Your perfect gift ideas are inside. Guaranteed Irish...#BuyGI Your perfect gift ideas are inside....

#BuyGI

Your perfect gift ideas are inside.

Love, Guaranteed Irish

INSIDE: The Guaranteed Irish Gift Guide presents the must-buy gifts this Christmas with the latest in Irish fashion, jewellery, beauty products and artisan foods.

D8101_GI Indo gift magazine cover NOV 2017(7).indd 1 29/11/2017 16:54

01 ADKOT BOARDS

02 AMANDA CHRISTIE DESIGNS

03 B LOCAL LOYALTY CARD

04 BABY ELEGANCE

05 BALLYMALOE FOODS

06 BERRY BE BEAUTY

07 BIA BEAUTY

08 TORC CANDLES

09 BORD NA MONA

10 BRENNANS BREAD

11 BROOKE & SHOALS

12 CELTIC TWEEDS

13 ELEPHANT BEAN BAGS

14 DEER PARK KNITWEAR

15 DWM GREETING CARDS

16 DONEGAL NATURAL SOAP

17 DONEGAL SOCKS

18 DUBLIN DESIGN STUDIO

19 EMMAS ECO SOY CANDLES

20 FLAHAVANS

21 FOREGOLF 22 FOXFORD WOOLLEN MILLS

23 G’S GOURMET JAMS

24 GEM PACK FOODS

25 GRIFFITH JEWELLERY DESIGNS

26 HEART AND SOUL BAKERY

27 HERBERT PARK HOTEL

28 HOLOS SKINCARE

29

IRISH COUNTRY HOTELS & MANOR HOUSE HOTELS

30 IRISH HANDMADE GLASS COMPANY

31 IRISH HIDE DESIGNS

32 JANDO DESIGN

33 JO BROWNE

34 JOHNNIE CUPCAKES

2 I GUARANTEED IRISH Irish Independent I Saturday 2 December 2017

35 JOHNNY MAGORY BOOKS

36 JOHNSTON MOONEY AND O’BRIEN

37 TAYTO

38 MAGEE 1866

39 MANHATTAN

40 MICHAEL TWOMEY BUTCHERS

41 O’NEILLS

42 PAT THE BAKER

43 PEACHY

44 RAINBOW CANDLES

45 RATHBORNES 1488

46 SHERIDANS CHEESEMONGERS

47 ST. PATRICK’S DISTILLERY

48 TAN ORGANIC

49 THE CHOCOLATE GARDEN OF IRELAND

50 THE HANDMADE SOAP COMPANY

51 TOWN & COUNTRY HAMPERS

52 TRISH’S HONEY PRODUCTS

53 TULLAMORE MEATS CO-OP

54 WATERMARK CARDS

55 WEXFORD STRAWBERRIES

56 WHELAN FOOTWEAR

A BeCreative Editorial Production | www.becreative.ie EDITOR Shauna McCrudden DEPUTY EDITOR Clodagh Dooley CONTRIBUTOR Brendan O’Donohue ADVERTISING Zoe Holohan (01) 884 8916 DESIGN Robert Armstrong, INM Design Studio, Belfast

REPRO Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

The gift industry members of Guaranteed IrishHere are the Guaranteed Irish gift industry members from around the country

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37

34 5046

12 43

0436 3924 26

2530

1845

29 41

33

49

27 32 54

55

28

19

02

42

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094853 35

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4751

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Contents4

CHRISTMAS CLOTHING ESSENTIALSHow to look stylish with

Guaranteed Irish fashion brands

5 WINTER SKIN SAVIOURSThe latest, must-have beauty products from Guaranteed Irish

companies

6 CHRISTMAS FOOD FAVOURITES FOR ALL THE FAMILYTasty recipes you can enjoy over the

Christmas period

8 RELAX AT HOME OR AWAY WITH GUARANTEED IRISHWhether you’re spending Christmas

at home or away, you can have a perfect, relaxing Christmas with Guaranteed Irish

9 THE ROAD TO SUCCESSJulie McLoughlin from award-winning Irish design firm, Jando

Design, on the journey from start-up to success and the role of Guaranteed Irish

10&11 GIFTS UNDER €50 AND GIFTS UNDER €100

A selection of recommended Christmas gifts produced by Guaranteed Irish businesses

“Guaranteed Irish products are synonymous with quality and integrity. From Irish fashion and jewellery to artisan food hampers and beauty products, our members in the gift industry in Ireland are a showcase of contemporary craft and design, as well as excellence in food,” says Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish.

