A few weeks back I received an exciting mystery package from the Etsy Made Local London Team. To celebrate their upcoming Christmas market in South London, the team sent me a box of specially curated goodies from selected Etsy sellers who’ll be showcasing their handmade wares in December.

I went to my first Etsy Made Local Xmas market in 2015, and I loved it. I went looking for Christmas presents for friends and family but went home with lots of lovely goodies for me! Back then I bought a set of tiny concrete diamond ‘baubles’ from PASiNGA, whose stall I loved, and they come out every year.

I was so excited to receive my package – the team told me that they’d tailored the contents to suit my style and audience, and I don’t think I could have picked better for myself if I tried. The first item I saw was this gorgeous hand-formed blue and white mini rope bowl by Zuzana of Rope Works. The bowls are naturally dyed with Indigo and make perfect trinket bowls for jewellery by your bedside.

Next up I spotted a brown leather key chain from Suede & Co who make handmade leather and suede accessories from coin purses to laptop sleeves. My second leather goody came in the form of a leather cord holder / cable organiser from By Law London. These are perfect for keeping your headphones together in your bag. Janet sells sets of two for £9, alongside other leather accessories.

Another of my favourite items was a fun laser-cut wooden jellyfish brooch by Martin Tomsky. Martin specialises in large intricate wooden laser cut artwork, as well as smaller items. This cute jellyfish from the Ocean Collection costs £10, and is also available in pink. Just in time for Blue Planet 2!

Next up I came across two fabulous glitter typography cards from Oh Squirrel which are hand-printed in London. One says ‘Do Your Best’ and the other says ‘You Got This’, so they’re great motivational cards. You should also check out their gorgeous collection of Christmas cards and stationery. Last but not least I found a geometric notebook (£5) from Made by Aiza who works with colourful, fun prints.

Buying even just one card from a small shop this Christmas can help to keep their creative businesses afloat, and handmade items that aren’t available on the high-street make super-thoughtful presents. Go check it out! If I haven’t tempted you enough, the first 50 people to arrive at the market get a free goody bag filled with a selection of designer-maker items like these. Tempted now?

You can find these sellers and 40+ more at the Etsy Made Local London Christmas Market on Saturday 2^nd December 2017 (11am – 5pm) at Tooting Tram and Social. This year, as I’m away, I’m hoping to pop in to the Etsy Made Local Bristol market instead. You can find other regional markets all over the UK.

Thank you to the London Local Team and the makers for sending me this curated kit =)