This Christmas, I am making a big effort to shop local and shop small in order to support the businesses that have suffered through 2020. This will not only help these small businesses, but it means that we can buy some gorgeously unique and thoughtful gifts!
As a way of encouragement, each of these businesses is offering a discount to each of my followers! Click on the name of each business to shop their store!
I bought this little H&W Christmas tree decoration from Cowfield Design (save 10% with ‘Fiona10’)
Baby & Children Gifts
Little love blankets - created by a mum of two, these car seat blankets are the best way of keeping your baby cosy and warm, without the worry of them kicking the blanket off while you’re driving! They also keep the car seat nice and clean! I forever recommend Little Love Blankets as a gift idea. 10% off with the code: Fifree10 (valid until end of December).
Love From Freyja and Xander - Lauren is another local mum of two who makes knitted word art. These are the most gorgeous addition to have hanging in a little’s room and something that I absolutely cherish! Such a talent and such a beautiful, personal gift! 15% off with code: FESTIVE15 (order through Instagram).
Plum’s Finn & Co - the CUTEST personalised clothes and accessories for your littles! The dungarees, hoodies and little beanie melt my heart! Anything from Plum’s would be such a special present! 15% off with: FIONA15.
Slobber Scarves - Ethna is a mum of five and hand makes my favourite dribble bibs. They are made with bamboo towelling, so they’re very soft and absorbent and they are one of my hero products through Arlo’s teething stage. What makes them even cuter, are the matching leggings and rompers she makes! 15% off with code: FIONA.
McCulloughs of Bangor - selling everything you could possibly need for a new arrival as well as so many gifts to go along with it (including Arlo’s star shape blanket), this family run business has a huge range and is right by the harbour, so perfect for a day trip! 10% off Nursery Department and 15% off Gift Department - just mention that you are a follower of mine in-store to receive the discount.
Kings Baby Shop - Lisa and family were a great help to us when I was pregnant with Arlo - we bought from Kings, including his nursery furniture. They sell absolutely everything for your baby and have a huge toys section, so perfect for shopping for young kids! 10% off full priced items online with code: glutenfreefi10.
Marram Baby Kids - beautiful clothes for your babies and littles! They sell lovely loungewear and pretty florals. The Peter Pan collar blouses are so beautiful. 20% off with code GIFTGUIDE20 (valid until 15th December).
Peekaboo Kidswear - they have such lovely bits for your boys and girls! Arlo wore a little suit from Peekaboo to a wedding we went to a couple of months ago! Check out the autumnal chipmunk loungewear set! 10% off if you send a message on Insta!
Food Gifts
Gourmet Grazing NI - Emma creates the BEST grazing platters. Her gluten free options are insane and I think about the sausage rolls a lot! The boxes are filled to the brim with cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, homemade caramelised walnuts (TO DIE FOR), other nuts, artisan crackers, fresh berries, dried fruit and homemade chutneys - all from local producers. Such an amazing gift for foodies and the person ‘who has everything’! 10% off with code: CHRISTMASGFF10 (valid until 5.45pm 30th November).
Baby Fresh is a family run company that launched only this year. Built on their own experiences of weaning, they offer easy to follow healthy recipes with fresh ingredients delivered to your door. So you can create exciting and varied meals for your baby! This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have confidence in the kitchen when it comes to cooking for their little one (let’s blame tiredness!). 20% off with code: babyfresh20.
Home & Lifestyle Gifts
Home Field & Stream is a department store located in Enniskillen. With brands like Barbour, Le Creuset and Hunter, and plenty of homeware and outdoor gifts, it’s the perfect place to find a suitable 2020 gift! 10% off site-wide for the first 500 customers with the code: SHOPLOCAL10.
Costas & Valentine sell beautiful, luxury soy hand-poured candles from Belfast! If you’re embracing 2020 at home, they have gorgeous “Mulled Wine” and “Christmas Tree” scents, and if you’re not quite there yet, “Pina Colada Twist” might be better suited to you! 10% off with code: GLUTENFREEFI10.
Sass & Boho - Each candle is handmade with a unique blend of soy and coconut wax and premium quality fragrance and essential oils. I bought one of their candles a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it! They even sell a ‘burning turf’ scent, which would be perfect for anyone missing the scent of home! 30% off (excludes bundles) with code: BLACKFRIDAY30 & free shipping over £40.
Do Your Bit NI - Championing a change in Northern Ireland to reduce waste and offer as many plastic free options as possible, Do Your Bit NI sell the most lovely range of gifts and every day bits that would make a lovely gift for anyone who is trying to reduce their carbon footprint - like me! They also sell ‘Cheeky Wipes’, which I bought recently and they are great reusable wipes that are perfect for little bums and cleaning weaning faces! 10% off online with code: Fiona10.
