Beautiful Irish Things: what Ruthy Ruby is buying this Christmas

Ruthy Ruby shares with us her Christmas gift list for this year, and includes a few self gifts too. 

It’s been an exhausting, tough, tumultuous time and I’ve decided that I am going to end on a good note and buy Irish gifts this year. I’m really excited to share these beautiful Irish things. Buying Irish this year is so important to keep all our beautiful creators afloat . This is a list of things I will be giving to my nearest and dearest, and a couple of things that are on my wish-list, too.

Earrings from Clé

Below are the ‘Absolutely Scarlet’ earrings by up-and-coming jewellery brand, Clé. These, along with all the pieces from Clé’s Autumn/Winter collection are handmade by designer Aoife Stapleton in her Mayo studio. Clé is on of those brands once you come across it sticks in your mind. From the earrings named ‘L Plates’ to ‘The Messages’, there’s a giggle and a wink in each bespoke pair. Earrings range between €20 – €40 & there are some necklaces there, too.

Robyn Carey at Damn Fine Print

I came across Robyn Carey recently and decided to buy her print entitled “Roofbox Sunrise” for my brother. It reminds me of the photos he sends into our family Whatsapp group when he goes on these sunrise cycles in East Cork. That burnished morning sun has so much power.  Robyn is a printmaker, painter, and curator from Dublin.  She creates primarily abstract expressionist silk screen prints and acrylic paintings. Her work at its core is an exploration of relationships, both physical, mental, and theoretical. Her work often reflects her interpretations of a scientific, philosophical, or historical theory. She is a regular exhibitor in the Dublin art scene and her practice is currently based in Pallas Projects Studios, Dublin 8. Prices for Robyn Carey’s print are between €50 & €200.

Candles from Sómas  

Sómas has been on my radar for a while now. I initially fell in love with their Tobacco & Oak scented candle. The brand fill spaces in your home with moments of bliss and luxury while capturing all the magic of the Irish landscape. Their range of candles burn roughly for 30 hours and fill the room with warmth and sensuality. The word ‘Sómas’ is an Irish word and directly translates to ‘Ease’ or ‘Comfort’. This year their Nollaig candle is an ode to our Irish roots. ‘Nollaig’ is a crisp blend of pine, cedarwood, and musk, perfectly capturing the memory-evoking notes of a fresh Christmas tree. Candles range from €18 for the small to €35 for the large. 

A balance board from Huku Balance

Who doesn’t need a magical board designed to improve your all-round strength, core stability and balance?! Huku Balance, is a Donegal based fitness & wellness brand, set up by Cathal Sheridan.  The original balance board combines core fitness with mindfulness practice. The boards range from €110-€210.

Perfume from The Burren Perfumery

The Burren Perfumery has created this intoxicatingly beautiful fragrance called Wild Rose. A different kind of perfume, it is reflective, subtle and comforting but still powerful, heady and delicious! It is 100% natural 77% organic – so non-toxic. Wild Rose is a modern, delicate, subtle fragrance, inspired by the poignant beauty of the Burren’s wild Burnet Rose. The Burren Perfumery is a local family company established in 1972 that expertly makes small batch perfumes and cosmetics inspired by the iconic limestone Burren landscape and its unique flora, using certified natural and organic ingredients. Wild Rose Eau de Parfum 50ml RRP €130. 

Perfume from Olori

There’s a gorgeous boutique called Olori in my hometown of Cork. It’s run by two sisters; SusanJane Corbett and Lisa Grainger. My mum bought me perfume by Alchimista there a few years ago, and since then I’ve been intrigued by the brand. Nefertum is a hot and intense unisex scent from the range, with top notes including bergamot and harmony oud, middle notes based on cedarwood and saffron and base notes with patchouli and vanilla. Alchimista Nefertum is €120.

A painting from Elouise Flannery

Elouise Flannery is an artist based in Dingle, Co. Kerry. She stunned me a couple of months ago when she sent me her ‘From one bird to another’. I send them to important women in my life. Elouise’s uplifting and colourful paintings are inspired by nature with a magical twist. Often featuring birds, bees and hares – her art offers a new way to look at your surroundings and to bring a little bit of nature into your home!  Prints range from €55-€85.

Throws from Granny’s Bottom Drawer

Another hometown favourite of mine, Granny’s Bottom Drawer, stocks beautiful homeware and fashion pieces. From Foxford to John Hanly, you can shop online for anything cozy, to gift someone this year. My favourite pieces are these throws; John Hanly and Foxford specifically. Throws start at €125.

A handbag from Peelo

Peelo is the newest Irish accessory brand on the market and after collaborating with them recently, I fell in love with the bags. The handbags are made from real Italian leather. Julie Peelo, the designer, is Dublin based and captured my interest with her incredible career trajectory. Julie led some of the biggest and best design teams, for some of the most popular accessory brands in the world. You can immediately see this when you hold a Peelo bag. This Gold Cloud Clutch is €160.

Necklace from Kind & Co

The Ruby Zoisite pendent from The Kind & Co is something special for me. I’ve always been a fan of a necklace that holds power. The Kind & Co is a Dublin based one stop eco shop that stocks these tiny, beautiful tumbled stones by Decadorn. There is an Onyx for strength, Rose Quartz for love, Amazonite for confidence, Ruby Zoisite to de-stress, an October pink opal for hope and a chocolate moonstone for new beginnings. I’ll be getting these for my girlfriends, we all need a charm that hangs close to our heart this year. Necklaces are €40