If you want to buy something handmade for someone, the hard part is not finding a site. It is knowing which ones are really selling handmade, which will get it to you on time, and what happens if something goes wrong. This guide compares the main places to buy handmade gifts online in the UK, from the shopper’s side.
We run one of them, Crafter’s Market UK, so we have said where other sites do something better, and we have kept to facts you can check.
What to look for, wherever you buy
- Is it made by the person selling it? Some marketplaces are handmade only. Others mix handmade with vintage, factory-made and print-on-demand items, so it is worth checking each listing.
- Where is it coming from? A UK maker means faster delivery and no import charges. On international sites, check the shop’s location before you buy.
- How long will it take? Handmade pieces are often made to order. Look for a dispatch time on the listing, not just a delivery time.
- What if it does not arrive? Check what protection the site gives you, on top of your normal rights.
- Can you talk to the maker? For personalised gifts especially, being able to ask a question before you order makes a big difference.
The options at a glance
Where to buy handmade gifts online in the UK.
| Site | What you will find | Makers based | Protection if it does not arrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | The biggest choice by far: handmade, vintage, supplies and “designed by” items | Worldwide | Etsy Purchase Protection on eligible orders |
| Not On The High Street | Curated gifts from small UK businesses, strong on personalised | UK | Through NOTHS customer service and your consumer rights |
| Folksy | Handmade and craft supplies, a smaller and very crafty range | UK | Your consumer rights and the maker’s policies |
| Amazon Handmade | Artisan-made products, some with Prime delivery | Worldwide | Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee |
| The British Craft House | A curated shop of British makers | Great Britain | Your consumer rights and the maker’s policies |
| Crafter’s Market UK That’s us | Handmade, original designs and craft supplies, one basket across many makers | UK | Buyer Protection on every order, no buyer fee |
| Craft fairs and makers’ own sites | Everything, from someone you can meet | Local | Your consumer rights; pay by card where you can |
Etsy
Etsy has more handmade listings than anywhere else, and if you are looking for something very specific, it is the most likely place to find it. The trade-off is that you need to look carefully. Etsy allows vintage, craft supplies and items “designed by” a seller but made by a production partner, and it sells from shops all over the world. If you want a UK maker, use the shop location filter and check the shop’s page. Etsy’s Purchase Protection programme covers eligible orders that do not arrive or are not as described.
Not On The High Street
Not On The High Street is a curated gift site for small UK businesses, and it is particularly good for personalised presents: name prints, engraved jewellery, keepsakes. Not everything is handmade by the seller, and prices are often higher. Its customer service handles problems with orders.
Folksy
Folksy is a UK marketplace for handmade work and craft supplies, made or sold by independent sellers. The range is smaller than Etsy’s and leans towards traditional crafts: ceramics, textiles, jewellery and art. It is a lovely place to browse if you want to support independent makers.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is a section of Amazon for products made by artisans who have been approved to sell there. Some items have Prime delivery, which helps when you are short of time. Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee covers orders that do not arrive or are not as described. The experience feels like Amazon, so you see less of the maker behind each piece.
The British Craft House
The British Craft House is a curated shop of makers based in Great Britain, with a careful, gallery-like feel. The range is smaller because every seller is reviewed.
Crafter’s Market UK
That is us. Every maker is based in the UK, and listings have to meet our handmade policy: made by the seller, an original design, or a craft supply listed as one. AI-generated designs are not allowed. You can buy from several makers in one basket and pay once, and every order is covered by Buyer Protection: if it does not arrive, we refund you in full, with no buyer fee added at checkout. You can message any maker before you buy.
We are smaller than Etsy, so the range is narrower, and some makers take a little longer because they make to order. Our Editor Picks collections are the quickest way to browse.
Craft fairs and makers’ own websites
Buying in person means you can see and feel the piece, meet the maker and avoid postage altogether. Many makers also have their own website or take orders through Instagram. These are great ways to buy, but you are relying on your normal consumer rights, so pay by card rather than bank transfer where you can.
How to buy handmade safely, wherever you shop
- Pay by card. If something goes wrong, your bank can help with a chargeback. Credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 also have extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
- Keep messages on the site. If there is a problem, the conversation is on record.
- Read the dispatch time, not just the delivery estimate, especially in December.
- Check reviews, but do not rule out a new shop with none. Every maker starts somewhere.
- Know your rights on returns. You can usually cancel an online order within 14 days of receiving it, but personalised and made-to-order items are normally excluded unless they are faulty.
Popular right now
A few of the pieces shoppers are buying most on Crafter’s Market this week.
by PartyWithSparkleWedding Happy tears tissues, wedding happy tears tissues, wedding guest tissues, wedding tissue pkt£0.49- by PartyWithSparklePersonalised Happy tears tissues, wedding happy tears tissues, wedding guest tissues£1.00
- by PartyWithSparklePaint Your Own Mermaid theme shapes, Choice of 3 shapes, Mermaid Themed Party Bag Filler,Kids Party Activity 🎨 🖌 🧜♀️£1.59
- by PartyWithSparkleFULLY ASSEMBLED Baby Shower Mints Favour, Baby Shower Favour£0.69
What is the best website for handmade gifts in the UK?
It depends on what matters most to you. Etsy has the widest choice. Not On The High Street is strong on personalised gifts. Folksy and Crafter’s Market UK only sell handmade work, and on Crafter’s Market every maker is UK-based and every order has Buyer Protection.
How can I make sure a gift is really handmade?
Buy from a handmade-only marketplace, read the maker’s description of how they make it, look for photos of real workspaces and natural variation, and ask the maker if you are unsure. Our guide to telling if something is really handmade has more.
Can I return a personalised handmade gift?
Not usually for a change of mind, because personalised and made-to-order items are normally excluded from the 14-day cancellation right. If it is faulty or not as described, you are still entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.
Is it safe to buy from small makers online?
Yes, especially through a marketplace with buyer protection. Pay by card, keep your messages on the site, and check the dispatch time before you order.