23rd February 2021
St Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday celebrated on the 17th March each year. It seems to be getting increasingly popular, year-after year, not just in Ireland but around the world, with many people adopting Irish nationality for the day (not literally) as they partake in celebrations with their Irish friends.
Did you know that until the 1970s, pubs in Ireland had to close on 17th March?
Who was St Patrick?
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was taken to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16, escaped, and later returned. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and legends suggested that he explained the Holy Trinity using the leaves of the Shamrock, according to www.history.com
How is St Patrick's Day celebrated?
It wasn't until the 9th or 10th Century that St Patrick's Day started to be celebrated. It is traditionally a religious holiday with people attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon with dancing, eating and drink. The traditional feast would be Irish bacon and cabbage. Other popular dishes include: Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ.
St Patrick's Day parades are popular throughout the world. Ironically they didn't start in Ireland but in the United States.
Chicago is known for dying the city's river green!
Nowadays, people dress up in green, put up decorations and associate St Patrick's Day with drinking beer (particularly Guinness), good deeds and friendly festivities. Given the strong association with drinking alcohol on St Patrick's Day, whilst we can't be seen to be promoting alcohol, if you scroll to the very end of this guide, you will find some creative alcohol dispensers.
What Do Leprechauns Have To Do With St Patrick's Day Anyway?
Leprechauns aren't actually anything to do with St Patricks Day, rather they are associated with Irish folklore and over time have become one of the symbols associated with Ireland, along with the shamrock. According to the myths and legends, Leprechauns are shoe makers and repairers which hide their pots of gold. Seeing a Leprechaun is supposed to be good luck and locking eyes with one supposes that they reveal their treasure to you.
What about St Patricks Day Gifts?
During this pandemic, with limited gatherings, we are seeing people decorating their homes or creating small displays to mark various celebrations throughout the year, to overcome the gloomy news. So why not think about doing the same for your home, if you haven't already? Also, how nice would it be to surprise an Irish friend with a surprise gift - unexpected gifts are awesome and I'm sure will be very much appreciated, whilst you can enjoy the pleasure of giving.
Going Green For St Patrick's Day
I decided to create a St Patrick's Gift Guide with a green theme. So it includes either gifts which are green in colour or have an accent of green to them; or, gifts which are green in the sense of being eco-friendly. It is divided up by price, and as always, aims to give you some creative ideas and introduce you to some of the UAE's talented and creative makers and small brands which you may not already know.
Scroll down for the following Valentines Gift Guides below:
St Patrick's Day Gifts under AED100
St Patrick's Day from AED100 - AED250
St Patrick's Day from AED250 - AED500
St Patrick's Day Gifts AED500+
St Patrick's Day Gifts under AED100
Product information and links to purchase are below the picture grid.
Custom Cookies & Donuts - AED8 EACH
Delicious home baked sugar cookies covered with yummy icing. Can be customized for all occasions.
For sale by Partytimecookies
Buy them here: Instagram: @partytimecookies and Whattsapp: 0502769036
Custom Bracelets - AED20
These cheeky and cheerful stretchy bracelets can be customised with any words or phrases and your choice of bead colours.
For sale by The Beadouin
Buy it here: CUSTOM BRACELETS
St Patrick's Day Greeting Card - AED25
For sale by K Craft Corner
Buy them here: Instagram: @k_craft_corner and Facebook: K Craft Corner
Natural Cotton Tote Bags - AED30 EACH
For sale by Organic Living
Buy them here: Instagram: @organiqliving
Lucky Charm Mug - AED35
For sale by K Craft Corner
Buy them here: Instagram: @k_craft_corner and Facebook: K Craft Corner
Sunflower Scarf On Mint Green - AED45
This gorgeous crepe chiffon scarf features a handmade design of sunflowers on a mint green background. The scarf measures 200cm x 70cm
For sale by Eleganza Scarves
Buy it here: Instagram: @eleganza_scarves
Rosemary & Mint Soap - AED45
Handmade natural soap with nourishing Castor, Coconut, and Olive oils along with Coconut milk, and a refreshing blend of rosemary and zesty mint fragrance. Freshens you up for a great morning shower!
