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Published on October 20, 2022

Need some inspiration when it comes to Christmas Gift Ideas for Men? Getting a good surprise for the men in our lives can be a challenge. If your brother/husband/dad etc is really into something, technology say, it's hard to get them the right piece of tech without asking them about it first. I know my husband spends hours researching any piece of technology before buying it, so I'm sure I'd buy the wrong thing but once you ask them about it, then where is the surprise? What we are certain of is that men, like everyone else, appreciate good quality, originality and thought in a gift.  So we have pulled together a list of beautifully made gifts crafted by hand in small numbers that it is unlikely they will have seen before. Some of these gifts can even be personalised to show how much you care. So, before you reach for the generic cologne and aftershave balm gift set you can see in shops up and down the country, have a look through this list of artfully curated Christmas gift ideas for men, by the MarketStreet.ie Christmas elves! Here is a list of our 15 Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Men: If he's really into music then this customised discography print would be a great gift. Who is his favourite band or artist? Let us know and the print will be populated with their record releases. A personalised message can also be included showing even more thought! If he likes the clean shaven look we have the perfect shaving set he will absolutely love! An Irish bog oak shaving set comprising a silver tip badger hair shave brush and matching stand. The wood used is sourced in Donegal. For the one who loves a nice pen, we have a fabulous ballpoint pen made with antique copper and bog oak wood. A modern twist on a six pack, this handmade wooden beer caddy and bottle opener is a cool gift for the beer drink dad/hubby/brother/friend! This trendy yet practical gift is ideal for anyone really...a pair of wooden framed sunglasses with polarised lenses. Great for those sunny winter days and prepared for a busy year of holidays in 2022! Christmas gift guide for men - Irish bog oak shaving set & Sterling silver cufflinks. Is he into fly fishing? For fans of this very niche activity we have some gorgeous real leather fly fishing wallets which he would be absolutely thrilled with! One of our personalised gift options includes this phone/tablet holder which comes in a range of sizes depending on what he may want it for. Personalise with his name for a more customised gift experience. For the men who like to cook, this personalised recipe book is exactly what he needs to store all his favourite recipes in. He will use it over and over for many years to come and is sure to serve up some pretty yummy meals from it! Is he in the market for a nice new pair of cufflinks? Look no further - these handmade sterling silver cufflinks are unique and equally striking. Their design is based on the night sky from the Wild Atlantic Way and a design you won't find elsewhere. For the active and sporty guys, something a little different like this waterproof messenger bag with an image of a famous Irish landscape. Ideal for bringing on their sea swims, heading down to the gym or just out and about every day. Christmas gift guide for men - Liverpool FC vinyl and wooden sunglasses. If he enjoys a tipple of whiskey every now and again then he'd appreciate this classy blended Irish whiskey. Because they love Liverpool then this Liverpool vinyl record will absolutely bring a smile to their face! Not something you'll find in the shops! What man doesn't like a nice leather wallet for all their cards and this is a on-of-a-kind wallet so it will be easily recognisable when out and about. If they're really into their facial hair then this beard care set has everything they need to have it looking good all day every day. Sometimes men need to relax and soothe their muscles and when that time comes then having this very masculine muscle soothe gift set at the ready will show him you do care about all that extra running around he had to do that one time...jokes! So there you have it. Our top picks for Christmas gift ideas for men in Ireland this Christmas! If you’re looking for even more Christmas gifts for him then have a look around our website or search below for your own ideas. Supporting Irish makers and designers across the country at Christmas. Nollaig Shona Duit! Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 19, 2022

Make Christmas extra special with these personalised gift ideas. Personalised gifts for Christmas...who doesn't love a personalised gift at any time of year? It's so much more meaningful and shows the thought you have put in when choosing their gift. MarketStreet.ie is the home of personalised gifts for every occasion, but we've picked 10 of our top personalised gift ideas that would make a special Christmas gift this year. 10 Top Personalised Gifts for Christmas: Commissioned family painting This framed painting comes in A4 or A3 size and is a unique gift any family will love. Because it is a commissioned piece it takes approx 4-5 weeks so order asap if you would like it for Christmas! Feather and initial pendant Handmade jewellery unique for the recipient. A gift they can wear and cherish. Feathers evoke such an emotional response in so many people and are symbolic of hope, protection and connection. Matching earrings are also available to make the gift even more special! Handmade baby quilt These are one-off designs made especially for a special little bundle of joy at Christmas or any time of the year. These quilts are made to be heirlooms and can be personalised with baby's name embroidered on. Personalised Gift Ideas for Christmas: Commission Family painting, Initial Pendant & Name embroidered baby quilt Wire family frame This is a unique way to have your family portrait done - made from wire and organic cotton this family frame is a great gift and will sure to make them smile! Available for family size 3-4 or family size 5+ - don't forget the family dog! Family Christmas stockings frame A favourite at Christmas this personalised frame is a great gift that can be hung year after year at Christmas, when when the kids have long moved out, it's a lovely decoration that keeps family as family at Christmas! Personalised Gifts for Christmas: Wire Family Frame & Family Christmas stockings frame Personalised planner and journal These personalised journals are lying out the virtual shop door these days, and it's no wonder why! The perfect personalised gift for anyone, it is fully customisable to start when you want it to start and comes with a choice of inserts for the inside the journal. Great, practical gift for anyone in today's busy world! Ogham cufflinks Sterling silver personalised cufflinks engraved with a special message or name, in the ancient Irish writing of Ogham. A thoughtful gift for any guy who likes to wear cufflinks and look smart for the office, meetings or a special occasion! Tree of life frame This is a special keepsake gift for any family no matter what size. This frame design can take up to 100 names, so you can make sure to include ALL the family members for a truly unique gift. Personalised Gifts for Christmas: Personalised Daily Planner, Ogham Cufflinks & Tree of Life frame Personalised height ruler Handmade from Irish Oak, Ash or Walnut, this height ruler is a staple piece for any family home. No need to mark the kids heights as they grow on the doorframe, this personalised wooden wall height ruler is a fun and special way to record details of everyone's growing years. If you move house - the ruler can come with you! Pass it down to the next generation and have the whole family's records all together. Customised discography print For the one who loves music, this wall print is a fun and unique way to celebrate the music of their favourite artist. Add a special message if you wish. Personalised Gifts for Christmas - Personalised Height Ruler & Customised discography print This is only a drop in the ocean of the personalised gifts for Christmas available on MarketStreet.ie. There are so many more to choose from in every category, so if you're looking for more ideas, then search below. Happy Shopping! Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 18, 2022

Looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift for teacher that they won't get from anyone else? We've put together Ireland's top 10 Christmas gift ideas for teachers to make shopping a little less stressful this festive season. After experiencing homeschooling during lockdown, I think we can all agree that teaching our kids is far from easy! We have a newfound respect and appreciation for our teachers. In all seriousness, they must be superhuman to get through five days a week with our kids, let alone teaching and inspiring them and that's why they deserve something thoughtful. The Christmas season is upon us and as we go through our list of Christmas gifts to buy, we struggle, yet again, to think about what to get teacher. Yes gift vouchers are definitely easier but maybe you want to get something a little more thoughtful this Christmas, or perhaps it could go alongside a gift voucher. Whether you're gifting from yourself or you're pooling together with other parents,  either way we have put together a list of our top Christmas gift ideas for teachers in 2021. As all teachers are different and have different interests we have varied the gift types and budgets to accommodate all tastes, keeping it fun and unique. Ireland's top 10 Christmas gift ideas for teachers in 2021: 1 . Because teachers are planners and need to be organised to survive, a personalised planner is an ideal gift, and what'e even better is you can choose when it starts, add their name, make it 'As Gaeilge' and so much more. 2 . Because teachers are clever why not test them with a brain workout puzzle that'll really make them think! Maybe they can share it with the class once they figure it out and it can be a class challenge! 3. Because they spend so much time in the classroom with the kiddies, they would really enjoy a unique afternoon tea trip around Dublin. Whether they are based in Dublin or not, this experience is not your usual afternoon tea - it's afternoon tea Irish way and definitely worth the trip. 4. Because it's Christmas, a thoughtful personalised Christmas tree decoration would be perfect for the occasion. 5. Because teachers have a lot of keys (school, classroom, car, house etc!), and full hands carrying books and all the rest, why not gift them a unique macrame wristlet so they can carry their keys easily without losing them. Ireland's Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers in 2021 6 . Because teachers like a bit of fun (and in fairness who doesn't?!) a tongue twister 2022 calendar will be perfect to keep track of busy days and weeks so they don't lose track of all the important stuff going on..like parent/teacher meetings, half days etc! 7 . Because you can never have enough candles, a Christmas candle gift box that they won't get from anyone else is something that will stand out. These two Christmas scented candles each come in a handmade cement case that can be reused 8 . Because teachers have lots of students it nice to gift something a little different, so why not get them a quirky piece of wall decor for their home. This Santa hat pebble birdie on a slate heart is a lovely handmade Christmas gift idea. 9. Because being a teacher is stressful, showing them you appreciate their hard work and patience with a Relax gift box is the perfect gift for any busy teacher to enjoy their school break! 10 . Write your thank you message in a festive teacher Christmas card to go alongside your teacher Christmas gift. SHOP UNIQUE IRISH GIFTS Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 17, 2022

Mistletown Christmas Market Family Fun! Ireland's largest indoor Christmas market is coming to Dublin and we can't wait! We missed out on going to Christmas markets in 2020 because of COVID so this year there is a lot of built up excitement for the Christmas season. Christmas markets in Europe are top of many people's travel list in December every year, and we know why.. the cold winter air, smell of grilled sausages, twinkling lights, traditional Christmas crafts and a mug of hot mulled wine! What's not to like?! As with any Christmas market, having food, drink, craft stalls and entertainment all together creates a magical festive setting. It's an ideal day out for all the family and that's why we are thrilled we can enjoy exactly this without having to get on a flight. The craft stalls at Christmas markets are the highlight for many visitors. The excitement to buy something different that you won't get in the shops, the chats with the maker, and just discovering quirky little handmade gifts for Christmas. And isn't it nice to pick up a little Christmas souvenir for yourself too! So Mistletown Christmas market, here we come. we can't wait to experience the festive cheer this December! Christmas market craft stalls. All You Need To Know About Mistletown Christmas Market .. When is it on? It will take place from the 4th to the 23rd December so plenty of time to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th: 10am to 10pm Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th: Midday to 10pm Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th: 10am to 10pm Wednesday 15th – Friday 17th: Midday to 10pm Saturday 18th – Tuesday 23rd: 10am to 10pm Wednesday 23rd December: 10am to 6pm Where is it on? It will be held in Dublin's old fruit and veg market on Mary's Lane close to Capel Street. What will there be to do? Being Ireland's biggest Christmas market, it will feature a : Craft stalls - the heart of the market and where you'll find plenty of handcrafted Christmas gifts and jewellery from up to 80 craft stalls. Food & Drink - artisan food & drink traders will be in demand with busy Christmas treats such as mince pies, crepes, bratwurst and lots more! Choose from over 20 food and drink stalls. Vintage carnival -  featuring a victorian carousel, a big wheel, fairground games and more family fun. Mistletown bar - get your mulled wine in while catching up with friends and watching the live entertainment. Entertainment - the main stage will host live entertainment every day of the market. How much is entry? Free...totally free! Is there parking? The closest parking is in Jervis Street carpark (5 minutes away) or Park Rite carpark in Smithfield (10 minutes away). Is it suitable for the whole family? Yes, yes, yes! Make a day of it and head into Dublin city for the day...Soak up the atmosphere of Mistletown Christmas market and shy not stroll up to Henry Street and Grafton Street to see the famous Christmas lights. Festive fun day for everyone! For more information, visit Mistletown.ie. Understandably, Mistletown Christmas market is not a possibility for everyone to visit, be it down to timing, location or personal reasons. If you miss it but fancy some crafty Christmas gifts, then pop over to our own Christmas shop on MarketStreet.ie where we have a great selection of Christmas goodies from over 200 Irish makers and designers that you would find at various markets across the country! SHOP HANDCRAFTED GIFTS Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 16, 2022

