It’s quirky design that ‘happens to be Irish’.

That’s the ethos behind the Biscuit Marketplace, a new one-stop-shop for gorgeous handmade gifts in every price range.

The brainchild of Cork entrepreneur Tara Prendergast, the store is a finely curated online space that puts the spotlight on makers, tells their stories, and showcases their products. Shoppers can purchase items instantly or speak directly with the vendors.

‘Irish design is not just for tourists’

Tara, who is originally from Aghada, spent her twenties launching innovative restaurant concepts, opening Kafkas on Cork’s Maylor Street in 1999 and The Berries smoothie bar on MacCurtain Street a few years later.

In recent years she recognised the need for an exclusively Irish version of the global craft store Etsy through her private membership community The Biscuit Factory, which incubates creatives and makers and supports them with advice and strategy.

“Irish design isn’t just for tourists. This marketplace is a digital space for trendy, innovative, and quirky design that happens to be Irish,” Tara told Yay Cork. “This is an online shop for the global marketplace. It’s proof that Irish makers can comfortably stand alongside international designers.”

The Biscuit Marketplace was born, a slick shop-able website with a carefully curated selection of jewellery, decor, children’s gifts, clothing and homewares.

“Shopping local is a greener way to shop and it’s better for the economy and the country, but unless we’re being offered items that are as good as or better than the international competition, it’s not a sustainable approach,” said Tara. “The Biscuit Marketplace is where you’ll find the best of the best that just so happens to be local.”

Here are five gorgeous Irish gifts to order today:

Signature Soap: €5.50

Made by The Wren’s Nest, Abbeyleix

This cold-pressed lavender, calendula and chamomile soap is designed to sooth the driest skin. Hand made by Danielle Doody, each soap is an opportunity to enjoy a little aromatherapy. “Using my soaps and potions will give a lift to your day every time you use them.” she says. “Just remember to pause and inhale!”

Order the soaps and the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh Set pictured above here.

Geometric Sweater

Made by Stencilize, Kidare: €45

With crisp, clean lines, these unisex designs make for cool, casual street wear gift. All the original designs are by Irish artist Stencilize and each item of clothing is printed by hand in the Stencilize studio in Kildare.

Order one here.

Polly Dollies Diary: €24 

Made by Felicia Thomas and Badly Made Books, Cork

Printed and put together by hand in Cork, these notebooks feature some of artist Felicia Thomas’s original Polly Dollies. Made from 82.5% recycled paper, there’s space for all your appointments, a section of lined paper for lists and notes, plus some plain paper for doodling.

Order one here.

Made by Fintan Wall Design, Dublin

They say: “Buy one for Ciara from HR who never shuts up about the Seychelles! Get one for your aunt Bridie who only drinks Champagne (because prosecco is for peasants).”

Order one here.

Superhero Cape: €39.50

Made by Little Green Dot, Clonakilty

These bright coloured capes are hand made using ‘eco-cool and people-kind’ materials. Personalised with your child’s initials for extra super powers, they are available in three sizes and fully washable. A matching eco-felt mask is available too.

Order one here.