Kettering's Christmas makers market puts a spotlight on gifts that need not all be new
A handmade present for one child, a carefully checked second-hand toy for another and a favourite book bought preloved can all belong on the same Christmas shopping list.
As Kettering prepares for a November makers market, North Northamptonshire families have several ways to mix thoughtful gifts with a sensible budget.
UK parent-to-parent marketplace Kidora is one option for finding used or unused children's items beyond local shops and events.
The Incredible Makers Christmas Market is scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026 at Kettering Arts Centre, from 10am until 3.30pm.
Organisers say the fifth annual market will bring together independent craftspeople offering items such as pottery, prints, textiles and children's clothing.
Adult admission is £3 on the door, while children enter free. The event is a showcase for makers selling their own work, not a second-hand toy sale.
For parents, that distinction can actually be useful. A locally made keepsake or piece of children's clothing might be worth buying new, while a sturdy playset, a stack of picture books or an outgrown winter coat may be better value when bought second-hand. Planning which purchases need to be new, rather than treating every gift the same way, is one way to keep spending under control.
North Northamptonshire Council also points residents towards a local reuse network. Its website lists two independently operated Ace Reuse shops: one on Wilson Terrace in Kettering and another at 63 Park Road in Wellingborough.
The shops resell suitable items collected through household waste recycling centres. Stock changes as donations arrive, so families should not assume a particular toy, book or child's item will be available on any given visit.
Families hoping to spend less on storytime have another local resource. North Northamptonshire libraries lend story sacks, which combine a children's book with props, and share bags containing books and learning resources. The council lists a charge of £1 per bag for a one-week loan. Borrowing is a way to discover the stories that children enjoy before purchasing a copy to keep or give as a present.
Kidora, founded by North Wales mum-of-two Karolina Gudes, focuses on preloved baby and children's items.
Buyers can browse toys, books, clothing and nursery essentials, plus unused presents and occasional items offered free for local collection. What is available depends on individual sellers, and no particular listing or local stock is guaranteed. Buyers should examine descriptions and photographs, ask questions about missing parts or condition, and check the total payable before placing an order. Collection and delivery options vary by listing.
Second-hand children's gifts still need sensible safety checks. Choose toys appropriate for the child's age, look for cracks or loose parts, check relevant product recalls and be particularly cautious with magnets and button batteries. A used car seat without a reliable history is not a good place to cut costs.
The Incredible Makers event, council services and reuse outlets are independent of Kidora. Together they offer North Northamptonshire parents a practical approach to festive shopping: appreciate the things worth buying new, reuse good-quality belongings where appropriate, and choose gifts that children will actually enjoy.