In this week’s blog, Mark highlights what some of the best businesses in Belfast and beyond have to offer when it comes to Christmas gifts, so you will have inspiration for everyone on your list this year… take it away, Mark!
Each year, I find myself in the same situation: it's Christmas Eve, and I'm wandering around my local shopping centre, trying to remember which Yankee Candle I bought for my mum last year, so I don’t accidentally get her the same one again. This year I don’t want to be in the same situation. So, what better way to motivate myself than providing everyone else with some gift inspiration?
Hopefully in helping others find their perfect presents, I too will be inspired to begin my shopping before December 24th and my mum will finally get something different after five years of Yankee Candles.
Never Never
Never Never, a Belfast independent clothing store selling brands such as Stussy, Cav Empt and Carhartt WIP, is the perfect stop for all things fashion this Christmas. Being the exclusive retailer of various streetwear brands across the island of Ireland, Never Never ensures that locals can secure the latest clothing drops right on their doorstep.
Never Never offers a wide range of streetwear essentials, from footwear and caps to coats, with options to suit every budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself or the streetwear enthusiast in your life, you're sure to find something this Christmas!
Born and Bred
It wouldn’t be a local Christmas gift guide without mentioning Born and Bred. The Belfast-based store showcases the best of Irish Talent. The shop’s passion for its home country is evident to see across the store, with each item reflecting some of the best bits and character of ‘our wee country’.
Born and Bred’s unique gifts range from candles with signature Northern Irish scents, mugs featuring phrases only locals would understand, and nostalgic artwork nostalgia of various NI landmarks. With something for everyone, Born and Bred offers the perfect gift to suit any family member, or maybe a friend who’s moved away and craves a little taste of home. These items bring a comforting reminder of Northern Ireland’s character no matter where they are!
Taste and Tour
Have a foodie in your life, but don’t want to resort to giving them a voucher for the same restaurant, again? A Taste and Tour voucher is the perfect alternative. Providing walking tours across the capital, Taste and Tour ensures that guests experience the best and most authentic Food and Drink options that Belfast has to offer.
Signature tours feature the original Belfast Food Tour, the Belfast Gin Jaunt, along with City Cocktail Circuit, Whiskey Walk and Wine Wander, offering something for everyone. With a varied selection of local finds, this tour also accommodates the needs of anyone with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can participate.
Book Paper Scissors
It’s no secret that Clearbox is home to a few avid readers, so it’s only right to highlight a local bookshop that’s perfect for all the bookworms in your life. Book Paper Scissors is an independent book shop situated in South Belfast. Stocking a curated selection of fiction and non-fiction books, you will be spoilt for choice. A new book is never a bad idea for any book lover!
Check out Amy’s favourite books of last year here for some inspiration…
Sawers
Another gift for the person who has everything, Sawers is renowned for its gourmet foods and treats. Based in Belfast city centre, this shop has it all, from local artisan products from Northern Ireland to classics from all around the world. Sawers also takes great pride in their Christmas hampers which can be easily amended to suit the taste of your gift recipient, making it the perfect foodie present.
Sound Advice
With a wall dedicated to everyone’s favourite records here at Clearbox, it was only fitting to give a recommendation for a music-themed gift. Sound Advice Belfast specialises in electronic, soul, disco and jazz records, with both new and preowned records. This is sure to be different from your usual record shop experience and you can guarantee picking up a gem that you will be unable to find anywhere else. A new vinyl at Christmas will always be a welcomed gift for any music enthusiast.
Happy shopping!
