#amazon alternatives
elphabaforpresidentofgallifrey:
- obviously the library for books. but your local library might not publicize what services it has for ebooks and audiobooks that much. many subscribe to services like Overdrive, which has an app called Libby that is incredibly easy to use. if your library system uses it, you just log in with your library login, and can check out ebooks and audiobooks. in the US you can read the ebooks on your Kindle as well. Some books from your library may not show up in Overdrive, so also check what other services they use, like Hoopla, or CloudLibrary, or a number of other apps. They’re all fairly easy to use!
- if you want to buy books and support your local independent bookstore, many people have pointed to Indiebound, but that’s mostly just a directory. My favorite site is called Bookshop. Many indie bookstores have Bookshop storefronts, where basically you use their affiliate link and can buy anything on Bookshop and the profits will all go to that bookstore. You can even buy eBooks, which are delivered via the MyMustReads app, and audiobooks, which are delivered through LibroFM. If you just use Bookshop’s regular site and not an affiliate link, the proceeds will be split between many independent bookstores. You’ll know you’re supporting your bookstore because the logo for your store is at the top of your shopping experience the whole time.
- If you need books shipped internationally/non-U.S.A., try BetterWorldBooks. They’re a great alternative to Book Depository (owned by Amazon). They have tons of used options, sales, new, paperback, hardback, and free shipping in almost every country. Plus they donate books to people in need, and offset their carbon emissions.
- If you like to purchase rarer books, try Biblio. They’re a great alternative to AbeBooks (owned by Amazon), and share many of the same independent sellers, so you can find many of the same rare books without supporting amazon.
- GoodReads is owned by Amazon, but if you want to track your reading and get recommendations for new things to read AND give half and quarter stars, try the Storygraph, a newly developed site with a much better interface.
- You shouldn’t bother with Audible because you can get most of those books for free on Libby from the library anyway, and it’s owned by Amazon. But did you know if you’d like to purchase an audiobook, you can do so from an independent bookstore? Check out Libro.fm. They even have a subscription service just like Audible, and it’s the exact same price.
I’ll reblog with more as I find them but if people know some good ones get in there! As a general rule, before you buy anything, do a quick google of “Does Amazon own X”. Even the BIGGEST companies, you’d be surprised. (Like my mom not knowing about Zappos, or people in publishing not knowing about Book Directory).
if YOU know a good independent alternative not owned by Amazon, Walmart, Target or some other big company, add it!
Book Depository was bought out by Amazon in 2011, so they were independent when they first started. Which might be why those people in publishing didn’t know. Abebooks has also been bought out by Amazon, fyi, so they’re no longer independent (as of 2008, which surprised me. I used it back then and Amazon didn’t have a visible presence on the site like it does now). Comixology also got bought by Amazon in 2014
Wikipedia actually has a page dedicated to Amazon’s many takeovers. I didn’t realise that IMDb was bought back in 1998.
- If you’re Australian, booko.com.au will allow you to look for the best prices for books online. It does index Book Depository and Abebooks, but it also indexes independent retailers like Angus & Robertson and Dymocks. And yes, brickspace bookshops like A&R sell ebooks now.
- Bolinda is Australia’s primary audiobook production company. Did you know they have an app? It’s called BorrowBox. You can’t buy books through it; it’s basically a shopfront for libraries. Plenty of local libraries have signed up, and you can borrow both audiobooks and ebooks though it. Overdrive still has a presence in the library sector here, though. My local council’s library system apparently uses both; I was talking to my sister about Reading in the Time of Covid the other day, and she’s been borrowing books from my local through Overdrive, whereas I use BorrowBox.
Local booksellers.
POPULAR Encode and decode secret messages with this highly-rated, laser-engraved wooden encryption machine by Creative Crafthouse:Mexican Army Cipher Disks. It was “state of the art during the time of conflict between Mexico and the USA shortly before World War I. It uses 5 disks that convert letters into 2 digit numbers based on a key that is used to initially set the wheels.” Comes with instructions.
