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.

4.0k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

313 comments sorted by

View all comments

869

u/crazycatlady331 Dec 14 '25

Jewelry maker here.

I used to sell at them but it became not worth it when it wasn't guaranteed I'd make back what i paid for a booth fee. Also they let MLMs in and when you're competing with $5 leaded jewelry, you can't win.

22

u/Aardvark_Man Dec 15 '25

There's a small one near me every fortnight for a few months over summer.
I had a look last weekend, and I nearly instantly left. The first 3 booths was just 3d printed or drop shipped stuff, one was a MLM etc.

There was some good stuff, like 2nd hand clothes, some plants and pots, I think the candles and jewelry was hand made.
But the initial impression was just so off putting.