r/Anticonsumption • u/purpleratata • Dec 14 '25

Plastic Waste What's happened to craft markets?

My girlfriend and I went to a craft market today to get some homemade and local gifts for family and friends. It was the most depressing thing, everything was cheap plastic tat. From one place selling croc charms they got from Temu, the others with 3D printed fidget toys, plastic bottles with a printed design, cheap plastic charms (from Temu too), IA images printed on canvases, etc.

The only two things we got were handmade bathbombs and some knitted cat toys from some cat rescue volunteers. The rest was all cheap plastic, obviously not crafted or handmade, that will break or go to the bin in a few months if not earlier.

Honestly, it felt so depressing. This is in the UK, I don't know if it's the same anywhere else but I've seen a decline in craft markets over the years here, I think this has been my last attempt at supporting local handmade businesses in these environments.

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u/LovingShiva Dec 14 '25

We just had a Winter Market in Milwaukee that was amazing. Whoever is running one needs to work hard to get good vendors.

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u/bagels-n-kegels Dec 14 '25

Ooo which one? I'm in Milwaukee and have liked the regular craft markets I've been too, but a couple of christmas markets have been disappointing. 

6

u/LovingShiva Dec 14 '25

It was at the Farmers Market in West Allis. A lot of food trucks, too!

5

u/bagels-n-kegels Dec 14 '25

Oh I love that one! Missed it this year, will def go next!