It’s almost mid-November as I write to you on a blustery day from a hospital waiting room in Sligo. There’s no emergency - just back-up for someone having a procedural treatment. I rather like these moments, such as they are - suspended moments in a life’s rhythm.
It’s not particularly cold in Ireland yet, though the countryside tells another story. The trees are turning - rustic orange still clinging to green, dark trunks showing through, and grey skies stretching across damp fields. It’s not quite winter, but you can feel it waiting in the wings.
I’m not in a Christmassy mood yet, so I doubt you are either (though perhaps I’m wrong there!). I write these blogs early to give you time and headspace - a gentle nudge toward planning, whether for gifts, decor, or a bit of inspiration.
If you’d rather skip straight to the gift ideas, scroll down to the images - but if you have a moment, I’d like to talk a little about something close to my heart: making things mindfully and doing a small bit for the planet.
A Thought for the Planet This Christmas
I hate waste - food waste especially, but really any kind at all. I love mending and upcycling, and I’m conscious of what I buy and create. Industrialisation and overproduction have left the planet gasping a bit, and while shouting about it rarely helps, quiet change does. Each of us, through our small choices, can make ripples.
That’s why I’ve always kept Parade Handmade small and personal. Everything here is made by hand in limited runs - created or curated with purpose, not mass-produced. No unwanted stock piles, no landfill guilt. Just thoughtful, beautiful things.
Tiny Things, Big Difference: The Case of Sticky Tape
While thinking of Christmas and wrapping presents, I’ve been on a quiet mission to reduce waste - and this year’s target is sticky tape. It sounds small, doesn’t it? But those little rolls of plastic add up.
Most sticky tapes are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene or PVC. They never truly disappear, clogging landfills and polluting habitats. Even their adhesives can release harmful chemicals.
A much better alternative is washi tape - a paper-based tape made from natural fibres like rice paper, bamboo, or hemp. It’s biodegradable, often uses water-based inks, and it looks lovely too. Or you can skip tape altogether: use ribbon, twine, string, or cut shapes from sticker paper. It just takes a pinch of imagination and feels so much more special.
Avoid plastic glitter and tinsel if you can - there are wonderful, creative alternatives that don’t harm the planet. I’m no puritan (I love a bit of sparkle as much as anyone), but sometimes a simple ribbon or a sprig of greenery looks twice as charming and you don't always need to stick anything with tape at all. Sometimes I make up a mix of flour and water to the thickness of mustard and I use that as an alternative to paper glue. It takes a little more time to dry but it's a great alternative, not to mention economical and earth friendly.
(If you’d like a deeper dive into the topic, you can read “Washi Tape: Is It Environmentally Friendly?” by EndlessPens - an interesting read.)
A Mindful Christmas: Little Ideas to Get You Started
Before you begin, you might like to download my Printable Christmas Planner - it’s handy for keeping track of everything from gifts to wrapping ideas.
And if you love a bit of creative wrapping, have a look at my Top Ten Tips for Gift Wrapping video on YouTube - it’s full of easy, planet-friendly tricks for wrapping awkward shapes, round things, and heavier gifts too.
Cards to Start You Off
Now’s the perfect time to get your Christmas cards underway (I haven’t started yet myself, but that’s the plan!).
👉 Browse my Christmas Card Collection - a mix of art cards and handmade designs perfect for posting or gifting.
Lightweight Gifts Perfect for Posting
If you’re sending gifts abroad, it’s best to post early. Here’s a link to An Post’s posting dates for 2025. Remember - Parade Handmade offers €5 flat-rate postage within Ireland for boxes, envelopes, or mixed items that fit the green envelope size.
A few of my favourite pieces to post easily:
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Celtic Fairy Creations Collections
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Sparkly Jewellery by Lapanda Designs: Vintage Affair - Petite Earrings Included
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Recent Collections You May Have Missed
If you haven’t popped by the shop in a while, here are a few newer favourites:
Stay cosy, stay calm,
Amanda