“And while Guaranteed Irish products aren’t just for Christmas, the festive season is of critical importance to Irish retailers. The average household spends €2,500 at Christmas,” explains Brid. “Our message to shoppers this Christmas is to be selective about what you buy and where you buy it from.”

Creating Irish jobsResearch conducted by Amárach Research showed that spending an extra €4 a week on Guaranteed Irish members could create up to 6,000 new jobs.

“Whether you’re shopping online or on your local main street, when you ‘buy GI’ for Christmas gifts and for Christmas dinner, you support businesses and brands which are making a tangible and valuable contribution to Irish life – creating jobs and supporting communities.

“Buying GI is also an opportunity for consumers, as well as businesses giving corporate gifts, to showcase Ireland’s success in craft, design and food – particularly if you’re sending gifts overseas.”

Saturday 2 December 2017 I Irish Independent GUARANTEED IRISH I 3

Buy GIthis Christmas

Since its origins in 1974, Guaranteed Irish has become one of the most

recognised symbols in the country. GI

supports homegrown and international

companies, across a number of sectors,

which proudly invest in Ireland by creating jobs and supporting

local communities. This Christmas, Brid

O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, is

encouraging customers to ‘buy GI’ and explains

why it’s so important to support the Irish gift

industry

“With several Guaranteed Irish members exhibiting at the event, the ‘GI Village’ is a real celebration of quality Irish craft and design, and the perfect place to get all of your Christmas shopping done,” says Brid.

Happy Christmas from GIAs Christmas time is nearing, Brid has a message for all Guaranteed Irish members and their supporters, “Happy Christmas and New Year to all our members, I wish you continued success in 2018.

“We’re looking forward to working with you on upcoming campaigns in tourism, agriculture, professional services, construction, pharmaceutical and more.

“Guaranteed Irish is a voice for both the small and large businesses coming out of Ireland, from local to global, across all sectors that create jobs and add value to our communities. We truly believe we are ‘all together better’.”

In this special supplement in the Irish Independent, Guaranteed Irish shines a spotlight on its members in the gift and food industries in Ireland, encouraging consumers to ‘buy GI’ this Christmas.

Follow the campaign online using #BuyGI. To benefit from membership to Guaranteed Irish, visit www.guaranteedirish.ie and apply online today.

Brid O’Connell, CEO

GI Village at ‘Gifted’ FairThe ‘Guaranteed Irish Village’ returns to ‘Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair’, at the RDS in Dublin from 5th to 10th December.

waistband, the pullover is designed to be durable, anti-wrinkle and fast-drying. No more bugging mammy about when it’ll be dry after the wash!Available at O’Neills stores nationwide and

online at www.oneills.com for €40

Happy feetGift aspiring Irish dancers with this Inishfree Gift Pack, supplied by Whelan Footwear. The set includes the Loop Pomp, Inishfree’s bestselling pomp which is extremely lightweight with soft and durable leather; Dancing Socks and a ‘Learn to Dance’ DVD, with international dance teacher and adjudicator, Olive Hurley.Available online at www.irish-danceshoes.com and stockists worldwide, or by Freephone 1800 234 432 for €49.99

Casual knitNot sure what present to get him? Consider a sweater from the Coraggio Collection at Deer Park Menswear, Ireland’s leader in men’s fashion knitwear. With a combination of solid and marl yarns in a blend of 50pc wool and 50pc acrylic, the sweater will keep him warm on colder days. A great gift for dad or grandad.Available nationwide in independent retailers in every main town in Ireland for €60-€75


Buying from Guaranteed Irish fashion brands this Christmas makes for a thoughtful and unique gift for loved ones. This is because you know that when you buy Guaranteed Irish, the values of quality and integrity are intertwined in each creative design. Here are eight stylish ideas we recommend for men, women and children

Christmasclothing essentials

Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“As an Irish family business, we

believe being part of GI offers our

business a great support network

and ensures our customers can easily

recognise that they are buying Irish and

supporting Irish jobs when they buy our

products. We are exporting a wide range

of Irish-designed and manufactured

products across the world and are

proud to display the GI symbol.”