Stuck for some secret Santa gift ideas? Fear not, we're here to bring some secret Santa Christmas cheer! Shopping for your secret Santa is never an easy task. Yes the budget is small and affordable but it can be a nightmare to find something not altogether bin worthy for such a low price! It's also hard to buy a gift for someone you may not know that well. You could be lucky and choose a close friend or colleague but if not, that adds to the stress of it all. Secret Santa is a bit of fun and creates some Christmas cheer amongst the group. We want it to stay that way so we're here to help you find the perfect secret Santa gift so they'll all be crossing their fingers and toes that you get their name next year! Whether it's your boss, a colleague, a friend, a neighbour, family...whoever it is we have a cool and quirky selection of cheap and cheerful gifts they're going to love and will actually want to keep! Imagine that! 13 pretty cool secret Santa gift ideas under €20: 1 . For the one who loves Christmas.. ..a fun and festive Christmas movies scratch off poster. Priced at €8.50 this is something they'll have great fun scratching off over the Christmas break! 2 . For the one who needs to slow down.. ..a gift for them to stop, sit down and check in with themselves. Packed with self care exercises and positive thoughts, this lighthearted wellness journal encourages taking time out and seeing how you are. Perfect gift for today's busy world! 3 . For the one who enjoys a challenge.. ..give them a challenge! How about an Acrylic Jigsaw - no picture, just clear pieces that could go any way. That'll be sure to keep them busy over the Christmas break. 4 . For the one who loves chocolate.. ..a personalised reindeer chocolate decoration. The perfect gift for anyone this Christmas. Christmas Movies Scratch Off Poster, Acrylic Jigsaw, Reindeer Chocolate Decoration 5 . For the one who is always busy.. ..they'll be grateful for a 2023 calendar with lots of colour and positivity to help them stay organised and never miss an occasion! 7 . For the one who deserves to relax.. ..gift them this beautiful handmade soap and candle set. You can't go wrong with this gift. 8 . For the one who loves a personalised gift.. ..a personalised scrabble name print is a great gift choice. Include all their family names, or maybe the names of your group of friends...whatever names of words you choose this is something they definitely wouldn't be expecting from a secret Santa, and will absolutely love! 9 . For the one who loves tea..or cows..or both.. ..how about a new cow mug for the office or home. Surely you can never have enough mugs, and this one is a fabulous picture of three Irish cows printed on the Peek a Moo mug! 2023 In Black and White, The Eco Candle and Soap Gift Set, Personalised Family Crossword Print – Scrabble Style 10 . For the one with a beard.. ..this natural aromatic treatment oil made in Co. Kerry is ideal to smooth and tame facial hair. They all want their beards looking the best so this natural beard oil will go down a treat and having their beard in perfect condition for the festive season! 11 . For the one who is spending Christmas in Dublin.. ..it may be their first time in Dublin for Christmas so a little token gift will be appreciated. This Dublin at Christmas magnet is thoughtful and a keepsake they can bring with them if they move on! 12 . For the fashion conscious one.. Handmade and hand painted wooden earrings to style up their Christmas nights out! 13. For the one who sees the positives in everything..and enjoys a G&T.. ..a 'When life gives you lemons' wall print is the gift they'll love and can hang at home or in the office that gives a feel good factor every time you see it! Manannán Beard Oil, Wooden Earrings, When Life Gives You Lemons Wall Print For more secret Santa gift ideas like these click on the button below or if you have something in mind already then have a little search.. SHOP MORE UNIQUE GIFTS Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 15, 2022

August 10, 2021 Article taken from Digital Business Ireland. Former Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor will provide guidance, advice and support to our winner, Michele Ryan of marketstreet.ie Michele Ryan of marketstreet.ie has been selected as the winner of the Digital Business Ireland Female Mentoring Initiative, and will now receive six, one-to-one mentoring sessions with former Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and qualified Executive Business Coach, Mary Mitchell O’Connor. Michele’s business is just two years old and it offers supports to local Irish businesses, artists and creators and the concept of selling traditional, hand-made products through a one-stop, online platform is a great example of the efficiency of ecommerce and how digital platforms have supported local Irish businesses. Secretary General of Digital Business Ireland, Lorraine Higgins said “Digital Business Ireland’s Female Mentoring Initiative was established with the aim of supporting women across Ireland who have established a digital, online or ecommerce start-up in the last two years. While entries were highly competitive and many businesses struck a chord with us, there can only be one winner. Michele Ryan demonstrated to the judging panel how she supported many home-grown businesses as they dipped their toe into the digital sales channel. We applaud her for her work and fully recognise that her business values align with that of DBI’s which is why we are delighted to select Michele as a deserving winner of this mentoring package.” Michele Ryan said “I am delighted to have been selected as winner of the Digital Business Ireland Female Mentoring Initiative with former Minister for Business, Mary Mitchell O’Connor. Setting up my own business has been both exciting and challenging. Having these one-to-one mentoring sessions with such an experienced business leader will be invaluable to me and my business. I’m excited to get started and very much looking forward to learning from Mary.

