Tips for choosing that perfect Christmas present!

What's the best thing about Christmas? Getting presents!

What's the worst thing about Christmas? Having to buy presents!

Penny's Christmas gift to Sheldon clip from The Big Bang Theory

(The Big Bang Theory - -A little background... Earlier in the episode, Sheldon planned to have multiple presents ready for Penny so he could give her a present equal in value to the one she gave him. This is how it turned out...)

Choosing the perfect present can be hard, stressful and the last thing you want to do  if you are stuck in queues, trying to find parking and under pressure.  Don't become another stressed out, wild-eyed shopper -why not consider buying some (or all) of your presents locally. This should save you from a lot of those hassles and you can sit relax & have a coffee, have lunch with a friend or pamper yourself  in the time it would take you to drive somewhere else to do your shopping. If you had to drive to Galway or Westport from Clifden  you can factor in an hour each way so that gives you two spare hours  to relax and do something for yourself & think of the savings on petrol or diesel!!

So here's a few tips on choosing that perfect Christmas Present so that you don't experience any of  these replies when your presents are being opened!!

Develop a list.
Even Santa has a list ....making a list keeps you focused and saves you from last minute panic buying.

Ask for a list or listen  to hints!
Get whoever you are buying for to make a wish list or pay attention to what what they are talking about if you steer the conversation around to gift buying. This is especially good for kids if you are not sure what toys, interests they have.  

Shop around

Have a look around your local shops and see what they have. Some great offers now in local businesses  for the next few weeks & you can build up some ideas of what you want to buy. Chat to your local retailers and they will be able to give you advice. Some even have Christmas Clubs to help you spread the cost of Christmas! We will post some gift ideas for local shops over the next couple of weeks! 

Work out a budget
Having a budget is very important & be realistic about it. The perfect present doesn't have to cost a lot of money. and with a bit of thought and imagination you will show you considered the person when buying the present. Sticking to a budget means  that you won't be overspending  and stressing about getting into a financial mess. 

Think about person you are buying for
Some people are very fussy about presents (save the receipt!!) Remember  Rachel in Friends who always returned all her presents while others are thankful that you have thought about them at all.

 What kind of present? 
Don’t give something you want the person to have, give something they want to have. After all if the present ends up in the the back of a cupboard it's a waste of your time & money and shows that you didn't really consider the person when buying it.   Are they a practical person or would they like something they would never buy for themselves.

What does the person like?
What interests, tastes or hobbies do they have? Find the real passion of the person and buy a gift to suit that.

It's the thought that counts
But only if you have thought about it!  Do a bit of research online, in magazines and see what they suggest as presents under various themes and then apply that knowledge to what is available in your local area!

Don't leave it until the last minute!  


  

Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given--when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes. -Joan Winmill Brown

Shoppers & Retailers -how to embrace local

Shoppers & Businesses - How to embrace ‘Local’  You too can be a local hero 

Every ordinary person  can care enough to do  something extraordinary
like in the movie Local Hero from the 80's

Local is not just for ‘Christmas ‘ but a long term commitment so you can’t just talk the talk ….you’ll have to walk the walk as well. Here  a few ideas for shoppers and a few ideas for businesses as well! 

Shoppers

• Choose to buy one two or all your Christmas Gifts locally  -see interesting article from Irish Times this week about spending your money in independent retailer this Christmas 
• Embrace 'shop local' all year around
• If you are eating out or celebrating why not do it locally-some great restaurants pubs & hotels locally
•  Learn all about your local area & become an ambassador -promote it to locals & tourists
• Consider using local services for anything you need to do –dentist, optician etc  
• Support your local shop in person or online –shop in person or online if they have such a facility
• Take the time to check out a shop that you haven’t been in before.
• When you get good service or find something unusual –spread the good word 
• Support local events  organised by your Chamber of Commerce or other community organisations
• Consider donating some of your time to a community effort
• Sign up to RTE Local Heroes 

Reasons to Shop Local

 Christmas is a time of giving and this Christmas give your community the gift of survival and support your local businesses.  This blog aims to give you some ideas on why you should shop local and hopefully along the way you'll be inspired by the range of  fantastic ideas for quick and meaningful gifts from local businesses & services. 

