At Clearbox, we're team ho ho ho and not no no no. Done your Christmas shopping yet? No? Tut tut.
Luckily for you, Ciara is here to lessen the inevitable pre-Christmas panic with her festive gift guide. Ciara has thankfully shared a list of local businesses that are bound to spark some present inspiration for your family and friends. Let’s have a look at her festive favourites.
Am I ever prepared for Christmas? No. I’m a guilty last minute shopper, and I regret it every year. This is the year where I change my Christmas routine and get myself prepared. So, I am helping everyone else out as I do so, with gift ideas featuring some of Clearbox’s favourite small businesses.
I have inspiration for everybody in your life, the music lover, the fashionista, the comedian and all in-between. We want to show some appreciation to the our much-loved small businesses this festive season.
Dainty Thrill, a Moira based jewellery business, is the perfect stop for some beautiful pieces for your nearest and dearest. The collections are designed by Gillian Magee, with the jewellery featuring unique designs and cool concepts. No doubt, one of the rings will catch your eye while scrolling through the website. With all rings available in gold or silver and adjustive sizing, they make a perfect gift.
Gillian even donates 5% of her profits to some charities that are close to her heart and a special collection, “The Diddie Collection”, featuring handmade rings and necklaces for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A Christmas gift that supports a small business and some local charities, with some fab jewellery, what's not to love?
When we are on the topic of jewellery, I couldn’t not mention Realta, a Clearbox favourite.
No better way to get that “Pinterest girl” look than some statement jewellery pieces. The website features some gorgeous designs, making your decision that bit harder. With the selection of products, you are destined to find a piece perfect for whoever you have in mind.
They offer a selection of rings, necklaces, earrings, ear cuffs, anklets, bracelets and even gift sets (if you are feeing extra lazy).
On the hunt for some funky prints for some funky people? Look no further than Floresc, a small online biz with some cool and colourful designs that brighten up any room. With posters, available in different sizes, and stickers available in various themes, such as best-selling Mean Girls collection and a collection featuring all your favourite cocktails, there is a poster for everyone.
Shauna’s designs live up to the hype and add personality to a space, making a great gift for that fun friend.
It is no secret we love a record here at Clearbox, with our record wall featuring many of our favourites. I had to include a music themed gift, perfect for any music lover. Bending Sound Records, Bangor, is home to all your record needs. With some of the most iconic records in store and great offers, you are spoilt for choice. A new record is always a welcomed gift from any music lover.
We couldn’t not mention Belfast businesses without mentioning Born and Bred, the Belfast-owned store that celebrates our madness, our sayings and our creativity. Their aim was to create a joyful gifting experience that was uniquely Irish, and they have definitely succeeded in doing so.
Their selection of gifts showcases Irish talent with a hint popular culture and comedy. Their gifts are unique to them and their ethos. With mugs, totes and art featuring all the places, sayings and characters that make our wee country so unique, you are sure to find something that will remind a loved one of home or socks for that friend whose only greeting is “awk hiya love”.
Getting a gift for someone who has everything? It really is the worst. That’s when you need to think outside of the box and get them a gift they can’t actually “own” per se. A perfect, memorable experience is Eden Pottery, located just outside Belfast. The experience allows you to unleash your artist through pottery decorating. Decorating your chosen Eden Pottery piece, using handmade, themed sponges, making the decorating a whole lot easier. The studio is perfect for adults and children alike, so why not make it a group gift? They also have a café open during studio times, where you can enjoy some coffee and food for some inspiration as you create your very own masterpiece.
We all have one friend who takes being a plant mum all a bit too seriously, we can’t forget about them. Memento, on the ormeau road is the perfect place to treat your plant mom friend to some gifts. Whether it be a new addition to their already huge collection or a decorative pot they have you covered. They also have a range of unrelated gifts such as rugs, candles, bags and books that are sure to be loved by the receiver. You can pop into their beautiful store or shop online for your perfect gift.
I hope you have gained some inspiration as we quickly approach the festive season. Let’s not forget about our small businesses this Christmas and show some support for their creativeness, talent and unique products ideal for gift giving.