Published on October 15, 2022

MARKET STREET CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS UNDER €20 Christmas is an expensive time of year and it can be hard to find fun and quirky gifts for everyone. Here I have chosen some of my fave items on Market Street for less than €20, great as a Christmas gift for him or her. Give as a gift, a stocking filler, a secret Santa gift, or maybe you deserve a little gift for yourself this Christmas! These are all made by Irish designers and crafters. (Please note that the prices listed below are all exclusive of shipping. Each seller has their own shipping charge and is detailed on the product page) 14 Christmas gifts under €20 1.Honey and Bergamot Candle in Concrete candle holder - €16.95 (More scents available. ) Ideal gift for him or her - nothing like a yummy scented candle to help you relax after a busy day or week. The concrete holder makes it more of a unique gift, and sure who doesn't like getting candles!? https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/honey-and-bergamot-candle/ 2. 'Gym V Junk' Funny Illustration - €18 More choice in illustrations available.  These funny illustrations make for a great gift for anyone with a sense of humour! I love this one..I'm definitely the junk machine lover haha!! More to choose from so you can find the perfect and unique Christmas gift for anyone! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/gym-vs-junk/ 3. Rustic Wall Mounted Bottle Opener - €20 (More designs available) Great gift idea for him. These rustic bottle openers are easily mounted on the wall and catch the bottle lids nice and tidy so no need to be finding random bottle lids lying around the house! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/rustic-wall-mounted-bottle-opener-the-best-beer-is/ 4. Macrame Plant Hanger - €17 (More colours and lengths of these plant hangers to choose from) Fabulous and quirky homeware gift to make any home a happy home! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/bright-blue-macrame-plant-hanger/ 5. Embroidered Irish linen lavender sachet - €8 Lovely Christmas gift for her to help with sleep or maybe someone who travels a lot. Keep clothes smelling fresh in a suitcase, and even in the wardrobe at home. The detail in the embroidery is fab and makes it even more unique. (Product no longer available) 6.Family House Rules Print - €15 (More fun and feel good prints to choose from suitable for kids rooms, as well as homes and offices!) https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/house-rules/   7. Quirky Irish fridge magnet - €5.95 (Lots more magnets to choose from) These clay magnets are fun and unique, and have a choice of all things Irish. Personalised Dublin street sign magnet is available too - choose what you want written on it, choose from Dublin locations, or make it unique! Great stocking filler or secret Santa gift. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/irish-weather-fridge-magnet/ 8. In Case of an Emergency Frame - €20 A fun gift for anyone this Christmas. Who wouldn't want a spare €100 close by in case of an emergency after all ;) https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/in-case-of-an-emergency-quirky-gift/ 9. Chill Out Tote Bag - €10 (Choose from more designs) These tote bags are a handy and practical gift for her. She can use it for nipping to the shops, throwing in shoes for work, out and about or pretty much anything! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/chill-out-tote-bag/ 10. Bonnie the Scottie Dog Felt Ornament - €18 (More dogs and colours to choose from - all equally as cute!) Thoughtful and cute gift for any dog owner. They would love this to hang on the Christmas tree and to display elsewhere for the rest of the year as it is not Christmas specific! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/bonnie-the-scottie-dog-felt-ornament/ 11. 'In Gin We Trust' Print - Downloadable File €10 / Unframed Print €15 We all know a gin lover - and this would make a great addition to their home! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/in-gin-we-trust-print/ 12. Personalised Luggage Tag - €8 (Embroidered letter comes in green, blue or pink) Handy travel accessory for anyone, making it an ideal Christmas gift for those that like to travel or maybe they are heading off somewhere nice for Christmas or New Years that they can use it for! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/luggage-tag-monogrammed/ 13. Wooden Geometric Isolde Earrings - €14 (More styles under €20 also available) A nice little fashion accessory gift for her. Always a great gift idea, and there are plenty of affordable and stylish earrings in this range to choose from! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/isolde-earrings/ 14. Personalised Metal Straw - €6 (Choose pink, blue, purple or red) These personalised straws are eco-friendly and would make an ideal stocking filler or secret santa gift for anyone who loves their cocktails. Or maybe just someone who likes to drink out of a straw no matter what the drink is ;) https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/personalised-metal-straw/ To go alongside these wonderful Irish made Christmas gifts under €20, we have some fabulous Irish designed Christmas cards from €3 per card. If you can, try to support local this Christmas and try make at least one purchase from an Irish maker - they will really appreciate it a lot more than a large global retailer! :) SHOP ALL CHRISTMAS GIFTS Happy Shopping! Follow us on Instagram for more gift ideas.

Published on October 14, 2022

Let's brighten up lockdown.. Our makers love doing what they do so we want to help you do what you love to do, even if just for a few moments every day. Here are 15 lockdown gift ideas for yourself or someone else to brighten dark days and to help you feel more positive and ready for the world when it's open again! Lockdown Gift Ideas: Keep in touch with friends and family the traditional way - post a card. Something to put a smile on their face when they receive it in the post and know that someone is thinking about them. We have so many wonderfully unique and relevant Irish designed lockdown cards. Bring out your creative side. Spend some time drawing or painting in a beautifully embroidered Irish Linen covered Sketchbook, perfect for all your drawing needs. Maybe you don't draw or paint, why not try? You might surprise yourself and even enjoy it. Plan and organise. Plan life after lockdown with an Irish designed 2021 calendar. Or maybe your like me and love a good list...get all your to-do lists together and organise your life in this Rua The Cow A5 Notebook. Keep your brain ticking over with some good old fashion brainteasers and puzzles. Bake. Look good while baking with this cafe-style apron in a classic blue and white stripe with denim pocket. And how about drying up with one our Irish designed tea towels then when you're finished making a mess! Learn something new. Try sewing your own face mask, or sewing a lovely hanging decoration. All sewing patterns are ideal for beginners. Look after your skin with natural and organic Irish skincare products and natural face soaps. Create a big of magic in the house for the kids with one these fabulously colourful and unique fairy doors. Relax and destress the mind and body with an aromatherapy candle or your favourite scented Irishmade candle. Don't forget your furry friends. Pamper your pet with one of these eco-friendly pamper gift boxes for dogs. Give nature a helping hand with some wildflower seedbombs while out walking, so come Spring there will be a bit more colour on your walking route. Keep the kids entertained with these wooden activity kits. Add a motivational print or a little bit of colour to your home working space to help keep you going on difficult days. Help a little one with their worries with this reassuring wellness doll who helps children especially at bedtime. Send flowers that last (to yourself or someone else!). Let's face it, who doesn't like receiving a delivery flowers, and especially when they last for a year or more! Choose from crepe paper flowers that last forever, a super cute crochet cactus or tulip in a pot, or a luxury arrangement of preserved flowers. We hope these lockdown gift ideas will give you some gift shopping inspiration! Whatever it is you do to fill your time, be happy and stay safe! And remember to support Irish when shopping online :) SHOP MORE UNIQUE GIFTS Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on October 14, 2022

