Let’s hear it for invaluable tools that make mundane tasks less tedious …
THE FLOWER SCISSORS
I was given a pair of Niwaki flower scissors (€42) and find them invaluable for absolutely everything, from snipping stems to opening cardboard boxes. They’re the perfect size for your hand, very sharp and unfeasibly strong. I get irritable if anyone removes them from the kitchen. Niwaki specialises in Japanese craftsmanship and the London store is a treasure trove of useful tools. Sarah Halliwell, Beauty Editor @sarahhalliwellbeauty
THE TEABAG SQUEEZER
Hands down, one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received. Squeeze your teabag and remove it from your mug with these silicone “hands” (€5.72 for set of six on Amazon) instead of burning your fingers. You can also use them for sugar, ice cubes, anything you like. Cheap and cheerful – you’ll wonder how you managed without them. SH
THE GLOVES
You might think these white gloves (£3.99stg at Lakeland, Boucher Road, Belfast) look a bit OTT, but just put them on. They feel velvety inside – they’re flock-lined so you won’t want to take them off. I wore them to do the washing-up at a friend’s house and having mocked them, swiftly ordered my own pair online (to a UK address). They come with a threeyear guarantee. SH
THE EARPLUGS
If you suffer with noisy neighbours, heavy traffic outside your window, or a snoring partner, Happy Ears reusable earplugs (€16.50) are guaranteed to change your life. Start with a discovery pack (€31.50) to find the best size for your ears. These earplugs last months, even years, if stored in their case when not in use. If you have small ears and struggle to find comfortable earplugs, trust me and try these. Siomha Connolly, Deputy Editor; @siomhac
THE TART TOTE
On a visit to Maison Empereur in Marseille last summer, I could have bought one of everything in the shop, a Mecca of household goods. But the one thing which made it into my suitcase home was a linen tart tote or “sac à tarte” (€20) designed to transport your pies, cakes and other baked goods so they don’t get damaged en route to your pal’s house or a picnic in the park! Only ze French would think of this! SC
THE SHOEHORN
A practical daily essential to keep by the front door: for putting shoes on and taking them off, the Iris Hantverk shoehorn (€26) also preserves the structure of your shoes. SC
THE LUNCH BOX
I take my lunch and snacks to the office every day. It’s good to know exactly what you’re eating. I use a large rectangular leak-proof glass container from Dunnes Stores (€5). I prefer glass over plastic; it’s healthier, easier to clean, and allows me to pack exactly what I want without being limited by fixed compartments. Style also matters on my commute, so my bag (All-Day Julienne Mini Cooler 7L, €82.50) is plain enough to match any outfit, yet roomy; between seven and nine litres is ideal for fitting in a lunchbox, keep cup and two snacks. Patricia Marinho, Art Director; @patriciamarinhoart
THE FLASK
In Brazil, filtered coffee is brewed in the morning and poured into a classic thermal flask to stay hot for hours. This continues to be my stay-in weekend ritual, but this winter I got myself an extra Thermos Mondial 500ml flask (€17.95), perfect for keeping on my desk in the office for refreshing my cup of herbal tea throughout the day. PM
THE HEADPHONES
Forgetting headphones can ruin my day. My Sony WH-CH520 Over-Ear Wireless headphones (€33) have been a good everyday companion ever since I forgot my headphones before a long flight and had to find a cheap option at the airport. They’re solid and good quality, even though my favourite pair is still my JBL Tune 770NC Wireless Bluetooth Noise- Cancelling headphones (€54.99). They’re comfortable, and have a great bass sound. I like using Soundcore R50i In-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds (€29) while I’m having my hair done or doing an exercise class. PM
THE DIFFUSER
Slightly obsessed with having my kitchen smelling good at all times, I bought my smart ceramic diffuser (€70) to create a fresh atmosphere with an uplifting fragrance, not too spa-like. The little tank holds enough water for 16 hours continuous steam and scent but I just pop it on daily for a twohour stint. It shuts down automatically if there isn’t enough water left. You can use any essential oils you like but I keep coming back to the clean, herby Modern Botany signature blend. Sarah McDonnell, THE GLOSS Editor; @founderthegloss
THE HAIRPIN