For sale by Layyef Kayyef
Buy it here: ROSEMARY & MINT SOAP
Wood Bead Garland With Tassel - AED50
Wood bead garlands are very on trend at the moment and look fabulous draped over accessories in your home or used in tiered tray displays. This wood bead garland comprises natural beads, dyed dark green beads and smaller painted lime green beads. It is finished with a jute tassel at one end and a hand painted wooden shamrock at the other.
For sale by Gateway Art Sales LLC
Buy it here: WOOD BEAD GARLAND WITH TASSEL
Big Bow Headband - AED50
Say you want to make a statement? That’s your perfect pick, exclusively Handmade to order just for you and your little ones. Featured Bow is 'Midnight Forest'. Sizes from newborn through to adult. 50 colours and patterns to choose from.
For sale by Bowtime ME
Buy it here: BIG BOW HEADBAND
'Peace' Painting - AED50
A beautiful painting of a bird perched on a stack of dainty tea cups oozing positivity with messages of 'Hope', 'Dream' and 'Thankful Heart'. A4 size, this piece entitled 'Peace', is painted in acrylics. It is ready for framing and will fit a standard size frame.
For sale by BERWAZ
Buy it here: Instagram: @berwaz__
Handmade from recycled cotton cord, these eco friendly necklaces add an instant pop of colour to any outfit.
For sale by The Beadouin
Buy it here: STATEMENT NECKLACES
Lucky Shamrock Bunting - AED70
White cotton bunting with green felt lettering, shamrocks and pom poms. Measures approx. 105cm.
For sale by FabricKateL
Buy it here: LUCKY SHAMROCK BUNTING
Signature Bow Turban - AED75
A stunning signature bow in a turban style. Handmade for an exquisite look! Featured Turban is 'Florette Maxi'. Sizes from newborn through to adult. 39 colours and patterns to choose from.
For sale by Bowtime ME
Buy it here: SIGNATURE BOW TURBAN
Leaf Shoulder Bag - AED79
This handmade small shoulder bag with a long strap, made of jute and high-quality yarn, is very convenient to carry around and it fits your essentials. This bag is not only green by color, but also eco-friendly. Free delivery within UAE
For sale by Jute Stories
Buy it here: LEAF SHOULDER BAG
St Patrick's Day themed Organic Onesie - AED80
For sale by K Craft Corner
Buy them here: Instagram: @k_craft_corner and Facebook: K Craft Corner
St Patrick's Day themed Organic Onesie - AED80
For sale by K Craft Corner
Buy them here: Instagram: @k_craft_corner and Facebook: K Craft Corner
Custom Dog Pullover – AED80
Modelled by Honey, this cute pullover is in green with the letter ‘H’. For extra small dogs, this pullover is only available for pre-order but it can be customised with your letter choice and choice of colours. For larger sizes, price will vary.
For sale by la_tienda_de_karina_uae Buy it here: Instagram: @la_tienda_de_karina_uae
Good Luck Charm Necklace - AED85
This is a lovely necklace featuring a clover charm. It’s a sterling silver necklace on either a 16 inch chain with a choice of white pink or blue pearl. Message on the jewellery card can be personalised if desired. Also available with an 18 inch chain - AED90.
For Sale by Jewellery By Claire
Buy it here: GOOD LUCK CHARM NECKLACE
Organic Baby Clothers - FROM AED85
For sale by Organic Living
Buy them here: Instagram: @organiqliving
DIY Gardening Kit - AED100
For sale by Organic Living
Buy them here: Instagram: @organiqliving
EasyBusyBox - AED100
Kids activity boxes for kids 0-12 years. Created to keep your kids busy and away from gadgets. Age categories:
Newborn box ( 0-1 years)
Kids ( 1-3 years)
Kids ( 3-5 years)
Girls ( 6-12 years)
BOYS (6 -12 years)
For sale by Easy Busy Box
Buy it here: EASYBUSYBOX
St Patricks Day Gifts AED100 - AED250
Product information and links to purchase are below the picture grid.
Meadow Ring Toss - AED119
This lovely set features 6 rope rings with colored beads and 3 wooden posts of various heights. Place the posts close for beginners and spread them out for advanced players! A perfect game for all the family to enjoy and another good reason to take your playtime outdoors and get some fresh air!
