International Day of Families

May 16 2012

Family Day

Time to Spend Time With Your Family

Every year, the 15th of May is the International Day of Families. It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1992. In 2010, the theme was “The impact of migration on families around the world”. I’m sure most of us know someone living abroad, be it a close or distant relative, or even a friend. Ireland especially has a long history of emigration, from famine times up to last year even, where there was nearly a 50% increase in the number of Irish emigrants in one year.

However, thanks to modern technology, we can stay in touch with our loved ones in more ways than one and instant access to them via telephones and the internet ensures they never feel too far away. Sending gifts to families can also never be easier. With our worldwide delivery and huge range of choice on gifts, it couldn’t be simpler to send your thoughts, and a parcel, to family and friends abroad. Our hampers are a very popular choice, particularly those with an Irish influence, and there doesn’t need to be a special occasion to send one! I have sent some myself and the receivers love actually being able to ‘taste home’. Check out our Traditional Irish Feast Hamper, which even has some Tayto in it!

Traditional Irish Feast Hamper; Tayto & Barry's Tea

Traditional Irish Feast Hamper; Tayto & Barry's Tea

The Irish Breakfast Hamper US Only

The Irish Breakfast Hamper US Only

Or how about our Irish Breakfast Hamper, especially for those in the USA? We have everything from Fresh Fruit Baskets to Champagne & Strawberries hampers to Connoisseurs Banquet Gourmet Food Hampers.

Not a hamper person?
There are plenty of other gift ideas on our website including whiskeys, wines and jewellery that are sure to inspire you and ensure that you don’t miss out on any family celebration.

Jameson Irish Coffee Set

Jameson Irish Coffee Set

 

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Weddings Gift Ideas Ireland

May 09 2012

Wedding Gift Ideas Ireland

Wedding Gift Ideas Ireland

Whatever type of wedding gift you are looking for, we are sure to have it. Best man gift? Bridesmaids’ gifts? Mother-of-the-bride? Favours for the guests? Here are some ideas to get you started:

For the best man, how about a personalised glass or mug? You can put your own message and/or wedding date on it. Or a simple but nicely presented bottle of whiskey to say thank you. Or even some classic cuff links or a tie pin is always a safe bet.

Personalised Pint Pewter Tank

Personalised Pint Pewter Tank

We have a beautiful range of jewellery suitable for bridesmaids. Our Newbridge selection is stunning and includes necklaces, earrings and bracelets. There are options to suit all budgets, starting at only €19.99! We also have some gorgeous John Rocha and Belleek choices.

Newbridge Ice Floral Bracelet

Newbridge Ice Floral Bracelet

For the mother-of-the-bride, how about a vintage brooch and/or earrings? Or we supply some lovely flower bouquets for the more traditional option.

Rose and Lily Hand Tied Flowers with Luxury Chocolates

Rose and Lily Hand Tied Flowers with Luxury Chocolates

And finally, the guests. Most couples still have favours at their weddings but the decision not only to have them or not, but what to get is quite a difficult one. The usual traditional sugared almonds aren’t seen as much anymore as newlyweds try to present something that means something special to them and their day. Depending on your budget, you could go for something like wine stoppers for the male guests and jewellery or flowers for the ladies. Or you could simply buy some Irish chocolates and divide them up amongst the guests within your own particular packaging. Or how about a stylish earthen Newbridge candleholder, or some personalised candles? You could put your own special wedding message on them!

There are plenty of ideas on our website, or call us for more advice. Have fun choosing!

 

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International Midwives Day

May 01 2012

Every year, the 5th of May is International Midwives Day. This was started by the International Confederation of Midwives in 1991 to pay tribute to midwives.

International Midwives Day

International Midwives Day

This got me thinking about the incredible job these women do, especially in times like these when we seem to be experiencing more and more baby booms. Last year alone there were 19,950 births in Ireland in the first quarter – the highest number of births registered in a quarter since the series began in 1960.

New babies are a wonderful gift, and buying them presents is just as much fun! Giftsdirect.com has hundreds of adorable baby gifts; you will find unique and unusual gift ideas and more traditional options too. We have everything from blankets to nappy cakes to personalised trains to Irish speaking teddy bears! And don’t forget about mum! Our New Baby Gift Basket Mother & Baby is ideal, containing fashion and accessories for the new family addition and some well-deserved indulgences for mum. Or perhaps you are going to a christening or baby shower? Browse through our wide range of baby gifts and choose the perfect present.

