PR professional* and lifestyle influencer Rob Kenny is back with his annual round-up of stellar Christmas gift ideas for the men in your life. Whether you’re looking for that wow-factor big gift, or a value-added memorable experience together, there are options for all.
Ireland’s Eye Knitwear
It goes without saying that a good piece of knitwear never goes out of fashion. Ireland’s eye knitwear is a favourite of mine and could be your lifesaver stop for the impossible man to shop for. Whether it’s a cosy Aran knit you’re after. or a practical hat or scarf, you’ll be sure to find a fitting piece. You can shop their ranges at www.irelandseyeknitwear.com
Emma Campbell Art
Without question my favourite Irish artist (whom I only discovered this year), Emma Campbell creates the most gorgeous, fun and colourful canvas artworks, that any art-loving man in your life will be sure to appreciate. Based in Kildare, Emma’s roots derive from a mixture of contemporary and abstract art. Her work is somewhere right in the middle, combining these two styles together. She creates pieces for exhibition and gallery work, but also works on a commission basis to create one-of-a-kind paintings, should this be something you’re looking for. Emma also resells her most-loved pieces as gorgeous high-quality prints, available here from €110.
Experience The Tullamore D.E.W Distillery Tour
A ticket to the Tullamore D.E.W distillery tour will be a hugely appreciated gift for any whiskey-loving man in your life. In the heart of Tullamore, the distillery tour is a highly personalised experience like no other. For €39, you get to explore the home of the number two best-selling Irish whiskey worldwide. From distillation to maturation, you can sip on an Irish coffee* or sit in the snug surrounded by over 50,000 barrels of Tullamore D.E.W - some of which are hundreds of years old. It is an experience you won't soon forget. And the local Tullamorians, who run the tour in small groups, really make it exceptional. Book your tickets online at www.tullamoredew.com.
Vagabond Shoes
Vagabond is one of the world's leading shoe brands right now. The brand is dedicated to true craftsmanship and an everlasting passion for great-looking pieces. Treat your man to a beautiful pair of good quality shoes such as their 'Cameon’ style lace up shoe retailing for €160. You can shop them directly from their website www.vagabond.com or selected products in Office Shoes.
Dyson Zone Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Dyson Zone Noise Cancelling Headphones come in a limited colour variety and promise 50 hours of ultra-low distortion, audio-advanced noise cancellation, as well as full spectrum audio reproduction. The stylish noise-cancelling headphones also purify the air around you as you wear them, how deadly is that? I am particularly loving wearing mine while on a plane. Available directly from Dyson as www.dyson.com from €629.99-€669.99
Calecim Hair Restoration Program
The Calecim innovative six-week hair restoration program is a groundbreaking solution designed to combat hair loss effectively, without going under the knife! Perhaps the dream gift for the hair-conscious man in your life? Not only does it promote regrowth, but it also addresses the root cause of hair shedding by reducing inflammation. With consistent use over the course of six weeks, the program offers a comprehensive approach to restoring lush, healthy hair. www.calecimprofessional.com.
For best results combine the treatment with micro-needling by a beauty professional. The Eavanna Breen Skin & Laser Clinic in Dublin 2 are experts. Cost of the treatment is €350 per treatment and a course of six treatments is required. www.eavannabreen.ie
Mobile Valet Dublin
Mobile Valet Dublin is a premium car valet service. They have a wide variety of services including from a bi-weekly wash and wax at €50, a maintenance valet priced at €70 and a paint correction priced at €300. This will be a great gift for the man in your life who’s car is his pride and joy.
Apple AirTags
As someone who admittedly loses everything I touch, the Apple AirTag was a life changing product for me. I now have one on my car keys, in my car (when you can’t find it in a carpark - so handy!), in my wallet, in my suitcase, and more. The suitcase tag is a must-do for even the most trusting of travellers. You just never know when an airline might lose your suitcase. With an Apple Airtag safely tucked inside, you’ll be able to see exactly where it is - no matter where in the world. Plus, you can also now personalise them. Add your own name onto each AirTag, so when they see them they think of you! Available from apple online or in Irish retailers such as Arnotts for €39.95 each.
Sock Co Op
If the man in your life likes a pop of colour in the sock department, why not surprise him with a fun set of socks from The Sock Co Op? Famously worn by Michael Bublé on The Late Late Show, the company provides socks with images of iconic landscapes and landmarks from across the country such as Dingle, Connemara, Glendalough, Blarney, Dublin and Cork. Retailing at €9.95, these socks are a perfect stocking filler this Christmas. Available to purchase from their website www.sockcoop.com
Mavis Nest Beard Care Set
Mavis Nest is a skin, hair and body care brand with a focus on quality and sustainability. With a range of products for both men and women, there are so many options when it comes to Christmas gifting. The beard care set, retailing at €25, comes with a gorgeous beard oil and whipped beard cream, made to rejuvenate and nourish your beard. You can purchase this perfect stocking filler, along with others at www.mavisnest.ie
Carton House
One of my own personal favourite Irish trips from the past year - relax and pause in time with a gift from you to him (and maybe yourself too!) with a stay in the beautiful manor that is Carton House. Explore the history and heritage of the 1,100 acres of the Palladian Mansion on the Kildare Parkland. With amazing food offerings and an amazing spa, it is a perfect gift to make some special memories. What makes a stay here so particularly handy for any Dubliners is that the stunning five-star hotel’s proximity to the city. In less than a half an hour drive you’re there and checked in. www.cartonhouse.com
Pewpols Eyewear
Irish glasses brand PewPols offers a luxury quality optical and sunglasses brand founded on the south coast of Ireland. The sunglasses are made from the finest acetate from Italy and are made in Oyonnax, France. Retailing from €375, PewPols sunglasses would make the perfect gift for any stylish dad, while you get to support an Irish business. Available to purchase from their site www.pewpols.com or from Dore Optical located in Kilkenny.
