How hard is it to find unique gifts for that special someone? You know, that person that’s super difficult to buy for, the one that has everything. I always find that a local Christmas market is usually the place to buy a gift for these people you might get stuck trying to find a gift for.
The third annual Etsy Festive Market in Southampton was the biggest yet!
Local independent Etsy makers showcased some incredible gifts in real life in The Spark Building at Solent University.
This Christmas market is always a good one because it falls at the very start of December and it’s just at the right time when I’m buying gifts!
It’s full of lots of lovely independent Etsy makers who’ve lovingly created lots of unique items. As you’ll already know, if you read this blog regularly, I’m such a big fan of supporting, buying and eating locally.
There were a few people from last year’s market but there were plenty of new faces too and this year the market expanded downstairs with lots more stalls to look at.
There were some absolutely incredible makers and artisan goods that I loved.
Here’s a couple to give you an idea of the sorts of things that were available and if you didn’t manage to go, links to their websites so you can buy directly from them if you like what they make! They might just have the perfect gift for that person you’re stuck on.
Eyecatching designs from Miss Bespoke Papercuts – these cards and prints are beautiful and she does bespoke orders. The paper cuttings are great little wedding or celebratory gifts and look so pretty framed. She also does local workshops if you’re looking to give this craft a go – perfect if you want an introduction to paper cutting.
Local artist and illustrator Amy Harwood has a wonderful selection of calendars, notebooks, prints and cosmetic pouches covered in floral motifs, dinosaurs and stunning woodland animals. She also does maps which you can find in God’s House Tower, if you’re local to Southampton. Her pet portraits are really popular and keep an eye out for her new rabbit illustrated make up bag, it’s so cute!
Miss Knit Nat has beautiful bobble hats, headbands and scarves in pastels and geometric prints. They are so soft and I must remember to put some money aside to buy one of those head bands in that pink or grey – they are lovely!
A firm favourite of mine, and someone I’ve bought many gifts for other people from is local jewellery maker Tumble and Rose. Her crystal copper rings set with gemstones are very popular, especially on Instagram, and make a wonderful present.
This year a couple of people will be getting these pretty necklaces from me. I love their simplicity, and how they catch the light, it’s a great piece of every day jewellery that will go with everything.
The Whimsical Kitchen will satisfy any sweet tooth, her incredible confectionary concoctions are pure delight and the stuff of childhood dreams!
She specialises in homemade marshmallow with incredible seasonal prints on them, mallow, fudge and brownies. She regularly updates her website and Instagram with new flavours and sweets she’s trying out, so she’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Last year I missed out on the snowmen marshmallows, and I was gutted, this year I walked out with two packs ready to top all my hot chocolates this festive season.
It was a fantastic event, I can’t wait to see what next year’s is like. I love that it’s in the Solent Spark building, there’s plenty of space, and even though it was really busy there was plenty of room so it didn’t feel too overwhelming. Fingers crossed it returns for its fourth year.
If you’ve got an Etsy Festive Market happening near you it’s well worth checking out! Let me know if you’ve been to one and what it was like.