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE LOCAL Irish online shoppers Irish people love being Irish. And why wouldn’t we?! Always up for the craic and wanting to have a laugh, we’re known for our good manners and of course our love for the black stuff...tea that is ;) So why is it when it comes to online shopping we could be better at supporting local? Did you know that the Irish are the biggest international online shoppers in the world? According to a report in the Irish Times in 2018, 84% of Irish online shoppers purchased from overseas sellers ahead of local. That’s shocking! However, in my opinion and from previous experience, part of this may be down to the fact that’s it’s not always easy to find what we're looking for from Irish sellers online. When it comes to digital expertise, small Irish businesses are not the best (according to Ireland Digital Health Index), but that’s not to say that what these SMEs do and create isn't the best! It just means we have been forced to shop overseas to find what we're looking for in unique gifts. Support local for unique gifts When it comes to finding something different and unique, many of us resort to online shopping, especially when it comes to gifts. Nowadays giving personalised gifts and unique gifts for any occasion, is the norm. It's nice to give and also to receive a gift that someone has put some thought into..something handmade and personalised, you know they have put more effort in and it means more. With plenty of choice to buy unique gifts online from overseas, we are missing the opportunity to support local makers because we can't find them! Over the last 6 months in particular I have been to quite a lot of local fairs and markets across the country and have come across some AMAZING talent and FABULOUS products that make a perfect gift! I honestly have wanted to buy everything! It's such a shame I didn’t know about all of these makers and their creations before now because they really are special. This is why Market Street is here today. You NEED to see this stuff! Without sounding cheesy, Market Street supports the dreams of these small Irish businesses and gives us the opportunity to support local and shop Irish. My top 5 reasons why there’s no place like local when looking for the perfect gift.. We are supporting someone’s dream to be able to make what they make and earn a living from it. Someday this could be you and wouldn’t you like the support from Irish shoppers?! We are supporting local jobs for these makers as well as all the suppliers and businesses they interact with to carry out their business. You may be for one of these people or work for them, and isn’t it nice to have a job! We are investing in and encouraging local entrepreneurship so we benefit from unique products made with passion and care. We all love something different! We are showcasing the local talent that lives amongst us.. Like seriously, the talent is unreal! And finally, be proud to support Irish! Need I say more? Just check out some of the amazing and unique gifts available on marketstreet.ie and you won’t need convincing! Support Local. Shop Irish. We're continually working to add new sellers and new products, but if there are any other types of gifts or products you would like to see available on Market Street, just leave a comment below..

Published on October 11, 2022

New Baby Gift Ideas Ireland A new baby is a blessing! It's a huge moment in the parents' lives, and a great excitement for friends and family. Everyone wants to choose the perfect baby gift for this wonderful bundle of joy that has been brought into the world, but it can be difficult! Let us save you some time! At MarketStreet.ie we have a wonderful selection of handmade new baby gift ideas for you to find something special that they'll love. Think personalised baby gifts, practical baby gifts, thoughtful baby gifts and keepsake baby gifts... we have it all and we'll help you choose the perfect new baby gift that will wow! And don't forget a new baby card - we have plenty of Irish designed greeting cards for you to choose from too! We've chosen some of our favourite gift ideas for new baby and split them into three categories to give you a better idea of what type of gift you might like to give.. Here are our Top 3 Personalised New Baby Gift Ideas 1. Personalised new baby frame to mark their arrival.  Something like this they can keep forever and show off in their nursery. We have a huge selection of personalised new baby frames to choose from. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/new-arrival-soft-blue/ 2. Personalised baby patchwork quilt to keep baby cosy and can be used for years. All baby quilts are handmade and some can be personalised with baby's name. View more baby quilts and blankets. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/cath-kidston-inspired-baby-quilt/ 3. Personalised bunting to some colour and fun to the nursery / baby's room. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/rainbow-name-bunting/ 3 Nice but also Practical New Baby Gift Ideas 1. Baby gift set which includes super soft handmade bib, sensory blanket, reusable wipes and nappy and wipes wallet. These are something which any new parent will be delighted with and will get great use from. View more baby bibs and gift sets. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/baby-gift-set-hedgehog-turquoise/ 2. An organic cotton baby grow. A baby can never have too many baby grows - that is a fact!! View our selection of baby sleepsuits. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/raspberry-grippy-zippy-sleepsuit/ 3. Soother chains. Babies are always spitting out their soother's so a soother chain will save the soother ending up the floor, and save a mammy a headache! Choose from silicone soother chains, real leather soother clips and cotton soother clips - view all soother chains. https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/lyla-soother-chain/   3 Keepsake New Baby Gift Ideas 1.Personalised Baby Girl Horse Shoe unique hand made gift, based on the old tradition of Good Luck. Each gift is made with genuine horse shoes and is also available as a new baby boy gift too! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/personalised-baby-girl-horse-shoe/ 2. Personalised new baby keepsake box for all those little things you want to keep forever...baby's hospital bracelet, first shoes, photos and all those things to keep the memory alive! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/handmade-personalised-keepsake-box/ 3. Baby's first shoes handmade from real leather. So many cute baby shoes to choose from! https://sii.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/product/leather-baby-moccasin-shoes-with-bows-2/ All in all, that's a good little variety of new baby gifts ideas for you to browse through. Handmade baby gifts are unique, special and are made with love and care. These personalised gifts are made to order, and that means no two will ever be the exact same. That is the beauty about buying handmade. SHOP ALL NEW BABY GIFTS IRELAND Follow us on Instagram for unique daily gift ideas.

