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×If you've not done all your Christmas shopping yet, or you're struggling to decide what to buy your loved ones, then Hannah on our team might be about to make your festive dreams come true.
She loves nothing more than a shopping spree (apart from TikTok, perhaps), so she's used her love of the checkouts to create a list of must-haves this Christmas. Best thing of all? They're all local businesses! Take it away, Hannah!
It’s officially that time of year where, if you’re anything like me, you are rushing around trying to think of gifts for your loved ones that aren’t typical Christmas, gimmicky rubbish.
Well, lucky for you guys, I am here to make your life that little bit easier by providing a Christmas gift guide with only the best present ideas from some great local businesses in Northern Ireland.
So, without further a-do, here are my top 5 spots for gifts this Christmas:
If you haven’t heard of this business, firstly – where have you been? And secondly – this is an absolute must if your loved one likes some funky clothes or fluffy hats to keep them toasty this winter… or in our case, all year round with the fabulous NI weather.
OutsideIn provides various types of clothing including T-shirts, jumpers, fleeces, hats and socks. To add to their already great selection of clothing, these guys have a fantastic story and brand purpose focusing on supporting the homeless and promoting ‘Wear one, share one’ where they donate an item of clothing to the homeless every time an item is purchased.
So, if you want to get a great gift for your loved one whilst also helping a great cause this Christmas, then OutsideIn is the perfect spot for you!
Born and Bred is an absolute must for some great gifts this Christmas. They literally have something for EVERYONE, so whether you’re gifting your partner, your granny or your best friend’s dog – you are sure to find something at Born and Bred.
Born and Bred provide NI focused and sourced products that celebrate all things Northern Ireland, from locally made gifts to merch with quirky colloquialisms i.e., ‘alright big lad’, ‘What’s the craic?’ and ‘Ats us nai’.
If this sounds like it could be right up your loved one’s street, then be sure to check them out this Christmas so you’re not ‘up to high doh’ on the present hunt…
3. The Spirit Circle’s Sensorium
Who doesn’t like to do something a bit different here and there? Everybody loves a good experience and if your loved one is a fan of a tasty alcoholic beverage, learning something new and having a good laugh, then why not gift them a voucher to go to The Spirit Circle’s ‘Sensorium’?
Based in The National, the Sensorium is Belfast’s first interactive sensory cocktail experience and what an experience it is! The Sensorium is both fun and interesting – giving you the opportunity to test and learn more about your senses but also providing a great night of laughs and confusion in a room full of people in denial shouting “That’s definitely raspberry”, “No it’s 100% candyfloss!” – oh and let’s not forget the delicious cocktails you receive along the way.
Have a nosey (pun intended) at their Instagram to get a better look at the Sensorium experience!
For all the plant parents out there – this one is for you!
Memento is not only one of the most instagrammable spots in Belfast (you have to go look at their Instagram account), but also an incredible flower and plant store. Offering a huge range of plants (more than I thought imaginable), flowers, pottery, and giftware – you can pay a visit to the store or order the perfect present for your loved one online for Christmas.
Memento also offers customers the opportunity to attend private workshops with friends and family at their headquarters on Ormeau Road – so gather a group together and book a workshop session to get creative, do something different and have some fun with your loved ones this Christmas.
If you haven’t been to Sawers yet, I simply cannot explain how much you are missing out. When you enter the store, it is like stepping into foodie heaven with tasty treats covering every corner of their quaint and charming spot.
You can get everything from continental meats to cheeses, old sweets to gift hampers and you can also order sandwiches, buns and treats from their counter to eat on the go (I know this isn’t necessarily a present idea but hey, you can grab one while you’re shopping to keep you going).
So, if your loved one enjoys great quality food such as meats, cheeses, and chutneys – a hamper from Sawers is the best gift they could receive this Christmas, after all it is the season for eating.
Check out their TikTok to get a better look at the hampers and gifts available this Christmas!