For sale by Eco Souk
Buy it here: MEADOW RING TOSS
Grandparents - Moments To Remember - AED120
This gorgeous journal is perfect for documenting moments spent with Grandparents. Use this journal to create a story book of life. Pass it down and treasure it and the memories it holds forever. Its never too late to write and store your memories. A gorgeous Garden Green coloured linen journal with spine detail embossed in gold and illustrated end papers. For sale by Eco Souk
Buy it here: GRANDPARENTS - MOMENTS TO REMEMBER
Hand Antiqued Wooden Engraved trays - AED120
Beautiful, Arabic-style, hand antiqued wooden engraved trays. These can be both functional as a serving tray and decorative as coffee table decor.
For sale by Ola Eclectic
KONA CUSHION COVER - FROM AED130
A unique blend of colours. Inspired by the beauty of nature. 100% Linen. Print on front; solid on reverse. Concealed zip closure. Sold individually. Machine washable and air dry – easy care. Available in 3 varied sizes:
30×50 cm – accommodates a same size insert (sold separately)
45×45 cm – accommodates a same size insert (sold separately)
65×65 cm – accommodates a same size insert (sold separately)
For sale by Origins Collective
Buy it here: KONA CUSHION COVER
Irish Tutu - AED130
Gorgeous Irish Tutu handmade with love.
For sale by Tutu Boutique dxb
Buy it here: Instagram: @Tutuboutiquedxb
Honey & Bourbon Room Spray with Havana Nights Candle - AED130
The Honey & Bourbon Room Spray is an all natural room and linen spray made with organic ingredients. The Havana nights candle in a sage green tin is a vegan soy candle made with non-toxic organic ingredients.
For sale by LIIT Candle Co.
Buy it here: HONEY & BOURBON ROOM SPRAY WITH HAVANA NIGHTS CANDLE
Mug - AED140
Thermal Mug - AED140
Locally handmade and painted unique Arabic tea and Arabic coffee sets. These Arabic sets would give an extra Emirati flavour to any drink. All gift wrapped with love, in 100% Emirati handmade wooden box! An excellent gift and souvenir.
Buy them here: Instagram: @artezan.ltd and at 2nd Floor, Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
Polka Camel - AED140
This cute camel is soft, pure cotton and handmade. It is best as a gift or keepsake.
For sale by Oh Little Stuff
Buy it here: Instagram: @ohlittlestuff
4 Leaf Clover Picture - AED140
This is a special design 4 leaf clover, hand embellished with buttons and beads. To make it extra special, scrabble letter words are added as per your choice of phrase. This birch effect frame is 23 x 23cm, and can also be made in a slightly larger (25x25) white frame.
For sale by Crafty Tam, Handmade gifts
Buy it here: Instagram: @craftytam.dxb
Birdies - AED140 EACH
These super cute birdies soft, pure cotton and handmade. They make ideal gifts and keepsakes.
For sale by Oh Little Stuff
Buy it here: Instagram: @ohlittlestuff
Gemstone Necklace Workshop – From AED150 - AED170
Make your own semi precious gemstone necklace at a 40 minute workshop. Prices vary depending upon the pendant selected. The workshops take place at First Avenue Mall in Motor City every Thursday and Friday between 2pm and 11pm
For sale by Gifts To Grow
Buy it here: Instagram: @giftstogrow
Round Crochet Handbag – AED150
This stunning crochet handbag is a statement piece due to its unusual round shape. It is a beautiful soft, pastel mint colour with a gold-coloured chain for the shoulder strap to give it a luxe look and feel.
For sale by la_tienda_de_karina_uae Buy it here: Instagram: @la_tienda_de_karina_uae
Scarf Jewellery – AED180 EACH
Add a stylish finish to your scarf with one of these beautiful pieces of Unakite scarf jewellery. Unakite is a stone of vision. It balances emotions with spirituality. Unakite provides grounding when needed. It facilitates rebirthing, gently releasing conditions that inhibit spiritual and psychological growth. Unakite supports convalescence and recovery from major illness.
