• An Irish gift can be creative and shamrock free.green christmas box image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
  
  An Irish-themed gift can mirror the humor, whimsy and lyric beauty of that land. Whether your friend is of Irish heritage, planning a trip to Ireland or simply intrigued by Irish culture, give an original taste of the country without resorting to a single shamrock or leprechaun.
  
  

The Auld Sod

• You can give a literal piece of Ireland to a friend.irish landscape image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  It's corny, but fun: For a small fee, purchase a foot-square patch of Ireland in your friend's name; a "luck stone" from Blarney Castle to help him hone his powers of persuasion; or a bag of peat. You also can have a tree planted in Ireland in his honor.
  
  

Irish Food

• Gift baskets of Irish treats can be a wonderful gift.cheese image by Du...?an Zidar from Fotolia.com
  
  For a taste of Ireland, fill a gift basket with a variety of treats. The basket can include items as plain as a bag of Irish crisps from a specialty shop, or fancy as gourmet biscuits for high tea. You can purchase gift boxes full of Irish cheeses, gourmet tea, clotted cream and lemon curd, smoked salmon and soda bread. Add an Irish cookbook for those who like to cook.
  
  

Irish books

• "And say my glory was I had such friends"--Yeats.Opened book with eyeglasses inside image by Olga Khopshanosova from Fotolia.com
  
  Ireland has given the world some of its best poets and writers--William Butler Yeats ("Easter 1916"); C.S. Lewis ("The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"); and John Millington Synge ("The Playboy Of the Western World"). A book by one of her literary giants makes a fine gift. If your friend is traveling to Ireland for the first time, a guide book also can be a useful gift.
  
  

Irish Textiles

• Irish laces and linens are world famous.Lace in Box image by Yana from Fotolia.com
  
  Ireland produces some of the most beautiful linens, laces and woolens in the world. Aran wool sweaters (named after the island where they originated), crochet lace and fine Irish table linen are coveted gifts. If your friend does needlework, Aran sweater patterns or crochet lace patterns and instructions can be the start of a fascinating hobby.
  
  

Outdoor Pursuits

• Fly fishing is an art form in Ireland.Fly Fishing image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
  
  Ireland is a playground for sports enthusiasts. Irish trout fishing, horse racing, rugby or simply walking through the countryside are popular past times and all have their attendant gear. Walking sticks, fishing rods and tackle, and rugby shirts are possible gifts for a sports-minded friend.
  
  

Irish Music

• The Irish are legendary musicians.natalie image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
  
  If your friend plays Irish music, a musical instrument such as an Irish harp, penny whistle or Uilleann bagpipe makes an unusual gift. Sheet music and songbooks for Irish tunes or instructional DVDs are thoughtful additions to the gift of a traditional instrument. Of course, there is always the choice of a CD from an Irish artist--from Irish monastery chants to the Chieftains to Enya to U2.