Handmade Kids: Buying Local with the EtsyKids Team

thecleverkitty

Story by thecleverkitty

Published on July 19, 2008 in Shop

Photo by EtsyKids Team

The EtsyKids Team is a group of Etsy sellers who have self-organized to help each other spread the word about their great items for young ones. The group has recently grown so large — with teams from around the world — that they’ve been able to cluster groups of sellers by region. What does this mean for shoppers?  A new, convenient way to shop local for kid’s items on Etsy.

People always say that having a baby will change your life.  I now know firsthand that it indeed does, but in ways much deeper than what most people talk about.  Yes, I now have the padded living room with toys strewn about the floor, my vocabulary now includes complex words such as “da” and “ba” and “na,” and bits of food have turned up in places I never would have imagined. 


I Spy Play Quilt from SeasideQuilts, EtsyKids Team Atlantic East

These changes are nothing compared to the changes that have happened within me.  Now that I am a parent, I see the world in a whole new light, and I want to do everything I can to help make the world a better place for this future generation.  I’ve always tried to do my part in helping the environment by being an avid recycler and driving a fuel-efficient car.


Baby Reclaimed Leather Moks from scandeez, EtsyKids Team Mountain West

But now I’m also starting to think more about the things that I am purchasing, and where they are coming from.  So, I could buy things that were mass-produced in a factory with poor working conditions halfway across the world, or I could buy local, helping both the economy and the environment.  I could purchase an item from a giant box store where there are fifty other items exactly like it, or I could buy handmade and get something really unique, often even personalized.


Personalized Birth Announcement from chichiboulie, EtsyKids Team Europe

You get the idea.  So I’m starting to shift my purchasing power, and I’m giving my support more and more to independent and local businesses.  Etsy is wonderful for that.  When people think of shopping online, often times it’s assumed that you’ll be getting something from far away, but with so many shops on Etsy now, you will more than likely be able to find a wealth of items from shops in your area.  I’ve taken this idea and applied it to the EtsyKids Team, for which I am the leader.  We are a very large global team, and we have recently created regional groups within the team.  Each region has its own tag to use, making it easier for you to find great items for kids, right in your backyard!

Pacific Northwest (AK, OR, WA): EtsyKids Team PNW

Pacific Southwest (CA, HI, NV): EtsyKids Team PSW

Mountain West (AZ, CO, NM, UT, ID, MT, WY, KS, NE, SD, ND): EtsyKids Team MW

Central (IA, MO, MI, IL, WI, IN, MI): EtsyKids Team CEN

South (AL, KY, MS, TN, AR, LA, OK, TX): EtsyKids Team SOU

Atlantic Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC): EtsyKids Team ASE

Atlantic East (DE, MD, OH, VA, WV): EtsyKids Team AE

Atlantic Northeast (NJ, NY, PA): EtsyKids Team ANE

New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT): EtsyKids Team NE

Canada (Canada): EtsyKids Team CA

Australia (Australia & New Zealand): EtsyKids Team ANZ

Europe (Europe & everywhere else): EtsyKids Team EUR


Rainbow Octopi Toys from happywhosits, EtsyKids Team Atlantic Southeast

There are also many wonderful things for your home.  Whether you’re looking for something to hang in the nursery, or for the playroom wall, there’s lots to choose from.


X Frogs Painting from cicifactory, EtsyKids Team Canada

And of course you’ll want to dress your little ones in the most wonderfully unique handmade styles.  Wondering if we have something retro?  Something frilly?  Something sophisticated?  Something mod?  Yes, yes, yes, and yes.


Mod Jumper from littlegirlPearl, EtsyKids Team New England

Let’s not forget Mom!  What new Mom wouldn’t love some exquisite new jewelry?


Sangria Seas Nursing Necklace from laughingstarfish, EtsyKids Team Pacific Northwest

So whether you’re shopping for that perfect baby shower gift, or something for you and your own children, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with the EtsyKids Team, possibly even right in your town!  Browse a variety of high quality items, and have guilt-free shopping, knowing you’re supporting independent businesses by buying local and buying handmade. 

Find out more about the EtsyKids Team in this previous Storque post or on their blog. You can also see the impressively long list of member shops on their Team profile page and see a beautiful mosaic of their work here. Interested in joining the Team? Go here!

Handmade Kids Series | Special Kids Showcase | Baby Gift Guide | Children Gift Guide

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