Maggie May Lettering - gorgeous prints, cards and decorations all done in Sarah’s lovely calligraphy! I love, love, love the ‘Northern Irish Slang’ print! 15% off with code: FIONA15
Home Made Beautiful - Created by a mum of two, Home Made Beautiful won ‘Gift Shop of the Year’ in 2019 and I can see why! If you’re stuck for what to buy someone, you will find great presents here! I love the Danni Simpson Ireland Map and Irish Wall Hangings by Itty Bitty Book Co. 15% off with code: Fiona15 (valid online & in-store until the end of November).
Claire Newell Ceramics - beautiful handmade and hand decorated ceramics made in Northern Ireland. Claire’s dipping bowls and coffee cups are just gorgeous! Totally unique and would be a beautiful present for anyone who loves interiors! 10% off orders over £20 with code: GFFI10.
Cowfield design - a father and son created this local favourite business, making products that remind us all of the fabulous destinations across Ireland. I couldn’t help myself and immediately purchased the little H&W Christmas tree decoration! 10% off with code: Fiona10.
Mr & Mrs Bath Boards - Louise and Mark are a husband and wife team who create the most gorgeous bath boards. I honestly think this is a must-have product for every bathroom! I got mine years ago and it really lasts the test of time. It adds a whole new level of relaxation to bath time. I arrive with a cup of tea/glass of wine, my iPad, perhaps a snack or two and get ready to prune in the bath! £5 off with code: LOVE.
The Barking Mad Mud Co - Victoria hand makes beautiful ceramics in an old Blacksmith’s workshop. Each piece is completely individual and she has so many beautiful pieces on her Etsy shop! 10% off orders over £20 with code: SHOPLOCAL10 (valid until 17th December).
Lisannagh Designs - Sarah makes the most gorgeous Macrame! Wall hangings big and small, as well as lovely little bits like coasters and plant hangers! 10% off with code FIONA10 (valid until 20th December).
Peaches and Penny Candle Co. - Specialising in luxury fragranced products, including soy wax candles and melts, reed diffusers, handwash and lotions. You can even buy personalised candles! 15% off with code: Fiona15.
A Touch of Craft NI - offering bespoke wedding stationary and hand crafted gifts. The perspex Christmas tree decorations are gorgeous! 15% off personalised baubles and frames prints when you place an order over Insta and mention my name.
Wellness Gifts
Physio Fem - I could not recommend this enough for any pregnant or postpartum woman - Laura is an incredible women’s health physio! She helped me so much during pregnancy and for my rehab after my C-section. 10% discount for an online ‘Beyond Birth Care’ assessment - just message Laura on Insta and tell her you follow me!
The Holistic Girl NI - based in Bangor, Claire offers reflexology specialising in reflexology for cancer sufferers, infertility, maternity reflexology, facial and hand reflexology. £10 off each reflexology treatment (usually £35, so reduced to £25) with code: selfcare2020
Fashion & Accessory Gifts
Blush Boutique - Blush holds a special place in my heart because I bought my wedding dress there - their range is to die for and the girls are all the nicest! It was the go-to place in Belfast if you needed an occasion dress, but in true 2020 style, we aren’t going anywhere apart from our living room or walks with friends! Blush have adapted brilliantly and have added the most gorgeous loungewear to their range! I love the ‘Rock & Roll’ jumper and the knitted co-ords! 15% off everything…INCLUDING BRIDAL…with code: Fi15.
Ren & Gem - is made for mums, by mums. Ren & Gem is a creation from the most gorgeous sisters, Lauren and Gemma! When creating comfortable and stylish loungewear, there are no two girls better tasked for the job. Their range is so soft and the quality is incredible. Their sweatshirts and tees are made from 100% organic cotton and produced ethically in conjunction with the Fair to Wear Foundation. 15% off with code: FIONA.
Pearl and Grace - founded by two besties who share a love for fashion, they sell beautiful clothes and accessories. Pearl and Grace offers customers the ‘all-in-one’ shopping experience with a wide range of hair fascinators, jewellery, bags, wraps and scarves to compliment your outfit. 15% off with code: Christmas15.
Dresser Boutique - based in Banbridge, the Dresser Boutique has a fantastic range of clothes and accessories in sizes 8-18. They have a great range of knitwear and coats and a great blog with gift suggestions if you’re on a budget! 15% off with code: FIONA15.
Ros Oir Boutique - Clionagh, the owner of Ros Oir, runs their Instagram account brilliantly because she gives so many good outfit suggestions from their range. I love the collar bibs - the perfect way to look like you are wearing a shirt underneath a sweater, without getting too warm! The shackets are also gorgeous! 15% off with GFFI15.
Luna Nightwear - These pyjamas scream luxury! If silk pjs aren’t luxurious enough, Luna pjs are trimmed with ostrich feathers and shell buttons. With most of us spending a lot of time at home, it is so important to have a pair of pjs that make you feel like the queen you are! These are the pjs for just that! Don’t forget to check out the range of matching scrunchies, eye masks and a candle or two to set the mood! 20% off classic and silk pyjamas with code: Fiona20 (valid until 31st December).