I had spotted the Fiona Franchimon No1 Hairpin on Instagram some time before I bought one (from €35, at Planet Beauty, Dublin) marvelling at how one cleverly designed giant paper clip for the hair could help you achieve so many different hairstyles. I have found it extremely handy and have given it as a present to many of my longer-haired friends! There are lots of colours and finishes available, and endless inspirational posts @fionafranchimon_official. SMcD
THE GARDEN CLOGS
Who knew that my indispensable rubber clogs, so useful for bin night dashes or quick forays to the garden, would become a hot trend for 2026? Wearing your old green Aigles or Lidl middle aisle versions won’t cut it outside the house this spring – you’ll need to buy a pair of Birkenstocks in a cute colour (€85) but you will find rubber clogs of any kind brilliantly useful. No, wearing Crocs is NOT the same thing. SMcD
THE VASE
While the Klong Ang Flower Vase at Nordic Elements in Dublin (€90) is not an everyday item in the strictest sense, it’s in use almost every day in my house. The brilliant feature is the brass frame which means you can arrange the slimmest of floral pickings – a few fronds or leaves with the odd random bloom – and they will still look good and make an artful impact. It’s the most useful little vase ever. Jane McDonnell, THE GLOSS Publisher; @theofficialjanemcdonnell
THE WATERCOLOUR BRUSH
Painting with watercolours requires patience and trust in the process. That process means adding more and more water, mixing colours to create the exact shade you want, glazing the paint and water mix on the page and letting each layer flow into the next. The finer details which bring the painting to life don’t tend to come into play until the very end. For this step, I use the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Brush Series 111, Size 00 (€4.75 at Art & Hobby). Small and unassuming, it has the power to create the glint in an eye, the fine shadow of a figure in the distance, or the speckled scales of a fish. Amy McDonnell, Deputy Digital Editor; @amymc_art
THE CABIN SUITCASE
Rollaer (€129) is an Irish-designed compact cabin suitcase created by engineer Colin O’Brien, who you might have seen on Dragon’s Den. His goal was to design a suitcase with a unique set of rollers instead of traditional wheels, capable of handling any terrain with ease. I have gone through several suitcases through the years, but found that this one, when tested on cobbled streets, cracked pavements and gravel paths, rolled smoothly and quietly. We even spotted them trundling happily over grass at Electric Picnic. They are airline-compliant and come in three colours. Penny McCormick, Contributing Editor; @pennymccormicked
THE KNIFE
This brilliant everyday Victorinox knife (€8.95, at The Kitchen Whisk, Dublin) is one everyone should own. It barely dulls over time, and the small serrations grip firm skins and crusts, letting you slice cleanly without squashing what’s inside. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. They are also great value for money – I usually buy a multi-pack so there’s always a few in my drawer, and I give them as presents to friends and family. Kitty Coles, THE GLOSS Food Editor; @kittycoles
THE KNIFE SHARPENER
Nothing makes me more annoyed in the kitchen than a blunt knife. Unusually as a chef, I am not fussed about the type of knife but it has to be sharp. I use a diamond-coated Wusthof knife sharpener (£75stg at Burough Kitchen). A few seconds, and any knife is sharpened and ready to use. Filippo La Gattuta, Executive Chef, Big Mamma Group. @filippo_la_gattuta
THE SHUCKER
I rely on my Louis Tellier knife (€7.69) for shucking oysters. I’ve been using it for years. You do need to know what you’re doing with it as it doesn’t have a safety guard, as some do. Garry Hughes, Executive Chef, The Shelbourne Hotel. @garryhughes75
THE CORKSCREW
A Waiter’s Friend corkscrew is affordable and reliable. You can find one that costs €10; or you can of course spend a bit more on a more sophisticated one. I use this corkscrew at home and when I visit restaurants and wine shops for tastings. I like the fact that it slips into my pocket. Jérèmy Delannoy, founder, SIYPS; @siyps
THE XL SPATULA
The large silicone Vogue High Heat Spatula (€9 at Nisbets) means you get every bit of cake mix from the bottom of the bowl (making washing-up easier). Heat-resistant, it’s a favourite of chefs and pro bakers. Lauren McLoughlin, pastry chef. @laurens_patisserie_22
THE TEA INFUSER
