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12th Dec 2017

13 Of The Best Independent Stores In Dublin For Thoughtful Christmas Gifts

Sarah

Stuck for ideas on where to find that extra-special gift this Christmas? Luckily, Dublin is a treasure trove of independent stores that are sure to have something perfectly unique in stock. 

From expertly roasted coffee beans to Instagram worthy prints that are ideal for any proud homeowner’s wall, Christmas shopping in Dublin City doesn’t have to be a manic rush around a crowded department store.

Here’s 14 of the best independent stores in Dublin to pick up something truly lovely. 

1. Hen’s Teeth 

Hen’s Teeth on Fade Street have limited edition, affordable and contemporary art prints from a specially curated roster of Irish and international artists. Their December collaboration with Seven Wood will see beautifully designed journals, ceramics and clothing from some of their favourite designers around the world. 

Our Fave Gift:

Black Jasmine Hand Balm: €16.50

Sevenwood

2. The R.A.G.E

One of Dublin’s best independent record stores, The R.A.G.E on Fade Street sells every sort of vinyl accessory you can imagine, including thousand of records. It is also the no.1 spot in the city for retro video games and consoles!

Our Fave Gift:

N64-Console: €59.95

N64With Controller 530X

3. Jam Art Factory

Searching for a truly unique gift for someone special? Jam Art Factory on Wood Quay is a carefully curated gallery and design shop filled with Irish ceramics, textiles, jewellery and limited edition prints.

Our Fave Gift:

Lasercut Pigeon House (Poolbeg) Print: €25

Snow Pigeonhouse Lasercut Dublin

4. Proper Order Coffee

Smithfield’s very own coffee lover’s haven, Proper Order, is home to award-winning brewers who showcase the very best of coffee from around the world. Brews change daily and the café also stocks yummy artisan chocolates… as well as all the coffee brewing equipment and beans you could ever need!

Our Fave Gift:

Gift Card: €0-€100

Proper Order

5. The Tweed Project

The Tweed Project combines the best of Irish fabrics with amazing, made-to-order designs. Each piece is handmade and designed to last a lifetime, making this an extra thoughtful present. The pieces range from crisp linen shirts to the softest snuggly scarves and blankets. Their collection can be found online or at Indigo&Cloth in Temple Bar.

Our Fave Gift:

Triangle Scarf: €140

6. April And The Bear

A beauuuuuutifully curated lifestyle store filled with top picks of homeware, jewelry, art prints and lighting. You are sure to find something really special here that can be cherished for years to come, with stylish products that will help bring some of that trendy ‘hygge’ to your home.

Our Fave Gift:

Bear Bottle Opener: €17

7. Sunday Books

This truly lovely online, independent bookshop has a fab selection of books and magazines from across the world. They have rare editions, gorgeous coffee table books and thought-evoking books on art, photography, design and typography. Beautiful.

Our Fave Gift:

John Berger – Ways of Seeing: €11

Waysof Seeing1

8. Love & Robots

This Dublin-based design studio 3d prints the coolest jewelry and accessories that can be customised and made extra-personal with text, dates, and locations. A really thoughtful gift for someone who means a lot to you. 

Our Fave Gift:

Map Necklace (Gold Plated) – Dublin: €140

Map

8. Designist 

Designist is a design led gift & homeware store, selling online and also at their shop on South Great Georges Street. They stock lighting, table ware, stationery, plant containers, glasses, storage items, wall items, kitchen ware, toys, and a heap of other delights, with most things coming in for under €100. 

Our Fave Gift:

Copper Photo Mobile: €12.50

Screen Shot 2017 12 12 At 16 11 36

9. Moo Market

The shop in Stoneybatter has a wide range of gifts to suit all ages and pockets, ranging froe beautiful Irish made cards as well as many products sourced from local artists/creatives. As the space is on the small side, they also boast loads of dreamy interior decor designs such as cushions, lamps and the sweetest lanterns.

Our Fave Gift:

‘Not A Morning Person’ Mug: €14

Screen Shot 2017 12 12 At 16 15 44

10. Gutter Bookshop 

An independent bookstore on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar, they can order any book you want (including American Imports and hard-to-find Out-of-Print titles too). Their lovingly curated collection of old classics and new gems mean you’re sure to find the perfect book. 

Our Fave Gift:

Vintage Minis: €5

Screen Shot 2017 12 12 At 16 23 42

11. Chupi 

Dublin’s prettiest store for all things sparkly, Chupi jewellery in the Powerscourt Centre is a haven for rings, necklaces, and bracelets that are all handmade and inspired by nature. Unusual gemstones and designs cast in real feathers and twigs make these a gift to be treasured forever. 

Our Fave Gift:

My Heart Is Open Ring in Gold: €139

My Heart Is Open Ring Gold Web

12. Abode

Abode store in George’s Street Arcade is an Aladdin’s Cave of quirky interior items, kooky gifts and games, and gas tote bags and mugs with iconic Dublin quotes. Staff are sound and will help you find something you won’t get anywhere else. 

Our Fave Gift:

Big Bag Of Cans Tote Bag: €9.95

Screen Shot 2017 12 12 At 16 34 08

13. Folkster 

Temple Bar’s one-stop-shop for stylish gals in the city, Folkster has a wide range of unique clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as limited edition art prints and other lustworthy homeware trinkets. Shop in store or online.

Our Fave Gift:

Phoenix Beaded Clutch: €39.95

Screen Shot 2017 12 12 At 16 44 38

Just try and not be tempted to pick up a heap of things for yourself, yeah?

READ NEXT: I’ve Finally Found My Perfect Hairdresser In Dublin – And It’s Somewhere I Never Expected

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