Irish people, we’re divils for buying presents. Birthdays (we’ve had one of those recently), Anniversaries, Engagements, Weddings, Christmas, Christenings, Confirmations, Communions, House-warming parties, even just when we’re coming home from ‘the holidays’, any occasion we’ll be sure to buy a present for it.
Marking an event with the right gift though, that can be a tricky one. But for years now we’ve been marking it well.
From ornaments to jewelry, food to cards. Here is a list of the presents that make you sit back and think… Jaysus, that’s pure Irish.
Yeoooo, Scratch Cards!
The ultimate Irish present. Given to you on your Birthday and the quantity all depended on your age. 18th = 18 x €1 Cash for Gold. And if they really loved you, a €3 Winng Streak card.
Aw Look… They’ve Been To Lourdes / Medegorje / Fatima / Knock
Who wouldn’t want a holy bracelet or ring that was purchased from a stall outside mass at the Pilgrimage site. Hipsters love them these days.
A Knitted Geansaí From Granny
Sure what else would you want to open up at Christmas, and see a lovely Aran jumper, and sure if it’s too big, you’ll grow in to it. Hipsters stole these as well.
Communion Mass Missal
You slowly open up the card just so you don’t let the paper money drop out. What the fecks this? There is none. You are handed a Communion missal all the while pulling your best, I’m not disappointed face.
I’ve Made The Puddings…
Ah, Granny is a great woman for one woman. Baking Christmas cake and pudding to beat the ban… And there’s one for every member of the parish.
Bit of Genesis, Grand Present.
Wedding gifts have got out hand. How much do you spend? They have everything they want… Never mind all that. There is one present we can be sure to spot in every Irish newlyweds home, a bit of Genesis.
I’ll Pray For You…
Getting a mass said for someone and returning home with a card, just to let you know. Only in Ireland
Duty Free… Toblerone
The 11th commandment – ‘One must not travel home from foreign destinations without the gift of Toblerone for thy Family & Neighbours.’
Note: it is no good unless it is the largest one possible.
Sibling Presents
If you haven’t experienced this, count yourself one of the lucky ones. In Ireland if you were in anyway close in age to your brother, sister or even cousin, you were guaranteed at some point to receive matching outfits. When the gift-giver just couldn’t have been arsed with the searching anymore. Age 5 and Age 8… Do them rightly.
We loved every single one of them really…
