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10th Feb 2025

Valentines Gift Guide

Shamim de Brún

Some people meticulously plan their Valentine’s Gift Shopping in January. Others frantically click Next-Day Delivery at 11:59 p.m. on February13.

From the last-minute saviours (festival tickets, a takeaway, a jumper that says ‘I did think about this’) to the kind of gifts you can’t put a price on (a cup of tea in bed, the last Rolo, the dreaded “You can pick what we watch tonight”), this is your guide to presents that actually matter. Whether you’re shopping, scheming, or simply trying to avoid panic-buying something deeply regrettable in an airport duty-free, we’ve got you covered.

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For The Hopeless Romantic Culchie

Sally Rooney Intermezzo
For the person who won’t shut up about their ex, give them a book about people who also can’t let go.
Price: €15
Where: All good bookshops, but our fave is Books Upstairs

New Kid Whole Bean Coffee
Wake up and smell the self-loathing in a perfectly brewed cup of Irish-roasted coffee.
Price: €12
Where: Sheridan’s Cheesemongers on South Anne Street or online

Theatre Tickets
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like sitting in silence, judging people on stage together.
Price: Varies by performance
Where: Buy direct from any theatre

Irish-designed bedding from FOXFORD
For couples who want to argue about ‘who stole the blanket’ in unparalleled comfort.
Price: From €100
Where: FOXFORD

Gold Harp Pendant | Joshua Reynolds
For the person who insists on singing ‘The Fields of Athenry’ at house parties.
Price: €220
Where: Joshua Reynolds

West Cork Maritime Release Single Malt Virgin Oak Cask
A whiskey as strong as your da’s opinions on the price of a pint.
Price: €50
Where: McHugh’s Off Licence

Camán and Co Irish Prints
Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like a framed bit of GAA nostalgia.
Price: From €30
Where: Camán and Co

Eoin O’Connor Teapot
Pour one out for the cúpla tae heads in your life.
Price: €60
Where: Eoin O’Connor

Gran Cerdo Rosado, Rioja
A wine for people who say they don’t like wine but drink it anyway.
Price: €11.99
Where: Baggot Street Wines

Cork Retro ‘Barry’s Tea’ Change Jersey (1994-1995)
For the person who still calls the local shop ‘Quinnsworth’.
Price: €39
Where: Online

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For The Bougie Foodie Gourmand-ie

White Mausu Peanut Rāyu
Because your Valentine ‘accidentally’ puts rāyu on everything, even their cereal.
Price: €7
Where: C+H Café, Dublin

Killadoon Milk
For the dairy snob in your life—yes, they exist.
Price: €3
Where: Avoca Dunboyne, Killadoon Direct, Fallon & Byrne and more

Blanco Niño Creamy Jalapeño Tortilla Chips
Spice up your Valentine’s Day (and your digestion).
Price: €4
Where: (fancy) Dunnes Stores

Upside Coffee Classic Espresso Ground 250g
For the person who makes their coffee with military precision and won’t shut up about grind size.
Price: €10
Where: Online

Sugar Plum Dubai Chocolate
Expensive chocolate that lets your partner know you definitely forgot a card.
Price: €15
Where: online, or Arnotts

Two Boys Brew Granola
So they can say ‘this is delicious’ while silently resenting the lack of a fry-up.
Price: €8
Where: Two Boys Brew

Harry’s Nut Butter
Nut butter for people who call peanut butter ‘basic’.
Price: €5
Where: Fallon & Byrne

Shrines Tinned Fish
For the person who thinks they live in a TikTok food haul.
Price: From €3.50
Where: Online

Dublin Honey
The sweet alternative to just saying ‘grand, so’ when asked if you’re in love.
Price: €10
Where: Select retailers

For The Loved Up Dubliner

Poolbeg Towers Salt and Pepper Shakers | Stone and Beige
A subtle way to tell them they’ve got ‘plenty of seasoning’.
Price: €25
Where: Stone & Beige

Silver Poolbeg Pendant | Joshua Reynolds
Dublin forever, just like that smell at low tide.
Price: €80
Where: Joshua Reynolds

Whiplash Blue Ghosts DRS
A beer as murky as Dublin politics.
Price: €3 per can
Where: Select retailers

Funky Art Keychain ‘ARE YOU RIGHT’
For the one who asks ‘what’s wrong’ even when nothing is.
Price: €10
Where: Irish Print Makers

Dublin Brick Soap
Smell fresh, even if your gaff still smells like damp.
Price: €14.40
Where: Online