– Gavan Costello, Sales

Manager, Baby Elegance

All-in-oneKeep little arms warm with this long-sleeved Bebe All-in-One from Baby Elegance. Ideal for everyday wear and playtime, the soft and stretchy cotton is comfortable for young sensitive skin and nickel-free poppers will avoid irritation.Available for sizes 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months from Baby Elegance in Dundrum, Blanchardstown, Arnotts, most good nursery stores nationwide and online at www.babyelegance.ie for €20

Sports loversFor the girl who likes to keep active, this comfy fit training top from O’Neills is both sporty and stylish. Featuring eye-catching printed panels, side-zipped pockets and an adjustable drawcord

For the kids

For herSilk delightCrafted with kimono sleeves, this delicate silk blouse from Magee 1866 in Donegal has a flattering open v-neck and gold metal buttons. Pair with a pair of jeans for casual wear or dress up with a midi skirt for Christmas parties.Available to buy in Magee 1866 stores and online at www.magee.ie for €169

All wrapped upWoven from 100pc lamb wool, the scarves from Foxford Woollen Mills in Co Mayo are the perfect accessory to keep you snug against the seasons. This multi-coloured scarf (below) is a perfect match for the white silk blouse.Available in four Foxford Woollen Mills stores (Foxford, Westport, Moygashel & Arnotts) or www.foxfordwoollenmills.com for €25

Your plus-oneWith many Christmas events and parties to attend, you’ll need a spacious bag to carry all your essentials (and invites!). This wine tweed bag with leather handles from Magee 1866 will carry all your essentials. Pair with your new scarf and white blouse. Available to buy in Magee 1866 stores and online at www.magee.ie for €279

Dressed to impressDoes he complain about not having anything dressy to wear for events? This timeless, handcrafted Oscar Wilde Brown Tweed Waistcoat from Celtic Tweeds will satisfy those who have a penchant for classic Irish design. It also has a slight ‘Peaky Blinders’ feel, so fans of the show will love this unique gift.Available at www.celtictweeds.ie for €155. At the Gifted Fair in the RDS, Dublin from 5th - 10th December, the waistcoat will be selling at a special price of €120

Give it socksHe’ll never experience the loss of his favourite socks again if he has a pair of traditional woollen socks from Donegal Socks on his feet – he won’t want to take them off! These soft, thick socks take their inspiration from the rugged patterns of the wild and beautiful scenery of Donegal. Available in 16 shades, these charcoal-toned grey ones will complement his new jumper or tweed waistcoat!Available in gift shops, craft and knitwear stores throughout Ireland from €10.95

For him


Winter skin savioursThere are two benefits to buying beauty products that are Guaranteed Irish. Firstly, you will be supporting jobs in the Irish beauty industry and secondly, you know you will be feeding your skin with the nourishing natural ingredients of a product made right here in Ireland. This Christmas, give your own, or a loved one’s, skin the attention it deserves. Here, Clodagh Dooley selects some Guaranteed Irish beauty products to fill your stocking with

Winter time brings harsh, cold winds that can irritate the delicate skin on our face, making it dry and flaky. And, while it can get hectic over the festive season, it’s important not to let your skincare routine go amiss.

Always cleanse your face before bedtime and when you wake up. We are exposed to the environment every day, meaning dirt and pollution builds up on our outer skin layer. Research has shown that not removing this dirt at the end of the day can cause skin breakouts and irritation.

Jo Browne has launched her new product, the Jo Browne Natural Facial Cleansing Balm, which is 80pc organic. The balm contains Organic Camelia Oil, which is considered a ‘miracle’ oil because of its many benefits. It nourishes and revitalises delicate dry skin, strengthens its protective barrier, replenishes skin with vital nutrients and leaves your face feeling silky smooth. For €34, the balm comes with an eco-friendly Bamboo Facecloth, which is

For dry or cracked lips, keep the Lip Balm by Trish’s Honey Products (€4.95) in your pocket. It contains pure beeswax and honey to keep your lips soft and moisturised, and it’s even edible! It also works as a great base for applying lipstick at night. More natural products and gift sets are available at www.trishshoneyproducts.com or at a selection of gift shops nationwide.

…is Holos Skincare ‘This is More’ Facial and Eye Serum (€41.99 on www.holos.ie). The under-eye areas can need a little boost after late Christmas parties, and this Argan Oil is a perfect substitute for eye cream. Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, organic plant extracts, juniper and lime, it aims to protect against the signs of ageing and helps to tone down redness. All you need is four drops for the face, neck and around the eyes, and it absorbs faster than a moisturiser, so there’s little waiting around. Now, where’s the next party at?

anti-microbial, anti-fungal, hypoallergenic and soft on the skin. Massage the balm onto dry skin and remove with a warm Bamboo Facecloth. Both products are available on www.jobrowne.com.

Facing the elements All ‘eye’ want for Christmas…

For a subtle, seasonal glow that is safe, moisturising, and has no strong fake tan smell, try TanOrganic Self-Tanning Oil. A unique blend of eight nourishing plant oils, including Argan oil, it leaves your skin glowing and smooth. The all-natural formula

contains no perfumes

and is the world’s

first and only eco-certified self-tanning brand. To get the best possible finish, preparation is key, so make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying. For Christmas, you can pick up this limited edition set for €24.99 (the

price of one bottle), which includes a free exfoliator.

