Creative Design Shopping: My NotOnTheHighStreet.com Review

Besides making crafty things I love shopping for them.  I especially like finding things that are out of the ordinary, so I was really intrigued when NotOnTheHighStreet.com asked me if I'd like to pick out a few things and do a review.

This UK based online shop is really different than anything else I've tried.  It's like a treasure trove of creative boutiques and gorgeous catalog all rolled into an easy-to-use online shop. Things you won't find in the big chain stores.  They offer items from several thousand small, creative businesses - beautifully photographed and thoroughly described.

They have a strict application process for all their sellers, so they only offer small shops, designers and makers with style and high quality.  And it really shows - no Chinese resellers, flea market junk or questionable homemade...."creations" to sift through like Etsy or other so-called artisan sites.

There were so many lovely categories and items to choose from: Home & Garden, Clothing, Jewelry, Accessories, Toys, Weddings & Crafty Supplies.

There is something for everyone, so I felt like I'd stumbled on the answer to any gift giving situation. I also like that it's supporting small creative businesses.

I picked out a few items from their different sellers and even though I live in the US, I received all of them pretty quickly.  And they were all packaged beautifully too.  It felt like such a treat opening them!

I love this little wooden apple stamper set from seller Hannah Makes Things.  It even came with a free candy!

Not only does it look cute just sitting out in my craft room, but it's perfect for making gift tags or as a finishing touch on my handmade items:

The mini jelly mold set from seller Birdy Home seemed ideal as party cups for candies and maybe even to hold some of my small craft supplies.

And of course it works great for molding - this was my first try with a jelly mold & it turned out so retro fun:

This Goldilocks Playset from seller Jolly Fine really wowed my whole family.  Even my husband thought it was fabulous.  The plush furnished house completely opens up for a fun story-theme playscape.

The soft figures actually stand on their own so they're easier to play with too.  I totally love how the porridge bowls, beds and chairs flip up to say things like "Too Hot", "Too Cold", "Just Right" from the story.

It also came with a nice pop-up storybook and cd:

The kids have been playing with it non stop.  Heck, I've been playing with it too and everything fits right inside when not in use.  They even offer a lifetime guarantee to replace any pieces that get lost for FREE - when was the last time you saw that from a toy maker?? Seriously exceptional.

For the uniqueness and quality the prices on most things seem reasonable and there is a real element of high style and design in everything that makes it feel out of the ordinary.  I do wish the shipping to the USA was a little lower (but if you're in the UK it's great - many things even ship free!). Yet, even though I'm a cheapskate, I have to admit I'm willing to pay the extra shipping for items that have that special something.  Notonthehighstreet.com's offerings definitely fit in that category.  I'll be shopping them again in the future and so glad to have found out about them.



I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received free products to review.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.