I love drinking leaf tea, especially the mint tea from Clement & Pekoe in Dublin. This glass cup (€19, at Article) has a perfectly fitting strainer, so you can make proper loose leaf tea in minutes without the fuss of a full teapot. It’s also gorgeous to look at, and there’s something really lovely about drinking tea from glass. Ann Chapman, Stonechat Jewellers; @stonechatjewellers
THE WATER BOTTLE
I carry my Yeti Rambler water bottle (€37) with me throughout the day, which means I stay on top of my water intake. It never leaks, keeps the water cold and looks cool. I love it. Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef, Anantara The Marker Hotel. @garmullins
THE T-SHIRT BRA
A good T-shirt bra is the quiet hero in your lingerie drawer. It disappears under clothes, supports without fuss, and feels comfortable all day long. When comfort and shape matter, it’s the bare essential every woman reaches for first. The Figuras heartshaped bra (€104) comes in a beautiful powder rose and and charcoal black. Daina Creedon, Susan Hunter Lingerie; @susanhunterlingerie
THE MAKE-UP BRUSH
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush (€48, at Boots) features a fluffy side for sweeping foundation across the skin, and a smaller, denser end that blends concealer seamlessly. The soft synthetic bristles deliver an airbrushed finish. It doesn’t absorb too much product, so works beautifully with liquids, creams and powders. This brush is a staple in my kit, and I’m constantly being asked about it. Gemma Peace, make-up artist. @gemmapeacemakeup
THE SCISSORS
My scissors are definitely my non-negotiable tool. I use pair of Fuji scissors by a Japanese maker who uses special Damascus steel. These aren’t like household scissors, they are specially designed to be extremely strong, precise and sharp. Mine cost about €800, but all Fuji hair scissors (from €65) are excellent. Just don’t use them for anything else but hair – it blunts the blade. Dylan Bradshaw, hairstylist and salon owner. @dylanbradshawdb
THE TOOTHBRUSH
Curaprox is a Swiss company that makes good electric toothbrushes but also outstanding manual brushes (from €5.90) which I recommend for the majority of my patients with good dexterity. Curaprox brushes have ultra-soft bristles which clean thoroughly and gently. With proper technique you can achieve good results with any brush – except a spent one. Replace both electric toothbrush heads and manual toothbrushes every three months! Anne Quinlan Dental, Dublin.
THE DE-BOBBLER
I have had my JML Bobble-Off for years so it’s rather old-fashioned but you can easily find a more modern model (€8.99). I simply wouldn’t be without it – it’s fantastic at debobbling sweaters, coats, throws and blankets. Phillips do a similar fabric shaver but I’m sticking to this one. Cassandra Steyn Taylor, wardrobe department, RTÉ.
THE PORTABLE CHARGER
I travel a lot so this portable Forcell travel charger isn’t just another gadget — it’s indispensable. With its builtin power bank, multiple cables, wireless charging and international adapters, I can keep all my devices powered no matter where I am. It’s compact, versatile and reliable, making it the essential travel companion I never leave home without. Mary Denton, CEO @sunway_holidays
THE WALKING SHOES
When walking, everyday or for fitness, or climbing mountains, we all need to know one key thing. Knowing your gait (how your foot hits the ground with each step) means you are choosing the safest and correct footwear for you. Have your gait assessed for free in most sports or outdoors shops (I recommend Amphibian King in Bray, Co Wicklow) before choosing your shoes. Do it once and you will know for life what shoes to buy. I wear Columbia; I have a pair of trail shoes and a pair for mountain climbing. Both are light, comfortable and waterproof! Karl Henry, author, personal trainer and wellness expert. @karlhenrypt
THE GARDEN SPADE
A gardener’s kit is, at heart, disarmingly simple. A spade, a shovel, a fork, a bow saw, a sharp knife and a good pair of secateurs. Add a wheelbarrow and a watering can and there is very little you cannot do. I grew up with Darby True Temper long-handled spades (from €22.99) with ash shafts worn smooth by use, and, as I remember it, blades forged by hand in Cork. When I moved to garden in England at the Chelsea Flower Show I struggled with their shorter spades and shovels which lacked the effi ciency of that long shaft, the leverage that allows the tool to do the work rather than the gardener. My favourite spade ever remains that common or garden one that has dug gardens, built houses, and once, no doubt, laid roads and railways. Diarmuid Gavin, garden designer. @diarmuidgavin
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