Available at selected Boots stores.

Festive glow

You’re not protecting your hands from the elements by simply wearing woolly gloves – they need some moisturiser to prevent against dryness and cracked skin too. The Berry Be Beauty Hand Creams come in three popular fragrances, Lavender, Lemongrass, and Bergamot and Sweet Orange. Containing Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil, these ingredients together are extremely nourishing and hydrating. The creams are non-greasy and are high in Vitamin A and E, which can

Gotta hand it to you

Lip tip

Another important winter skincare step is moisturising. But with a lot of day creams and night creams on the market, it can be difficult to know which to choose. Bia Beauty’s Mellow Mandarin Moisturiser is a multi-tasking moisturiser, which can be used as both a day and night cream and is suitable for all skin types. The award-winning, sweet-scented formula includes the mandarin essential oil, which helps

help to prevent premature ageing of the skin on your hands. Available online at www.berry-be-beauty.ie and through select retail stores for €11.95.

Soft skinbalance the skin’s sebum levels, which is vital for healthy skin. The moisturiser

comes with the Feed Your Face Gift Set, alongside the Orange and Grapefruit Exfoliant and Cleanser, and Stop the Clock Eye Gel. The gift set is €48 and is available online at www.biabeauty.com, as well as all Avoca stores, Care Plus Pharmacies and select health stores and pharmacies. It’s everything you need for a facial and a perfect gift for her.

Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“Being part of a community is

important for a small Irish business as

you can sometimes feel lost and alone.

Knowing that there are others out there

who have your back, and who look out

for ways in which they can lend their

support, is a great comfort.”

– Niamh Hogan, Creator and CEO

of Holos Skincare

Christmas SnacksIt’s not Christmas in Ireland without a packet of Tayto Cheese & Onion crisps in the house!And when it’s time for a Christmas

movie, how about a bag of Manhattan Salted Popcorn to snack on while watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the 100th time?

Healthy breakfastWhile it’s always good to start the day with a filling and nutritious breakfast, it’s especially good on Christmas morning before all the treats start coming your way! Prepare this simple recipe on Christmas Eve with Flahavan’s oats and Wexford Strawberries and start your Christmas day the right way.

Delicious overnight oatsIngredients:50g of Flahavan’s Jumbo Oats30g of Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets1 grated red apple10g pumpkin seeds10g sunflower seeds150ml milk or apple juice1 tbsp of natural yogurt50g of Wexford StrawberriesHoney

Method:1. Place the Flahavan’s Jumbo Oats and

Progress Oatlets, grated apple, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds into a container. Add the milk or juice and stir well.

2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.3. In the morning, add to a jar or bowl, top

with natural yogurt, Wexford Strawberries, a squeeze of honey and enjoy!

Or: Classic Marmalade ToastIf you want something even quicker for the kids, but equally delicious, try a classic breakfast marmalade toast made with Brennan’s Wholegrain brown bread or Johnston, Mooney and O’Brien’s Toastie white bread and a dollop of Breakfast Marmalade from G’s Gourmet Jams.

DessertIt’s true that many people’s favourite part of Christmas dinner is the dessert. And who can resist this appetising, fruity Christmas cake from Gem Pack Foods? It’s sure to please the whole family.


Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“Sheridan’s Cheesemongers is a

proud member of Guaranteed Irish.

Many of our customers wish to support

Irish food producers and value local

food. Our customers recognise the

Guaranteed Irish symbol and know that

when they see it, the food is from

Ireland.”

– Kevin Sheridan, owner of

Sheridan’s Cheesemongers

Christmas SandwichAn early dinner on Christmas day can leave you somewhat peckish in the evening, or maybe you just fancy a second look-in at that honey glazed ham! Either way, create the perfect Christmas sandwich with Guaranteed Irish produce. Here are some key ingredients for a tasty and easy-to-prepare gourmet Christmas sandwich: butter two thick slices of Granary Cob from Pat the Baker, spread some Ballymaloe Original Relish from Ballymaloe Foods, add a couple of slices of Sheridans Cheesemongers Cheddar Cheese, and top with the honey glazed ham from Michael Twomey Butchers leftover from Christmas dinner. Toast under the grill until the cheese melts – perfection!

