Christmas is a time for cheer, a time for giving, and a time for eating yourself into a slouched mess on the couch as you settle in for the Christmas TV specials. It’s also a time to spend your money wisely, not just because you’re minding the purse strings but because this time of year your local independent shops and markets really pull out all the stops. Avoiding the highstreet and opting to support independent means affordability, unique gifts, and often impressive design. Here are a few of my festive faves in Dublin this year.
Love & Robots, Pop-Up shop, Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin 2
Design your own personalised gifts either online or in this fun pop-up where you can see the digital magic happen on a 3D printer. You can choose from customised clocks, placemats, jewelry and more; my personal pick is the custom textlaces. I chose a gold chain with acrylic pink text in merriweather font which cost €35.
April and the Bear, A Festive Pop-Up Shop, Upstairs @ 6 Castlemarket,
If you’re looking for some really special and unique home accessories, furniture, jewellery, art prints and Christmassy stuff, then this is the place for you. You’ll definitely find something for your Mam, Sister, Brother, other half or bestie in here, and you’ll probably walk out with a little something for yourself too. If you can’t make it to Dublin you can shop online (I know by personal experience that their packaging is adorable), but a trip to this space is a lovely and fun experience often involving treats! Make sure to say hello to Siobhán if you pop in.
Siopaella, 8 Cecilia Street & 8A Crow Street & 25A Temple Lane South, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
My favorite shop! The gorgeous Ella and Steve (and their two pooches Raquel and Louis), are the same friendly faces I first met in 2011 when they opened their first consignment fashion shop on Crow Street. Now with two additional shops right around the corner, they sell one-off gems, both highstreet and designer, as well as homeware and beauty. Definitely worth spending some time in each of the three stores if you’re looking for that little something really special for a pocket-friendly price; designer accessories & handbags, your sparkly Christmas party outfit, or a cute gift like this gorgeous planter I picked up for my Mama. All of the girls (and Steve) are really helpful, and if you’re lucky like me you might meet Ella’s charming Mom who is over visiting for the holidays
Dublin Vintage Factory, Smithfield Square, Dublin 2
The best-priced vintage shop just moved to Smithfield, now with even better prices; €20 per kilo for sparkly sequins, faux furs, retro and festival gear. They also stock some cool indie brands, including beauty and candles, one of which is called Basic Bitch, perf for that special person in your life! The new space looks amazing, can’t wait to get rummaging.
Happy Shopping!
