CHAR’s 2024 Christmas Gift Guide for Foodies
Words: Hannah Lemass
Tis the season for giving and we’re brimming with ideas for the foodie in your life. Everything is Irish, and while they’re not exactly edible, every is 100% certified tasty.
Pro Tip: If nothing here jumps out you for the that person who is just too hard to buy here for you can never go wrong with a few tried and true favourites for the pantry. We’re talking Harry’s Nut Butter, Grá Chocolates, a cheese board from Sheridan’s or a bottle of booze. You literally can not go wrong with any of those options. They come in at all kinds of price points to suit all kinds of budgets and remember, it’s the thought that counts.
Perfect For: Your Gas Little Sister
Anything from Dream Deli is bound to be a home run but the Pint Claw Clip is the star of the show. The designs are all tasty recreations of our favourite foods and drinks, from a full Irish breakfast to biscuits and even the humble pickle. Not only are the designs adorable, but they’re also functional—perfect for throwing your hair back into a demure, cutesy style. Plus, they’ll give you a warm, nostalgic rush through your entire nervous system.
Where to Buy: PlainOrSpicy.com
Price: €15
Perfect For: The Overachieving Cousin
Brace yourself for Christmas dinner when you get compared to every other member of the family in your generation. Oh, cousin Sarah is engaged, bought a house, and is five years younger than you? Fantastic. Grit your teeth, pretend to be thrilled for her, and get her something nice for her new gaff. These customisable gift boxes walk you step-by-step through filling it up with gorgeous ceramics, candles, or even a St. Brigid’s Cross.
Where to Buy: Irish Design Shop
Price: From €50 but it depends on what you choose to add.
Perfect For: Millennial Neighbour
The amazing Aaron F captures the nostalgia of youthful summers with this design showcasing all the best classic ice creams of yesteryear. Some are discontinued, some are eternal icons, but all represent delicious memories of sticky hands and happy grand stretches. This is perfect for anyone longing for the start of summer. It’ll roll around before you know it.
Where to Buy: store.districtmagazine.ie
Price: €28
Perfect For: Yer Ma
Mammies love a good cookbook. Sure, they rarely use them for recipes but they do enjoy flipping through them. The Blasta Books series is perfect for this. If you’re on a budget, grab one or two. If you want to be the favourite child, spring for the whole set—she deserves it. The books are filled with beautiful recipes and stunning illustrations. Even if she doesn’t cook a single dish, they’ll look gorgeous on the shelf. Plus, with new releases every year, you can keep adding to the collection as the years go on.
Where to Buy: Blasta hops.Books.com and all good book s
Price: From €15
Perfect For: Yer Da
Dads are famously hard to shop for. They like a few things: complaining about the weather, a sport of some kind, and having a pint at their local. So, why not get him a print of his favourite pub? Conor creates charming illustrations of Ireland’s most beloved pubs, which will mean more to your dad than any portrait of his children ever could. If your dad’s not a drinker, no worries. Conor’s portfolio includes other iconic Irish landmarks or you can opt for a portrait of one of his musical heros, Phil Lynott or Luke Kelly.
Where to Buy: ConorLangton.com, Folkster
Price: From €25
Perfect For: Your Vegan Friend
If you’ve got a mate who’s all about sustainability, the grow-your-own movement, or veganism, I’ve got a great gift idea for you. The Mushroom Butcher on South Circular Road not only serves unbelievable dishes from his food truck at the weekends but also sells grow-your-own bags for cultivating a mushroom jungle at home. It’s super easy: keep your “babies” warm, follow the instructions, and watch as delicious shrooms explode into existence. Sustainable and scrumptious.
Where to Buy: DM the Mushroom Butcher on Insta
Price: €15
Perfect For: Your Glamorous Aunt
Your Aunt. She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the moment. Now she needs an equally iconic accessory. Maya Grisham’s foodie-inspired bags, like the incredible Tayto crisp bag, are the ultimate statement pieces. But her range doesn’t stop there—from pizza to chips and some wonderfully Christmassy Roses and Quality Street Boxes, her designs prove craftsmanship and luxury don’t have to be boring.
Where to Buy: MayaGrisham.com
Price: From €200-€1,500
Perfect For: Your Sea-swim-obsessed Colleage
We all know someone who’s been lost to the sea-swimming epidemic. Instead of trying to lure them away from the overly invigorating cult, at least make sure they look cute while they’re doing it. Fatti Burke, one of Ireland’s most renowned illustrators, partnered with Guinness to create iconic swimwear. Best of all, it might just put the idea of a cosy pint in their head so you can meet up or a scoop with them after the indulge in their elective body torture.
Where to Buy: Guinness Storehouse
Price: From Women’s, €44 Mens, €35
Perfect For: Your Kris Kringle
When you don’t know someone well, a Christmas-themed gift is a safe bet. Ali Moore’s delightful stained glass sweeties are perfect for holiday décor and are bound to brighten up any space. They’re a thoughtful option for that barely recognisable colleague you’ve spoken to twice in three years. If your budget allows, grab a few for a truly stunning display.
Where to Buy: Irish Design Shop
Price: £24
Perfect For: Your Lazy Brother
Your brother’s cooking is… let’s call it “questionable.” Everything he makes is a shade of beige or grey. Help him out with Chimac’s incredible sauces for a much-needed flavour injection. He’s gonna love them all. For now he’ll get good use out of just using them to douse or dip his meals into but as he advances culinarily he’ll be able to use his sauces for more complex dishes and recipes. Maybe next year he’ll even take over the Christmas ham duties and use his Sriracha Caramel sauce as a glaze.
Where to Buy: Chimac.ie or most retailers, check the website for full list.
Price: €7.50
Perfect For: The Weird Uncle?
Choose your recipient wisely. These cheeky budgie smugglers leave very little to the imagination. Their bold design is eye-catching and carry a certain “vibe” that’s perfect for that one eccentric family member. Alright Uncle Seamus, its your turn to squirm when you open these bad boys. If you’d rather not make things weird, don’t worry—Cloud Picker also offers fantastic coffee gifts, from equipment to merch and everything in between.
Where to Buy: Cloud Picker
Price: €54.05
