Ready, Aye, Ready

Link: http://www.etsy.com/

Etsy is sort of like an Amazon marketplace for the arts and crafts crowd. Specializing in homemade goods Etsy acts as the store front for the individuals who create all sorts of interesting items, most of which are unique. The clean front end makes for a nifty browsing experience. Etsy very sensibly allows users to create a favourites list so that friends and loved ones looking for interesting gifts can find something wanted come birthday, Christmas, Valentine's or some Hallmark-holiday time. As usual, payment is pretty much limited to PayPal but as that service works well it's not really an issue.

Personal experience with it so far is very positive. The vendors have been pleasant -- even to the extent of throwing in a little handmade gift card in one case -- and everything has been as promised. This gorgeous heart necklace and earring set was my first purchase from the place. The other nice thing is that the prices aren't bad either, even after shipping from the inevitable US source. It sure beats spending hours touring knicknack shops or those endless tables at street market affairs.

Highly recommended.