Counting down to Christmas

As usual at this time of the year, the Diary will be developing a page of gifts and offers which can be bought locally, which is always a good idea, writes Brian Byrne. To do this, it would be very helpful if local shops and craftspeople sent us in details and pictures of what they have on offer. We don’t charge for this service, so it’s really up to you.

We’re kicking off this year with one of the newest businesses in town, Woodbine Books, and some ideas beyond just books, which might be useful as stocking fillers and more.

A lot of people would like to send something more memorable than a standard Christmas card to loved ones abroad. Well, a booklet called Instead Of A Card offers options for different needs and occasions, there is a Christmas series called The Twelve Poems Of Christmas with a selection of seasonal poems selected by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. It comes with its own envelope.

A series of cardboard models called Tiny Ireland come flatpacked and are suitable for letter postal rates. There is a selection of models with streetscapes of towns and cities all over Ireland as well as landmarks like the GPO, Trinity College etc. There’s also a selection of very compact booklights, and various bookmarks and bookrests., and a bookrest which can be used to support a book, tablet or iPad. There is also a bookholder which will hold the book open.

A book is often more enjoyable with a hot beverage so a selection of mugs on offer includes Penguin Publishing themed mugs with literary references and others with quotes from famous authors as well as some fun themed ones with Shakespearean insults.

And more … and everything is very reasonably priced. Oh, and don't forget that books too make the ideal present.