A Gift From Ireland

St. Patrick's Day is a good day to think about gifting a loved one a gift from Ireland. But for anyone that has a friend or family member of Irish descent you may like to choose a made-in-Ireland present for a special birthday, a wedding anniversary, a housewarming, Christmas, holiday, or a new baby.

If you've spent any time in beautiful Ireland you will appreciate the warmth and water resistance of an authentic Irish sweater (Aran sweater). But there are other gifts from Ireland that are just as special. Expect to find hand-crafted quality products that the recipient will be happy to receive and use.

I'm writing this page drinking sweetened Irish breakfast tea out of one of my favorite Irish gifts: a mug from The Black Sheep Collection. I've seen this collection in almost every shop in Ireland. I picked my mug up in Shannon Airport at the duty-free shop on my last trip to County Kerry. I love the look, the weight, and the adorable graphic that adorns my tea mug. Ireland with a shamrock to dot the "I" is written in script across the inside. Every time I drink from it I am reminded of the beautiful countryside.

Shopping for gifts for friends or family in Ireland means selecting from many quality goods. My favorite authentic Irish gifts to give and receive include; the traditional Aran sweater, Donegal tweed, Irish linen, mohair throws, pottery, food products, jewelry, and Waterford crystal. Rosary beads made out of Connemara marble are a thoughtful gift for a Catholic friend.

Look for useful gifts like a colorful, hand-thrown pottery piece from an Irish artisan or a crystal jam jar. A multi-colored woven mohair throw, Celtic jewellery or an Aran sweater for children or adults. Irish knits make great gifts. Whether you're buying a housewarming, birthday, St. Patrick's Day or Christmas gift look for gifts from the Emerald Isle.

My choice for souvenirs from any place I visit is a functional gift made in the place I'm visiting. This will remind the recipient they were thought of every time they use their special gift.

• The Dublin Gift Company

I'm very fond of this fun collection of pieces is made in Ireland by The Dublin Gift Company. If you've spent anytime in the countryside of Ireland sheep are a familiar sight. This collection is especially perfect for the black sheep in your group of friends or family.

You can find salt and pepper shakers, porcelain mugs, clocks, tea towels, umbrellas, desk accessories, including notebooks and pen sets and many more! Irish sheep gifts are usable and collectible. Because the Black Sheep Collection is so popular in Ireland you can find these gifts at most gift shops across the country and now available on Amazon. Many of the items can be bought online from quality Irish gift shops.

• Irish Rosaries

Many trips to Ireland have included requests for an Irish rosary. Unique rosaries include ones made out of Connemara marble or Waterford crystal. A gift for a Catholic friend or family member.

• Woven and Knitted Irish Gifts

The Aran sweater originated in The Aran Islands. The traditional wool sweater has different cable patterns knitted into the garment. In the past many of the Aran sweaters were hand knit but more recently machine knitted sweaters fill most gift shops even in the small villages. For a unique gift from Ireland look for a hand knitted Aran sweater or cardigan. Or pick up Irish hand knitted socks, cardigans, jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, baby booties and more. Once traditionally knitted in the oatmeal color, now Aran sweaters and accessories can be found in other beautiful colors including shades of Kerry Green, blues, reds and other natural tones. For gifts for knitters some skeins of Irish wool and a book of Aran sweater patterns is thoughtful and practical. For your friends who knit, consider a book on Contemporary Irish Knits along with a skein or two of beautiful Irish wool.

There are quite a few food products I make sure I don't miss. I always pick up a 12 pack of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps in the airport before I head back to the states. Now many of these food products are available in the United States. Look for Tayto, creamy milk chocolates, Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter, Irish sausages, brown bread, jam, Irish Tea, and scones. Any of these fine food products make great gifts!

One of my favorite gifts of Irish jewelry was this Celtic jewellery ring from my husband. Irish jewelry is quality Irish-made.

This ring has emblems of Irish history imprinted in the ring. Look for handmade in Ireland and rings that feature the unique elements of Ireland's history. One of the most popular pieces is the Claddagh ring, this traditional Irish ring symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty.

Although the Waterford Crystal factory in Waterford, Ireland closed down in 2009, Waterford Crystal is still very much a part of Ireland's history. You'll find these high quality crystal pieces for sale in most parts of Ireland. I like gifting Waterford jam jars or biscuit jars as they are not only beautiful and durable but very useful.

According to Belleek Pottery's official website, Belleek Pottery was founded in 1857 in the village of Belleek, Ireland on the banks of the River Erne. The fine porcelain pottery is widely collected around the world for its unique and identifiable handmade patterns, its pearly luster and the intricate designs, many based on basket weaves, shamrocks and elements of Ireland's beautiful landscapes.

Belleek Pottery is collected around the world for its functional and beautiful pottery pieces.

Store Belleek Pottery out of direct sunlight in a display case or dust-free cabinet.

A Belleek Irish Blessing ornament is a simple way to remember your friends at Christmas. It also makes a nice housewarming gift, teacher gift or gift for your Irish friend.

Irish Christmas ornaments made out of Belleek, Waterford Crystal, Connemara marble or Irish silver can be handed down as a treasured family heirloom. Celebrate your Irish heritage by decorating your tree with a unique Irish Christmas ornament!