Pass the Book
We love a good story. What’s more, we love chatting about it. With that in mind, Eason have come up with an exciting new initiative in the form of BookBind, the new digital home for Irish book clubs. Designed to bring book clubs together as an online community, Eason BookBind invites book lovers to share their experiences, thoughts and opinions on their favourite reads. You’ll also gain access to recommended reading lists and be able to avail of exclusive members benefits. There’s a strong social aspect, with recent figures detailing that one in three people joined a book club simply to meet new people. Eason BookBind is inspired by that sense of community, offering up a whole world of potential for every kind of reader. Eason will also randomly be surprising book clubs all across the country with their Twitter #bookfairy hashtag. For more information and to get involved, go to easons.com/BookBind

Making the Time
A company that truly wears its heart under its sleeve, The Ansley Watch Company was founded in the summer of 2012 when one fateful late-night discussion between an Irish entrepreneur and a Swedish fashion designer became an exciting celebration of vintage watches. The decision was made to craft a new collection of timepieces, one that would pay tribute to the magnificent designs of time gone by whilst also adding their own fresh flourish.
The fruits of their labour are now available for all to enjoy in a fabulous range that includes a World War II-inspired 36mm military watch and a ‘60s-themed 38mm sailor watch in both oyster and rose gold ion plating. The straps come in different leathers and grains while alternatives are available in both muted army colours and vibrant sailor stripes. The watches retail between €149 and €169 and the full collection can be viewed at ansleywatches.com

Good Faith
If you’re looking for something for the musician – from the aspiring to the gifted – in your life this Christmas, Monastery Music offer a range of instruments that are utterly unique. Bringing a personal touch to your playing, they stock a range of handcrafted, specialist instruments. Monastery are authorised dealers of Lakewood Guitars, renowned for the attention and intricate care they bring to their beautiful sounding guitars.
Fylde instruments are also on sale, with their custom-made bouzoukis proving a big hit. If traditional music instruments are your thing, Goldtone specialise in quality banjos. Monastery also stock Hammy Hamilton and Arie De Keyser flutes, Cillian O’Briain whistles and specialist bowed instruments. Taking care of the old as well as the new, they also have an on-site repai workshop with over 25 years experience. Located on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, just five minutes from the Naas Road, you can find out more about them at monasterymusic.net

Guiding Lights
Officially launched by Mairead Farrell of Today FM's Ray D'Arcy Show, the Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind 2014 calendar comes loaded with colourful shots courtesy of award-winning photographer John Ryan. It costs just €8 and is just one of several eye-catching items available through Irish Guide Dogs this festive season, with some striking Christmas cards (€6) and vibrant Christmas baubles (€12) available from guidedogs.ie. "It’s really a fab, gorgeous calendar," says Mairead.
"There are lots of ‘awww’ moments in it; you have to buy it to see them all. I think my favourite month is July!” 80% of the national charity’s income comes from voluntary donations and events and the sale of Christmas merchandise is one of the main ways Irish Guide Dogs For The Blind generates much-needed income each year. Meanwhile, the Irish Guide Dogs HQ Winter Wonderland is open to the public for a string of dates including December 7, 8, 13 and 14 from 12pm - 4pm.