All Wrapped Up Gift Guide 2018

30 November 2018

INSIDE:

Tech, beauty and home gifts, plus many more great gift ideas Ways to give back this Christmas – charity event special Interviews with Irish celebrities!

Christmas

Wrapped ALL

UP

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

of Christmas and consider how we can help over the festive season the best way we can.

“It’s a time for giving, so take a moment to remember people who may be on their own or who are less fortunate, as well as people that may be sick in hospital. Every year, I do the Crumlin Ward Christm a Walk and visit the sick s i s time o a children that spend also to f giving, but Christmas in the t h ose in n Along w hospital. It always e e d. it puts everything into their fo h speaking ab ndest C out perspective.”

04 Tech gifts

05 For the kids 06 That’s the spirit!

08 It’s all about him 10 Gifts to make her smile 12 The book club 13 Deck the halls 14 Christmas charity events 15 Your Christmas directory

Darren Kennedy

TV presenter, style entrepreneur and fashion columnist “I’m just back from a trip to Calcutta with the Hope Foundation and Specsavers, where I was working with the eyecare ambulance, with the slum, street and rural communities.

Most of these people have no access to basic healthcare. A couple of years ago, my dad gifted me an ‘animal of Hope’ (a goat in my name went to a family in India). On this trip, I got to see how these animals help communities. So, this year my family and friends will be getting animals of hope. We all have more than we need.”

However, when it comes to Christmas, Darren says nothing beats the feeling of joy on Christmas morning, which “we are so lucky to be able to experience”.

Darren says, “I have such fond memories of waking the house up so that we could go down stairs to see what Santa brought. My parents would line up my sister, my brother and I, and eyes-closed, we would all go into the living room.

There were squeals of delight when we opened our eyes!”

✱

Glenda Gilson

A BeCreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ie EDITOR: Clodagh Dooley DEPUTY EDITOR: Shauna McCrudden CONTRIBUTORS: Tahlia Kraeft Eva McCrea ADVERTISING: Terri Byrne (01) 705 5469 DESIGN: Robert Armstrong, INM Design Studio, Belfast REPRO: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

03

Making Christmas special

Contents

07 Stocking fillers

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

TV presenter on Xposé and model For Glenda, Christmas isn’t all about wish lists and presents, it is about making quality time for the ones you love. And, this year is a very special year for Glenda.

“I’m very excited about this Christmas, as it will be our first as parents. My son, Bobby, will be too young to know what’s going on, but that won’t stop myself and Rob getting involved and acting like big kids. I will be enjoying the day with all my family and Rob’s family, but of course all the attention will be on Bobby this year.

“When I was a child, I loved the feeling of going to bed on Christmas Eve and waiting on Santa. I would get into my single bed, face the wall and close my

✱

memor hristma i presen es, two Irish T s ter V giving b s speak about ack to t in need h during ose t h festive season e

eyes so tight. I would love that again, but I look forward to experiencing it with Bobby!”

Glenda says it is important to stop and think about the true meaning

Throughout this supplement, you will find special gift ideas for the ones you love. But, it is also important not to forget about those who may need a helping hand over the festive season. For more ways on how you can give back this Christmas, turn to page 14.

Getting into the festive spirit!

Tonight, Ryan Tubridy is presenting his 10th Late Late Toy Show. Here, ✱ he speaks about what viewers can look forward to this year and what his own plans for Christmas are How does it feel to be presenting your 10th Toy Show?

“I have this child within me that loves to run wild. The Late Late Toy Show is big this year. It is the equivalent of a bag of skittles crashing in to a Christmas tree. It’s wild. The opening and the theme are the essence of what I believe the Toy Show should be – it will be wrapped up in kindness, warmth and humour.”

Can you tell us about any of the guests we can expect this year?

“I would, but the Toy Show elves would not be very happy if I did! We have been very lucky over the years to have some very big names come on the show – who will ever forget the look on Aimee’s face when Ed Sheeran appeared, for instance? I always think that we should never forget that the Toy Show is about the children. They are the real stars of the night, whether it’s a wonderfully quirky kid like John Joe the Horologist who was just a delight to watch or, last year, seeing the joy on the faces of the Burke children, when they were reunited with their father who had been peacekeeping overseas. It’s great when we get the big names, but they have to be right for the show.”

How do you make yourself feel festive before the Toy Show?

“Candles. Cinnamon, Christmassy candles. I have them in the house already, the smell of Christmas is so beautiful. Also, jumpers. Once you put the jumper on, you might as well be in the North Pole with the elves, because putting them on brings you there.”

Ryan on the Toy Show! Image

by Andres Poveda What do you look forward to most about the show every year?

“I think it might be that moment when we are just about to go live to the nation, we’ve got everything planned and then the red light goes on and I just get into it. For those two hours plus, I am in full Toy Show mode, overseeing the mayhem. It’s the unexpected moments that make the Toy Show so magic – a toy that worked fine in rehearsals but just won’t come to the party on the night or a particularly boisterous young person who’s making the most of their time on the show. I really love those moments, when it all goes a little off script.”

How do you like to spend Christmas?

“I love to spend it with my family – drinking a few beers, playing board games, sitting by a real tree, a real fire, watching movies and eating chocolate – no surprises there, but it’s classic.”

Catch The Late Late Toy Show on RTÉ One tonight at 9.35pm

04

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

SPONSORED

LISTEN UP!

ONLINE SAFETY

Everyone has a gamer in their life, one who stays up to all hours fighting zombies or winning the Premier League from the comfort of their sofa. The Audeze Mobius Gaming Headphones are the first high-end, fully immersive 3D cinematic headphones designed specifically for only the top gamers around. The Mobius headphones are audio and head trackingenabled so if you move your head, it senses where you are, and it moves the source of the sound as you turn your head, creating a realistic soundscape. But you can also use them for everything else, as the headphones can transition between games, music and movies seamlessly. For a complete listening experience, it is hard to beat.

Audeze Mobius Gaming Headphones, available at hifihut.ie, €389

iKydz is a clever, simple, and effective Internet control solution that gives parents the ability to block websites, filter content and easily manage their child’s time online. It works with every WiFi-connected device in the home and supports 2.4G and 5G WiFi. It also has two LAN ports for directly connected devices, such as gaming consoles. iKydz Home gives parents’ full internet control at home, allowing them to manage any internet-connected device in the home, including phones, tablets, PCs, smart TVs and gaming consoles. Features include aged-based restrictions, website blocking, app blocking, content filtering, internet-usage monitor, and the ability to restrict WiFi to individual devices. iKydz Pro contains all iKydz Home’s functionality, only faster and with more LAN ports. iKydz Home (€99) and iKydz Pro (€139), both available at Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World

SMART CHOICE

WATCH YOURSELF

Getting fit is never painless, so make it easier with the Fitbit Versa. The Fitbit can track your fitness and sleep schedule, while also being an everyday smartwatch.

