We know a lot of you are more mindful of budget than ever this year. So to make sure our 2022 gift guide turned out as helpful and realistic as possible, we surveyed our community about Christmas spending. You told us how much you want to spend. Then we put together this list of meaningful and sustainable ideas that stay on budget.  

A guide to the presents you like to give 

Our guide is also based on the types of presents you told us you like to give…

  • 84% of you like to give presents made in Ireland
  • 61% like to give presents made with organic materials or ingredients
  • 37% Christmas foods 
  • 46% wine
  • 54% skincare or bodycare
  • 62% candles 
  • 51% hampers
  • 34% essential oils
  • 46% zero-waste reusables  

With suggestions for the hardest person to buy for

We also took into account who you told us was trickiest to buy for. 

Short answer? 

Men. 

Whether they’re fathers, brothers, partners, friends…

More of you said men are hardest to buy for than any other type of person. 

So we’ve included a good few presents specifically for men, and of course plenty that would work for anyone. 

Focussed on thoughtful and sustainable presents 

And finally, this guide gives you ideas that speak to your values…

You told us you don’t like overconsumption (us neither) or buying just for the sake of buying (ditto). 

You want to support independent Irish businesses this Christmas (yay!). 

And you want to give presents that are meaningful, thoughtful and sustainable. 

We took on board ALL the info you gave us

And put together your ultimate guide to presents you’ll actually be proud to give this Christmas.

Every gift idea stays within the average budget of what you told us you prefer to spend in our community survey.

Now - let’s get the merriment started… 

Average Christmas Budget for your Coworker: €20

It can be tricky buying for your work colleagues, as one person in our community pointed out… because you don’t always know them that well. Although these gift ideas would suit a multitude of tastes, they’re far from generic. And they each fall around our community’s preferred budget of €20.    

Coworker’s gift idea 1:

A sweet selection of Irish treats. Total: €21.35

Coworker’s gift idea 2:

For the coworker who’d like the idea of supporting Irish bees. Total: €20.79

Coworker’s gift idea 3:

Not sure your coworker drinks wine? Substitute pomegranate juice instead. Total: €20.94

Average Christmas Budget for a Child’s Teacher: €10

Just like a coworker, it can be difficult choosing a gift for your child’s teacher… because often you don't know their likes /dislikes. Our solution? Presents meant to be used or eaten that won’t stick around forever. All close to our community’s €10 budget.   

Teacher’s gift idea 1:

A gift that spreads the Christmas spirit. Total: €11.67

Teacher’s gift idea 2:

When a bit of decadence is called for. Total: €9.95

Teacher’s gift idea 3:

Because who couldn’t do with another clean-burning candle this time of year? Total: €12.45

Average Christmas Budget for a Close Friend: €40

You’ve told us about friends with expensive tastes, friends who already have so much, and friends who only like natural ingredients… all ways that friends can be hard to buy for. But these presents should bring joy to even the fussiest of friends, all around your preferred €40 budget. 

Friend's gift idea 1:

A relaxing selection for a blend-your-own massage oil gift. Total: €40.95

Friend's gift idea 2:

A gorgeous West Cork coffee and the super sleek eco-cup to drink it from. Total: €41.90

Friend's gift idea 3:

Two gift sets that add up to one supremely luxurious tasting experience. Total: €39.21

Average Christmas Budget for a Sibling: €50

Many of you said you struggle to find anything for brothers and sisters… they often have everything already. And no one likes to buy just for the sake of the buying. So these presents are thoughtful ones you can feel good about giving… all around your €50 budget.    

Sibling’s gift idea 1:

This has got tricky-to-buy-for brother written all over it. Total: €49.97

Sibling’s gift idea 2:

To encourage your sister to indulge in a little “she-time”. Total: €54.28

Sibling’s gift idea 3:

Drinks and nibbles for the next siblings’ get-together. Total: €45.52

Average Christmas Budget for a Parent: €50

You told us parents (and in-laws) are difficult to buy for because they’re good at keeping their likes and dislikes very close to their chests. But these care-filled ideas will outwit them – that is, surprise them – with practical presents they’ll use and love. All close to your €50 budget. 

Parent’s gift idea 1:

So they’re ready for any guests to drop in over Christmas. Total: €45.00

Parent’s gift idea 2:

There’s fun to be had tasting artisan Irish foods they may never have come across before. Total: €54.05

Parent’s gift idea 3:

The best of natural skincare to protect and nourish delicate, thinning skin. Total: €56.05

Average Christmas Budget for your Partner / Spouse: €100

You said it’s nearly impossible to find a different but meaningful present for your spouse / partner. So we suggest you go for gifts you can mostly experience together. Except, of course, for the men’s shaving present. It’s in here because so many of you said you never know what to get your male partner. All around your €100 budget. 

Partner / Spouse’s gift idea 1:

A luxurious selection to stimulate all the senses, and share the experience with each other. Total: €104.39

Partner / Spouse’s gift idea 2:

Deluxe shaving and skincare selection especially for a (hard-to-buy-for) man. Total: €103.46

Partner / Spouse’s gift idea 3:

For the ultimate relaxation and pampering experience, to be enjoyed solo or as a couple. Total: €92.50

Thanks for making us part of your Christmas

We know ultimately the gifts you give really aren’t that important. 

What matters much more is the people you give them to. And the time you spend with them.

This Christmas, we hope your favourite gift turns out to be all the joyful moments spent with the people you love most.

But let’s be realistic – the presents still have to happen! 

So for that, don’t forget your helper elves are here and on standby. We’re an email away from now through the 24th ([email protected]).