So why should we support our local area??
Whether you turn on the TV, Radio, pickup a newspaper or search online there is one word that seems to be popping up everywhere.  'local' is the catch phrase of the moment.

Shop Local  is high on the agenda -just look at RTE Local Heroes Drogheda and the initiatives that they are doing with various RTE programmes following their progress along with a lot of other towns around the country. In this last week's  Galway Advertiser in this interesting article they've have listed a few good reasons to spend your money locally and  launched a high profile shop local campaign.
 



 Reasons to  Shop/Think  Local 

• Think  local to support yourself  -spending money locally keeps revenue  in the area as local traders live in their local area and  tend to spend in their local area. 

• Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences, stock different, traditional and often local products- visitors to an area want to experience something they cannot see where they come from so independent businesses provide that. 
• Encourages a variety of services -Private and public sector services (banks, restaurants, salons, dentists, doctors, etc) cluster around shops &  businesses. This is vital for any community but especially rural communities.
• Local businesses support local charities, schools, and community events
• Good service - Local traders survive by their reputation so will often go out of their way to give great customer service.

Your hometown is more important than a cheap pair of underwear!

Clifden & Connemara Shop Local Gift Ideas with Beauty, Style & Sparkle

Since shop local is high on the agenda everywhere at the moment I've put together some shop local gift ideas & suggestions and included a link to a website or facebook page where possible ...so you can Shop Local by shopping in person or some of the shops even have online shopping so you can support Clifden/Connemara where ever you are!

Here's a list of some fantastic ideas for quick and meaningful gifts from local businesses & services that are guaranteed to put a smile on your loved ones face.  If you want a glimpse of the great selection of fashion, style, hairdressing & beauty magicians in the area check out the photos of the Clifden Fashion Show by Connemara Photography Society

A voucher for local hairdressers -who doesn't feel they can take on the world after a bit of TLC for your locks!  The Hair Gallery , Kings Hair Salon "Talking Heads"  or Hedz can ensure that your locks will turn heads.
 From   Cíuin give the gift of lovely lashes MYscara for €25 or a Shellac Manicure €30.00 or check out some great Christmas beauty & pampering offers at Reflexions

At Hehirs  you too can look like royalty with something from the Kate & Pippa Collection -this little red dress (seen the left) will add a bit of colour to your Christmas celebrations but there are lots of other little numbers to tempt you also!At €80.00 it won't break the bank but you'll look a million dollars!  Some great shoes here as well!  Just look at that cute little bow. Some great Marco Tozzi boots as well!

To get the perfect shape inside the dress (think Pippa!! again) & check out BelleBlu range of Body Shapers & WonderBras. They've also got some other great gift ideas -who wouldn't be without one of these .. great handbag organisers, heel protectors, cleavage enhancers etc

Check out Oh by Gum for sustainable & fair trade fashion for adults & children. Some really nice accessories as well. I like the Emily Purse @12.99 or how about a  Jackpot Pline Leather Belt @54.95 but check out their range  online where you will be spoilt for choice.

There's nothing like a piece of jewellery to add final touch to an outfit. This bangle (on the left)  from O' Dalaighs or this pendant (on the right)will be guaranteed to put a smile on someone's face this Christmas! O'Dalaigh also make custom pieces so you can provide a truly unique present if you wish Check out some more gift ideas here

At Millars you'll find some great fashion  labels furniture & gift ware. (need some photos!) 

At Gannons you'll find a great range of clothing so you can look good in casual wear or following New Year's Resolutions to keep fit!! Brand names such as Quiksilver, Roxy, Helly Hansen, Adidas, Centerburg. Great selection of local jerseys available also so you can wear your club colours with pride!