rings, bags, headbands, personalised phone covers – need I say more?!
Elena Brennan: An Irish jewellers located in Cavan, they offer a stunning selection of gift ideas with Irish heritage throughout. Feathers, bees and Celtic designs are only a few of the many lovely motifs in the range.
Inner Island: Looking for a unique jewellery gift that’s made in Ireland? Modern designer Inner Island have got what you need with their delicately funky pieces, that are sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face once they open their little box of joy.
Holden Leather Goods: With over 30 years of craftsmanship in Dingle, Kerry, spoil that special someone this Christmas with an Irish made leather bag. There are tote bags, cross-body styles, clutches, backpacks and laptop bags in black, brown or red leather with attention to all details. The Holden belts are also a nifty gift, with gorgeous Celtic buckle details.

Inner Island Strata Thin Earrings with Pearl

Homeware

Butterslip: An indepdent Irish gift shop based in Kilkenny, here you can spoil your everyone from kids’ toys to homeware, fashion accessories, office diaries and more!
Designist: I’ve often talked about how much I enjoy this shop on South Great George’s Street in Dublin, and thankfully their stock is available online. Find excellent gifts for all the family and friends where many products are also Irish made.
Industry & Co.: A wodnderful homeware and gift shop that offer a huge selection of Irish made products for everyone you love.
Foxford: Who doesn’t love cosy additions to their home! Hailing from Mayo, the Foxford Woollen Mills have produced Irish made products since 1892. Their blankets, throws and rugs make for gorgeous homeware gifts, while their accessories range, bedlinen and kitchen homeware will add a lovely Irish touch to any home.
The Cat & The Moon: Here, their philosophy and golden rule is that everything is 100% designed and made in Ireland. A Sligo business whose doors have now had to close temporarily, The Cat & The Moon offer a variety of homeware, jewellery, scarves and wall art amongst the many gift ideas available.
April & The Bear: Looking for some luxurious items to giftwrap for your nearest and dearest? Then get online shopping at April & The Bear, where you’ll find lovely Irish homeware, tech & gadgets, artwork and nifty utensils. A copper bicycle pizza cutter? Happiness spray? Yes please!
Wild Design Collective: Supporting Irish makers, this store remains open online (their Cork and Kerry stores are sadly temporarily closed), where you can shop a number of gorgeous gifts made in Ireland. There’s everything from art, aromatherapy, decorative tiles, cushions, stationary, fashion accessories and more – the choices are endless.

Foxford Peacock Small Check Throw

Books, Arts & Crafts, Toys and Miscellaneous

Dubray Books: The only book shop on Dublin’s Grafton Street, at Dubray Books you’ll find a vast variety of genres suitable for everyone in your family and friend circle.
Butterslip: An indepdent Irish gift shop based in Kilkenny, here you can spoil all the adults adults to homeware, fashion accessories, office diaries and more; whilst the kids can enjoy Christmas with wooden toys, soft stuffed animals, as well as character homeware and easy learning items!
Wooden Heart: Putting a smile on the kids’ faces this Christmas can easily be done with a few little gifts from Wooden Heart, and Irish business based in Galway. You can choose from arts & crafts, music instruments, classic board games, soft toys, books as well as bedroom decor.
Jiminy: I love what Jiminy stand for: they’re an eco-toystore with a mission to make ‘sustainble’ the new normal for toys. There are some really excellent gifts to find, from the luxe items like a wooden balancing board to eco-spirational books, art supplies, soft dollies and construction toys to name a few!
Gandharva Loka: Their store on Dublin’s South Great George’s Street may be closed for now, but you can still find excellent musical gifts via their online store. A music store like no other, if it’s a guitar, strings, drums, or Irish instruments you’re after you’ll find them at Gandharva Loka. Plus their Sound Therapy section is hella soothing – and they offer nationwide shipping for only €3.90!