Amazon Handmade is the Retailer’s Answer to Etsy

Amazon Prime is perfectly great for two-day shipments of everything from granola bars to hairdryers to toilet paper. But if you’re looking for something a little more unique, or even handmade, you’ve probably turned to independent artists on sites like Etsy. In a move to fill this void, Amazon launched its Handmade section last year with more than 80,000 items—and we have to say that we love what we see. It’s full of factory-free products crafted by independent artisans from all over the world who benefit from getting their creations in front of Amazon’s millions of users. Under the “Shop By Department” navigation on Amazon’s homepage, the Handmade link ushers Amazon users to a sprawling online craft fair that goes well beyond candles and calligraphy…though you will find plenty of those too.

The product selection ranges from clothing and jewelry to party favors and pet supplies and everything in between. The Home & Kitchen section features a handful of categories including Furniture, Artwork, Bath, Bedding and more. Shoppers can browse categories by color, price, and artisan location, or explore the curated Maker Pop-Up section.

Looking for some backstory with your purchase? Artisan profile pages offer insight into the sellers’ histories, production methods and inspirations, as well as access to all of their product reviews in one place. Whether you’re looking for fun finishing touches or unique statement pieces, Amazon Handmade offers a little something for everyone. Check out some of our favorites below.

This ceramic shaving bowl is designed and handcrafted in Virginia by JaysClay. It’s only partly glazed, giving it a unique, grippy texture and quintessential artisan warmth. If you don’t need a shave bowl, you can also use it as a catch-all for jewelry and bobby pins.

Handmade in San Diego by Urban Industrial Craft, this vintage-inspired table lamp is customizable, with your choice of socket and wood color. Keep it on your desk to inspire you to write that novel, or give it as a gift to your minimalist friend. Replacement Edison bulbs are also available.

Go for punny with this tea towel from Moonlight Makers, which comes in a couple different options. The taco one above is perfect for the ’80s-loving home cook in your life, but we also love this Oh Kale No version for the healthy eater. No matter which one you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a playful addition to your kitchen.

This live-edge rustic coffee from Niangua Furniture table is one-of-a-kind, fashioned from copper pipe and wood slabs cut from logs harvested from the Ozark forests of Missouri. Some assembly is required, but worth it for the totally unique final product. Sturdy, well-made, and relatively inexpensive for the quality, this is a piece you’ll have for years.

You can hang this sturdy candle holder/herb garden/flower pot (you name it!) inside or outside. Made in Oregon by Belwoods, it’s constructed of pine and either blue or clear glass mason jars. Hang it above your kitchen sink to brighten up an otherwise dull area, or on a wall in your entryway or bedroom as a warm welcome.

Neon is having a moment, and we’re all aglow for this sign that speaks for itself. This Talking Heads-inspired wall art is customizable, with a variety of colors to choose from, as well as a dimming option. Place it in your living area or kitchen to get guests talking—you can hang it up on its own or surround it with art.

Though it is pitted towards a nursery, we could easily see this made-to-order, contemporary timepiece in a modernist kitchen or living room. Made by Kid’O Design Studio, it features bold numbers for easy time-telling and a neutral but still eye-catching design. For $5 more, you can also choose a quiet ticking mechanism.

From Honeycomb Studio in Georgia, these charming vases make a happy home for smaller flowers. Set up all three together to create a fuller look, or place individually to keep things simplified—just be aware that these little vases are tiny. No two vases are alike, and the paint job is purposefully imperfect to highlight their handmade quality.

Looking for something a little different to display your wine collection? Consider this wine rack from Distressed Me Not, which nicely combines modern design with rustic elements. The only stain option is dark walnut, but you can choose from four different sizes—the largest holds 12 bottles.

This post was originally published on April 29, 2018, and was last updated on April 16, 2019, to reflect current offerings and prices.