Please help! Alternatives to Amazon.

[CrumpetsAndWine]

I'm trying to be organised this year and don't want to end up buying everyones presents from Amazon.

I'm going to try local shops, but am also keen to buy from small/family businesses online too.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know there is etsy and notonthehighstreet, but friends with small businesses say they make more if people buy from them direct... but its so hard to find these gems to buy from!

Please help me find nice gifts and my money get to 'real' sellers rather than tax-avoiding multimillionaires....

Have you tried etsy? Not on the high street ?

Hive.co.uk
Books, some stationery etc. They are sent out from 'real' independent UK bookshops and on a page near payment, you can nominate one that is a member of the scheme to receive a cut of a communal pot that depends on sale quantities.

NotonAmazon selling group on Facebook for more unique items

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/4389996-Independent-sellers-and-small-businesses

Thanks @BumbledBee will take a look

@toolazytothinkofausername - thanks for the link to that thread, its just what I was hoping for!

Look at Etsy then try putting the ‘shop name’ into Google.

Depending in value I will google the item and see if can find an independent seller / website.
I'm more likely to take the risk if they have a photo of a proper shop and a landline number.

Do you have a local site on FB? Mine has things like cake makers, collage makers and seamstresses offering their services.

Trouva - an online shop front for 100s of small boutiques. Tends to be a bit trendy/hipster/sustainable. I’ve had good experiences with the shops I’ve found via it.

For any kind of board games, Wayland Games UK is a great website.

If you’re buying any video games, there is Nintendo U.K. where you can buy direct. Or CEX for used games.

@delilabell

Have you tried etsy? Not on the high street ?

Did you read the OP?!

sunshineno1.com/collections

Beautiful things made by local artists!

A few websites of independent shops near me - there brick and mortar shops are where I tend to buy most of my presents:
eraofleek.co.uk/

www.becalmedinleek.co.uk/

www.cuckoohomedesign.co.uk/

miscoschocolates.com/

www.wrigglytinsoap.co.uk/

A lot of independents sell through Amazon.

www.easyfundraising.org.uk

@maofteens

A lot of independents sell through Amazon.

This is a good point. Worth seeing if the small business sellers have a website just in case Amazon is taking a cut of your purchase.