'..And A Surprise'
Gifts from Ireland are really great but I believe that quirky gifts from Ireland are even better.
Kurilla Monika Pretty Potter Flowers
There are many who would agree with me. Those, especially children, who have not lost their sense of wonder and belief in possibility and fantasy, often use the term 'a surprise' instead of 'a gift' or 'a present'.
You may notice the list for Santa is often ended poetically with '...and a surprise'. To me, giving a gift is all about stirring those childhood feelings and imagination which every adult has lurking somewhere beneath the surface. The wrapping is very important too!
FANCY FLEECE SCARF BY JADA CRAFTS IRELAND
What Does Quirky Actually Mean?
What does 'quirky' actually mean? When you look it up you find 'having or characterised by peculiar or unexpected traits or aspects'. Similarly, 'eccentric, off-centre, out of the ordinary, offbeat, unconventional, weird, outlandish' even 'bizarre' and 'bohemian', amongst others show up. There is a sense of freedom, abandon even, if you think of it. There's a bit of a buzz created by just mentioning the word quirky.
There are many things we need to purchase that have particular purposes and practicalities. Some gifts can be practical and expected such as technology and clothing etc where the person in question has particular requests in. However, surprise gifts and unexpected extra gifts do not fall under these parameters.
People love a bit of individuality and freshness when buying such gifts. Indeed the very thought of having to conjure up unique and exciting gift ideas is enough to bring out many an individual in a sweat. Why? Everybody knows that gifts by their very nature spell intrigue and curiosity. There is always a bit of expectation. There's no getting away from it. There is a little pressure to get it right. Whether it is because you feel you have to get it right or more often simply because you want to get the best, most suitable gift for the person you have in mind.
That's Why 'Quirky', Does It For Me
You want to be the barer of gifts and to give a little thrill with it. It should be something unusual and fun for the person not something they have already seen.'Yawn, Yawn..' However, it must be something you know will suit this person but with a little twist for interest. A flourish. Something not mass produces. This is why 'quirky', works for me.
Made In, 'You Know Where'
So if 'Quirky Gifts In Ireland' is your holy grail of gift giving where are you and where would a body source these wondrous items? We are all familiar with the procedure of checking out the base of the quintessential Irish leprechaun statue, cute Irish pencil case, plastic dolmen statue, Irish dancing doll etc only to discover the 'Made in (you know where)', sticker.. Even some plaid scarves I noticed on an Irish ferry gift shop had 'Made In (you know where), on the label. Hilarious, we know, but a little aggravating all the same. You buy it anyway but you feel just a little bit 'had', don't you?
Shops Selling Fun Kitsch Products
There are many shops selling fun 'Kitsch' products such as these and you may even seek it out from time to time for a particular use or for cheap fun products. When it comes to finding something special and unique, handmade, a once off item even, that is where Parade Handmade and shops like us come in.
'A Win Win Situation'
We love everything about gifts at Parade Handmade. We are passionate about creativity and gifting in fact. From pouring over virtual galleries of beautiful creations to comparing and selecting and on to wrapping and presenting. The whole lovely process. Bringing a little happiness and beauty to the lives of others is a lovely thing to do. A little originality and imagination goes a long way too. It makes you feel good and it hopefully makes the recipient feel good too. 'A win win situation', as they say.
1) ALWAYS CHECK OUR 'LATEST DEALS' FOR CURRENT DISCOUNT CODES AND PROMOTIONS! THERE'S ALWAYS AT LEAST ONE OFFER RUNNING IF NOT MORE!
2) SEE OUR COLLECTIONS FOR CREATIVE INSPIRATION
3) RECEIVE THE PARADE HANDMADE GAZETTE (NEWSLETTER) STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
4) SHOP HERE PARADE HANDMADE
