Did you know that an incredible 10% of Americans say they’re of Irish descent? If you’re looking for a gift idea for your girlfriend, wife, mother, or sister and want something that’s inspired by your roots, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve put together five great gift ideas that will offer them their own piece of Ireland, wherever in the world they might travel to…
Irish jewelry
There are thousands of talented jewelers in Ireland, and Celtic Cross Online, which makes stunning Celtic cross necklaces by hand, is a great example. From their workshop in Dublin, they painstakingly create authentic, traditional pieces that can be worn for any occasion, and each is hallmarked at the Irish Assay Office in Dublin Castle. Ideal gifts for Christmases, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, the hardest part is choosing the perfect necklace!
Rocks
If there’s one way to pay homage to your home country, it’s by owning a piece of it! You can now buy Irish fossils, gemstones, and collectible rocks online, some of which have been turned into everyday accessories such as water bottles or key chains. Companies like The Rock Shop also sell beautiful crystals from Ireland, sold in their natural form, whilst you’ll also find pottery and other original pieces that are as Irish as they come. We love them all!
Aran clothing
Aran is an Irish stitching technique that dates back hundreds of years, originally designed to protect fishermen and farmers as they went out to work, braving the cold weather. One of the best things about Aran clothing is that it’s water repellent, and an interesting fact is that it can absorb almost 30% of its weight before it starts to feel wet. Made from natural wool fiber from Irish sheep, Aran jumpers and cardigans are naturally warm and oh-so-comfortable.
Chocolates
Chocolate says a thousand words. Shop online and choose a brand such as Butlers Chocolates, which have been making chocolate in the country since 1932. The company was founded by Marion Butler, who was born in India but moved to Ireland as a young woman. She created delicious chocolates for decades before the brand was bought out by Seamus Sorensen from Cork, and the company is still owned by an Irish family to this day. For more than 80 years, the company has been creating mouthwatering treats, and thanks to UPS, you can have your own box of delicious chocolates delivered to your address.
A trip to the country
The COVID-19 pandemic may have put travel plans on hold for 2020 and 2021, but there’s no reason why you can’t treat your loved one to a trip to Ireland as soon as it’s safe to do so. If you’re not quite comfortable booking flights and accommodation just yet, why not create a “voucher” that she can redeem for a vacation when she’s ready? You can work out the cost of the trip and keep the money in a savings account, ready and waiting for your future trip.
Which of these Irish gift ideas was your favorite? Let us know and check back soon for more.