Give an extra special gift to your loved ones this Christmas.

  There's something a little extra special about gifts that gives back, and these Irish businesses and organisations are providing just that. From Christmas cards, to candles, scarves, to beanies, these Irish items make wonderful gifts, whilst also giving back this Christmas time.

Moonpig

For your Christmas cards this year, there's no better choice than Moonpig. Not only do they have a gorgeous range by Irish artists and designers, all profits from these 14 cards is going towards Alone this year. Alone is an organisation that enables older people to age at home, particularly those that are ill or living in poverty. Check out Moonpig's collaboration with Alone HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGzA_Ss-Yx/

Barry's Buzz

Who doesn't love a beanie? They're a class gift to give at Christmas time (have you been out and about lately? It's freezing). Oliveto Restaurant, based at Haddington House, are making some very special beanies this year, with adorable little bee chefs sewn on, in honour of their late Head Chef Barry O'Neill, who died earlier this year from Sudden Cardiac Death. All proceeds of these bee beanies will go towards Cry Ireland, a charity that aims to raise awareness on the cardiac risk in young people. You can buy yours on-site or contact the Barry's Buzz Instagram page either. https://www.instagram.com/p/ClQubC9MLF3/

Avoca Candles

Avoca have teamed up with The Gavin Glynn Foundation this year with this Sandalwood double wick candle. The Gavin Glynn Foundation is an organisation that helps the families of children with cancer to access treatment and care across the world. If you decide to buy this candle as a gift for a loved one, or just for yourself, all proceeds will go towards the Gavin Glynn Foundation. You can purchase it now online HERE or across the Avoca stores. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck6YA9Fr5Yx/

Slow Street Scarves

One of our favourites gifts that gives this season come from Slow Street. Every time someone buys a scarf from slowstreet we will make a donation to our charity partners DEPAUL Ireland to provide a bed and hot meal for a homeless person. This campaign runs all the way to the 24th December, so it's ideal if you're considering a scarf as a gift for Christmas. You can check out their selection HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqLf98su03/

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

And finally, a gift that only gives. I grew up putting Christmas shoeboxes together for children in poverty, and it's truly such an incredible gift. Put together some of your favourite bits, or something you loved as a child, to make someone else's Christmas Day truly special. The drop-off points have closed now, but you can still donate a shoebox; check out all the info HERE. https://www.instagram.com/p/ClPBvgMr1CB/ Make this Christmas one where giving is more important than receiving. Header images via Instagram/avocaireland & /oliveto.restaurant READ ON: Employment lawyer and TikTok star Richard Grogan has passed away