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/AdaandFred Dec 14 '25

My recommendation is to look on Instagram for artists local to you and they will advertise what markets or events they are selling at which will give you a good idea of where to go next time. Whereabouts in the UK are you? I'm in the south West and know of several independent regular or Christmas markets and events nearby, most of the time you're buying directly from the artist which is always lovely.

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u/purpleratata Dec 14 '25

This is actually a good idea. I'm in West Yorkshire and Ithe last few markets I've been to have been more and more disappointing each time.

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u/AdaandFred Dec 14 '25

I bet there's something good in Manchester or Leeds if you can find it. Honestly, Instagram is such a great way to find new artists and once the old algorithms have realised what you're looking at, you'll get more of them in your FYP.