The slim build means it is ideal for any kind of training, as you don’t have to carry anything bulky on your wrist.

There are over 15 exercise modes and it automatically recognises and records them for you and it won’t run down with its impressive 4+ day battery life. And, if music gets you going, the Fitbit Versa can store over 300 songs or you can download playlists from Deezer, so you can have Rihanna and Taylor Swift following you down the track!

Fitbit Versa, available at Michael Murphy Sports, €199

PICTURE PERFECT

At Christmas time, with the family all together, we are all guilty of taking too many pictures. So, don’t you wish you had your favourite photos straight away, instead of being buried in a mountain of blurry, bad angles in your photo gallery? The new pocket-sized Canon Zoemini printer can print all your favourite pictures straight from your smartphone. And with a sticky back, you can peel it off and stick the photo anywhere you want for that personal touch. Available in rose gold, white and black, it is the perfect accessory for your mobile phone.

Canon Zoemini photo printer, available at canon.ie and camera stores nationwide, €149

I, ROBOT

Who here didn’t love the film WALL-E? Well now you can have your own little robot pal, just don’t ask him to clean!

The Vector home robot stands around three inches high and can fit in the palm of your hand. Vector has a lovable personality to keep you entertained, as he can take photos, answer trivia questions, give you weather updates and let you pet him as he purrs. But, the most remarkable part is that Vector keeps learning over time developing the skills you want him to know. Anki are currently working with Amazon to integrate Alexa into Vector too, so your robot pal can carry out all the work for you.

Vector Home Robot, available at anki.com, from €280

30 November 2018

That’s entertainment!

From printing all your favourite memories on a portable phone printer to gathering around to watch a Christmas movie on a new TV. Here are some of Shauna McCrudden’s best tech products to make this Christmas the best one yet

Photo credit: Abe Neihum

Make your Christmas movie night more epic with the 55-inch ElectriQ 4k Smart TV. Download all your favourite Android apps such as Netflix and YouTube so you can watch videos, listen to music or play games all on a 55-inch display. Plus, you can even cast movies, music and photos from your smartphone to the TV without the need for any cables. And with the full HD screen, you can enjoy everything the way it was meant to be seen, down to the smallest intricate detail. When your phone rings right when the main character is about to catch the killer, just pause or record it at the touch of a button and watch it later. No spoilers!

ElectriQ 4k Smart TV, available at buyitdirect.ie, €410.97

A NUU DAY

NUU Mobile’s recently released NUU G2 smartphone with its sleek design, truly has the wow factor. The G2 is created with a Full High Definition Plus edge-to-edge 5.99 inch-display ‘to provide a cinematic experience at the palm of a hand’. Watch Netflix, play games, read your Kindle and browse Instagram, and not only will your battery keep going, but it also won’t slow down with its 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM together with the Octo-core to accommodate heavy tasks.

Take amazing selfies with the 13MP front camera and change filters to give yourself that extra beauty boost. With a dual SIM/Micro SD card slot, fingerprint ID and express charging, the NUU G2 has brought in a NUU day of phone advancement.

NUU G2, available at Harvey Norman or at nuumobile.ie, €179.99

OUT OF THIN AIR

Cable charging your phone has become something of a chore, from being worried about leaving it overnight to the possibility of the cable fraying after only a couple of months of use. Wireless charging is the way forward to combat these problems.

The QDOS Qi AirBank is a portable device to charge your smartphone wirelessly.

The wireless powerbank offers a 5W wireless charger function and has cleverly designed suction pads to grip to your smartphone to keep it from slipping off. No more cables in sight. And if there are two phones that need to be charged at the same time, the Airbank has a 2.1A UwSB port, which allows two devices to be charged simultaneously.

QDOS Qi AirBank, available at qdossound.com, from €55

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

✱It’s a pirate’s life for me

Argh mateys, it is time to set sail on board this interactive pirate ship to Treasure Island! Includes three Toot Toot Friends characters: Captain Monty, Sailor Stanley and Monkey. Press the cannon button to launch the cannonball and press the light up buttons for role-play responses.

Find the treasure on the island, battle the giant octopus and create your own pirate adventure. Suitable for 1-5 years and while this toy is great fun to play with, it also helps develop motor skills and role-play in children.

Vtech Toot Toot Kingdom Pirate Ship, available at Argos, €39.99

✱Just a little bit

With technology being a key part of most jobs of the future, getting used to designing

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

05

Under the Christmas Tree Here are a few of the top Christmas gifts you can get your child this year

solutions to everyday challenges is vital.

The Littlebits range of products include The Base inventor Kit (ages 8+) and is a great entry point so your child can create up to 12 activities including a Robo-Arm and a Navigator, or just invent many more!

Instead of consuming technology all day long, they are actually creating it and learning. Kids only spend 3pc of their time being creative, so this is a great gift to help improve that.

The Littlebits range are gender neutral and available at Harvey Norman, Amazon and Apple stores in Ireland, from €110

✱The final countdown

After the big feast, don’t just switch on the TV and watch the soaps, instead sit down to play a board game. More memories are made and fun is to be had with some competitive action. Race to get around the board by describing as many names on your card to your teammates without rhyming or any other trickery. But the catch is, you only have 30 seconds to tell your teammates.

So, go head-to-head with your relatives this Christmas with the 30 Seconds Board Game!

30 Seconds Board Game, available at 30seconds.ie and toy stores nationwide, €30

✱Save the day

Imagine you are part of a group of heroic interstellar pilots, trying to free the Atlas Star System from Grad and the Forgotten Legion? In Starlink: Battle for Atlas for PS4, XBOX, and Switch, that’s exactly what you can be. But this isn’t just any video game.

With this game, you can build your own modular star ship model, mount it to your game controller, and take part in an epic space battle. Defeat enemies in space, discover powerful weapons, overcome deadly challenges and become the hero of the galaxy. A perfect game for all ages.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas – Starter Pack, available at toy stores and games stores nationwide, €54.99

✱Be the hero

The LEGO Winter Village Fire Station set features a 2-level building with an upper-level kitchen. Behind the large red fire station doors, discover fire-fighting equipment and a fire pole. Outside there is an ice rink with a decorated Christmas tree and the set also features a classic red fire truck, along with six mini-figures.

Including over 1,160 pieces, you can build snowmen, help the firefighters decorate the Christmas tree, dress up your characters and, of course, save the day from a deadly fire.

Winter Village Fire Station, available at shop.lego.com/en-IE, €89.99

✱Sarah Webb – Blazing a Trail: Irish Women who Changed the World

This is the book for every little girl who dreams of changing the world. Enjoy true stories about the fearless aviator, Lady Mary Heath, the first woman in the world to parachute from an aeroplane and many more stories about the remarkable Irish women who changed history in this beautifully illustrated book.

Sarah Webb’s Blazing a Trail, available at good book stores, €16.99

06

SPONSORED

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

30 November 2018

That’s the From Caribbean rum to Irish-made gin, pick your favourite tipple for this Christmas

✱Fruity time

spirit!