 

Irish Speaking Teddy Bear - Babóg Baby Bear

Irish Speaking Teddy Bear - Babóg Baby Bear

We deliver worldwide and with same day delivery in Dublin and same or next day delivery within Ireland (depending on product), you are sure to show the new family that you are thinking of them while they are still in hospital or settling back home.

Engraved Train - Personalised First Tooth & Curl Money Box

Engraved Train - Personalised First Tooth & Curl Money Box

2 Tier Luxury Nappy Cake Lemon

2 Tier Luxury Nappy Cake Lemon

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Irish Families Worldwide

Apr 26 2012

It is difficult to gauge just how many Irish families and relatives live abroad and impossible to judge how many friends are living abroad. In 2001, just under half a million Irish lived in Britain with about 156,000 recorded living in the US in the year 2000 and 50,000 living in Canada (recorded in 2006). Whatever the numbers, chances are very single one of us knows someone living abroad and in today’s modern age, it is wonderful that we can not only speak to them on the phone and see them via the internet, but we can order gifts online and have them delivered directly to them within a couple of days!

Irish Families Worldwide

Irish Families Worldwide

Giftdirect.com ship worldwide and you can easily check if the gift you wish to purchase for that friend or loved one will get to them by clicking on the Delivery tab of the present you are viewing. Here you can not only view if your destination country is available, but the site will also tell you the estimated delivery time and full price, including delivery charge. Due to import restrictions, there are a number of countries we cannot ship to but please check our Shipping and Delivery Information section for more details. Other than that, the choice is yours and with a maximum shipping time of 5 days, you are sure to be up-to-date with all those celebrations across the globe, and be a favourite amongst friends and family!

Irelands Traditional Treat Box: Cadburys, Jacobs, Barry's & Tayto

Irelands Traditional Treat Box: Cadburys, Jacobs, Barry's & Tayto

 

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Birthday’s – A Time To Celebrate Someone Special

Apr 19 2012

According to old superstition, birthday parties evolved from the belief that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthday. Thus, friends and family would gather around to protect them. I always like the idea of birthdays being literally what they are, a celebration of the birth day of that person – it is an opportunity to show them how glad you are that they were born!

Bungee Jump Gift Voucher For 2 Adults

Bungee Jump Gift Voucher For 2 Adults

Whatever your reason for celebrating, birthdays are wonderful occasions but for the gift buyer, it can be a small burden sometimes, trying to find that perfect gift, the one you know they don’t have and they will just love. On Giftsdirect.com, we have literally hundreds of ideas to suit all tastes and budgets. There is everything from your more typical flower bouquets, crockery (check out our gorgeous Louis Mulcahy range) and jewellery (sparkling Newbridge choices available) to the more unusual like bungee jumping vouchers, recording studio or falconry experiences. We have a wide range of cookery classes available also and many adventurous or relaxing options to browse through.

 

Louis Mulcahy Russet Tall Straight Vase

Louis Mulcahy Russet Tall Straight Vase

And don’t forget the Giftsdirect.com own vouchers for when you only just remembered their birthday (perhaps on the day!) and don’t have time to browse or shop – these are emailed instantly to the recipient once you have placed you order so absolutely no stress for you.

 

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Get Ready For This Years Weddings!

Apr 13 2012

 

Wedding Gifts

Wedding Gifts

The Irish Wedding Survey 2011 showed some surprising statistics. Did you know the average age of brides is now 30 (it’s 32 for grooms) and many engagements are lasting 2 years or more? The average number of guests to the meal is between 100 and 150 while September is the favourite month for a wedding (as opposed to the more popular June in most places around the world). Over 70% of couples are sourcing their suppliers online while over 80% of brides are talking to each other, virtually. Nearly 50% of couples chose to do their own invitations and favours while a similar percentage saw newlyweds source some wedding items from abroad. Whatever this indicates for this year, the season is definitely upon us now and thoughts are turning to flowers, dresses, celebrations and gifts.
We have a huge range of wedding gifts on our website and something to suit every couple. Are they adventurous, romantic, traditional or modern? Why not try a Couples Experience voucher, a Surfing Getaway Break for Two, Irish Cut Crystal Glass or a Couples Photography Session? We can even do personalised gifts for that extra special touch. Or, given that the above mentioned survey indicated that almost half of couples preferred cash and vouchers as gifts, why not present them with a GiftsDirect.com voucher and they can choose themselves!

