As has become tradition these last few years (2024, 2023, 2022), it is time for a little bit of fun and inspiration for your Christmas shopping, or just happy daydreaming.

Previously I’ve focused on some of my favourite gear or little hiking luxuries - which I’ll summarise quickly below. But because I feel I’ve covered these things well enough by now in the previous write-ups, my main focus this year is things that are inspired by the outdoors, and by as many Irish brands and makers as possible.

Favourite Gear Gift

1. The MSR **Pocket Rocket** Stove System
2. **Hiking Maps**: Laminated OSI or EastWest Mapping for Ireland
3. Good quality **hiking socks**: Darn Tough and Smartwool being some of our favourites
4. The **Irish Peaks Book** (limited stock left)
5. **Dry Bags**: especially if living in Ireland (or similar climate)
6. Lightweight, high power **battery bank**
7. A new rechargeable **head torch**
8. **Repair & Care Kits**: be it special patches for insulation jackets, to re-waterproofing kits for their jackets, or puncture repair kits for sleeping mats.
9. A nice **outdoor coffee cup or water bottle**
10. A gift card for their local outdoor shop

The Wandering Goldsmith
Leika makes the most beautiful jewellery in her little studio in Cork, inspired by her adventures in Ireland and abroad. Following her online, you’ll see her melting and engraving one day, and out on the trails of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula the next.
And if you’re reading this post just after it is published - Leika and I are running a giveaway on Instagram at the moment (Giveaway closes 29th November 2025).
Salty Sea Sisters
Created to inspire, the Salty Sea Sister Adventure maps cover everything wild swimming and hiking all over the island of Ireland, and the UK. Get a travel copy, or a print version to hang on the wall.
Durt Burds Soaps
Handmade in Wicklow, they forage nettles, wild mint and more to create small batch soaps with names to make you giggle. Until their website is up and running, you can find their soaps in person at the Hollywood Cafe or Glendalough Green, at and online from The Potting Shed.
Pilgrim Hydration
Miriam has been an active adventurer for over 20 years, and through that time has really focused on the importance of recovery. She began creating different electrolyte formulas in her kitchen, and over a decade later and extensive testing, she’s now partnered with one of Irelands leading nutritional manufacturers to create Pilgrim Hydration Electrolyte Drinks Mix.

These electrolytes are unique in that they are non-fizzy, and everything from the powdered mix to the packaging is all made in Ireland.
Jump the Hedges
Síofra is one of my favourite makers, and the couple of bags I’ve bought from her are truly standing the test of time. Reclaimed materials such as truck tarpaulin and aeroplane seat materials are sourced from all over Ireland and then industrially washed in rainwater. Each bag is then hand cut and stitched on a vintage Japanese Juki sewing machine in a small workshop at the foot of Cave Hill mountain in north Belfast. Each and every bag is totally unique.
Bags are sold via Bag Drops which happen 3 times per year - with the winter 2025 drop scheduled for early December (Newsletter subscribers get first access).

6. Give a Conservation Membership

Some of my favourite charities and conservation groups that have membership options are:
1. **BirdWatch Ireland**
2. **Irish Whale & Dolphin Group**
3. **Irish Wildlife Trust**
4. **Native Woodland Trust**
5. **Irish Peatland Conservation Council**
6. **Bat Conservation Ireland**
7. **Hometree**
8. **Seal Rescue Ireland**

7. OutsideIn Fleeces

OutsideIn is a Northern Irish clothing brand helping people experiencing homelessness. With their “Wear One: Share One” campaign, every purchase is matched with brand-new, essential clothing donated to someone in need. In my opinion, their fleeces are particularly outdoorsy feeling.

8. Trails & Roots

Trails & Roots is a trail running vacation company founded by Irish-woman Heather. Back in January I went to Thailand with them, and it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Heather creates incredible trips, with all food made in-house by a private chef, all running routes created by Heather and the local guides she works with, as well as afternoon and evening activities to experience the local culture.

Heather has built Trails & Roots to be as positive for the planet as she can, being a member of 1% for the Planet, are partnered with Trees not Tees, run a completely plant-based camp, and support inclusion in the outdoors through sponsoring events like Trail Criú's Fauna Festival.

All of their 2026 trail camps are on their website, and they also do vouchers.

9. BeKind Industries

BeKind Industries is an Irish brand creating hand-rolled incense and essential oils inspired by the Irish outdoors. Their scents are lovely - I first came across them when walking St. Kevin’s Way, and Belle from An Teachain Beag gave me the incense they made inspired by the trail.

10. Tough Soles Prints

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention that Tough Soles does prints, cards, and (will soon have) 2026 calendars for sale. You can find them all here. And if you really love what Tough Soles makes overall, you can support everything we do on Patreon.