Wicklow Way Wines is Ireland’s first fruit winery, home to Móinéir Fine Irish Fruit Wine. When founders Pamela Walsh and Brett Stephenson met with the editorial team here for an evening of wine and cheese tasting, we were massively impressed with their collection – even those in the office who weren’t wine lovers!

Inspired by the fertile countryside of Ireland, Móinéir is the Gaelic word for ‘meadows’, where they picked the berries for their first fruit wines. The artisan wines are available in three options: raspberry, strawberry and blackberry.

While all were delicious, strawberry won the most votes in the office. There are around 150 gently pressed strawberries in each bottle, their juices carefully fermented over a number of weeks, and aged to a golden-red hue.

Available to purchase at wicklowwaywines.ie for delivery in the Republic of Ireland. Due to licence restrictions a minimum purchase of 6x 750ml bottles is required (prices from €119.70). Individual bottles may be purchased online from speciality wine and food retailers, as well as in select restaurants and wine bars

✱On the rocks

The Fercullen 14-YearOld Single Malt is part of a planned release of premium Irish whiskeys launched by

the Powerscourt distillery. The Fercullen name is said to be inspired by the ancient name given to the lands on which the Powerscourt Estate is located, and the taste of the whiskey manages to reflect this history and charm. The whiskey has been distilled and set aside to mature in bourbon barrels for 14 years by awardwinning Master Distiller Noel Sweeney.

The smooth, sweet malt taste carries a fruity, and even spicy finish which makes this whiskey very drinkable, and that means it will go down a treat during the family céilí at Christmas.

Fercullen 14-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey, available to buy at the The Powerscourt Distillery Visitor Centre, or at powerscourtdistillery.com, €92

✱Irish-made

Ornabrak gets its name from the Irish, ‘Eorna Braiche’ (Malted Barley) as the gin has been crafted from 100pc Irish malted barley and distilled four times in a copper pot. Produced and sourced in the South East of Ireland, then milled, mashed, fermented and copper pot distilled by West Cork Distillers, this Single Malt Gin is truly Irish-made.

The smooth flavour has juniper, vanilla and a citrusy taste, but the most eyecatching part of Ornabrak Gin, is its stunning botanical and Irish barley artistry on its label by Irish artist, Lynn Stringer. It’s not just a bottle, it’s a work of art.

Ornabrak Single Malt Gin 50cl, available at Mulligan’s Whisky Store and tindalwine.com, €49.95

✱For the gin-thusiests

Named after the distiller’s great, great grandfather Micil Mac Chearra, Micil Irish Gin is the newest release from the Micil Distillery. This Distillery, known for creating poitín, is Galway’s first distillery to open in over 100 years, and it continues a 150-yearold family distillers tradition.

Their new gin is made using local botanicals from the coast of Connemara including bog myrtle, hawberry, heather, and the same locally-picked Connemara bogbean they use in their famous poitín, so it’s Irish through and through. Those with a sweet tooth will love this gin as it has a sweet citrus taste with liquorice notes.

Micil Irish Gin, available at celticwhiskeyshop.com, €48

✱Have a Ha’penny Christmas!

Ha’penny Spirits, the hand-crafted, small batch-distilled spirits range have a new limited edition Ha’penny Gin Bauble Christmas Set. Inspired by the iconic Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin, the set features two Ha’penny Dublin Dry Gin Christmas Baubles, two Ha’penny Rhubarb Gin baubles and a signature Ha’penny Gin glass. The dry gin is produced in small batches and is infused with 13 botanicals.

Fresh rhubarb is then added to the mix for their unique rhubarb gin. Drink up this Christmas or just hang the pretty baubles on the tree and see who grabs one first on Christmas Day! Ha’penny Gin Baubles set, available at Supervalu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores, the Celtic Whiskey Shop and select independent off-licenses around the country, €32

✱Release the Kraken

Go international with this imported Caribbean Kraken rum, which is blended with spices including cinnamon, ginger and clove along with caramel. Named for the sea beast of legend, the rum is packaged in a very distinctive 70cl Victorian flagon-style clear glass bottle. Those who dream of pirates can make their dreams come true by drinking this strong and smooth Kraken rum from the dramatic, old-time bottle.

Set sail and sing ‘Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of Kraken rum!’

Kraken Black Spiced Rum, available at obrienswine.ie and krakenrum.com and Tesco, €35

✱Spirit of the sausage

The Shed Distillery have had incredible success with their Gunpowder Gin and now they have released their new premium Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka. The name is taken from the Kigelia Africana plant, also known as the ‘sausage tree’. Creator, PJ Rigney travelled to Africa where he discovered the remarkably named African sausage tree, took its fruit and slow distilled it with wild Irish nettle and pure Irish grain spirit. Handpackaged in a striking red-tinted bottle, the smooth and creamy taste of the vodka is distinctive and is truly ‘nature’s purest vodka’.

Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka 70cl, available at O’Briens and leading offlicences, €49

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

Stocking fillers

The Pie Face Cannon by Hasbro will guarantee plenty of laughs over the festive season.

One player puts their chin on the chin rest behind the facemask, while the other player aims the cannon and launches the whipped cream (whipped cream not included). The player behind the mask must try to avoid getting ‘pie-faced’ by blocking it at just the right moment with the plastic hand. Players earn points by either blocking themselves or by successfully ‘pie-ing’ their opponent.

The first player to get five points wins!

Pie Face Cannon, available on littlewoodsireland.ie, €34.99

SUPER SURPRISES!

CHOCOLATE JEWELS

Thomas Sabo and chocolate manufacturer Lindt have created an Advent calendar together. Along with exquisite creations

by Lindt, the 24 windows also contain shopping vouchers for the jewellery and watch brand that can be redeemed during the lead-up to Christmas or by Valentine’s Day 2019. With a little luck, the recipient might also discover the one-time jackpot – a dream trip for two. A delicious Advent season is guaranteed!

Thomas Sabo Advent Calendar, available from thomassabo.com and select stockists, €19.90

HOT TO HANDLE

Take care of your hands this winter!

This hand kit from & Other Stories has three luxurious mini hand creams, which leaves hands feeling silky smooth and divinely scented.

Smudge Care Hand Kit, available at & Other Stories, €15

A HEADS UP

PERFECT GIFT FOR GAA FANS

For anyone with a passion for GAA and Irish history, an annual membership to the GAA Museum’s ‘Friends of the GAA Museum’ membership programme is the ideal gift. Friendship has always been at the heart of the GAA and ‘Friends of the GAA Museum’ was created to support the museum in its mission to promote our national games by preserving their values, culture and most importantly, the people who have contributed to the Association.