The Friends Experience
If you have a Friends fanatic in your close circle, as most of us do, then tickets to The Friends Experience, which is currently in Dublin until January is the perfect gift. Filled with a variety of fun filled photo ops within a recreated set of the iconic tv show, their inner Friends fan will be in pure heaven. Running in The Theatre of Light in the Point Village, you can purchase tickets for €20 (adults) here.
Madigan Cashmere
Gift something they’ll treasure forever this Christmas. Madigan Cashmere is an Irish family-run business led with a deep passion for luxury and quality. There are so many beautiful cashmere gift ideas such as scarves, jumpers, socks and gloves which can be shopped in store, located in Unit 14 in The Westbury Mall or via their website www.madigancashmere.com.
Ninja 9.5L Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400UK
If they don’t have one yet, you’re about to change their life. The Ninja 95.l Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer is set to be their new favourite kitchen companion. Retailing for €299, this air fryer has two independent cooking zones meaning each zone can be heated to their own temperatures, to cook two separate things at the same time as well as having six customisable cooking functions. You can purchase this kitchen hero appliance from www.callaghanselectrical.com.
FitBit Charge 6
Your giftee will work out smarter and understand his body better with the new Fitbit Charge 6. This piece will help the wearer stay on track with fitness goals thanks to advanced health sensors that, combined with a new machine learning algorithm, bring the most accurate heart rate tracking on a Fitbit tracker yet. It also has the ability to connect to compatible gym equipment and fitness apps to see your real-time heart rate during workouts. Plus, it’s helpful when you’re on the go with its new haptic side button, up to seven days of battery life. Find it online here or nationwide in leading retailers such as Arnotts or Harvey Norman. €229.95.
Kopper Kreation Lamp
If a man in your life has stellar taste in home decor, why not shop from Irish homeware store Kopper Kreation? With a variety of industrial style homeware pieces, you are bound to find a cool gift. Pictured above is one of their upcycled bottle lamps. The upcycled lamps range from €75 depending on the bulb and they also come in a variety of bottles recycled from bars and pubs all around Dublin. To shop the lamps and more, visit their website www.kopperkreation.com.
Kempt Menswear
If your dad is a simple man, he may love (or need) a timeless fashion staple. A gift from Kempt Wear may be the solution. With a selection of high quality and timeless shirts and cotton chinos, in a variety of colours, this Irish owned store may be your one stop shop for Christmas gifts this year. With prices ranging from €110 per shirt and €125 per trouser, you can purchase directly from their website www.kemptwear.com.
The Hair Cafe Dublin
Does your man need a hair revamp? Treat him to a visit to The Hair Cafe in trendy Smithfield, Dublin. The in-house men’s style expert, Steve, is a consecutive nominee at the Image Beauty Awards as the best men’s hair expert in the country. Book your man in for a tidy up or a fresh new look. You can book a consultation online through their website www.haircafesalon.ie.
Marks & Spencer's Coat
Step out in timeless style with this wool-rich car coat from our Autograph collection. It's made to a comfortable regular fit from checked fabric woven in Italy. Retailing at €279, this is a timeless piece that should be safe for almost any fashion taste. You can purchase online at www.marksandspencers.com.
New Dimensions Christmas Gift Box
Premium Irish activewear brand New Dimensions has released the perfect gift for the fitness fanatics in your life. Starting from €85 you can purchase the New Dimensions Active Gift Boxes. Some of the best selling boxes include the Active Box, the Running Box and the All Black Box. www.newdimensionsactive.ie
Zadig & Voltaire
Zadig & Voltaire’s newest fragrance, This Is Him!, is one of the best new men's fragrances on the market. With notes of grapefruit and black pepper, it is sure to become your other half's new favourite. Retailing at €103 for 100ml you can purchase it through www.beautyfeatures.ie.
Breda Haugh Handmade Cufflinks
Design Ireland is a hosting website used to showcase the vast amount of Irish talent across many industries such as jewellery, wellness, beauty, garden and home. A gorgeous keepsake gift I came across was these beautiful handmade cufflinks from designer Breda Haugh retailing for €140. For these or other beautiful Irish gifts visit www.bredahaugh.com.
Decathlon Massage Gun
For the sporty man in your life, this Decathlon massage recovery gun could potentially make the perfect gift. This percussion massage device has been designed to facilitate self-massaging on every muscle of the body. Available for €105 from the decathlon website www.decathlon.ie or any of their stores.
D8 Candle Gift Set
This beautiful gift set comes in a branded D8 Candle Co box which includes the candle of your choice, the matching refill and a wick trimmer. Available to purchase from €65 (pricing varies depending on scent.) You can purchase directly through www.d8designco.com.
Galvin For Men
Galvin For Men is an expertly curated Irish menswear retailer located in Mullingar. With customer service and sustainability at the forefront of their ethos, your giftee is guaranteed a pleasant and memorable visit. Thankfully, they also deliver their large menswear collection nationwide. If you surprise your man with a voucher, they can pick themselves up a gorgeous gift from one of the many brands they carry such as Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Rains and Carl Gross. www.galvinformen.com.
Chilly’s Water Bottle Bundle
A stylish yet functional Christmas gift. Keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for 12 with Chilly’s Series 2 Bottle bundle, with double-walled advanced vacuum technology. Series 2 Cups keep drinks hot for up to four hours and come complete with a rubber base for a silent put down. A matching Pine Series 2 Bottle and Cup set is the perfect seasonal bundle. Retailing for €69 via their website www.chillys.com.
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*Some brands mentioned have been represented by Rob's PR company.
