Spell It Out This Valentine’s Day With Quirky Irish Gifts

Valentine’s Day needn’t cost the earth. I’ve put together a unique but affordable gift selection that’s sure to impress your sweetheart. Save your pennies while supporting Irish design and business.

Illustrated cards by Salty Philip

The card is often the most appreciated gift. These pun-tastic lovelies by Dublin-based illustrator Lynn MacPherson will give your special someone a right ol’ chortle. You can buy them in The Loft Market  in Powerscourt Townhouse.

Handmade cards by A Little Idea

These charming cards are by Dublin designer Ali. She also crafts stationery, headscarves, bunting, cushion covers and costume jewellery. Ali sells her pieces at numerous markets including the Ha'penny Flea Market, but you can purchase them on Etsy too.

Blind Date With A Book at Dubray Bookstores

Surprise your beloved (and even yourself!) with a beautifully wrapped book from Dubray Books. What’s inside? Oh, the intrigue! There's a selection of ‘blind date’ books in every branch. A novel idea, eh?!

I had to include this wonderful piñata after spotting it on Instagram. Piñatas Piñatas is owned by Louth-based designer Ruth O’Reilly. Ruth handcrafts everything from Minions to cupcakes and will custom-make anything you’ve in mind…like this anti-Valentine’s Day gem.

Ginger And Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies

Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey

 Your perfect kiss thrills me so

 Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey

 I'll never ever let you go

  

This recipe is from Rachel Allen’s book ‘Bake’. It makes approximately 35 cookies. Once I had the dough made, I only used half. I popped the other half in the fridge where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

You will need: A heart shaped cutter, a food mixer (or muscular arms!), a rolling pin and a baking tray or two.

Ingredients: 225g (8oz) butter, 110g (4oz) caster sugar, 275g (10oz) plain flour, 25g (1oz) crystallised ginger, 50g (2oz) milk or dark chocolate.

1.       Take the butter out of the fridge in advance, it must be slightly softened. Preheat the oven to 170°C or Gas Mark 3.

2.       Beat the butter in a large bowl or food mixer until soft. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is soft and fluffy.

3.       Finely chop the crystallised ginger. Add to the mixture along with the sieved flour.

4.       Bring the mixture together to form a dough. Place on a lightly floured work surface and knead slightly.

5.       Roll out the dough and using the cutter, cut out the cookies. Place on a baking tray (no need to grease or line) slightly apart.

6.       Bake in the oven for 10-13 minutes or until they are medium brown. If the cookies are too dark, they'll taste bitter.

7.       Remove the cookies from the baking tray while they’re still warm and allow to cool on a wire rack.

8.       When the cookies are cooled, dip the tops (or the bottoms!) in melted chocolate, then allow to set on greaseproof paper.