Published on September 02, 2022

How to make Mother's Day special even though you're away from home. Send love and put a smile on your mammy's face from across the miles, with our top 10 Mother's Day gift ideas in Ireland. You wish you could spend the day with your mam and give her the biggest hug, but for whatever reason, you can't be there in person. Don't worry, because mammy definitely wouldn't want you worrying, you can still let her know how much she means to you even though you're not together! Organise a call or video call if mam can work digital well enough for that, and send your love and wishes over a call. We also have 10 ideas to treat her on this special day when mammies deserve to be spoilt! So no matter where in the world you are, make sure you show your mammy just how much she means to you this Mother's Day. SHOP MOTHER'S DAY 10 ways to treat your mammy when you can't be with her this Mother's Day: 1. Send her a personalised gift. For the sentimental mammy that misses the family all together, why not surprise her with a personalised family frame that will soon become the favourite item in the house! She'll be only to delighted to show it off when the neighbours come around for tea! 2. Organise afternoon tea for her. With Ireland now opened for socialising again and restrictions eased, mam might like to get herself all dressed up and head out for the day for afternoon tea, and we have just the afternoon tea experience that she'll really enjoy in Dublin. 3. Organise a mammies night. Get in touch with her friends' kids or other halves to organise a night out for the mammies. Maybe a nice dinner out so they can all enjoy a fun-filled evening together with good food and great company. 4. Send her a Mother's Day personalised frame. A special message for a special mam in a personalised frame from you this Mother's Day. 5. Spoil her with a pamper session. Let's face it we all love a day of pampering, and no one deserves it more that mam. Send her some pampering gifts to relax and enjoy either at home or you could send her a gift voucher for a spa day. 6. Send her flowers made to last. Sending flowers is always an easy solution, but why not go one step more and send her favourite flowers that will last a lifetime, so the next time your home to give her a hug she'll get to show you the flowers in person. She'll always think of you when she sees these flowers on the kitchen table or the hall table! 7. A miss you gift. Saying 'I miss you' can sometimes cause a lot of emotion, sadness and tears, but it also shows how much someone means to you. The fact you are missing them so much and thinking of them, it's a gesture of love and thought. You could send her a miss you message as a little keepsake token. 8. Customised gift from the grandkids. Is she missing her grandchildren as well? A special gift from the grandkids will no doubt bring a happy tear to her eye and we have just the gift - this customised kids drawing embroidery will be something she can treasure forever. 9. A night away. Treat her to a night away from the chaos of everyday life. Book her into a nice hotel (possibly with a spa!) and surprise her on the day with this scratch and reveal card. Be sure to be on video call with her when she's scratching it to see her reaction. For the ultimate surprise you could book her flights to come visit you! (If covid restrictions permit) 10. Spoil her with a piece of handmade jewellery. I'm sure a nice piece of Irish made jewellery won't go amiss! Something they love to wear and makes them feel loved and thought of. If shopping local Irish gifts online is an option for you from the other side of the world, then MarketStreet.ie has a great selection of thoughtful and meaningful gifts for your mammy in Ireland. SHOP MOTHER'S DAY Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on August 02, 2022

