Christmas Shopping in Athy

Bradburys Christmas window

I am going to go out on a limb here and do a short(ish) list for some last minute Christmas shopping in Athy.   Not all of us are highly organised and finished by early December.  And even if you are done, there is always time for a last minute gift or two.  I have tried to cover everybody and I think there is something for everyone here. 

Let’s dig in!

For Her.   The world Athy is your oyster with this one really.  There is so much choice for the Her in your life be it your girlfriend, your mother, wife or best friend.  You will be loved forever if you stopped off at Gillen Jewellers.  Alex and Ani anyone?  Your gift could start as low as €24 for one of their gorgeous bracelets and no-one would hold it against you if you spent more!     

Moore’s Pharmacy is a couple of stops down and they stock the coveted and lauded Urban Decay Basic make up palettes.   You cannot go wrong with this.  Take. My. Word. For. It.  Again, starting at €30 they don’t break the bank.  They also stock another excellent makeup product called Sleek and these items start at the recession friendly price of €9.99!

Does she like fashion and let’s face it, who doesn’t? Rock Frocks is a new venture in the town and they boast Imelda May as one of their customers.  Do I need to say more?  If the 

Her in your life is a 50’s chick, this would be her idea of heaven.  They also stock accessories like shoes, jewellery and bags.

For Him.  IF he likes his style Manley’s Mans Shop is the place to go.    

Griffin and Hawe covers all his fishing and hunting needs and the DIY enthusiast is catered for with their tool selection. 

Vodafone for a new phone and Ticket Master has your back for that all important summer gig in 3Arena 2015. 

Who doesn’t like to smell good?  Any of the pharmacies in town will have his favourite cologne. (And hers!)    

The Boy.   This could be your son, brother or nephew.  So with that in mind, Winkles Newsagents have an impressive book selection.  And a little bird told me they are cheaper than Eason’s.  Sssshhhh. 

The Gem also have reading material.  A magazine subscription is a great idea.  At least I think so.  Both newsagents will order in your request if they do not have it in stock.

Xtravision.  Do I really need to tell you what they stock?  I think everyone knows about their DVD box sets and CD’s. 

The Girl.  Maddens Pharmacy currently have some gorgeous girly gift sets for your younger sister, niece or secret Santa.  If The Girl is a teenager, you could do a lot worse than pick up an eye shadow palette from the W7 makeup range.  These are only €6.95 and come highly recommended.  Throw in a set of makeup brushes from Langnickel at only €12.99 and you’re sorted. They also do really cute and cuddly animal slippers.  An animal sleeping bag anyone?

The Couple.  This one could be the easiest gift you could ever purchase.  You need only spend time if they have kids.  A baby sitting voucher would see hands and all taken off you!  Maybe even throw in a voucher for a meal in The Bay Tree or Ngai’s.  Feeling extra generous?   The Clanard Court Hotel offer a Dine and Stay in luxurious settings with an evening meal and breakfast at only €69 pps. 

Clanard Court Hotel

The Mother.  Skincare is always important and Doyle’s Pharmacy will see her right with a Clarins skincare gift wrapped beauty box. 

Keeping with the beauty theme, a gift voucher from Zebbles or Hair by Audrey will not be left in the bottom of a handbag.  That’s a guarantee.  You could always treat her to a nice facial or massage in La Belle Dame.

The Father.    I’ve checked with those in the know and you could find anything from a needle to an anchor in Liffey Mills or Sam Sunderland’s hardware stores.  Hours of pleasant browsing and a gift at the end of it.  Just make sure he doesn’t buy paint!

The Grandparents.  Grandparents can be notoriously difficult to buy for.  Shaws Electrical for a new coffee machine or the main shop for home wares.  New parents and grandparents of up to 15 children still have to eat so again, a voucher for a meal in one of the town’s restaurant’s or café’s is a lovely idea.  La Scala carry an excellent menu with lovely wine.    

There is a lot to offer in Athy and it can be really easy to keep it local.  With free parking for the month of December and some shops already open during Sunday’s it’s never been easier.  A lot of business also run the very handy Christmas club in the run up to the festive season.

To finish up I cannot forget to mention K Leisure who offer a yearly membership for a family of six for the excellent sum of just under 900 euros. 

Perry’s Supermarket is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave and you literally wouldn’t know what you might find in there. 

see?  Loadsa stuff!  *Boy for illustration only.  He be mine*

Naturally all of the supermarkets in Athy stock alcohol but why not spend your cash in a family run business like Buckley’s Carry Out Off Licence, or Redmond’s Next Door Off Licence.   (Enjoy alcohol responsibly)

Another little gem is St. Johns Gallery where you can pick up gorgeous artisan hand-made gifts by local artists.

If there is a foodie in your life Hylands Butchers stock an impressive and delicious array of homemade chutneys and relishes.  Include a leg of lamb in the hamper and that's New Year's Day dinner taken care of.  You might even get an invite.

Wherever you shop, remember it’s the thought that counts.

Wishing you all a Merry, safe and sober(ish) Christmas.

Disclaimer:  I have not been paid or asked to mention any of the businesses in this post.  All words, thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please don’t hurt me!

Disclaimer No. 2:  I am not hinting!  Even a tiny bit.