Life from Lit - Lauren creates the loveliest embroidered sweaters and tees for women who embrace every moment in life. If you follow me, you might have seen my “Mum Life” sweater, which is just SO comfy and looks great. All of her range is locally and ethically made, sustainable, eco friendly and vegan and PETA approved! 10% off with code: GFF10.
Craftilicious Anne - Anne makes beautiful bespoke hand made gifts for weddings, babies, engagements, Christmas pressies...and more. She made Arlo the most gorgeous bunting for his nursery and it’s one of my favourite ever gifts! Her masks are a fantastic shape and come in so many different fabrics (I love the Christmas prints!). 20% off all mask orders on Facebook - just mention that you follow me!
Bohemian Vixen - Samantha’s collection of jewellery and accessories are made up of semi precious stones, bones, beetle wings & lots of chains & charms. Designed and handmade in Belfast, her pieces range from everyday necklaces, to statement pieces that will make an entire outfit! I can’t wait to use this discount! 20% off with code: GLUTENFREEFI20.
Otter & Oath - handmade beaded bracelets is designed and crafted by a local mum! Using glass, pearl and silver plated beads, these bracelets are a personalised way to keep those who you hold dear, close to you always! 10% off with code: GFF10
Boho & Bleue - a carefully selected collection of contemporary 925 sterling silver jewellery. Only launched in January 2020, this impressive local brand has a beautiful collection, which anyone would be delighted to be gifted! 10% off with code: FI10.
Beauty Gifts
Lusso Tan - created by three local sisters, Lusso is my favourite ever tan brand! Their tan nourishes your skin, contains no nasties (so you can use while pregnant and breastfeeding) and doesn’t have that awful tan smell! The Rapid Mousse and Face and Hand Mist are my hero products! 20% off with code: Fiona20.
Holywood Brows - Michelle’s HD Brows and LVL lashes speak for themselves! Check out her Instagram to see her amazing before and afters! 20% off each treatment when purchasing a gift voucher. PLUS every voucher purchased from now until Christmas goes into a draw to win a £60 gift voucher (1st prize), £30 gift voucher (2nd prize) and a £20 gift voucher (3rd prize).
Everlane Moira - an award winning salon in the heart of Moira, Everlane have a fantastic website with beauty gift sets from BPerfect, Lusso and nail sets, as well as gift vouchers for future treatments! 10% off entire website and all services with code: FI10 (Valid until end of December).
Sarah-Jane Johnston Make-up Artist - a professional make up artist, who specalises in HD brows and makeup lessons! Check out her Insta! 10% off Delilah Cosmetics, HD Brows, HD Brow Sculpt, make-up applications and lessons (excluding weddings) with code: SJXMAS10 (Valid until end of December)
Fragrances by Fifi - Mum of one, Fiona, sells fragrances, makeup and candles that are produced in the same factory as some of the major high street brands. She has scents inspired by Chanel, Tom Ford, Creed, Jo Malone, etc. 20% off with code: Gffi20 (gifts will also be gift wrapped).
The Skin Lab NI - skincare specialists specialising in problematic skin! The owner is also a nutritionist, so also looks at any internal factors that might be affecting your skin! They normally start with a skin scan, which sounds very exciting! Zoom consultations also available! They also stock all Environ Advanced Nutrition Programme and Jane Iredale make up products! 10% off everything (excluding Christmas gift sets) with code: Fiona10.
Art Gifts
Blue Ochre Gallery - an independent art gallery which selects original fine art for prints. All our prints are hand signed by the artist. The prints would be a lovely present for a loved one! 10% off with code: FIONART10.
Catherine Heany Art - If you want a unique gift for someone, Catherine’s paintings would be beautiful. For any animal lovers, she even takes pet commissions! Catherine and I were buddies in our art class and she is truly talented. Her work will add a pop of colour to any home. 20% off all paintings - just message her on Insta!
North Coast Captured - Lois is an artist whose art will give you a warm feeling in your heart. Using watercolour, lines and beachy finds (little pebbles feature in some of her work!), she also offers prints which would make a great pressie! 20% off all prints - just message her on Insta!
Flower Gifts
Kathryn’s Flower Barn - Kathryn is a talented florist and makes the most stunning arrangements. This year, she will be making Christmas wreaths, table centres, etc. £5 off all Christmas arrangements - just message her on Insta!
Fun Gifts
Pips and Pop - luxury balloons, filled with small little balloons and other lovely treats. These would be great for baby’s first christmas (Arlo loves balloons) or to send to a much missed friend (send the one with alcohol inside!). 20% off wth code Pips&Pop20.
Thank you so much to the businesses who asked to be included in this blog. I hope that this generates some business in your direction! Well done on surviving 2020 - Northern Ireland have survived worse and so will your business! We are made of hard stuff! Thinking of you all at a very stressful time!
To my readers…Happy shopping!
Fx