Christmas food favourites for all the family

Ireland has a thriving food industry and a global reputation for excellence in food production. Many of the country’s finest food

brands proudly display the Guaranteed Irish symbol. Make sure to support the Irish food industry this Christmas by buying local. Here we’ve created some delicious Guaranteed Irish recipes to help make

your Christmas Day meals as memorable as can be…

Christmas CakeIngredients:970g of Gem Christmas Cake Fruit Mix280g of Gem Plain Flour100g of Gem nibbed almonds1 tsp each of mixed spice and cinnamonƒ teaspoon of Gem bread soda150ml of brandyGrated rind of 2 lemons225g of butter225g of Gem Soft Dark Brown Sugar5/6 (depending on size) eggs beaten

Method:1. Soak the Fruit Mix overnight in the brandy.2. Stir in the nibbed almonds.3. Mix the flour, bread soda, ground almonds,

mixed spice, cinnamon and lemon rind together and add to the fruit mixture.

4. Cream butter and sugar by hand or with a mixer until light and fluffy, then gradually add in beaten eggs.

5. Stir mixture into the fruit until well mixed.6. Turn into a lined 9 inch cake tin, flatten the

top and bake at Gas Mark 2/150°C for three hours or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. If you have a fan oven, it is recommended that you cover the top of the cake, place it in the centre of the oven and bake for 2ƒ-3 hours at Gas Mark 2/150°C.

8. Cool overnight in the tin.

To store: The cake can be eaten immediately, but to store, wrap in greaseproof paper, then foil and pack in a cake tin. Keep in a cool place for up to 12 months.

film. A Frosted Ginger and Winter Berries regular candle is €19.95 and the

reed diffuser is €26.95. Or…

…try the Brooke & Shoals 3-Wick Candle Collection limited-edition release which is beautifully presented to match luxury interiors.The collection is perfect for scenting your home during the party season and suits large rooms and high ceilings. Available in different fragrances including Grapefruit and Lemongrass, Sweet Basil Bay and Neroli, and Cinnamon and Cedar. The collection is priced at €45.95.All Brooke & Shoals products are available online at www.brookeandshoals.ie

With the turkey in the oven and presents around the tree, Christmas is a time to relax and to enjoy yourself. With their luxury scents, Brooke & Shoals will help you to create the perfect festive atmosphere in your home.

Brooke & Shoals Fragrances has created a blend of comforting spices and rich fruity notes of blackberries and bilberries, to capture the feeling of the winter season. As the days are getting shorter and colder, this is the perfect fragrance to enjoy at home while you curl up by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book or your favourite Christmas


Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“We are passionate about making all

our products here in Ireland to create

employment. Even our packaging

is printed in Ireland. So, becoming a

member of Guaranteed Irish is a way

of being able to prove this. It also

highlights our Irish-made brand values

to our customers.”

- Alison Banton, Founder &

Fragrance Designer of Brooke

& Shoals Fragrances

Relax at home or awaywith Guaranteed IrishWhether you’re spending Christmas at home or away, you can always spend it with Guaranteed Irish. You can be at home in a lovely, relaxed atmosphere; with friends and family around the fire; or, on a nice break-away to somewhere new around the beautiful Irish countryside. Here are a few Guaranteed Irish companies you can spend the ultimate Christmas with

While spending Christmas at home is the traditional option, more and more families around the country are embracing a Christmas away. This year, consider spending the holidays in luxury accommodation in the beautiful Irish countryside and have someone else cook you dinner! If you are looking for a break away or a very special Christmas present for someone you love, then a voucher for Manor House Hotels is the perfect choice.

With 57 Irish hotels all over the country under the Manor House Hotels and Irish Country Hotels brands, there is an incredible selection. You are not just buying a stay at one hotel; you are buying a choice of 57!

Whether you want to relax in a spa, attend a wedding or just want to feel like a princess in a castle, there is an extraordinary range all over Ireland, including Knockranny House Hotel and Spa, Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, Galgorm Resort and Spa and many more.

A blazing fire has long been at the centre of an Irish winter. Many cold winter nights are spent socialising around the fireplace sharing music and having the craic. The Bord na Móna Hearth Sessions are a celebration of those warmer winter moments with friends and family.

This year, Bord na Móna is inviting publicans, with the cosiest firesides across the country, to compete for the chance to host one of three Hearth Sessions in early December, featuring some of Ireland’s finest musical talent. Once all entries have been received, voting will kick off on the Bord na Móna Fuels Facebook page, where publicans will be encouraged to drum up

Christmas at home

Hearth and homeas much local support as they can muster to secure one of these incredible fire-side intimate gigs.

