With the holiday season underway, it’s time to make sure we find the perfect gifts for all of our loved ones. This year, our shopping habits have changed dramatically with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, so I think it’s safe to say that a majority of us will be doing our shopping online. Sites like Amazon and big-name retailers are obvious go-tos, but shopping small and second-hand is still possible when shopping online. Below, I’ve listed several websites that will allow you to buy from individuals and small businesses.
If you’re looking for handmade gifts without the effort on your part, Etsy is the perfect place. You can find everything from jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) and custom clothing (band merchandise, embroidered shirts, custom shoes, etc.), to artwork (prints, photographs, paintings) and general knick knacks (baby toys, blankets, handmade stuffed animals, etc.). Directly supporting someone’s small business is one of the most rewarding things you can do this holiday season.
While Etsy is full of unique, handmade items, Redbubble is a different type of online marketplace where graphic designers and anyone who has the most basic knowledge of Photoshop can upload their original artwork. After looking up any of your favorite TV shows, books, movies or content creators, you will be met with thousands of unique designs that you can purchase on products like stickers, phone cases, sweatshirts and posters. If you want incredible designs on a wide variety of products, Redbubble is the site for you.
If you’re anything like me, you miss thrift shopping. Retailers like American Eagle and Pacsun are easy to splurge on, but for a more individualized shopping experience, head over to Depop. You will find hundreds of vintage jeans, graphic tees and even accessories like sunglasses and handmade jewelry. Buying second hand is always a good thing, and if your friends and family are into fashion, they are sure to appreciate anything from Depop.
Like Redbubble, Society6 is a website where artists create their own artwork and upload it to be placed on different sized prints and other items like apparel, bedding and tapestries. This is another place where you can know that you’re supporting somebody’s passion and artistic drive by purchasing one of their products. The designs on Society6 tend to be more minimalistic and contemporary than those on Redbubble, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for room decor or anything to fit your personal aesthetic.
This holiday season is already unlike any other, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a negative thing. Head over to these websites for unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones and a little something for yourself.