Personalised Wedding Gifts

Personalised Wedding Gifts

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Easter & Springtime Fun

Apr 10 2012

I love Easter time. It always makes me think Spring is really here (although the very unstable weather at the moment might make you think otherwise!). Easter weekend is nice and long and a great time for the kids. And those of us who have sacrificed something for lent can start at it again!
In Medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during lent so they became a prized gift for children and servants at Easter. Eggs are also seen as symbols of new life and fertility and have been used back through the ages to celebrate Spring festivals. The traditions of painting Easter eggs, Easter egg hunts and egg rolls still live on today. The most famous egg roll takes place on the lawn of the White House every year. Hares and rabbits are also signs of fertility. The association of hares with Easter seems to have come from Germany where stories told of a hare laying Easter eggs for children to find.
There is a German in Saalfeld who has decorated a tree in his yard with over 10,000 hand-painted eggs! It took him 47 years to complete and makes a wonderful tourist attraction. On that note, I’d just like to say a very Happy Easter to everyone and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

White House Easter Egg Roll 2012

White House Easter Egg Roll 2012

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Happy Easter Celebrations!

Apr 05 2012

The Easter Bunny Is On His Way :)

The Easter Bunny Is On His Way :)


Have you the Easter eggs bought? The Sunday dinner prepared? The children’s games planned? Or maybe nothing at all this year! There are many religious and non-religious traditions around this festival. Some of the more unusual I found on the web include getting a haircut on Good Friday to avoid headaches and having a ‘cake dance’ on Easter Sunday where the best dancer wins a cake. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, a tradition of spanking or whipping is carried out on Easter Monday! This is not intended to be painful but apparently helps the women keep their health and beauty for the year. I think I will stick with my fresh fruit and moisturiser! A nice tradition they have in Bermuda is the flying of kites to symbolise Christ’s ascent.

Today is the last day for ordering flowers for delivery in Ireland and the UK so if you know your mum or grandma is on another diet, why not send her a beautiful Easter bouquet this year instead of the standard box full of sugar.

 

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St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations!

Mar 16 2012

St. Patrick’s Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint’s day in the world.

How Will You Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

How Will You Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

 

In 2009, the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival went on for 5 days and saw close to 1 million visitors. The shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs! Even though it’s not a legal holiday, many other countries recognise the day of celebration. These include the United States, Argentina, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and even South Korea. A tiny island in the Caribbean known as Montserrat even has the day as a public holiday, like us! The island was founded by Irish refugees from Saint Kitts and Nevis and the 17th March commemorates a failed slave uprising in 1798.Missing friends and family who are abroad? Are they missing the celebrations back here?

Send them ‘A Taste of Home’ – our range includes hampers full of delicious traditional food items, whiskey gift boxes and some beautiful Celtic jewellery. Any choice will may the recipient smile with fondness upon thinking of The Emerald Isle.

Send A Taste Of Ireland

Send A Taste Of Ireland

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It’s Time to Celebrate!

Mar 15 2012

We’re having a busy month this March with Mother’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. A celebration can be a party, social gathering or festival and I think both of the aforementioned events fall into these descriptions!

There are some very large and very unusual celebrations that take place around the world. Some of the biggest festivals include Oktoberfest, the Carnival in Brazil and the Chinese New Year. About 6 million people attend Oktoberfest annually and the Chinese New Year goes on for 15 days! On the other hand, has anyone heard of La Tomatina? This is the largest tomato fight in the world where annually, 30,000 people gather in Bunol, Spain to throw squashed tomatoes at each other! It apparently started in 1945 as a brawl but somehow proved popular with the locals when the event was repeated the following year. There were attempts to ban it but demands saw it becoming official in 1957. The photos alone put me off! Well, I don’t think there are any tomatoes in our gifts directory (unless you want to do the Pomodoro Cookery Class!) but you will find plenty of other items to help you in your celebrations this month. Check out our Mother’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas and don’t forget, you can order items for worldwide delivery!

Pomodoro Cookery Class

Pomodoro Cookery Class

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