Dublin duo All Tvvins, headlined the first acoustic set on Wednesday, 22nd November against the backdrop of a warm Bord na Móna fire in the Parlour at Whelan’s. They were joined by Donegal band Little Hours and Cork singer/songwriter Stephanie Rainey and the next Hearth Sessions are sure to be just as amazing.

To get voting see the Bord na Móna Facebook page www.facebook.com/bordnamonafuels

Break away this Christmas

Package vouchers start at €400 for a two-night break with bed and breakfast or, you can purchase a cash voucher for use with accommodation packages in any of the hotels for as little as €50. Order online and download an e-voucher, or have your vouchers posted to you in a beautifully presented gift box. It is perfect for wrapping and placing under the Christmas tree, ready to be opened on Christmas morning.

So what are you waiting for? Take a break-away with Manor House Hotels.For more information, visit www.manorhousehotels.com or call (01) 295 8900

Dunraven Arms Hotel

Parknasilla Resort and Spa

Galgorm Resort, Thermal Spa Village

Cabra Castle

Jando Design has a unique range of stationery and prints. Combining cinematic perspective and their love of architecture with a pop culture sensibility, Jando’s work is exciting and modern, with a strong emphasis placed on

kineticism and the playful use of colour. Their different print series include Landmark, Dublin Town, Jameson, and they also create tote bags, greeting cards, tea towels, and notebooks.

When Julie and Owen McLoughlin set up Jando Design, they thought of Guaranteed Irish as the most obvious organisation to turn to, to help grow their business.

“When we started up, neither of us had a business background,” says Julie McLoughlin. “We were looking for someone that could help us grow our brand as an Irish business, and


The roadto success

Guaranteed Irish was a natural fit. “We grew up with the brand symbol, from

our porridge in the morning to our copy books at school, so we were always aware of it. They’ve been an amazing support ever since we joined with them.”

Start-upJando Design started out as a fun way to make Julie and Owen’s wedding special. Having failed to find wedding stationery which reflected their personalities, they decided to design a personalised 40-page hardback book wedding invitation for each of their guests, highlighting their relationship.

“We had the words ‘A Jando Publication’ printed on them as a joke, because it stands for Julie and Owen,” says Julie. “When we came back from our honeymoon, we saw the incredible reaction to the book so we decided to keep making wedding stationery. We then ventured into screen-printing and we haven’t looked back since.”

Owen, who makes the designs, and Julie, who takes care of the practical elements of the business such as marketing along with screen-printing, are committed to keeping everything Irish. From their paper to their frames, all their materials are sourced in Ireland.

“We weren’t going to compromise on keeping everything Irish. Ireland went

Irish company, Jando Design is a real-life success story. The husband and wife

duo started out creating fun wedding

invites and are now an award-winning design firm. Here, Julie McLoughlin,

co-founder of Jando Design, talks about their success,

the importance of producing in Ireland

and how Guaranteed Irish has contributed

to their business

through a tough time with the crash and we wanted to support local businesses and jobs. That’s something which we love about Guaranteed Irish.”

RecognitionOwen and Julie never thought that they would become so successful. In August of this year, Jando Design won the overall prize in the Irish Country Magazine ‘Irish Made’ Awards in association with Guaranteed Irish, and Julie says they were shocked when they won the award.

“The award came from a public vote instead of a judging panel, which means it was our amazing customers who took the time to vote for us. We’re still getting calls congratulating us! It’s great because it feels like a real recognition of all our hard work. I can sometimes be at my desk at 2am and wonder

if all the work is worth it, and this proved that it really is.”

The futureOne of the highlights of Jando Design’s year has been their collaboration with Jameson Irish Whiskey to create bespoke prints that are currently available exclusively at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

But despite this success, Julie says she doesn’t like to think about what the future

may hold for her business as there is no way to predict anything.

“I know it’s silly, but we try not to think too far ahead. If you had told me what was going to happen in 2017, I never would have believed you!

“Owen and I will be lucky if we can keep doing what we love to do together and keep working with Guaranteed Irish. As the old saying goes: when you choose a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

For more on Jando Design and to purchase a stunning design or gift card for Christmas, visit www.jandodesign.com or visit Jando Design at Stand 155 in the Main Hall at Gifted: The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair at the RDS, Dublin from December 5th - 10th.

Grattan Bridge, €45

Lotions for herFor that special one in your life, pamper them with a gift set from The Handmade Soap Company.

