Laura Holly’s Christmas 2021 Gift Guide
Well can you believe it, Christmas is nearly here! This month, I am so excited to share my Christmas Gift Guide with you. Whether you’re looking for a stocking filler for family, a gift for your grandson or a present for a partner, I’ve got Christmas all wrapped up – with a few twists along the way!
Give the gift of choice
Vouchers used to get a bad rap for being a thoughtless gift, but I really don’t think that’s the case anymore. They are my personal favourite gift and allows the recipient to choose what they want. We all know what boutiques, favourite restaurants etc our loved ones like, so just get a voucher for one of their spots. Or why not get them a voucher for a local hotel in Kerry – God knows we are spoilt for choice with beautiful hotels on our doorstep in the Kingdom. Plus, it has the added benefit of supporting our local economy.
All of the Smelly Stuff!
Predictable yes, cliché absolutely! But I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t love a nice candle or diffuser. There are so many beautiful Irish companies like La Bougie, a luxury candlemaker based in Kinsale. It is available in Hannon’s Castleisland. Likewise, the Kilkenny Shop in Killarney also stock Celtic Candles. Both fabulous choices. The one thing I would say is go for a lighter scent, like vanilla or lavender. Unless you know the person loves an oud smell for example. www.hannons.ie
Similarly, a bottle of perfume or men’s fragrance is a great gift idea. Here I would suggest asking someone close to them what their favourite brand is. A perfume is so subjective and what seems nice on you, might not work for me. If in doubt get a voucher for your local pharmacy.
Ahern’s Pharmacy, Farranfore or www.ahernspharmacy.com
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
Well in this case they are not diamonds, but they are sparkly! Costume and dress jewellery nowadays has come on leaps and bounds. It is such fantastic quality, often being sterling
silver and gold plated. What’s amazing about this kind of jewellery, you can get the glitz without breaking the bank. Earrings and bracelets are always a fail-safe, as they fit everyone.
Visit Adam’s Jewellers in Tralee or Killarney or check out
www.adamsjewellers.ie
Another option is a dress ring. This one pictured is like Princess Diana’s engagement ring for under €50.
Top Tip: Try and sneak a ring from the person’s current jewellery box,
to determine their size.
Visit John Ross Jewellers in Tralee or visit www.johrossjewellers.com.
Slow “write” down – Journaling
It’s no secret the many, many benefits to journaling. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, whilst also getting you to genuinely appreciate all the things in your life – the good & the bad, the big & the small – it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your wellbeing and mood.
Here are two journals that I really recommend:
The Head Plan’s Journal produced by well-known Irish business woman and life coach Denise Kenny Byrne. Available at www.theheadplan.com
If the person you are treating the journal to, hasn’t tried journaling before, The Five Minute Journal, by Intelligent Change is for them. This journal does exactly what it says on the tin! It asks you a couple of questions each day and takes less than five minutes to complete.
Writing down your goals, practicing gratitude, and becoming conscious of your priorities is fantastic for anyone to do. I fall off the band wagon myself every now and then, and when I start journaling again, I always see such a difference in myself and my outlook. This a gift that doesn’t cost the earth and is such a lovely gift to get someone, or even yourself this Christmas.
Available online on various websites
The Gift of Self-Care & Experiences
We hear an awful lot about Self-Care across all media. Be it radio, social media, magazine’s – you name it. Why is that? It is because we are all so busy running from pillar to post like headless chickens, we forget to take time out for ourselves. Be it a voucher for a manicure, a Turkish Shave or a spa day, it is the gift of time and relaxation for your loved one.
My personal favourite self-care experiences are below.
Reflexology has many health benefits, improvement of your nerve functions, increased blood circulation in your body, eliminates toxins, boosts energy levels and above all is one of the most relaxing experiences. I personally go once a month to Brid Ann O’Connor in Currans and feel so fresh and renewed the next day.
Brid Ann can be reached on
086 101 8513
An appointment with Kamila at Slim Body Booster in Killarney is such a treat. She uses Endermologie which is an intensive and non-invasive treatment for cellulite and fat reduction. It helps shape, contour, firm and slim the body. How you may ask…In really simple terms, it’s like a large hoover sucking up the fat before feeding skin into large rollers to provide a pressure massage to affected areas. Sounds odd, but I find it so relaxing and most importantly, it works! Jennifer Lopez is also a fan and look at her! A great gift, ahead of the health kick buzz, post-Christmas in January.
Check out www.slimbodybooster.ie
Lastly a facial by Skin and Beauty with Léonie is like no other facial I have ever experienced! It is so much more… Léonie has such a passion for Skin Health. Her approach to skin is a holistic one, looking at the skin from the inside out and treating the person as a whole, mind, body and soul. She does Facial Gua Sha with Philosophia Botanica, Facial Cupping and Aesthetic Kinesiology Face Taping. She designs a home skincare plan for your skin’s needs and offers ongoing support to you on your skin health journey. But the best part of this treatment is the Facial massage. It relaxes, lifts and sculpts the face, neck and shoulders. Walking into Léonie’s beautiful room is a space where you get to slow down and take some time to reset, recharge and deeply relax. Now what gift is better than that?!
Visit www.skinandbeautywithleonie.ie to find out more
For the man in your life
Most of the above gifts can be given to a man but here’s some stocking filler inspo for the man in your life.
Be it your brother, partner, father or friend. First one that springs straight to mind is socks. Why is it that men never know when its time to say goodbye to an old threadbare pair of socks? You can get really nicely packaged ones in local men’s boutiques and TK MAX.
This one might appear like a gag gift, but it actually works. Aesop Post-Poo Drops eliminates lingering odours with this citrus blend of essential oils for a more natural deodorising solution. The bottle is elegant but discreet and looks really pretty on display in the bathroom. It also doesn’t have that horrid smell from artificial sprays. Thank me later! .
– available on various websites
THE Best Kid’s Gift
I have only one suggestion. Rain/outer gear! We live in a country that rains a lot. I mean a lot, a lot! I cannot recommend this unique Irish designed and owned company called Goose and Gander. I have bought my daughter Sé, many pairs of wellies, puddle suits and rain jackets from this gorgeous brand. They give kids comfort and are so stylish and different at the same time. I have lost count, the number of parents on the playground asking about the gear. I couldn’t do a gift guide and not mention this beautiful brand. Currently they start at age 1 and go up to age 5.
check out www.gooseandgander.ie
Ok guys, I am going to leave it there! Hope this Gift Guide was helpful and will give Santa a run for his money! I would like to wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas. Have fun and enjoy this time with the ones you love.
Keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram to see how I style my festive outfits. For any fashion, beauty or questions relating to this article, please email laurahollystylist1@gmail.com
Laura xxx