Veteran broadcaster and commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was made an Honorary Friend of the GAA Museum in recognition of his legendary contribution as ‘the voice of Gaelic Games’ for more than six decades. The annual membership allows unlimited access to the GAA Museum with a guest throughout the year and a special guided tour with the Museum Curator. Friends will also receive a membership welcome pack, with a personalised mini-hurley in their county colours, a complimentary Stadium Tour, and discounts at the GAA Museum shop and café. One of the membership highlights is an exclusive invitation to a VIP gala evening at the GAA Museum with other avid supporters.

Annual membership is €100. Visit crokepark.ie/gaamuseum-friend

With cycling, safety always comes first.

But style, comfort and functionality come perfectly together in KASKs Protone helmet (€235). The helmet is so light at 215g, that it won’t even be noticed when worn. It’s perfect for weekend spins but is also worn by Team Sky so is race ready too. For the style conscious, it’s available in 19 colours but we love the classic black.

We highly recommend it and so will anyone who receives it! They also have the new Mojito X Peak (€135), which is perfect for those who like a peak (removeable) to keep sun, rain and dirt out of their eyes. A helmet could prove a very valuable gift in 2019 and beyond.

KASKs Protone Helmet, available at wiggle.co.uk and leading stockists, €235

COFFEE CALLING

Been on the lookout for a coffee cup that is fashionable, yet makes a stand against waste? The Pukka Bamboo cup is what you need! Available in three unique prints, the cup is made from the world’s most sustainable crop, pesticide-free bamboo fibre and non-GMO corn starch. The Pukka Bamboo Cup is easy to use, reusable, and dishwasher friendly, and it is free from nasty chemicals like BPA or phthalate.

Pukka Bamboo Cup, available at pukkaherbs.com and independent health food stores, €12.99

07

GET PIED

Stuck on what gifts to fill the stocking with this year?

You won’t be any more with these suggestions!

You can find many quirky and creative stocking fillers for all ages and interests in Flying Tiger stores. From toy tractors and unicorn teddies to Christmas tree decorations and snowmen mugs.

Tractor (€4), Unicorn Teddy (€6) and Snowman Mug (€4), all available at Flying Tiger stores nationwide

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

GETAWAY GIFT

THE MILLIONAIRE RAFFLE. YOU CAN WIN IT!

It’s that time of year again. The Millionaire Raffle from the National Lottery is bigger and better than ever with one millionaire guaranteed and over 5,500 cash prizes from €500 to the €1 million top prize!

This year, the odds of winning are the best they’ve ever been, so give yourself or a lucky friend the chance to win it this Christmas.

The draw takes place on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are €25 and are strictly limited so get yours today from any National Lottery agent nationwide, or at lottery.ie

The post-Christmas blues won’t take long to kick in, so give your loved one a special experience to look forward to in the New Year. With an Irelandshotels.com Gift Card, they can choose from hundreds of hotels and guesthouses around Ireland to stay in, and for whichever date suits best. The Gift Card can be booked online at irelandhotels.com or by calling 1890 876769 and you have the option of receiving it by post or an e-Card via email. You can also choose for the Card to be delivered to you or to somebody else. Whether they want a family break, romantic escape or quality time with the girls, there is something for everyone at any time of the year.

Prices start from €50. For more information and terms and conditions, visit irelandhotels.com

08

SPONSORED

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

30 November 2018

03

04

✱Best of the west

This Beard Care Gift Box by West Cork Beard Company is the perfect gift for the bearded man. Owner Colin Murphy from Clonakilty is passionate about quality beard care products and this, plus his love of his hometown, is what drives him to continue to build his company. You’ll often see his products shot in stunning locations around West Cork. The beautifully packaged gift box includes two beard oils, which you can choose from three varieties (Peppermint and Tea Tree; Cinnamon Bark and Black Pepper; and Sandalwood and Juniper Berry) and one beard balm. The man in your life will be able to moisturise and nourish his beard, as well as gain control of those flyaway hairs.

Beard Care Gift Box, available at westcorkbeardcompany.ie and select stores and barbers in Cork, Waterford, Westmeath and Tipperary, €38

✱Be the boss

With a powerful scent, a man can conquer the world and he will definitely do so with a spray of BOSS The Scent! An irresistible fragrance, with notes of ginger, the exotic maninka fruit and leather, this is perfect for an evening on the town. The bottle itself is eye-catching, with a cage-like design and the iconic Hugo Boss logo.

[01] Hugo Boss The Scent Eu de Toilette 50ml, available at The Perfume Shop, €62

✱Super cosy

Make sure he keeps himself warm and stylish at the same time this winter, with this cableknit beanie from Superdry. Add in these quirky polka dot socks into the mix

02 01

It’s all about him The guys on our editorial team choose some great present ideas for sons, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, dads and grandads!

too. Buying presents for him can often be a tough task, and if you are stuck for ideas, you can never go wrong with a pair of socks – or, three pairs in this case!

Merchant Seaman Beanie (€23) and City Sock Triple Pack (€17), both available on superdry.com and Superdry stores nationwide

✱Keep calm and cycle on

If you want to give the gift of style and comfort to the cyclist in your household, then look no further than Rapha. They make incredible on-and-off bike gear for both men and women. We feel these two items are great gifts for the long winter ahead. Their merino wool Track Jacket (€155) has an eye-catching varsity style collar and softshell panels on the front, which give extra protection in the cold.

When you pick it up, you instantly see Rapha’s fine quality and the cut means it works perfectly well on and off the bike.

It’s the ideal garment for keeping you warm on your daily commute as a second

layer, whilst also being perfect office attire.

They also have something excellent for those miserable rainy days. The Hooded Rain Jacket II is both stylish and uber practical and the hood can also be removed. You could wear this cycling to work, to the coffee shop or even wear it every day off the bike. It is the little details around the cuffs and in the fabric that really make their products stand out, plus they offer a brilliant repair service if you crash and damage your clothing.

[02] Rapha Hooded Rain Jacket II €270 & Track Jacket €155, both available online at rapha.cc

✱Boots made for walking With so many events on over Christmas, getting the right footwear is essential. The Rockport Chukka boot is super comfortable for standing around all day and night, but

is very on-trend too. The boot is available in suede or leather and getting these on Christmas morning would make the man in your life very happy.

Rockport Total Motion Sport Dress Chukka Boot, available at sportsdirect.com and other retailers, €156

✱Under the spotlight

Spotlight Whitening’s Teeth Whitening Kit (€39.95) is the ultimate present for the man who likes to take care of his appearance. Spotlight offers a safe and affordable solution to whiter teeth at home, using the clinically proven ingredient Hydrogen Peroxide, and formula was developed by Irish dentists (and sisters) Dr Lisa and Dr Vanessa Creaven. Individual sets are available for male and females, with each kit containing teeth white strips that have been specifically designed with the anatomical

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

Ready player one

difference between genders in mind, which help to maximise results for each user.

There is also a special Christmas gift set available (€50), which also includes whitening toothpaste and high-performance, wireless headphones. So, he can dance away while tending to his dental needs!