3 Tasty Gluten Free Pancake Recipes You Need to Try This Pancake Tuesday! Pancake Tuesday is the 21st Feb 2023.  Pancakes can sometimes be considered an annual event whereas they really are a fantastic recipe to bring out for so many different occasions. Quick to whip up, top them with sweet or savoury extras, make them gluten free, dairy free and healthy and you have a super recipe! I’ve included 3 different Pancake Recipes here so you find the one that works best for you. They are all Gluten Free but can be subbed for regular ingredients easily with no difference to the results. Most have no added refined sugars (vote for the healthy camp!) and they can are dairy free too so if you’re on a health kick and want to improve your lifestyle, then pancakes can very much be part of that voyage. These light and fluffy pancakes will keep you full and satisfied. You can whip them up in a blender, traditionally in a bowl or in your smoothie maker which really helps for a busy lifestyle. They only take minutes to cook and minutes to eat!! I find you can get ahead by putting the dried ingredients together in a zip lock bag and combine the wet ingredients in a large jar. Keep the combined wet ingredients in the fridge till you’re ready to use, give the jar a good shake and you have taken a lot of the effort out of making these delicious Pancakes. 1. The Fluffy Pancake Recipe I’m starting with one of my most popular and most made pancake recipes – The Fluffy Pancake Recipe – which is included in my Gluten Free Baking From The Heart Recipe Book. By adding a little bit of a pure maple syrup, date syrup or agave syrup, the pancakes are sweet enough and you don’t need to top them with lots of sugary extras. Ingredients: 250g gluten free plain flour (use your own flour) 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (not needed for GF) 4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 large eggs 250ml plant milk (use your favourite milk) 60ml vegetable oil 2 tbsp. organic, pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract Gluten Free Fluffy Pancakes Method Use a hand whisk – no need for any special equipment. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients well together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until completely combined. The batter will be thick and will puff up a bit as it sits waiting to cook. Heat whatever pan you use to make pancakes and use a bit of vegetable oil spray or butter if you prefer. When it’s hot, use a 1/4 cup scoop measure – about 3 tablespoons and use the back of the spoon to form a circular shape. Once bubbles appear on the first side, then flip the pancakes over and brown on the other side until cooked through. Repeat till you use up all the batter. 2. Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe Have you tried baking with Buckwheat Flour? It’s a great alternative to use but what makes it so special is that not only is it naturally Gluten Free but Buckwheat is also Grain Free! So even though it’s name has wheat in it and it sounds like a regular flour, it’s the total opposite and so handy for those who need to keep off grains in their diets. Buckwheat also has more protein, fibre and Vitamin B than oats or wholewheat flour so it’s a superfood! Buckwheat tends to be more absorbent than regular wholewheat flour and even though it might not give you light and fluffy results in your bakes, it definitely adds richness and moisture to cakes and cookies. Definitely one to try and see if you enjoy that gorgeous earthy, nutty flavour. Ingredients: 4 tbsp. golden caster sugar or coconut sugar (this is optional) 140g buckwheat flour 85g gluten free plain flour 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 3 large eggs 285ml buttermilk (If you don’t have buttermilk to hand or want to keep these dairy free, then add 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar to your milk of choice. If you’re using plant milk, then heat it in the microwave for a few minutes first but regular milk doesn’t need any special treatment. Stir and leave to sit for about 5 – 8 minutes and you’ll see it thicken up. Use as normal buttermilk) Buckwheat Pancakes Method In a large bowl, mix the sugar (if using), both flours, cinnamon and bicarbonate of soda. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Gradually whisk in the buttermilk to make a smooth batter. Melt your oil of choice and add a spoonful of the batter to make about a 3″ to 4″ wide circle. A tablespoon or 1/3 cup size will work well. A word here to pay heed to – these cook very fast. Literally about 1 minute per side. Once you see bubbles on the surface, then it’s time to turn the pancakes. You’re looking for a light, golden colour. Continue to cook until you have used up all the batter and serve. These pancakes are really very filling so you don’t have to make quite as many as the regular ones. 3. Oat & Banana Pancakes Recipe The final pancake choice is one where oats are used in place of flour. It’s simple to make these Gluten Free by subbing your choice of GF oats in place of regular flour. This recipe is quick and easy to make in a blender and I like to blitz the oats first to give them a closer consistency to regular flour for easier mixing. That means that I just add the oats to my blender first and blitz them before continuing on. Adding ground cinnamon to the pancake batter gives them a rich flavour and it does darken the end result so if you have fussy eaters, maybe leave it out. Using oats to make pancakes is very popular now as it adds a healthy dimension to your breakfast or midday snack. Oats release their carbs slowly so you stay full for longer. The addition of maple syrup is optional but it’s only 1 teaspoon so it’s not too much of an issue but of course you can omit completely or replace it with agave syrup or date syrup. Don’t use a very, very ripe banana as that will add liquid to the pancakes so a nice banana that’s not too soft or not too hard will be perfect. Ingredients: 1 ½ tablespoons GR oats – blitzed to make them resemble flour Pinch of GF baking powder 1 egg 1 banana 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp maple syrup (optional) Oat & Banana Pancakes Method Blitz the oats in your blender and then add the baking powder and cinnamon and pulse to combine. Chop the banana into pieces and add along with the egg, vanilla extract and if using, the maple syrup. Blend everything together to get a thick batter. Heat your pan of choice and drop 2 tbsp of the batter to fry gently. Once cooked on one side, then gently turn over and brown the other side. You should get about 6 pancakes out of this recipe. Top with Greek Yoghurt and some fresh berries for a wonderful, healthy snack. These and other great Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegan recipes can be found in my book, Gluten Free Baking from the Heart Written by Soraya Quigley For more gluten free baking, check out my 'Baking From The Heart' recipe book. Enjoy your gluten free pancakes and let us know in the comments below which recipe is your favourite! Follow MarketStreet.ie on Instagram for unique gift ideas.

Published on July 12, 2022

Spend some quality time with your mam this Mother's Day It's nice to show your love and appreciation for your incredible Mammy on Mother's Day.  We have some thoughtful gifts that you can surprise this special woman with, but we’ve asked Ann from Button Pics to give us some suggestions of how you can treat your Mam and get to spend some quality time with her too. Ann is the creator of Button Pics. Her favourite thing to do is to make pictures using old buttons, embellishments and paper craft. One of Ann’s first pictures was based on the theme “Blossom where you’re Planted” (i.e. make the most of wherever you are). This was a favourite saying of Ann’s own mother. It has pride of place in her home and reminds her of her Mother’s wisdom on a daily basis. Mother's Day button gifts Top things to do on Mother's Day: For a Foodie: Cocktail classes Wine tasting evening Trip to a local food market Cookery class Breakfast, lunch or dinner in a restaurant she's been dying to try. Afternoon Tea in a new place (or, get out your fancy china and homemade treats and host it yourself!) For a Music Lover: Tickets to a concert or show Cabaret evening Karaoke evening Local theatre/musical event For a Gardener: Day trip to a new/favourite garden centre Membership to RHSI (Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland) Subscription to a seed/plant catalogue Local garden tour/talk Tour of the botanic gardens For an Outdoor Enthusiast: Trip to a favourite walking spot Trip to the beach Forest walk/nature reserve Make a picnic for a local spot For a Book Lover: A limited edition book (do a google search for Irish bookstores) A podcast of a favourite author A book signing or author reading event A poetry reading event A trip the Writers Museum in Dublin An Artist or Art Lover Trip to an art gallery (check any local or national exhibitions) A trip to an artists studio or open event Membership of National Gallery of Ireland An Arts and Crafts Enthusiast: New materials for her craft/hobby An interesting book/manual on her hobby A day course in a new craft (e.g. pottery morning, drawing class etc) A trip to a craft market A Beauty Fan: A professional blow-dry A spa treatment A makeup consultation A manicure/pedicure We hope you have a lovely day making new memories with your mam/gran/sister/daughter/friends! Check out Ann's button pics if you fancy picking up something special for Mother's Day, or maybe there's another occasion coming up that you might find the perfect gift for! Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.