The ‘Because You’re Amazing’ handmade set contains a Lemongrass & Cedarwood shower gel, a body lotion and a hand cream jar, all made from 99.7pc natural ingredients that will protect and nourish any type of skin. Available at www.thehandmadesoapcompany.com for €34.95

Christmas choppingAt Christmas, the kitchen becomes a hive of activity with many meals and snacks being prepared. Be Christmas-ready this year with an Adkot board. This large, straight-edged board with bark on one edge and rounded corners is equipped with finger cut outs allowing it to be picked up easily, making food preparation hassle-free. Available at www.adkotboard.com and selected retailers nationwide for €48

Soaps n’ socks for himMake sure he’s looking and feeling his best with the ‘Essential Set for Him’ from the Donegal Natural Soap Company. The set includes a shaving soap set made with 40pc shea butter and borage seed oil. Two natural palm oil body soaps protect even the gentlest of skin and a pair of Donegal Socks are also included to keep the winter chill at bay. Available at www.shop.donegalnaturalsoap.ie for €37

The bee’s kneesRainbow Candles offers beautiful, handmade beeswax candles. Produced in the beehive by worker honey bees, these unique candles come in different sizes, are free from any chemicals and produce a warm, 100pc natural scent in the home. Available at www.beeswaxcandles.ie and at selected stockists nationwide from €1.50 to €15

A Christmas tippleGin is fast becoming one of the nation’s favourite tipples. This award-winning Elderflower Gin from St Patrick’s Distillery is sure to ‘go down’ well after Christmas dinner with your loved ones. The potato spirit-based gin is distilled from Lady Claire and Rosetta potato varieties, with sweet herbal notes of summer gardens. A glass can be enjoyed neat over ice, with tonic water, or in your favourite gin cocktail. Available at www.stpatricksdistillery.ie and at selected retail outlets nationwide from €42

Luxury scentsThe ‘Pure Diffuser’ range from Torc Candles is a collection of luxury scented diffusers that will permeate your home with a unique aroma.

Containing a 200ml diffuser bottle and 10” reed diffusers, ‘White Jasmine’ is a soft fragrance that will enhance your home this winter. Also available in other fragrances including ‘Fresh Basil and Lime Pure’, these diffusers last up to six months. Available at www.torccandles.com for €21.95


Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“The Handmade Soap Company has

been with Guaranteed Irish since we

started in 2010. My family left Ireland for

Australia in the early 80s and one thing

that I remember very clearly from before

we left, was the Guaranteed Irish logo. It

left a strong impression with me back

then, probably because I left Ireland at

a very young age and I always wanted

to associate it with my brand.”

– Donagh Quigley, Founder of

Handmade Soap Company

GI giftsunder €50

Looking for a gift for someone special? We’ve gathered a range of great Guaranteed Irish products to make it easier than ever to find

that unique gift this Christmas...here is a selection for under €50

The chocolate factoryChocoholics take note! The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is offering a Christmas hamper packed full of chocolatey goodness. The hamper includes strawberry and chocolate truffles, a ‘Christmas Wishes’ bar, Christmas tree decorations, a bottle of Pierre & Remy Gauthier Merlot, and many more delicious treats to be enjoyed over the Christmas period. Hamper orders are available in the Food Hall at Gifted: The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair at the RDS, Dublin from 5th-10th December and at www.chocolategarden.ie for €49

Reading by the fireBooks are a wonderful gift for children as they stimulate their imagination and provide hours of fun. ‘Johnny Magory in the Magical Wild’ is the first book in the series of the fabled boy adventurer from Johnny Magory Books. Set in an Irish lakeside forest, the book tells the story of Johnny and his trusty dog Ruairi as they have a party with all their woodland friends. A great read for young ones during the Christmas holidays. Available at most book stores nationwide or online at www.JohnnyMagory.com f or €10 each

Festive cupcakes‘Tis the season to indulge in our favourite treats. These festive cupcakes from Johnnie Cupcakes include elf and Santa frostings and are sure to be enjoyed by young and old alike during the end of year celebrations. All cupcakes are made with Irish butter, free range eggs and natural colouring and flavourings. A gift box of six cupcakes is available at www.johnniecupcakes.ie for €21

Christmas lightsNothing makes a house a home more than an aromatic oil burner. Emma’s So Naturals is offering a small oil burner gift set which includes a white ceramic oil burner with a large bowl, two tart melts in a choice of scents and six handmade soy wax tealights, all wrapped up in a bow ready to be put under the Christmas tree. Available from Emma’s So Naturals craft fairs and at www.emmas.ie for €25