[03] Spotlight Teeth Whitening Strips Kit For Men, available at spotlightwhitening.com and pharmacies nationwide

Our resident gamers road-test some of the new computer game releases. Here are three of their favourites

✱Skin saviour

BATTLEFIELD V

It’s not just women who can wear face masks, men should be taking care of their skin too and BARBER PRO’s Gentleman’s Sheet Mask will rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Packed with natural ingredients that rebalance oily and dry patches while improving elasticity and skin tone, this sheet mask is an excellent all-rounder. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of green tea in the product also targets problematic skin and reduces redness. A great stocking filler and particularly useful after any late nights over the party season.

BARBER PRO Gentleman Sheet Mask, available at harveynicols.com and select pharmacies and chemists such as Sam McCauleys Chemist, €6

Battlefield is a hugely popular game and its latest edition was only released on 20th November by EA. The gameplay is electric with so much action keeping you fully immersed in its WWII setting. With one player campaign and various multiplayer options available this will be a very popular gift for Christmas.

Battlefield, available from game stockists nationwide and to download on PS4 and X-Box, from €69.99

FIFA 19

✱January blues

Along with hip clothing for women, online lifestyle brand The Couture Club has cool pieces for men. This faded blue sweater will look great with black jeans, either dressed up for a night out over Christmas or worn more casually during the day.

[05] Faded Crew Sweater, available at thecoutureclub.com or The Couture Club in Dundrum, €56

How sophisticated and stylish does this watch, with faux leather and River Island branding, look? It would look even better on your loved one’s wrist! If he wears this timepiece to any get-togethers over Christmas, expect it to be the talk of the party.

[06] Black Bronze Tone Minimal Watch, available at riverisland.ie or River Island stores nationwide, €33

The great thing about FIFA is that it is suitable for almost all ages and over Christmas gatherings, it can be something both parents and kids can join in on. FIFA 19 sees the conclusion of Alex Hunter’s journey to footballing superstar and the ever-popular FUT option (giving players the option to play customised teams against each other) keeps online play exciting.

FIFA 19, available from game stockists nationwide and playstation.com, from €54.99

✱Footie favourites

ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY

06

✱Time will tell

✱The name’s Bond

This impressive replica LEGO model captures the elegance and timeless sophistication of Agent 007’s iconic 1964 sports car and comes with a wealth of authentic details and functioning gadgetry. The LEGO Aston Martin DB5 model also features opening doors, boot and bonnet, and a detailed interior with a concealable radar tracker and door compartment with telephone. The set includes over 1,290 pieces and is suitable for ages 16+. The model has been designed to provide a challenging and rewarding building experience, full of nostalgia. An amazing collector’s item for the Bond and LEGO fan in your life.

[04] James Bond Aston Martin DB5, available at shop.lego.com, €149.99

09

05 07

08

Football fans will love this unique print of their favourite football team’s home stadium. Created by Turf Football Art, it would make a fantastic memento and the minimalist style graphic illustration will suit any modern home interior. If the team’s football stadium that you would like to purchase is not currently available, then Ben at Turf Football Art will make it specially for you. The designs are printed onto a semi-gloss finish 275gsm fine art paper, however the frame is not included.

[07] Personalised Contemporary Football Stadium Print, available from notonthehighstreet.com, from €11.52

✱Ireland’s call

Get the home replica Ireland jersey just in time for the Six Nations. Not only does the jersey look incredible, but it’s also the same fit and fabric as the players jersey.

VapoDri+ means it is quick to dry and boosts evaporation of perspiration. It is also available to buy in ladies sizes.

[08] Mens Ireland Vapodri+ SS Home Test Jersey, available at shop.irishrugby.ie, €114

With a 9.2/10 rating from IGN, a video game and entertainment website (“The best the series has ever been”), this is a seriously hot game this Christmas. It is a roleplaying video game, set in 431BC, so it covers some history along the way, with King Leonidas, Sokrates and Hippokrate’s all appearing. It’s a great adventure and the graphics and gameplay are breathtaking.

Assassins Creed Odyssey, available from game stockists nationwide and to download on PS4 and X-Box, from €39.99

10

SPONSORED

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

30 November 2018

05

06 03 01

02 07

04

✱Dancing queens One for lovers of Abba, Cher and the movie Mamma Mia, the ‘Dancing Queen’ album will have everyone up dancing, jiving and ‘having the time of your life’!

From ‘Waterloo’ to ‘Fernando’, Cher covers a variety of favourite Abba hits.

[01] Cher ‘Dancing Queen’, available at Golden Discs, €14

✱BLOwn away This limited edition LanaiBLO hairdryer in rose gold doesn’t just look gorgeous, it also works gorgeously, creating salon hair at home. My hair usually frizzes when I dry it, but the innovative technology in LanaiBLO made it look soft and sleek. I couldn’t stop flipping my hair about to show it off! But word of warning, these hairdryers are in-demand.

Owned by Irish entrepreneur Katie-Jane Goldin, LanaiBLO is the go-to brand among celebrities such as TV host Holly Willoughby and singer Una Healy, so I would advise ordering your gift now.

LanaiBLO Limited Edition Rose Gold, available at lanaiblo.com, €99

Gifts to make her smile Whether it is something for your mother, grandmother, daughter, best friend, sister or girlfriend, Clodagh Dooley has it all covered with these special gift ideas

Photo credit: Abe Neihum

✱Styling staple

✱Fresh fragrant

✱‘Tis the season for tanning

One of my sister’s biggest pet peeves is having to do her own hair and this Christmas, her wish is to find a hair curler which requires minimum effort to use.

(Spoiler alert!) I have found the perfect one for her. The InStyler Max has heated rotating ceramic barrels, which allows you to easily control the wand and create different looks – be that bouncy waves, curls or even a glossy straight style. Plus, there are ionic bristles opposite to the iron, which help to add volume, smooth the hair and reduce frizz, while using less heat to keep the hair protected.

[02] InStyler Max, available at instyler.ie, €99.99

As well as creating an exclusive range of seaweed and essential oil-based beauty products, Irish company Green Angel have used their extensive experience of blending premium oils and fragrances to create a range of candles and reed diffusers. The Lemongrass and Lime diffuser is a fresh, juicy fragrance with cool West Indian Lime and hints of Jamaican ginger and aromatic lemongrass. It’s an ultra-safe, flame-free option to add an inviting fragrance to a room and will last for up to three months.

[04] Green Angel Lemongrass and Lime Diffuser, available at greenangel.com or at the Kilkenny Shop, Avoca, Shaws, Meadows & Byrne and leading pharmacies and lifestyle shops nationwide, from €29.95

I like to have a natural glow all year-round (even if it is from the bottle!) but find it difficult to find a tanning cosmetic which suits my dry skin and doesn’t have a strong odour. Until Bellamianta came along, that is! Now, I swear by this tan and would recommend the Medium Self-Tanning Lotion Gift Set for those who love to be bronzed, but not too dark.

