Ethical and bargain websites (aka Amazon alternatives)

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Trying my hardest to avoid Amazon with my shopping this year but struggling to find places with similar prices so thought it would be good to have a thread for non-Amazon affiliated websites that aren’t extortionate. Particularly thinking of books but other suggestions most welcome.

The Book People is good and not too expensive

When I buy books new I usually get them from Blackwells. Their website is usually cheaper than in store and they have an eBay store as well.

I often buy books from World of Books secondhand - they have free postage

Local/independent bookshops will often post out, even if you are not local to them but I appreciate you may be looking for cheaper options. We have a second hand book shop where the prices are good and the stock much more broad than a charity shop, but it depends if you're looking for ideas or a specific book whether that would be any good! I have also bought from World of Books several times and had good experiences.

Is there anything else in particular you're after or just ideas? There was a thread last year or the year before on independent retailers and they may well fall in with what you're looking for ethically?

Also, I am vehemently anti amazon and wish some of the threads on here weren't so heavily amazon focused, but I am in a position to be financially and I absolutely recognise that is a privilege. If you would previously have done all your shopping on Amazon and this year do only half that is still a massive win, so don't wreck your own head if you can't make it work to avoid them completely.

Thanks for the suggestions - I will check them out.
Only just starting with my shopping - I really like buying books for people and it frustrates me when Amazon is the cheapest by a long way.

I recommend books for bugs for children's books. Small family run business. Books £2.50 or less

I thought it they went bust. Books2door is similar.

I hate Amazon.

I dont have an Amazon anymore and deleted the one I did have 10 years ago (used student Amazon to buy my school books then cancelled it) so Amazon should have no access to my bank/card details and yet TWICE in the last 4 years Amazon have taken money out of my bank.

Once because DH was broke and his prime was due but failed to come out as he didnt have enough money in bank and once because my mam tried to buy something and her card was expired.

I do not live with my parents and havent for 15 years, I do not share a name with my parents or my husband and I am not on either of their accounts... Amazon are dodgy as fuck, stealling personal data and bank details, authorising illegal transaction and are straight up scam artists commiting fraud but no one stops them.

Sorry forgot to add any help, I know most people avoid it but I still use Ebay a fair bit especially for books.

I know Waterstones aren't the cheapest, but last year their loyalty programme ran triple points for a short while in the run up to Christmas, which also worked with any already discounted books, so it might be worth keeping an eye on them, especially in late November/early December. Secondly, if you have any within reach, it's worth being aware of Oxfam book shops. One I know seems to have very frequent donations from people who buy all their novels hardback and pass them on immediately, another certainly used to have an outstanding children's section. Also another vote for World of Books via ebay (with the caveat that I recently bought something that wasn't really the condition I was expecting).

Little Blue Hen are good for shampoo bars and that sort of thing and they last ages.

Charity ran webshops like national trust, sue ryder etc could be a good alternative although not always bargains as such they have regular offers and you know where the profits are going to. Any local businesses you can think of?

I’ve used Bomb Cosmetics for bath bombs in the past , much nicer than Lush .

@Floralnomad oooh, they have a sale on too. How do bath bombs keep please? Never used them so no idea if will be smelly mush come December.

If you go to bookshop.org you can shop via your local independent bookstore if they are signed up.

Bookshop.org are good. I’ve also used The Works website quite a bit for Xmas bits and bobs and they sell a lot of sets of kids books.

Not used them personally but books4people.co.uk was recommended to me. They seem to have some good bargains.

I’m trying to have an Amazon free Christmas this year so will be watching with interest.

Can I recommend a page called "Not on Amazon" on Facebook? (I'm not affiliated with them).

Independent makers, authors, artists and all sorts advertise their products on there. I've found all sorts of wonderful products on there and are excellent for gifts.

www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

www.re-foundobjects.com/category/view/latest-products

Try shopping on sites like;
World wildlife Fund
Fair trade
woodland trust
RSPB
UNICEF
Dogs Trust
British Red Cross

Booksplea.se is great. Prices often similar to Amazon, but free delivery on everything with no threshold.

All great ideas - thank you. Already found a box set I’ve been looking for.
Hadn't thought to look at charities but they have some beautiful stuff.