10 Reasons to Christmas Shop Online at IdeasMarket

Pick up handmade gifts and crafty presents last minute with a click of a mouse

Never mind the festive fizz, are in you a tizz? Have you left your Christmas shopping until the last minute? Circumvent the merry meltdown by doing all your present hunting online at IdeasMarket (www.IdeasMarket.co.za).

The virtual marketplace was created by Ideas Magazine, a monthly glossy that focuses on crafts and décor as well as food and entertaining. Every issue, the magazine also features entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into a business—and this led to the IdeasMarket: a holistic stable of creatives selling unique and handmade items.

10 REASONS TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE IDEASMARKET

1. Find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts. Does Aunty June love dangly earrings? Or perhaps dad needs a new notebook? Whatever type of present you’re looking for, IdeasMarket will have a unique option for you. Specialising in handmade crafts and even artisan foods, the virtual bazaar makes it easy to surprise and delight your loved ones this year.
   
   
2. It’s affordable. This time of year certainly is festive, but it can put a strain on most wallets, especially with last-minute-panic buy gifts. Rather pull up a chair, relax and browse the endless variety of affordable options on IdeasMarket. Jewellery starts at as little as R15, and there are plenty of décor items, clothes, accessories and delicious food products for under R100.
   
   
3. Say no to paper cuts this year. Many of the sellers on IdeasMarket personally wrap your chosen gift in beautiful packaging. In some cases, there’s also an option to include a handwritten note with your personal message.
   
   
4. You’re spoilt for choice. IdeasMarket offers shoppers all the variety of a shopping mall, yet all of the products are original. Plus, to make browsing easier, the beautiful gifts are organised into seven categories: Body & Fragrance, Celebrations, Clothing & Accessories, Home & Décor, Jewellery, Kids and Paper & Stationery.
   
   
5. Do your bit for local businesses. The majority of brands represented by IdeasMarket have been created by local entrepreneurs. Channel the Christmas spirit and goodwill by supporting these proudly South African businesses.
   
   
6. Avoid the shopping mall. Ditch the fluorescent lights, hysterical crowds and overpriced goods in the malls for a relaxed experience at home instead. Why not browse for gifts online with a glass of wine in-hand?
   
   
7. Shop for the whole family in one go. Find something for the youngest to the oldest members of your family, from handmade toys for your little cousin to luxurious hand creams for granny and olive oils for the dad that loves to cook.
   
   
8. Pick up a work of art. Another facet making this shopping experience unique is the fact that you can buy local art for affordable prices. Help start someone’s collection with the drawings, screen prints and cut-outs available.
   
   
9. Take it easy. With all this variety, you may think the site is hard to navigate. Not so, the easy to use template offers a streamlined shopping experience with bright and clear visuals to help you make an informed choice.
   
   
10. This is a shop that truly delivers the goods.  Your beautifully packaged presents will be delivered swiftly to the address of your choice, whether it’s to your home—or indeed the recipient of your gift. IdeasMarket also promises low delivery costs, as compared to the standard norm, and will keep you updated on the delivery dates through a tracking system.

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Now that you’ve found an easy resource for holiday shopping, you can concentrate on where you’d like to feast. Check out our guide to Christmas Day lunches and Christmas Eve dinners.

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