The set includes: Medium Self-Tanning Tinted Lotion, which dries in 60 seconds and develops after a couple of hours; Skin Perfecting Instant Tan, which provides a flawless effect; and a Luxury Double Sided Velvet Tanning Mitt.

[06] Bellamianta Medium Self-Tanning Tinted Lotion Gift Set, available at www.bellamianta.ie and stockists nationwide, €24. Set is also available in Dark for €28

✱Something ‘Davine’ On the topic of hair-related gifts, Italian heritage brand Davines have created amazing gift boxes, which include their best-selling products. And, you don’t even need to be that interested in hair affairs, because they have a range of sets which will suit anyone. The beautifully packaged Illuminating Futuristic Kit includes MINU shampoo, MINU conditioner and OI All-in-One Milk (a leave-in conditioning treatment). Once the box is empty, it can also be conveniently used to store small objects, such as jewellery.

[03] Davines Illuminating Futuristic Kit, available at davines.com or salons nationwide, from €52

✱Street style The Couture Club, an online lifestyle brand, recently opened its first Irish store in Dundrum Town Centre. There are many individual and unique pieces at affordable prices to choose from and if you’re buying for someone who is into ‘sports luxe’ type style, then this twin set (purchased separately) for women is ideal and on-trend.

[05] Essential Striped Crew Neck Sweater, available at thecoutureclub.com or The Couture Club in Dundrum, €56 Essential Striped Leggings, available at thecoutureclub.com or The Couture Club in Dundrum, €39

✱Bright and sparkly These glam earrings from Irish jewellery makers, Betty and Biddy, have arrived just in time for the festivities. With diamante detailing in grey-and-silver tones, and a hint of colour from the pastel-blue earring tops, they’re sure to jazz up any outfit. Betty and Biddy have lots of new styles in regularly.

[07] Isme and Aideen Gift Set, available on bettyandbiddy.com, €21

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

11

5 winter skincare gift sets Yon-Ka Paris La Vie en Rose

08

Keep skin hydrated this winter with this beautiful set from Yon-Ka Paris.

It includes Hydra No 1 Crème, Hydra No 1 Masque and Yon-Ka Lotion PS, all presented in a special ‘La Vie en Rose Pouch’. The combo aims to give you restored and radiant-looking skin.

Available at renaissance-skincare. com and approved salons nationwide, €56.50

09

Dr Hauschka Daily TLC Body Care Set

With the winter months being harsh on skin, it makes sense to treat that special someone to luxurious body creams.

This Dr Hauschka gift set is filled with treats that will strengthen, smooth and protect the skin: Rose Nurturing Body Cream, Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Cream and the rich Almond Soothing Body Cream.

Available at drh.ie and stockists nationwide, €24.95

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Gift Set 10

✱Watch out!

✱Makeover time

This Cluse La Garçonne watch, available in either scarlet red or rose gold, combines androgyny and classic elegance. It’s a simple timepiece, yet will make a huge statement, and is perfect with any outfit.

[08] Cluse La Garçonne Watch, available at The Kilkenny Shop, €89.95

I recently got my make-up done at Dublinbased salon One Dame Lane, owned by Lyndsey Cavanagh, and I loved every bit of the experience. Lyndsey is one of Ireland’s most experienced and respected makeup artists on the fashion and beauty circuits, as well as for weddings.

Before she begins working her magic, Lyndsey asks exactly what look you would like her to achieve and she always checked with me to make sure that I was happy with what she was doing throughout the application. She was also happy to share some useful tips on products. I loved the finished look, and so did my boyfriend Mark! And, I didn’t need to top up my makeup all night.

Why not treat that special someone to an appointment or voucher for makeup application at One Dame Lane this Christmas? Or, book yourself in for a makeover. Lyndsey also creates her own jewellery, which is on display at the salon and well worth seeing, as you might find a gift idea for someone this Christmas, or even for yourself!

[10] Call One Dame Lane on (01) 2247103 to book an appointment or arrange a voucher

✱You’re a star Lightweight and easy to wear, the gold star earrings from Catherine de Crèvecoeur’s Gold and Silver Collection will work for daytime and all through the party season. Handmade using the best quality leather materials and gold-plated findings.

Marilyn Earrings, available at www.catherinedc.com, €35

✱In the bag Everyone needs a good, quality handbag for carrying around everyday items.

It is most definitely a gift you can’t go wrong with. But, to add more of a personal touch, theazurinastore.com have beautiful leather bags that you can monogram your loved one’s initials onto.

This black Saffiano Tote Bag ticks all the boxes – with plenty of space, an inner zipped pouch and a sophisticated look.

The only downside is that you may want to keep it for yourself!

[09] Black Saffiano Tote Bag, available at theazurinastore.com, €91.74

The Aveeno gift set features three full-size Aveeno favourites (Daily Yogurt Moisturising Wash, Daily Moisturising After Shower Mist and Daily Moisturising Creamy Oil), all in a handy wash-bag which can be reused.

The products are great for revitalising and caring for your skin.

Available at pharmacies nationwide, from €18.50

Dermalogica Your Most Radiant Skin Set

This set is exactly what it says on the box! It contains a range of products to help kick-start skin renewal, achieve instant radiance and guard against the signs of aging. Each gift box also comes with a built-in gift tag. Just tear, fold, and add a personalized message for the perfect gift this holiday season!

Available at dermalogica.ie or stockists nationwide, €84

Vichy Cleansing Christmas Gift Set

The Vichy Cleansing gift set is the perfect cleansing option, whether you are looking for a relaxed cleansing ritual or a fast fix. Pureté Thermal removes impurities, makeup and excess dirt, while soothing the skin. The Aqualia Thermal Day and Night is the perfect finish to keep the skin hydrated for up to 48 hours, giving beautiful healthylooking results. The set includes: Pureté Thermale One Step Cleanser 3-in-1, Pureté Thermale Eye Makeup Remover, Aqualia Thermal Light Day Care, Aqualia Thermal Night Spa and Thermal Spa Water.

Available at pharmacies nationwide, from €21.50

12

SPONSORED

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

Book club We round up some of the best books for all your loved ones this Christmas For your sportsmad uncle

John Greene – On the Seventh Day: Thirty Years of Great Sport Writing from the Sunday Independent Does your uncle yell at the Sunday Game every weekend, or sing football songs at the top of his lungs? This new collection of some of the best sports writing published in Ireland over the last 30 years taken from the pages of the Sunday Independent could be the perfect gift for him.

Read about the day Eamon Dunphy went for a drink in London with George Best, or the day Paul Kimmage sat down with Roy Keane in Saipan. Sunday Independent sports editor, John Greene, presents a range of articles from the sports desk which will resonate in the minds of any Irish sports fan.

On the Seventh Day showcases voices such as Paul Kimmage, Eamon Dunphy, David Walsh and Eamonn Sweeney.

Together, the pieces show how great sports writing can stand the test of time.

