The best gifts are as useful as they are beautiful.

With the growing trend for clearing out clutter, most of us are reassessing the items we already own and making a conscious effort to avoid fast products – especially as Christmas looms.

Choosing decor and functional pieces that are locally made and will stand the test of time is not only a smart way to save money in the long run, it’s also better for the environment.

Step forward Rose Mary Kavanagh, the crafter, herbalist and poet behind West Cork’s Wild Rose Basketry.

Rose Mary’s stunning handcrafted baskets are not just beautiful to look at, they also have a variety of uses. The larger shapes can be used as a Moses basket, stacked with firewood near the stove or stuffed with laundry on the way to the washing line.

Buy a basket with a handle and you could comfortably tote it to your local supermarket instead of that plastic bag-for-life. Rose Mary’s designs also look slick piled full of books, fruit, towels and toys.

Using traditional techniques, each creel is woven from natural willow. Sturdy and long-lasting, they age well so you can expect to enjoy and repurpose them for years to come. Cared for correctly, your basket might even become a family heirloom.

If you’d like to try your hand at basket making, Rose Mary also teaches classes at the Twig Refill shop in Clonakilty.

There’s a website on the way, but if you’d like to purchase one of Rose’s beautiful handmade baskets in time for Christmas, you can find her at the Skibbereen Christmas Markets or contact her via Instagram.

In the meantime, we’re choosing one for every room.