Our annual trip to explore Wonderland at Arnotts marks the official beginning of Christmas for us. Caroline treats herself to a mince pie, Jo makes a mental wish list of the goodies she’ll buy (for herself) and it gets our creative juices and gifting ideas going.
This year, Wonderland at Arnotts is stocked full of unusual and Secret-Santa worthy presents. We found it hard to whittle things down – there’s just THAT much choice – but we’ve selected our GAFF-approved gifts and festive essentials here, and we’re proud to say there really is something for everyone. Check it out and see if you don’t find a few things you’d like Santa to know about.
Mug Mighty
You’ll know by now how much we adore a good slogan mug. We’ll take one of each of these please, one to suit every single mood we feel in a day. The perfect stocking filler.
For Pup Lovers
Our little furry friends need stocking fillers too, you know. The selection of festive tags, neckerchiefs, dog treats, and decorations will keep your woof happy all Christmas long. What better gift will you find for a doggy parent?
Foodie Favorites
A visit to Wonderland never leaves us hungry. We chowed down on Scrumdiddly’s ice cream, mince pies, and coffee. This year, the range of mince pies, spice bags and Christmas puddings by Gary O’Hanlon really take the cake (see what we did there?). Dare we say – the best mince pie we’ve ever had are Gary’s. And that’s not something we say willy nilly. And for sweet toothed among us, check out the sweeties and jellies from Rose Confectionary (which we styled on the drinks trolley, below). Delicious.
Game On
There’s nothing more Christmassy than playing a board game by the fire in December. We uncovered a selection of chicly packed and a few fun games as well as the new Dublin edition of Monopoly, which is so cool, a real collector’s favourite and something you’ll treasure for years to come. Check out Arnotts on the front; it’s one of the most sought after spots on the Monopoly board!
Best Dressed
Some of us prefer a more practical gift (read: Jo), and this steamer is honestly a dream. It’s lightweight and handheld and means you’ll never have to panic iron a dress on the way out the door ever again. This is the gift that will never go out of style and always be used, especially if the person you are buying for spends their life on the go. Yes, please, Santa.
Table Talk
We stumbled upon this table setting while in store, and though it’s not a part of the Wonderland offering per se, it was too pretty for us not to include. This is how we want our Christmas Day dinner set up to look like. While you’re browsing the gifting options at Wonderland, prepare to be lured over to the Christmas Shop where you’ll find more festive decor – in a multitude of styles – than you’d find at the North Pole. Consider us inspired with navy and glittering golds this season.
Sign of the Times
This neon sign is coming home with us. If you’re looking for a little self-gifting inspo then this is the GAFF pick of the lot. A small-yet-perfect reminder that self-love is the best kind. Neon signs are the ultimate homeware gift and they’re a decor lighting trend that’s here to stay.
Good Reads
Not only are these cute coffee table books the perfect pressie for your work Kris Kindle or your Chanel enthusiast (or gin enthusiast, we might add), we also very much want the coffee table we photographed them on. How beautiful is this marble effect with copper rim?
Gin O’Clock
The West Elm drinks trolley is the hero piece of the season and if you’ve been really well behaved (hint hint) or you’re looking to splurge on someone special, West Elm at Arnotts is where we would do it. What a versatile, show-stopping piece it is. So, Santa, if you’re listening, this is the Christmas wish team GAFF is dreaming of!
All Boxed Up
The Gym + Coffee guys have been on our radar for quite a while because A – we want one of their cosy hoodies and B – they’re coffee is really good. Their present packs are a deadly gift because all the hard work is done for you. A giant box is stocked with coffee, a jumper, a beanie hat and more. Go for a mini pack, €50, or a full pack, €100 and make your gym bunny dreams come true.
Sound Cloud
The Sennheiser headphone pop-up in Wonderland is the go-to for the music lover in your life. These are also useful to blast Noddy Holder to yourself whilst you wrap presents and drink mulled wine. On the subject of tech gifts, we also love the chic and subtle collection of alarm clocks available in Wonderland. That’s the stocking filler for dad sorted.
Crystal crush
Last but by no means least, Christmas isn’t complete without giving or receiving a set of fancy glasses you would probably never think to buy yourself. A complete indulgence, crystal glasses are no longer the reserve of your grandparents. They are chic, Mad Men-esque and you absolutely deserve to sip your favourite tipple from something this stunning on Christmas Day. Waterford Crystal on the basement level will be your only port of call here (the marble coasters are an added bonus).
Wonderland is located on level 2 in Arnotts, beside the iconic Arnotts Santa’s Grotto which will open later this month with Santa’s arrival on the 18th November.