A cosy additionAdd a luxurious touch to your home with this beautifully shaped sheepskin rug from Irish Hide Designs. Run by the McCarthy family, who have been involved in the Irish hide and skin product trade since 1810, the company sources its materials along the Wild Atlantic Way. The fine wool is neutral-coloured with subtle grey-brown and cream specks throughout, meaning it will match well with just about any interior design. Place beside the Christmas tree for a cosy resting place to open other gifts on Christmas Day! Available at www.irishhidedesigns.com for €100

Light up someone’s lifeIndulge the senses with the Cedar, Cloves and Ambergris Candle from the world’s oldest candle company based in Dublin: Rathbornes Candles. Cloves mixed with warm rosewood, orange zest and black amber ensure a comforting and luxurious experience, whether you’re lying in a relaxing bubble bath or sitting on the couch in the living room. Crafted in Dublin for over 500 years, the hand-poured wax candles are infused with the highest quality natural essential oils, tested to ensure the best scent distribution and the highest quality burn time. Available at Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Meadows and Byrne, Red Earth, and many other luxury shops nationwide for €54

Foodie favouritesKeep family or friends well stocked up over Christmas (and possibly beyond!) with the Christmas Celebrations hamper from Town and Country Hampers. The hamper is neatly presented in a wicker-style basket with leather-bound adhesive straps and includes treats such as Cavadorra Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon; Butlers Chocolate Collection and Lily O’Brien’s Christmas Cracker Chocolate Truffles. Available at www.townandcountryhampers.com for €84.87

Artistic touchIdeal for artists both young and old, Scriba is a new type of stylus for mobile devices with unique features to help you create your next masterpiece. Designed by start-up company Dublin Design Studio, who have looked beyond the pen to design a new multi-functional tool for the digital age. The Scriba is simple to use with a unique squeeze motion. And, with hundreds of hours of battery-life, you can get creative on the go.Available now at www.getscriba.com, Hacketts on Baggot Street and www.amazon.co.uk for €65

‘Fore’ the golfersThis special ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ voucher from ForeGolf is the ideal gift for the golfer in your life. Whether he or she is a beginner or a professional, this €100 voucher enables aspiring golfers to get expertly fitted for custom-built clubs through a one-hour assessment. ForeGolf will show them how they can improve their game and lower their handicap by using the correct clubs. To celebrate 20 years in business, with each €100 voucher purchased, ForeGolf is giving a free Equipment Voucher worth €25 to spend towards any clubs they recommend from the session!Available to buy at www.foregolf.ie from €100

Cool, calm, collect itIf you add the Wild Atlantic Vase to your mantelpiece or table, guests won’t be able to take their eyes off it. Crafted by Waterford city’s finest glass makers, The Irish Handmade Glass Company, this glass-blown piece is inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way and the teal colouring evokes a breath of fresh air. Perfect for the mother or grandmother in your life.Available at Irish gift stores nationwide or online at www.theirishhandmadeglasscompany.com for €89.95

Bring the city insideAt Amanda Christie Designs, they believe that they can elevate the humble lampshade to a thing of beauty, by bringing colour and joy into people’s lives. And this vibrant lampshade titled ‘All Lit Up’ does just that. Inspired by a cityscape at night and designed by Amanda Christie in collaboration with Dublin artist Liz Leavey, this lampshade will add an element of fun to a loved one’s (or your own) home. Available online at www.amandachristiedesigns.ie for €90

For the little ones Running around playing with friends can be very tiring work! So, it’s important for kids to take a rest from time-to-time and the Elephant Junior Bean Bag from Elephant Beanbags is the perfect solution! A vibrant, fun and versatile gift for kids, the bean bag is filled with 170 litres of high-grade polystyrene beads and is 100pc nylon, which is easy to clean and extremely durable. Not forgetting about the adults, Elephant Jumbo Bean Bags are also available and come in a variety of colours. Elephant Junior Bean Bag is available at www.elephant-beanbags.com for €99 and there is free delivery on all orders


Are you all out of Christmas gift ideas for that person in your life who has

everything? Make your loved ones smile, while supporting businesses in Ireland, with one of these eight unique Guaranteed Irish

gifts, all €100 and under

GI giftsunder €100

Proud to be

Guaranteed Irish

“We became a member of Guaranteed

Irish in September 2017, and we are

already seeing the benefits. We are

incredibly proud to be an Irish brand

and being a member of Guaranteed Irish

reinforces that. Judging on feedback from

customers, it also gives them a sense of

reassurance that when they buy from

a GI member, they are supporting the

Irish economy, and with us Irish being

a patriotic lot, that is of the utmost

importance when purchasing goods.”

– Mark Mellett, Owner of

Elephant Bean Bags

Your perfect gift ideas are inside. Guaranteed Irish...#BuyGI Your perfect gift ideas are inside....

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