John Greene’s On the Seventh Day, available at all good bookstores, €19.99

For your fictionloving mum

Helen Cullen – The Lost Letters of William Woolf You might like murder mysteries or can’t wait to read those young adult ‘end of the world’ stories, but sometimes you just need an optimistic, inspiring book. And The Lost Letters of William Woolf is just that. This debut novel from a former RTÉ worker, Helen

Cullen, is about a letter detective in the Dead Letters Depot in East London, William Woolf. He spends his days solving mysteries of letters filled with confessions of love and deep regret lost to the whims of the post office. When William discovers letters addressed to ‘My Great Love’, his work in the depot takes on a new meaning, while his own marriage crumbles around him.

This book is beautifully written and through William’s work with missing letters, some poignant stories get told, such as a war volunteer writing to the little boy he saved, or the mother writing to the daughter she was forced to give up. With the heart-breaking stories, whimsical romance and charming 1990s setting, your mum will be loving this book on Christmas Day. Helen Cullen’s The Lost Letters of William Woolf, available from Penguin Books at all good bookstores, €14.99

For your boyfriend who dreams he’s a private eye

Robert Galbraith – Lethal White It’s no secret that Robert Galbraith is not really Robert Galbraith. He goes by another very famous name, JK Rowling.

But she has proven herself successful at more than just children’s books with her Cormoran Strike series of books and its TV adaptation. This fourth book in the series follows Detective Strike and his now partner in the agency, Robin Ellacott, investigating a crime a young man claimed he saw. Strike deals with this crime while keeping his fraught personal relationship with Ellacott from boiling over.

This book has a mystery at its core, but

its complex characters are what keep readers coming back to this series. This book may suit those who have been keeping up with the series, but the crime thriller at the heart of the story can satisfy newcomers.

Robert Galbraith’s Lethal White, available at all good bookstores, €14.99

For your country music loving sister

Nathan Carter – Born for the Road There is no question that Nathan Carter has become one of Ireland’s biggest country music stars in recent years. He has sold out venues across the UK and Ireland, has his own primetime show, and is loved by legions of fans and screaming girls for his singing, as well as his good looks.

In his autobiography, Nathan Carter talks about growing up in Merseyside, his music-filled childhood and his first taste of showbiz to what took him to chart success.

If your sister loves to jive away to Nathan Carter and has her cowboy hat and boots hanging in her bedroom, something tells me she will love this book. Pair it with a Nathan Carter album and you’ll be loved on Christmas Day. Nathan Carter’s Born for the Road, available from Penguin Books at all good bookstores, €19.99

For your cooking-crazy bestie

James Kavanagh & William Murray – The Currabinny Cookbook Social media influencer James Kavanagh and his chef partner, William Murray’s food business, Currabinny, has grown a huge fan-base over the years. This has only increased after they reached the finals of RTÉ’s The Taste of Success. Their charm and popularity on social media is always a hit with younger viewers in particular, and now their new book can influence their fans to pick up a whisk and getting

30 November 2018

cracking some eggs.

One of the most admirable qualities of James and William’s cooking is that they celebrate traditional ingredients such as butter, cream, and local produce and give them a modern twist. This means that anyone can find these ingredients and make delicious recipes. From breakfast ideas (Macroom Oatmeal with Saturn Peaches, Pomegranate & Raw Honey) to sweet treats (Apple, Rosemary & Buttermilk Cake) this book has everything required for a filling Christmas.

James Kavanagh & William Murray’s The Currabinny Cookbook, available from Penguin Books and at all good bookstores, from €17

For your thoughtful friend!

Frank McGuinness – Paprika Best known as a playwright, in particular for his highly acclaimed stage hit Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Donegal-born Frank McGuinness has pleasantly surprised this reader with his debut anthology of short stories. Comprising twelve stories of varying length, ‘Paprika’ paves the way for a witty, shocking and haunting experience.

Frank McGuinness is not afraid to explore true observations on humanity. In this collection, he shrewdly, and bravely, takes a look at the madness of love. He also examines the harsh and fickle world of theatre. This results in a collection of stories that are both spellbinding and fluid. One story in particular which stirred me was ‘Chocolate and Oranges’, in which a young immigrant is unfairly accosted by his rancorous supervisor. This story poetically and powerfully touches on issues of power, discrimination and the freedom of speech – all staples for the Buncrana born writer.

This unique and enthralling collection showcases Frank McGuinness as a master storyteller and will make the perfect gift for any short story lover who wishes to explore brave linguistic choices and challenging subject matters.

Paprika by Frank McGuinness, published

by The O’Brien Press, in all good bookstores from €16.99

SPONSORED

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

13

Beauty sleep 03

Glowing candles You can never have enough candles in the home and we found it very difficult to choose our favourite, so we have three – and all of which are made in Ireland!

First up, Rathbornes (1) is an Irish candle company founded back in 1488, making them the oldest candle company in the world. Their new scent from the Beyond the Pale collection is called Dublin Dusk (€54) and the four-wick luxurious candle’s dark, spicy tones of ginger, pepper and anise reveal a lovely base of sweet notes of patchouli and soft musk. Our editorial team loved the crisp freshness of the scent. Rathbornes also have a Limited Edition Travel Candle Christmas Gift

01 Set (€50), which includes three single-wick travel candles, in their top three signature scents Dublin Tea Rose, Cedar and Clove, and White Pepper and Honeysuckle. These gifts are available at rathbornes1488.ie.

Meanwhile, Irish-owned company Max Benjamin’s Paris In The Fall Collection (2) will take you to another world.

Inspired by autumnal flowers that paint the palace gardens and golden leaves that drench the tree-lined boulevards, the

beautiful scented candles and diffusers start at €24.95 and are available at maxbenjamin.ie.

And, last but not least, another Irish company making waves is Jane Darcy (3), founded by Gillian Halpin and named after her two daughters’ middle names. We loved the uplifting Jane Darcy Precious Moments Lemongrass and Bergamot candle (€30) in particular, which is available at 02 janedarcy.ie.

If we are lucky, we spend a third of our life sleeping, so why not give the gift of a 100% mulberry silk pillowcase and eye mask from The Ethical Silk Company, which will make the experience so much better. The benefits are that it doesn’t draw moisture from skin or hair, which can help with hair breakage and allows any face creams to be absorbed into your skin, rather than into your pillow.

The Ethical Silk Company are an Irish company using Fairtrade production units which produce the most beautiful products imaginable.

Sleeping Beauty Set – Mulberry Silk Pillowcase and Eye Mask, available at theethicalsilkco.com, from €70

Deck the halls!

We select a range of Irish-made home gifts, that will add a personal touch to your home this festive season and throughout

Emerging designers

Festive touches

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

And, it certainly will after you have checked out the Christmas furnishing gifts from Hedgeroe Home, an interiors lifestyle brand inspired by the signature elegant design of Rhona Roe. Rhona’s daughter Rebecca is now Creative Director and the Hedgeroe collections are inspired by their travels and crafts. Check out some of the incredible selection of gifts in the above image. (Dog not included!)

