Look to craft fairs to find that Christmas present with a difference

Stuck for something different for a Christmas gift idea? Carol O’Callaghan looks at the quality design-led presents which will be on display at festive craft fairs in Cork and Dublin in the next two weeks.

ARE you short on Christmas gift ideas and dreading doing battle with the shopping hoards while negotiating an uncooperative umbrella in a gale force wind?

Craft fairs are a cosy and calm alternative where you can find something unusual that’s been conceived, designed and made in Ireland on a small scale so you’re unlikely to see the same thing elsewhere. They’re also the places where shopaholics and shop-a-phobics can be equally at home and you get to meet and chat to the makers which all adds to the experience of a stress-free day out shopping, helped by coffee and cake breaks.