A Copy of Dubliners by James Joyce
For the one who pretends they’ve read it but really just watched ‘Bloomsday Explained’ on YouTube.
Price: €10
Where: All good bookshops

Scarlet for Yer Ma Hot Sauce
Turn up the heat and the shame in equal measure.
Price: €6
Where: Select stockists

Five Lamps Beer
Because they won’t drink Guinness in the ‘wrong’ pub.
Price: €3.50 per bottle
Where: Most off-licences

Dublin Pubs Frame
For the pub crawler who still gets emotional over Doyle’s.
Price: €40
Where: Online

Pearse Lyons Whiskey
A smooth Dublin whiskey with a backstory as rich as its flavour. Distilled in a converted church, because even whiskey deserves a little divine intervention.

Price: From €45
Where: Pearse Lyons Distillery

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For the Homebody Couple

They’ve mastered the art of staying in, turning their home into a cozy haven.

Andrew Nuding – Hunt the Wren x Robyn Lynch
A coffee table book so stylish, it might actually get read.
Price: around €50
Where: Online

Fattomato.ie Rhubarb Cardamom Syrup
For drizzling on pancakes or into cocktails, because they curate their breakfasts.
Price: €9.50
Where: Fattomato.ie

Can’t Be Arsed Mug | Howrad Studios
Perfect for sipping coffee while ignoring the outside world.
Price: Get 2x mugs for €26
Where: Howrad Studios

Coastline Incense Holder – Stories by Ola
A calming ritual for people who need their house to smell like ‘serene’ at all times.
Price: €18.00
Where: Stories by Ola

Irish Celtic Design Beeswax Candle – Dublin Honey Killester
Lighting up their evenings with a touch of Celtic charm.
Price: From €9
Where: Dublin Honey Killester

Cheese & Cracker Hamper – Sheridans Cheesemongers
Elevate their snack game with a selection of fine cheeses and crackers.
Price: Starting at €25
Where: Sheridans Cheesemongers

Tara Gartlan Chocolates
Artisanal chocolates that make staying in even sweeter.
Price: €26
Where: Tara Gartlan Chocolates

Reusable Hot Water Bottle | Irish | Handmade – reuzi
Keeping them warm and eco-friendly during those long nights in.
Price: €45
Where: reuzi

Paula Moen Upcycled Plate Wall Hangings
Personalised art from old plates, because their walls deserve stories.
Price: €25
Where: Paula Moen Art

Irish Wool Slippers – Dark Green – Lee Valley Ireland
Footwear that says, ‘Why go out when it’s this cozy inside?’
Price: €TBC
Where: Lee Valley Ireland

The Good Room – The Black Stuff
A rich stout for those who appreciate the finer things in their living room.
Price: From €9
Where: The Black Stuff

Green Spot Chateau Montelena Cask 700ml
A premium whiskey for their home bar collection.
Price: From €75
Where: Green Spot Whiskey

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For the GAA Lovers

They bleed county colors and have strong opinions about the sideline cut.

O’Neills County Shorts
Because true fans wear their allegiance, even when mowing the lawn.
Price: Starting at €23.00
Where: O’Neills GAA County Shorts

County Socks
Step into team spirit, one foot at a time.
Price: Varies by county
Where: Elvery’s or O’Neills GAA County Socks

Model of Croke Park
For those who want HQ on their mantelpiece.
Price: €TBC
Where: Check local sports memorabilia shops or the GAA Museum Shop

Local Club Gear Bag
Haul your gear like a local legend.
Price: Varies by club
Where: Contact your local GAA club or visit O’Neills Club Stores

Season Tickets
The gift of live action, because TV doesn’t capture the roar of the Hill.
Price: Starting at €120
Where: GAA Season Tickets

IRFU 3fe Coffee
Scrum down with a brew that packs a punch.
Price: €15.00
Where: 3fe Coffee

Maktus | GAA Jerseys of All 32 Counties A3 Printed Poster
All the jerseys, none of the laundry.
Price: €25.00
Where: Maktus GAA Jerseys Poster

GAA Irish-made Art Print Inspired by Vintage Matchbox Design
Old-school flair for the modern fan cave.
Price: €20.00
Where: Etsy – GAA Vintage Matchbox Art Print

Note: Prices are subject to change. Please check the retailers’ websites for the most current information.

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For the Bratty Lovers

They embrace their inner sass with style and a wink.

