Shop small: supporting your local makers

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

Whether you’re thoughtfully choosing gifts for your extended family or your best friends (at any time of year), shopping small allows you to support the makers in your local area (to whom your contribution can make a big difference). Supporting a small business can help mean keeping them afloat, and discovering unique products you won’t see on the high street. Finding local makers and artisans in your neck of the woods can be easier than you think, with the help of online collectives and stores or local markets. Few of us have time to peruse local crafts markets during the festive time of year, but no matter the type of gift you’re after, you’re bound to spot it on one of these inspiring sites from around the world:

  • Etsy
    Through the rabbit hole that is Etsy, you can find just about every gift on your list (and things you didn’t realise you needed). Search by region if you’d like to find makers in your neighbourhood, or discover artists on the other side of the world.
  • Third Drawer Down
    Beautifully curated doodads from designers, makers and clever creators line the (online) shelves of Third Drawer Down. Here, you’ll find both practical and ornamental gifts to wrap with pride.
  • Guild of Objects
    This Australian store is one in which you’ll find a collection of works from some of the country’s finest makers. Shop online, or (if you’re in Melbourne) pop in for a more tactile shopping experience.
  • Folksy
    Folksy provides the perfect place to shop for those who want to give homemade gifts, but don’t have the time to make them themselves. You could spend many hours looking through the crafted gifts of creatives all over the UK.
  • Club of Odd Volumes
    Prefer your art to be practical? Look no further than Club of Odd Volumes, where both emerging and established artists’ works are printed onto garments and items for the home, which your recipient can parade or lounge about in.
  • What you Sow
    Know someone who loves the great outdoors? Give them a little greenery with a sweet trinket from What You Sow. And check out the owner’s gardening tips, here.
  • Not Another Bill
    You may have discovered this store via our recent interview with the company’s founder, but have you checked out Not Another Bill’s online store yet? You may just find that little something you’ve been seeking for your sister’s birthday or a friendship anniversary.

Where do you discover small businesses and local makers in your area?

You may also like

Profile Photo
WRITTEN BY:
Sonya Gellert

Sonya Gellert is a contributing writer and associate editor for Khoollect. She lives in Sydney....

READ MORE BY Sonya Gellert

You decide

Your dream holiday destination

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

What's slow fashion?

Find out here, with tips from the Unmaterial Girl.