For sale by Gifts To Grow Buy it here: Instagram: @giftstogrow
Green Mermaid Giclee Print - AED200
This gorgeous square shaped mermaid giclee print is 10in x 10in. It is presented in an acid free, conservation quality, white core, ph neutral mount, with a quality backing board. It comes in a clear cellophane bag making it an ideal gift. It also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the print maker and the artist. It is ready for framing! Also available in turquoise, pink, lavender and orange. It is printed in the UK for quality, consistency and traceability purposes.
For sale by Gateway Art Sales LLC
Buy it here: GREEN MERMAID GICLEE PRINT
MAXI Jute Crochet Tote Bag - AED205
Let’s go green together with this big handmade crochet bag with fixed form, durable, but lightweight, with a natural jute color. This bag will fit all your life inside. Free delivery within UAE.
For sale by Jute Stories
Buy it here: MAXI JUTE CROCHET TOTE BAG
Your Childhood Memories - AED235
This gorgeous sage-coloured Childhood journal is perfect for documenting every moment that is too precious to forget! This beautifully bound and boxed book gives you space to write and space to place photographs for 6 years of your childs life, including space to document milestones and firsts. Featuring a beautiful linen hard cover with gold binders and matching gold embossed title and spine, as well as illustrated end papers. For sale by Eco Souk
Buy it here: YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
St Patrick's Day Gifts AED250 - AED500
Product information and links to purchase are below the picture grid.
Key Holder - AED300
This antiqued and decoupaged key holder can have hooks added to be a functional key holder. Alternatively, it can be without hooks and enjoyed as a piece of decor.
For sale by Ola Eclectic
Buy it here: Instagram: @olla_khalil
Green Caravan Giclee Print - AED350
This gorgeous giclee print is of a lime green retro caravan. It is presented in an acid free, conservation quality, white core, ph neutral mount, with a quality backing board. It measure 12in x 16in which is a standard size for finding a frame. It comes in a clear cellophane bag making it an ideal gift, as well as with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the print maker and the artist. It is ready for framing! Also available in blue, pink, purple and orange. It is printed in the UK for quality, consistency and traceability purposes so you can buy with confidence.
For sale by Gateway Art Sales LLC
Buy it here: GREEN CARAVAN GICLEE PRINT
Handmade Crochet Baskets - AED350
Beautiful set of crochet baskets. One red, one white and one green.
For sale by Organic Living
Buy them here: Instagram: @organiqliving
St Patrick's Day Wreath - AED395
Enhance your decor with this handmade wreath. In natural jute with green ribbons & embellishments, it looks great hung on a door or wall. It features a Happy St. Patrick's Day sign and some green jelly ribbon for dimension. It is a one-of-a-kind-piece and can be re-used next year.
For sale by Gateway Art Sales
Buy it here: ST PATRICK'S DAY WREATH
My Calendar - AED435
The perfect interactive toy to help your little one understand and learn numbers, days, months and how they work. They will enjoy marking celebrations, events and counting down the days to reach them with this very cute and beautifully made Calendar. Arriving in a cardboard strorage box, the calendar has 2 small holes in the top so it can be wall mounted. For sale by Eco Souk
Buy it here: MY CALENDAR
Lucky Wreath - AED450
Enhance your Paddy's Day decorations with this handmade wreath. In natural jute, It is loaded with green ribbons & embellishments and looks great hung on a door or wall. It features a Lucky Shamrock sign and St Patrick's Day themed ribbons and embellishments. It is a one-of-a-kind-piece and can be reused next year.
For sale by Gateway Art Sales
Buy it here: LUCKY ST PATRICK'S DAY WREATH
St Patrick's Day Gifts AED500+
Product information and links to purchase are below the picture grid.