Blockia Limited Edition Claw Clip – Dreamdeli
Hold your hair and your attitude in place with this statement piece.
Price: €15
Where: Dreamdeli Instagram

Satin Silk Longwear Foundation | High-Coverage & Lightweight – Sculpted by Aimee
Flawless coverage that lasts as long as your confidence.
Price: €34.50
Where: Sculpted by Aimee

9ct Gold Claddagh Hoop Earrings – John Ross Jewellers
Traditional Irish symbolism meets modern flair in these elegant hoops.
Price: from €150
Where: John Ross Jewellers

Scream if you love Ireland T-Shirt
Wear your love for the Emerald Isle loud and proud.
Price:  €35.00
Where: Pellador

Brat Custom Name Mug | Howrad Studios
Sip your morning brew with a personalized touch of cheekiness.
Price: €15
Where: Howrad Studios

Claddagh Tank – MNW Ireland
A modern twist on a classic design, perfect for layering or solo wear.
Price: €60
Where: MNW Ireland

Shot Glasses – Born & Bred
Toast to good times with these uniquely crafted shot glasses.
Price: €5
Where: Born & Bred

Whitebox Cocktails
Ready-to-drink cocktails for the spontaneous celebrator.
Price: From €5.99 per drink or €42 for the full set
Where: Kate’s Kitchen

Note: Prices are subject to change. Please check the retailers’ websites for the most current information.

Valentine’s Gift Shopping For the Last-Minute Lovers

Because spontaneity can still be thoughtful.

Fisherman Jumper
Classic Aran knitwear to keep them warm and stylish.
Price: Approximately €90
Where: Available at various Aran sweater shops in Dublin, such as Blarney Woollen Mills

Bambino Hot Honey
A sweet and spicy addition to their culinary adventures.
Price: €4.99
Where: Bambino Dublin

Bakes from Your Local Bakery
Fresh pastries or bread to brighten their day.
Price: Varies
Where: Local bakeries like Two Pups Coffee in Dublin.

A Trip on the Viking Splash
An adventurous tour blending land and water exploration.
Price: Approximately €25 per person
Where: Viking Splash Tours

Tayto Hearts
Heart-shaped crisps for a playful snack.
Price: Approximately €2
Where: Available in local supermarkets.

Grá Chocolate Hearts
Hand-painted artisanal chocolates made in Galway.
Price: €35.00
Where: Fallon & Byrne

Tickets to Beyond The Pale
Passes to a vibrant festival experience.
Price: Varies
Where: Beyond The Pale Festival

LEGO Flower Bouquet
A creative and lasting alternative to real flowers.
Price: Approximately €60
Where: LEGO Shop

Big Mike’s Gift Card
A dining experience at a renowned local restaurant.
Price: Varies
Where: Big Mike’s Blackrock

Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. Please verify details with the respective retailers.

Valentine’s Gift Shopping Gifts That Are Acts of Service

Because sometimes, the best gifts don’t come in a box.

Tea in Bed
The ultimate expression of care: a warm cuppa before they even lift a finger.
Price: Free (or the cost of a good tea bag if you’re being fussy)
Where: Your kitchen

“I’ll Do the Dishes Tonight”
A gesture so powerful, it could bring a tear to their eye.
Price: Free (priceless, really)
Where: The sink

“Will We Get a Takeaway?”
Four little words more romantic than Shakespeare ever managed.
Price: €40+ (depending on your cravings)
Where: Their favourite local spot

Write Them a Love Poem
This one is a dying art, but people can really melt for this. No AI-generated nonsense—make it personal, make it sappy, make it them.
Price: Just a bit of effort
Where: A piece of paper (or a dramatic voice note)

A Home-Cooked Meal
Michelin stars don’t matter when it’s made with love.
Price: Whatever’s in the fridge
Where: Your kitchen (or their favourite home-cooked dish)

Flowers from the Side of the Road
Wildflowers > overpriced bouquets. Extra points if they’re tied with twine.
Price: Free (or just a little walk)
Where: Somewhere picturesque (or a well-placed ditch)

“I Ran You a Bubble Bath”
Hot water, candles, and maybe a glass of something nice—bliss.
Price: Free (+ the cost of fancy bath bubbles if you’re feeling extra)
Where: The bathroom, obviously

The Last Rolo
A small but mighty sacrifice. True love in chocolate form.
Price: A single piece of confectionary
Where: Your hand (before you give it away, you martyr)

“You Can Pick What We Watch Tonight”
Even if it’s a three-hour arthouse film or a show you swore you’d never start.
Price: Your patience
Where: The couch

Some things can’t be bought—but they can be deeply appreciated.

Topics:

Dublin,shopping