Odd Irish Gift Ideas for Christmas!

 I took time this evening at work to compile a list of ten items that would make phenomenal gifts this year -- and they're ALL irish!

#10 - Woolen Driver

These are incredibly popular with the 40 and over crowd. Drivers are always stylish for middle aged men and keep those bald spots warm in the harshest conditions!

#9 - Corned Beef

Although it's probably the irish version of fruitcake, corned beef is virtually invulnerable to anything and makes the greatest gift of all so much more special.

#8 - Waterford Crystal

Now, I know what's goin' thru that head of your's...Waterford? Isn't that expensive? Exactly! Nothing says "pass the guinness" like a 500 dollar pint glass to encase the bevy in!

#7 - Kilt

Technically kilts are scottish, but irish people have their own versions too! It's not that we men enjoy free-balling it that much, but nothing warms our hearts more than the wisp of sub-freezing temepratures 'down under.'

#6 - Bodhran

If you've read all my hubs (I'll catch on if you haven't) you not only know what this is, but you also know how to pronounce it! The bodhran makes the best gift that includes goatskin--ever! Never would smackin' the goats be more fun that this, and believe it or not, they are probably more affordable than most anything on this list (except for the beef).

#5 - Chieftain's Christmas CD

Listen to the sounds of a rolling bodhran, chanting uilleann pipes, and lilting flute and fiddle combinations, all in the spirit of St. Stephen's Day! Join the best irish folk group in history and you celebrate the holiday!

#4 - Peat

Ha! Thought I'd forgotten this, didn't ya laddie? Peat is inarguably the most versatile gift of them all. You can burn it, burn it, and burn it! Ever gotten cold durin' them holidays? Never again shall ye feel the bite of winter!

#3 - Whiskey

Want to escape that dreaded family of your's? Escape to your very own Whiskey Island, where the more you tip back the less you have to endure! Eventually enjoy heaving and puking your guts out to the tunes of the season, like "Away in a Manger" (sounds great this way!).

#2 - Potatoes

What is Ireland known for most? Probably Guinness, but potatoes are pretty dang close behind. In fact, that's the reason we all moved here to America....apparently they didn't realise they could market their beer back then! Potatoes can be made to wear clothes, you can bake 'em, fry 'em, or mash 'em, and you can throw them at that annoying cousin who won't shut up!

#1 - Guinness

Nothing...I repeat, NOTHING...says "I love you" like a six pack of Guinness. Ever wonder what Irish people bleed? Here's your answer. That and blood, but Guinness is somewhere around 40% of the mix (60% in the more stout individuals!). Send your loved one a pack of Guinness. It will speak louder than Uncle Max after 6 glasses of super-strong egg nog!

That's it, your list of ten gifts to run out and get your family! If you're really, really good you'll get the entire list! Then it'll be so complete you will never turn back to "Furbie" or "Tickle Me Elmo" again!!

Slainte!