Single Vintage Spirit Dispenser - AED950
Hand made in the UAE with the highest quality parts available. A great conversation piece. Give it to the person who has everything and this will be one gift that will actually be used, loved, talked about and appreciated. Impress your friends and serve your drinks in style. The German made Quick Release system allows you to insert your favorite beverage bottle with ease. It also allows you to remove your unfinished bottle without spilling any of the precious liquid. They are easy to use, easy to clean, need no maintenance, are built to last
and can be used with just about any wine or spirit bottle. This gorgeous dispenser is made with a combination of mild steel, brass, and recycled wood
For sale by Craft By Two
Buy it here: SINGLE VINTAGE SPIRIT DISPENSER
Single Vintage Wine Dispenser - AED990
Hand made in the UAE with the highest quality parts available. A great conversation piece. Give it to the person who has everything and this will be one gift that will actually be used, loved, talked about and appreciated. Impress your friends and serve your drinks in style. The German made Quick Release system allows you to insert your favorite beverage bottle with ease. It also allows you to remove your unfinished bottle without spilling any of the precious liquid. They are easy to use, easy to clean, need no maintenance, are built to last
and can be used with just about any wine or spirit bottle. This gorgeous dispenser is made with a combination of mild steel, brass, and recycled wood.
For sale by Craft By Two
Buy it here: SINGLE VINTAGE WINE DISPENSER
A set of Coffee Dallah, 6 Arabic coffee cups & Tray - AED2,173
A set of Tea Thermos, 6 Arabic Tea Estikana with saucer & Tray - AED2,389
Locally handmade and painted unique Arabic tea and Arabic coffee sets. These Arabic sets would give an extra Emirati flavour to any drink. All gift wrapped with love, in 100% Emirati handmade wooden box! An excellent gift and souvenir.
Items can also be purchased in smaller sets: Coffee Dallah (AED875); Tea Thermos (AED815); 2 Arabic coffee cups (AED166); 6 Arabic coffee cups (AED498); 2 Arabic Tea Estikana with saucer (AED258); 6 Arabic Tea Estikana with saucer (AED774); and, Tray (AED800).
For sale by Artezan Ltd
Buy it here: Instagram: @artezan.ltd and at 2nd Floor, Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
Double Spirit Dispenser - AED2,200
Hand made in the UAE with the highest quality parts available. A great conversation piece that makes a great gift for the person who has everything. Impress your friends and serve your drinks in style. The German made Quick Release system allows you to insert your favorite beverage bottle with ease. It also allows you to remove your half finished bottle without spilling any of the liquid. They are easy to use, easy to clean, need no maintenance, are built to last and can be used with just about any bottle. This gorgeous dispenser is made with a combination of copper pipes, mild steel, lots of brass, and recycled wood.
For sale by Craft By Two
Buy it here: DOUBLE SPIRIT DISPENSER
Double Wine & Spirit Dispenser - AED2,500
If you can't decide between a Wine or a Whiskey Dispenser, now you don't have to. With this combination dispenser, you can have your favorite drink in style. A great conversation piece that makes a wonderful gift for St Patrick's Day, birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day or any other special occasion. They are easy to use, easy to clean, need no maintenance and are built to last for years. This is an investment that you can use and enjoy for a long time.
For sale by Craft By Two
Buy it here: DOUBLE WINE & SPIRIT DISPENSER
Triple Wine & Spirit Dispenser - AED2,700
With this combination Dispenser, you can have your favorite drink in style. This model dispenses one wine and two Spirit bottles at time. A great conversation piece that makes a wonderful gift for St Patrick's Day, birthday, anniversay, Father's Day or any other special occasion. They are easy to use, easy to clean, need no maintenance and are built to last for years. This is an investment that you can use and enjoy for a long time.
For sale by Craft By Two
Buy it here: TRIPLE WINE AND SPIRIT DISPENSER
Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra Bracelet - AED18,165
Vintage Alhambra bracelet, 5 motifs, yellow gold, malachite. Authentic from the boutique.
For sale by @the.luxeshopper
Buy it here: Instagram: @the.luxeshopper
I hope you have found this gift guide inspiring and support the amazing local makers and small businesses in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. Please note, that any inclusions within this guide do not constitute endorsement. Whilst, I have tried to ensure the information provided is correct, please click the links and liaise directly with the various vendors for any specific clarifications.
If you would like to keep up to date with Gateway Art Sales new products, future blogs and gift guides, then please subscribe to our blog. If you would like to be included in a future gift guide, please drop me an email: jenny@GatewayToAbuDhabi.com or DM me through Instagram @GatewayArtSalesLLC
Happy St Patrick's Day
May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always!
Written by Jenny Hunt
Founding Partner & CEO, Gateway Art Sales LLC & FORBES' Top 100 Most Influential Women In The Middle East
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