Donovan and O'Donovan both go back to Ó Donnabháin, the family that left Bruree in County Limerick for the Carbery country of west Cork more than eight centuries ago. Our Donovan and O'Donovan Irish family gifts collection stocks both spellings, so the first question is simple: which one is on the family’s mailbox?
Donovan or O'Donovan: Which Spelling Goes on the Gift?
The mugs, pennants and T-shirts come in both forms, so match the name the recipient signs. If the family records switch between the two, pick the spelling on the most recent certificate or headstone. The woven blanket displays the Donovan name and family crest; choose it for a recipient who uses the Donovan spelling.
Woven or Printed: Which Donovan Blanket?
The Donovan woven cotton blanket is the heirloom piece. Cotton yarn forms both the crest and the Irish National Tartan in the weave itself, so nothing sits on the surface, and the edges finish in a traditional fringe. Three sizes run from a 52″ × 37″ lap throw to an 80″ × 60″ bed-size piece, and it washes cold and tumbles dry on low. Give it for a wedding, a milestone anniversary or the relative who has just traced the family to Drimoleague.
The Donovan printed tartan throw is the lighter, lower-priced choice: 50″ × 60″ in soft 100% polyester, with the design printed on the front, a plain white back and hemmed edges. It suits a dorm room, a reading chair or the back seat on game day.
Mug or Pennant: Kitchen Counter or Den Wall?
For the daily gift, the Donovan family crest mug is an 11 oz ceramic accent mug with a white exterior and a black handle and interior, microwave and dishwasher safe. The O'Donovan tartan crest mug is the same 11 oz size with a black handle and interior framing the crest.
For a study, hallway or office, the Donovan wall pennant and the O'Donovan wall pennant each measure 18″ × 21″ in polyester twill with laser-cut edges, and arrive ready to hang from a wooden dowel and twine. A pair makes a good present for a household where each spouse carries a different spelling.
A Donovan Ornament for the Tree
The Donovan framed Christmas ornament sets the crest on an Irish tartan background inside a polished silver-tone portrait frame, 3.25″ × 2.31″, with a satin ribbon for hanging. It is a thoughtful first-Christmas gift for a newborn Donovan or a couple in their first home.
Tees for the Reunion and the Parade
The Donovan Celtic harp T-shirt and the O'Donovan Celtic harp T-shirt print the surname beside a Celtic harp and “Irish Heritage” lettering on a Gildan 64000 Softstyle unisex tee, in black, Irish Green or dark heather gray, sizes S to 3XL. Order a run of them for a family reunion or St. Patrick’s Day; check the size chart first.
Put the Story in the Card
A line worth writing inside: “Before Castle Donovan there was Bruree. The O'Donovans held the banks of the Maigue in Limerick until about 1178, then made west Cork their own.”
The full story, from the Four Masters to Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, is in our Donovan surname history.
Donovan Gift FAQ
What is the best Donovan gift for a wedding?
The woven cotton blanket in 60″ × 50″ or 80″ × 60″, sized for a couple’s sofa or bed.
Do the T-shirts show the tartan?
No. The tees carry the surname with a Celtic harp; choose a blanket, mug, pennant or the ornament for the tartan background.
Can I buy one spelling for each side of the family?
Yes. Mugs, pennants and tees are stocked as both Donovan and O'Donovan.
How quickly will a Donovan gift arrive?
Orders are processed in 1 to 5 business days, with free shipping to 7 countries.