Catherine Drea: Two Cowboy Suits

There’s an old joke about the two small brothers who are out shopping with Dad for a birthday present for Mum. The pair run off together while Dad peruses the perfumes. After some time they come running back in a flurry of excitement.

“We found the perfect birthday present for Mum, two cowboy suits!” I’m out here shopping for a present and I’m a very reluctant shopper. I have never fully understood the concept of “gifts” and I’m far more likely to give people something practical or else something I made myself. I wonder how often I am simply giving two cowboy suit presents to the people I love?

Shopping overwhelms me. I don’t see luxury in front of these eyes of mine, I see unnecessary clutter. I don’t see beautiful things, I see problems for the planet. I don’t see glamour, I see trash.

This is a terrible affliction when it comes to spoiling people on their birthdays! I’m sure everyone I know could drag out the mad present that I gave them and wonder why on earth?! What was she thinking?

Of the practical and good for the planet kind of present I like to get, plants are high on the list. So obviously I imagine that precious organic plants that I have grown myself, make a very special gift for someone. But no, the last time I gave a selection of home grown herbs I was told “more stuff to ruin” by my urban friend in Viewmount. What’s not to like I had thought? But of course when I saw the concrete front and back gardens I realised how wrong I was and I was guilty of the two cowboy suits routine myself.

I love to get presents of food, wouldn’t everyone? Recently I got a selection of cheese with various chutneys and jellies. What a gorgeous present I thought. But beware giving cheese as I have learned to my cost. It’s a marmite kind of present you either love cheese or hate and detest cheese! Now I know from bitter experience that there are quite a few cheese haters in my own family.

Gift tokens can seem like a good idea at the time, especially when you are desperate and time is running out. But I always find that on the day and in the middle of the thrilling present opening, my gift tokens are a bit of a damp squib. Apparently a wrapped package is more enticing!

I think my most successful presents are the ones that I have made myself. During the pandemic besides writing a book, I painted everything in sight. These little watercolours made great presents given for no reason at all. I also love making prints of special photos that I can give to the family as memories of special occasions. Yes, all good but not a present to give if you don’t have plenty of time and energy.

As time runs out on my shopping trip, I am now panicking. You won’t catch me buying a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates at the nearest supermarket or garage on the way somewhere. They say it’s the thought that counts but that kind of option seems more thoughtless than thoughtful…..So what am I going to do?!

So here’s what I have come up with after my bewildering shopping trip. I’m not sure if they count as two cowboy suits but at least they fall into the category of useful, consumable, beautifully packaged, and easily available. All were bought locally so it’s very easy to add these kinds of gifts to your regular food shop.

Firstly I have discovered that artisan chocolates are everywhere. There are so many different makers here in Ireland and they are readily available. The packaging on some of them is spectacular and easily recycled. But I promise you they are so cool that you will keep the box forever!

Secondly hand made and craft gifts are not only one off and special but support our local makers and artists. Wandering down the Quay and browsing the beautiful products on offer in some of the smaller shops there, I found jazzy baby socks, hand knitted hats and scarves. There is plenty of local pottery, jewellery and framed prints are available too. This reminded me that my favourite gift ever was a hand thrown blue teapot which I still treasure.

If all else fails, give experiences rather than presents. Tickets for gigs, outings to restaurants or visits to special places are all good. Turns out a family outing with grub and a show will be very well received!

I’m included in an outing gift this week. David McSavage in the Olympia. A definite case of two cowboy suits!