With the recession still lingering on and the post-Christmas sales drawing to an end, it's time we looked to sources nearer home for birthday and general treats.
If you don't use Folksy on a regular basis, I urge you to head to their website now. Full of handmade delights made by designers and artists across the UK, you can buy anything from a unique necklace to a hand painted babygro like the one on the right from designer Fairynuff (£10).
The benefits for buying from Folksy are extensive, including:
- Eco-friendly. It's UK-based, so the independent designers rack up far fewer miles on the road than an online high street store that buys from abroad.
- Supporting new talents. You can buy some amazing pieces at far cheaper prices than the high street, whilst helping them establish their business.
- Personalisation. A lot of the sellers offer a personalised element, where you can get your own message or name added to your purchase.
Children's Owl Sewing Kit: Fat Hen and Slow, top left, £5
Children's Mini Lambswool Pencil Scarf: Sara Carr, top right, £27
Panda Finger Puppets: MuNGBEANS, middle right, £2
Pk 20 "Hello Kitty" Buttons: Planet Events Direct, bottom right, £3.25
Convert your children's drawings into an embroidered cushion: Extra Special Touch, bottom left, £39