Published on July 03, 2022

Happy International Women's Day! A day for celebrating women's achievements. Here at MarketStreet.ie, a whopping 90% of the small Irish businesses that sell on our site, are female owned! I applaud each and every one of them for their creativity and determination to run their own business, many of which have young families to manage at the same time. It is on days like this, when we actively acknowledge the successes of women here and around the world, that we see just how far we have come since International Women's Day was first celebrated back in the early 1900s. It's incredible and so inspiring to see how many women run businesses there are, and how much we can achieve when we support each other. Today I want to thank all of the incredible women on MarketStreet.ie for their support and hard work since we launched in 2019. "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much" Some of these talented ladies have kindly shared some inspirational words and quotes that have helped them on their journey. Have you got some inspirational words from International Women's Day, that you would like to share in the comments below?

Published on July 02, 2022

A Beaded Story of Loss and Love.. Have you often reminisced about the jewellery pieces that have been handed down to you from the generation before? From your mother, your aunt or that wonderful lady down the road, that fabulous aunty who is not a blood relative? Have you often opened the delicate tissue paper and glared at the beautiful beads with the broken clasp? The same clasp that has been opened and closed numerous occasions before going to many a dinner dance in the seventies, while complimenting a magnificent flowy maxi dress. The beautiful beads and flowy dress that have habitually waltzed to the beat of One Day at a Time in the steps of one, two, three and repeat. Until, of course, one waltz too many, when the beads decide to fly all over the dance floor and a scurry of gentlemen crawl on their hands and knees to gather the last bead, or so they think. But there is always a few that get away, as beads love waltzing too and forget to stay on the dancefloor!  They merrily skip and bounce along to the beat of One Day at a Time in the steps of one, two, three and repeat. After a myriad of steps, while not conforming to the slightest form of dancing etiquette they decide to rest up. Never to be seen again only by a vacuum cleaner whilst noisily searing up the pipe into the bag when the flowery carpet is getting a makeover! And then it’s too late isn’t it? A lonely necklace wearer stands still, no more one, two, three and repeat.. lamenting about that final swing that was to the detriment of her pride possession, proudly complimenting her flowy dress, to the envy of her dinner dance crew. Forlorn and lonesome but soon heartened by the dancing squad, the bare neck waltzing again begins in a magnificent flowy maxi dress to the beat of One Day at a Time to the steps one, two, three and repeat. But it’s just not the same, a flowy dress without a complimentary necklace, a bare neck waltzing with the beat without a necklace in sight. Until, of course Ali Vaughn Jewellery comes to the scene of the crime! Ali has such a range of handmade jewellery pieces. Surely one of them will compliment that magnificent flowy dress because Ali’s store is full of colours, pearls, crystals and beads. Each one perfectly capable of waltzing to the beat of One Day at a Time in the steps of one, two, three and repeat. Handmade Jewellery - Gold Fan Necklace, Pear Earrings, Red Daisy Necklace Perhaps the gold fan shaped crystal necklace, wonder would that look nice with that magnificent flowy dress? Or the Red Daisy necklace, that might match? What about the Swarovski Pearl earrings, they look quite sophisticated? Maybe the Teardrop Pearl earrings instead?  Mmm.. lots of handmade jewellery to choose from, the dancing future is looking brighter already. While delicate tissue paper and a mighty cluster of beautiful beads lay dormant in a dressing table drawer, a magnificent flowy dress adorned with a fabulous Red Daisy necklace soon begins waltzing again to the beat of One Day at a Time to the steps of one, two, three and repeat. Wonderful memories, wonderful friendships, wonderful romance, wonderful love stories, wonderful community spirit and wonderful dance moves are now all in the making for many, many waltzing years to come. All thanks to Ali Vaughn Jewellery who came to the rescue Have a browse through the Ali Vaughn Jewellery range and choose something to compliment your magnificent flowy dress. And you can repeat wonderful memories, wonderful friendships, wonderful romance, wonderful love stories, wonderful community spirit and wonderful dance moves for many, many waltzing years to come. One, two, three and repeat.. Written by Ali Vaughn Follow MarketStreet.ie on Instagram for unique gift ideas.

Published on March 05, 2022

These hardy plants will add an extra flair to your space even if you don’t have a green thumb. Here are 5 useful and easily maintained house plants that will improve your home in so many ways Have you tried house plants in the past and found it impossible to keep them alive or just never knew where to start? We’ve all been there and in this list, you are sure to find the plant for you! These plants are not only pretty, but they also improve the air quality and some even provide topical or herbal benefits! 5 low maintenance house plants: 1. Snake Plant This plant is nearly impossible to kill, trust me I’ve tried! The snake plant is incredibly low maintenance, they can thrive with low light and light water. Not only can they survive anything, but they are also one of the best house plants to take pollutants out of the air in your home, improving your brain function! 2. Aloe Vera With some water when the soil is dry and direct sunlight, you can sustain an aloe vera plant of your own! Having one of these plants in your home will come in handy in so many ways. Stayed out in the sun too long? Cut off a leaf from one of these plants and use the gel inside to soothe the burn! Is your skin feeling dry and flaky? Aloe vera can help with that too! This plant is essential in anybody’s home. 3. Peace Lily Are you more of a fan of floral decor? The Peace Lily can fit that need while being very simple to care for. Indirect sunlight and damp soil are enough to help this plant thrive and add an air of elegance to your space. This plant is an excellent air cleanser and is said to bring peace and prosperity into your home! 4. Succulents These plants come in a variety of shapes and colours, all easy to keep alive! A succulent terrarium can be a gorgeous, modern addition to your space and will definitely be a conversation starter. Care of these terrariums is easy, mist when dry and keep in indirect sunlight! 5. ZZ Plant Another amazing air purifier, this plant strips toxins and pollutants out of the air and produces clean air for your home! ZZ plants should only be watered every 2-3 weeks and love medium to bright indirect sunlight. Who said keeping plants alive has to be hard? Any of these plants can be easily found at your local garden store and the benefits they bring make them worth it! SHOP PLANTS & FLOWERS Follow us on Instagram for daily unique gift ideas.