It’s so important to support our home-grown businesses at this time of year - and with so much incredible local talent on our doorstep, why would we look further afield?! Here are just a few favourites (I could have gone on forever) that I'll be investing in this festive season. There's something for everyone - from beauty addicts and jewellery lovers to foodies (and even drinkies - I'm making that a thing!).
BEAUTY
He-Shi set
The first self tanning brand created in Ireland, He-shi delivers the most flawless tan I've tried, with skin kind ingredients and a seamless, golden bronze finish. The Christmas gift sets are brilliant value and a great introduction to my personal favourite. *NB Full disclosure, I am a brand ambassador for He-Shi
He Shi Glow Perfection gift set £20
STORIES Parfums
Through the art of perfumery, STORIES Parfums NI founder, Tonya Kidd-Beggs, pays tribute to the stories that have shaped her life. The entire range of luxury perfume and body products is hand crafted with the very finest ingredients and smells as great as it looks.
Stories Parfums No2 Ultimate Trio of Treats
We are Paradox Supernova hair tool
We are Paradoxx specialise in natural, organic hair products featuring Irish ingredients including seaweed, moss, shamrock and whiskey. Its latest launch, Supernova - the world's first cordless 3 in 1 hair tool - straightens, waves and curls on the go, with no cord and no fuss. WANT.
WE ARE PARADOXX SUPERNOVA-3 in 1 Hair Tool
SKINCARE
MrsRGanics
Unable to find what she was looking for elsewhere, MrsRGanics founder, Carol, created a range of natural skincare using only the purest certified organic ingredients. She uses local produce where possible, including Irish Seaweed and flowers and herbs gathered from Helens Bay Organic Farm.
A Blissful Blend
A range of handcrafted creams, soaps and balms handmade in Donaghadee. The original product, Bliss Soothing Moisturiser, remains a favourite and I'll definitely be trying the newly certified bath bombs, which come in gorgeous scents such as lavender, grapefruit and palmarosa or orange, ginger and star anise. I also love the moisture bar – perfect for travelling as it doesn’t need to go into the (stingy) liquids bag!
DESIGN
Wee Beasties
Beautiful handmade items inspired by coastal living and made in a variety of local woods, from pinch bowls in local oak to mini trees and elm chopping/serving boards. I already have a couple of pieces and think the elm boards will be perfect for serving nibbles or a cheese board this Christmas.
Wee Beasties Elm ChoppingServing Board, from £25
JEWELLERY
NI Silver
I absolutely love Ruth's silver jewellery featuring our iconic landmarks and tourist attractions, from Balls on the Falls to the Dark Hedges, all handmade right here in Norn Iron. She also offers bespoke jewellery commissions and jewellery making workshops.
Lines & Current
Based in Portview, Belfast, Lines & Current was born out of a love for clean lines with a boho twist and features minimal jewellery and accessories for normal girls who 'work hard to keep it simple.' I already have my eye on the new Moon Circle Open Coin necklace!
FOOD
Arcadia Deli Hampers
Delicious artisan foods from Northern Ireland and beyond, all wrapped up in beautiful hamper boxes... choose from an Alpine cheese box to gourmet hampers. This is a great gift for anyone over Christmas, or a nice gift-to-self… I’m a massive fan of anything like this and must give a wee nod to Sawyers in Belfast city centre as well as the Cheese concession in Corries Butcher’s in my home town of Holywood – the cheddar is out of this world awesome!
https://www.arcadiadeli.co.uk/hampers
Taste & Tour vouchers
Take your pick of themed tours 'off the eaten track' and explore the very best food and drink that Belfast has to offer - which happens to be a LOT. From Street food to Michelin desserts, a Gin Jaunt or the brand new Cocktail Circuit (yes please!), Taste and Tour has something to make every mouth water.
James St South Cookery School vouchers
I recently whipped up a Christmas feast at James St South's Cookery School and can't recommend it enough. For everyone from first timers to great amateur cooks, these classes are brilliant fun - and the best bit is sitting down to enjoy it all with a glass of vino at the end!
https://www.cookinbelfast.co.uk/vouchers
