5 Thoughtful Ways to Support Local Makers (Even If You’re on a Budget)
You don’t have to spend big to make it meaningful.
At Support The Makers, we get it - not everyone has the budget to shop at every market (or fill their basket every time).
But supporting small, local and handmade doesn’t always mean spending money.
There are so many lovely, low-cost ways to show up for the makers you love - and to make your own shopping feel more personal, thoughtful and connected in the process.
Here are 5 things you can do - starting today:
1. Leave a little love
If you’ve bought something you love, let the maker know! A kind review or message means the world - and often ends up on their website or socials (with your permission of course). Not only does it boost their confidence, but it helps other shoppers discover them too. Plus, it feels really good to brighten someone’s day, doesn’t it?.
Bonus tip! Send them a picture too if you can!
2. Follow and share
Found a maker you adore? Give them a follow on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. Better yet, share their posts or tag a friend in their work. It’s a lovely way to spread the word - and build your own feed with inspiring, creative people. Win-win.
3. Tell your friends and family
You know that friend who’s always hunting for the perfect card/gift/necklace? Tell them about your favourite makers. Mention them when someone’s looking for a gift idea or share a link in the group chat. Personal recommendations go a long way, and your enthusiasm might lead someone else to find their new favourite too. The more people hear about them, the more chance they have to grow.
4. Sign up to their newsletter
It’s the best way to hear about new products, upcoming markets, and behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll get first dibs on new collections (and maybe even a discount), while helping makers grow a space they actually own online - beyond the good old algorithm.
5. Chat to them at markets
Not every visit has to end in a purchase. Say hi. Ask questions. Tell them what caught your eye. Makers pour so much into their work, and genuine conversations mean a lot. Plus, it makes your shopping experience way more fun - like meeting the person behind the magic.
✨ Bonus tip: Buy small when you do need to buy ✨
When it comes to gifting - birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas - try to swap even one big-brand purchase for something handmade. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. But it will mean more. Because when you buy from a local maker, you’re not just getting a lovely gift. You’re showing the person you’re buying for that you thought about them. You chatted to the person who made it. You chose it with care.
And Amazon simply can’t compete with that.
🛍️ Why it matters
When you shop small, you're doing more than making a purchase - you're making a connection. You're helping keep money in the local economy. You're choosing quality over convenience. And you're showing up for real people doing what they love.
But it’s also about the joy of it - knowing you’ve chosen something unique, made with care. That you chatted to the person who created it, and picked it with someone special in mind. You're showing the person you're buying for that you really thought about them. And that kind of gift? It always means more.
Ready to put some of these into action?
You can find us at markets across Edinburgh and beyond - each one packed with brilliant makers, thoughtful gifts, and a real sense of community.
We always share the lineup in the lead-up to each market, so keep an eye out and take note if one’s coming up before your daughter’s birthday, your best mate’s housewarming, your wedding anniversary - or even just a well-deserved treat for yourself.
You’ll leave with something special, and the maker you bought from will do a happy dance (probably).
Thanks for being here, and for showing up for small. It really does mean the world.
Carmen x