A gift guide to keeping it local..

NI traders are offering a wide range of choices when it comes to shopping

Not to drop anyone in it – but there’s no excuse not to buy reasonably thoughtful gifts these days. You wouldn’t believe the weird and wonderful stuff you can find by merely typing into google a few random things you reckon the lucky gift recipient is into. Bonus points – of course – if you can boast that the gift is from a local, independent retailer.

As well as handing over a thoughtful present, you get the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with having helped a small business that’s no doubt had it extremely tight the last year or so.

Here it is then – the now annual Beautiful North Alternative Gift Guide.

Please note – upon reaching out on socials for pointers as to who deserved your attention for this guide – I was completely overwhelmed with wonderful suggestions – and the below is a mere drop in the ocean. Search Etsy, search Not on the High Street, search google even – for endless further ideas – just remember to keep it local!

GENERAL GIFTS Doodle & Boom (Bangor)

Offering verything from jewellery and mugs to kimonos and bow ties – this award winning shop – which also delivers both in person (to Bangor) and via post, specialises in hand made, extremely unique gifts for people who you incorrectly assumed have everything. While the gifts are certainly high end, prices are reasonable with many items discounted. They also specialise in gifts with eco and wellbeing themes – www.doodleandboom.com

Seven Makes (Bangor)

It started with someone buying fabric to make facemasks for friends and family during lockdown. Now – Seven Makes design and produce pencil cases, tea towels, fabric boxes, nursing pad, multiple baby products and – of course – facemarks. And much more. As items are hand printed – in most cases you can select fabric and design – so everything is completely bespoke. Many items are an alternative to single use products and it’s all created sustainably – so there’s solid piece of mind, also – www.sevenmakes.com

Bubba’s Meltys

If candles are just a little too on the nose (!) for you – try a wax melt – specially one of the many offered by Bubba. That said, this is more than a simple online shop – there’s a community, even a bookclub within. Everything reverts back to Bubba’s own story – it’s explained how she has had to battle with disabilities and severe anxiety and how this brand has helped her reach out to others in a similar situation – while raising awareness of what she – and so many others – deal with. Putting that all aside, the designs and – we’re promised – the quality – is all absolutely top notch – www.bubbasmeltys.com

JEWELLERY Le Cheile (Belfast)

Formed during the pandemic by friends Cara and Niamh, Le Cheile (pronounced Le Kayla, meaning ‘together’) strives to mash art and fashion. The result is pieces which are certainly Irish yet notably distinct. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings are all affordable, ranging from around £40 up to just shy of £100 – www.lecheile.co.uk

Dog Star Silver (Belfast)

Hand made jewellery (the pendants are particularly striking) created in a Belfast kitchen. ‘Silver clay’ – formed using particles of reclaimed and recycled fine silver – is moulded, fired and polished by hand to create genuine one of a kind items. Most items around £50 – www.dogstarsilver. com

CARDS Slieve Studio (Co Down)

Ever get a card that’s so fancy you’re more likely to get it framed than consider ever throwing it out? This ‘hot foil’ studio produce cards that literally dazzle – with simple, bold (and of course – shiny) slogans which really stand out. Some of the single cards are £3.95, but there’s plenty of Christmas packs (including some Irish language cards) a snip – www.slieve.studio

Ferry Clever (Derry)

Not just cards – they do mugs, T-shirts, car air fresheners and the like – but the cards really capture the… regional quality of what Ferry Clever do. The images and slogans – featuring the likes of Daniel O’donnel and certain local politicians (via Father Ted and Derry Girls) would be lost in translation outside of this island. Perfect for a friend or family member who’s far away and yearning for a little slice of home – www.ferryclever.co.uk

CLOTHES This is Frizziest (Bangor) at 8 for £12.50

One of the most celebrated street artists in the country – her murals are stunning – perhaps one capturing Snow Patrol’s Ward Park 3 gig the best known. Friz’s bold designs – often with a subtle Celtic / mythical touch – have been scaled down to fit T-shirts, pins, throws and totes.

T-shirts are £20 with other products ranging from £10 to over £100 – www.thisisfriz.bigcartel. com

NI Classic Shirt (Belfast)

Based in Smithfield but shipping around the world, this shop and it’s website is a glorious nostalgia trip for football fans. There’s shirts you’ll instantly recognise, some so colourful or crazy you won’t believe were ever commissioned in the first place and many genuine collectors items. Have a football mad friend you think has everything – I bet he doesn’t have Gremio’s stunning 1987 home kit? a bargain (really!) at £160. Rest assured there are, of course, much cheaper (and indeed much more expensive!) options across a huge range – wwwniclassicshirt.co.uk

Bleubird (Belfast & beyond)

How many folk do you know who’ve taken up staycation-ing and outdoor pursuits in Northern Ireland over the last couple of years? Likely quite a few. Bleubird’s website is full of style to acommpany adventure – standard apparel like t-shirts and hoodies alongside fleeces and outdoor robes designed to match the elements. The gear is top class (though not overpriced as is often the case) and there’s a bonus – everything is produced with sustainability and ethics a specific consideration – indeed a tree is planted for every order made – www.bleubird.com

ART Digby Illustrations (Ballymena)

If a loved one has a favourite place – somewhere on this island with a special memory attached – prepare for endless brownie points with the most thoughtful gift imaginable. Beautiful, birds-eye-view illustrations of Irish coasts and Cityscapes – (Search via Etsy)

FOOD & DRINK Mike’s Fancy Cheese (Belfast)

Last year, a friend got me a cheese and posh coldcuts hamper from these guys – and I’m still not over it. I now spend way too much money on cheese, which is faintly ridiculous – though I have no regrets. This lot also do different types of meats, butters and preserves – all of which look utterly delicious. Hampers aren’t cheap at £40-£60 – but trust me, this is a real treat – www.mfcheese.com

Bullhouse Brew Co (Belfast)

The popularity of craft beers has gone through the roof during lockdown (funny, that) – and everyone – myself included – reckons they’re now a connoisseur. That said – we’re all open to trying new things – and while BBC offer some relatively straight forward ales and stouts – there’s plenty of novelty in there too – I for one am intrigued by the ‘10p Mix Up’ IPA. All brewed in Belfast with four packs ranging from £9-16 – www. bullhousebrewco.com