White frosted pine wreath (€195), Star Bench (€775), Champagne Coupe (€9), Faux Flowers; Taupe Magnolia (€18), Glitter Magnolia Spray (€15), White Dog Wood Spray (€13), all available at hedgeroehome.com

Jam Art Factory opened its doors on Patrick Street in 2011 with a desire to showcase the abundant and talented artists emerging in Ireland today. Since then, this independent gallery and design shop has been showcasing smart, contemporary Irish art to a growing band of avid fans. Handpicked artists fill the gallery with fresh concepts in print, using both traditional and contemporary techniques. In 2013, brothers Mark and John opened a second location in the lively surrounds of Crown Alley in Temple Bar, and today, Jam Art Factory ships prints all over the world. The Dublin Skyline artwork by Donal Mangan caught our eyes, but there are many amazing pieces to choose from.

Dublin Skyline, available at jamfactory.com or at the Jam Art Factory stores, from €18

Meaningful prints Three Little Birds Illustration is owned and run by husband-and-wife team, Neil and Deborah, and based in Co Cavan.

Deborah is a self-taught calligrapher and artist, while Neil converts the artwork into digital images which is then used to create invitations, prints and greeting cards. They have lovely prints on their website, suitable for all ages and rooms of your home, including this one which features the Galileo quote, “I’ve loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night”.

A very thoughtful present.

A5 Print (€17.50), A4 (€23) and A3 (€30), available on threelittlebirds.ie and some shops nationwide

Stocking up Making your home a haven you can cosy up in is not just about the interiors – what you stock in the cupboard matters too!

Imagine waking up to this tasty Irish Craft Beer and Snacks Gift Crate from Hampers & Co, which contains Rye River Brewing Ale, McGargles Mary’s Red Ale, Keoghs Flame Grilled Irish Steak Crinkle Crisps and more – an ideal gift for the beer connoisseur. Founder of Hampers & Co Emer Purcell spent the first half of 2018 sourcing and curating a luxurious product range. From vineyards in France and Spain, to local Irish producers, the Hampers & Co 2018 collection includes culinary treats and superior products from a selection of award-winning, premium producers.

Irish Craft Beer and Snacks Gift Crate, available at hampersandco.com, €36.90

14

SPONSORED

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

‘Tis the season to give back Give back this Christmas, while experiencing some fun events around Ireland Wicklow Christmas Island

Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum, offer an exciting journey on The North Pole Express! Take a trip to Christmas Island where you will meet the Elves who will try to bring out your creative side, get your family photo taken in Santa’s giant red sleigh and then dance and sing with the Elves. You then depart Christmas Island on Santa’s giant sleigh boat headed to see the big man himself in Santa’s Grotto. The Christmas Island even won Best Santa Experience at the Boots Maternity and Infant Family Awards 2018.

When purchasing your Christmas Island tickets, you also have the option to donate €1. For every €1 donated, Christmas Island will donate another €1 to Crumlin’s Children’s Hospital. Since 2014, this event has donated €16,320 and the hope is to raise even more again this year!

Tickets are €20 per child, €8 per infant and €14.50 per adult. Starts today until Sunday 23rd December.

For more information visit, christmasisland.ie

A Time to Remember

Since 1989, St Francis Hospice Dublin has been serving patients and their families within the local community. In December of every year, the hospice remembers all those they have cared for through Tree of

Life Ceremonies, held in the grounds of St Francis Hospice, Raheny and Blanchardstown.

The Hospice Christmas tree is made up of hundreds of lights and these lights can be sponsored for €5 per light, before and after the ceremony, in memory of a loved one or for somebody experiencing difficulty in their lives. A Tree of Life Card is also available with each light purchased.

The ceremonies in both Raheny (Thursday, 13th December 2018 @ 7.30 p.m.) and Blanchardstown (Thursday, 6th December 2018 @ 8.00 p.m.) are outdoor, so it is important that you wrap up warm!

A red candle will be provided to you for the ceremony and can be taken home with you.

Sponsor a light on the Hospice Christmas tree, by phoning (01) 832 7535 / (01) 829 4000, online virtual Christmas Tree sfh. ie or just call into SFH Raheny or SFH Blanchardstown

Cats Aid also have their Christmas Fair on Saturday 1st December and how about you give a cat a dinner with a donation to the Give a Cat a Dinner campaign or bring along some dry or wet food to help feed the many cats in their care?

For more information on Cats Aid and to make a donation, visit catsaid.ie

GOAL Miles

Tens of thousands of people of all ages and fitness levels are gearing up for the return of the GOAL Mile on Christmas Day, with 130 venues across the country playing host to the annual fundraiser over the festive period.

Now in its 37th year, the GOAL Mile is held in villages, towns and cities all over Ireland every Christmas.

People run or walk a mile and contribute whatever they can afford to GOAL on the day. There is no need to register; just turn up on the day and donate what you can to GOAL. To find out about your local GOAL Mile, visit goalglobal.org

A Christmas Carol for Dublin’s Homeless

Cats Aid

A pet is definitely not just for Christmas, but it is the perfect time to take care of a vulnerable animal. Cats Aid rescues, rehabilitates and finds good homes for unwanted cats. The organisation makes it clear that no health-recoverable cat taken in by Cats Aid will ever be destroyed.

The Order of Malta volunteers are putting on a series of performances of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens for the homeless. Perhaps the most famous and heart-warming Christmas story of all time, it is the perfect festive entertainment with Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserliness finally finding redemption as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, on a snow-swept Christmas Eve. All proceeds will go to The Knight’s Run – an outreach that the Order of Malta runs every Thursday night

30 November 2018

on St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.

It provides a GP service, social welfare support, food and clothing.

A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas for all the family, while raising vital funds for those who live their lives on our streets.

On Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Sat 8th of December at 7.30pm (matinees 2.30pm on Saturday) at The Order of Malta HQ, in their amazing Victorian HQ on 32 Clyde Road, Dublin 4. Get tickets on the door or online at http://bit.ly/eventbriteChristmasCarol

The Moving Crib

The Moving Crib, the free event which entertains children and adults alike, has just opened its doors for its 62nd year. Parents who loved this event as a child can take their own little ones to the experience which made their Christmas.

Make your way down to the basement of St Martin Apostolate and enjoy many historical and fun stories, including Noah’s Ark, The Wise Men and many more. You don’t want to miss out on the Bray Gospel Choir whose passion for Gospel and Soul music is renowned, performing on Sunday 9th December from 12pm-4pm.

While entry is free, there are significant maintenance and operational costs, so visitors can a voluntary donation to help with the upkeep.

The Moving Crib is running until Sunday 6th January. For more information, contact stmartin.ie

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

15

16

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

30 November 2018

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

17

18

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

30 November 2018

30 November 2018

Christmas

ALL Wrapped UP

19