There’s an old saying that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. This March 17, you don't need to wear green or eat corned beef and cabbage, or drink a pint of green beer. Freda Hayes of Blarney Woolen Mills, an Irish goods store in Blarney, Ireland, tells us that you can pass on the luck of the Irish by gifting something green.
"Shamrock grows freely in the gardens of Ireland," Hayes says about those little green clovers, "but there is probably a garden center near you that sells shamrock plants." She also recommends a home celebration that includes "plenty of Irish music and dancing and lots of traditional Irish food on the table." She suggests serving up heaping amounts of traditional Irish stew and lots of potatoes.
To further spruce up your St. Patrick's Day celebration, we've put together a list of gift ideas to get your loved ones in the green spirit.
St Patrick's Day Flower Basket
Green is the color most associated with Ireland, which is nicknamed the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick's Day, why not decorate your home with green flowers? This lovely holiday arrangement features green and white blooms in a willow basket tied with a pretty shamrock ribbon. Send it as a gift or enjoy it as a centerpiece on your own table.
Sunny Days Fruit and Cheese Gift Box
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the time spring kicks off and the weather starts warming up. If you want to skip the green beer, but still want to imbibe, you can treat yourself to an organic sparkling cider instead. It’s also a great addition to a charcuterie board worthy of a spring picnic. You might just get lucky and find a four-leaf clover in the grass!
St. Pat’s Picks Dipped Strawberries
Festive and juicy, these one dozen strawberries arrive dipped and drizzled in green and white for someone very lucky to savor. If you like these treats, you’ll also enjoy the St. Patrick’s Good Luck Pot.
Luck of The Irish Personalized Canvas Print
There are few things more iconic to St. Patrick’s Day than shamrocks. Personalize this canvas print to express how luck you are.. It comes in five sizes ranging from 8 x 8 to 24 x 24 and is sure to be something your lucky recipient will treasure all year long.
Packed With Pop Leprecorn
Everybody loves popcorn. When you call it "Leprecorn," it makes for for some good snacking on March 17. There’s a flavor for everyone in this gift, from white cheddar to cookies and cream to classic butter.
Wish Bracelet
Share the luck of the Irish with this sweet, delicate shamrock bracelet. Make a wish as you tie the bracelet around your wrist and when it falls off, your wish is supposed to come true.
First St. Patrick's Day Baby Bodysuit
Part of the St. Patrick's Day lore is that wearing green on March 17 brings good luck. Others say it helps you avoid being pinched by a mischievous leprechaun! You can keep that lucky new addition to the family safe from a leprechaun's pinch with this personalized bodysuit. It's made of 100%cotton jersey and is available in sizes six months to 18 months.
Irish Heritage Tree
Here's a unique way to honor someone you love. In cooperation with IrishCentral and the Irish Tree Council , the Irish Heritage Tree program will plant a tree in County Tipperary, Ireland – in between Limerick and Kilkenny – in that person's honor and send you a certificate of dedication.
"IrishCentral actually launched the Irish Heritage Tree [in 2020]," says Toby McCoy, spokesperson for Irish Heritage Tree. "We reflected on all the Irish around the world who would be unable to make their annual visit and envisioned this endeavor as a way for them to connect with Ireland by planting a tree in honor of a loved one or in celebration of a family occasion or holiday."
The organization hopes to plant 100,000 trees in various locations of Ireland this year.