Note: Don’t confuse it with another one of our favorite recommendations: The Safecracker 40 Puzzle and the Safecracker 50 Puzzle.
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This personalized gift—rainbow crayon letters for any name you’d like—is sweet and impressive. And it can help younger kids recognize letters in their name while they color. It’s from The Crayon House on Etsy.
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New favorite thing: This stitched style / optical illusion on these stitched Tattly temporary tattoos. Those thread shadows are incredible! Tiger,unicorn,heart, and more… all very cool.
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Philosophy for Beginners: This book dominated kid conversations during our hike this weekend but we didn’t realize it until we found it in the backseat of the car. That’s what prompted all of those questions and ponderings! Clearly an excellent conversation starter.
And it got us grownups talking, too. Logic, truth, perception, ethics, time travel (hello, Grandfather Paradox), aesthetics, metaphysics… so many big topics presented in a bite-size way that doesn’t talk down to kids.
I love when books lay the groundwork for conversations that kids and adults can explore together, and this Usborne book is perfect for that. Pair it with Big Ideas for Curious Minds.
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Made in Oregon and highly rated, this “Create Your Own Reel Viewer” is a red, blue, black, or white view master-style viewer with a code in the package that lets you create your own reel of 7 images. You can also order an additional code for an additional reel. Baby photos, wedding photos, kid photos, birthday photos, graduation photos, grandparent photos. Pick a fun event, a vacation, a loved one, or give it to a kid or a teen to fill it with photos of whatever they’d like. Super affordable. I love this gift for all ages.
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NEW ⬆️ When my kids were young, we listened to different mindfulness audio tracks from Sitting Still Like a Frog at bedtime a few times a week. It helped us slow down and recenter after busy days. It also aided with upsetting, overtiring, or anxiety-inducing days. I had it on my phone and played it over their bedroom speaker, and it really worked for us, but this delivery system made me the gatekeeper.
Over the last year, I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews from parents about Zenimals, a portable and screenless ‘turtle’ with buttons that play nine guided meditations. I like that it’s a dedicated, kid-friendly device, durable and washable with a silicone cover and a micro-USB charger… and that there are additional audio collections available. You can check out some of the meditations here.
Screenless, for me, is key. There’s also a geode-shaped version for teens and grown ups.
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The stunning illustrations of Keymaster Games’ PARKS make this hiking board game a scenic standout. The game components, all in the theme of the United States’ National Parks, are also impressive and high quality. Every design detail is elegant and shows care, including the packaging. And through gameplay, player awareness and appreciation of these national treasures will grow. I mean, yowza, look at the 59 Parks artwork that they use.
A successful Kickstarter, PARKS is a worker placement game and like some of our favorite games in this guide, focuses on resource management. Gather memories and photos as you travel through the seasons. Strategic and tactical, yet it’s also described as ‘casual’ and 'meditative’.
Our family is in the game’s recommended age range of 9+ this year, so PARKS is the gift that I’m personally most excited about opening this holiday season. And I’m sure it will inspire a few in-person NPS hikes, too.
Look for it in your local game shop, at Keymaster Games, or on Amazon.
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It’s SO rare to find puzzles that fit together with non-jigsaw-style pieces. Designed in France, this 299 Cats and a Dog puzzle is a cluster puzzle with adorable cats and one dog. Can you find it?
Click here if you’re buying a gift for a dog person.
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There are few combinations I love more than mixing creativity with products that would otherwise go into the trash or recycling. This wonderfully inventiveToilet Tube Treasury ebook starts there and then adds affordable, kid-friendly, and charming into the mix.
Supermakeit founder and Martha Stewart LivingalumJodi Levine shares 24 crafts in a digital e-book format, making it easy to print out as many templates as you need.
Toy lions, cute dachshund note holders, dragon puppets, tube letters, endlessly inventive marble runs, Easter bunnies, enchanting tube cities, and more. Keep it cardboard or go colorful with craft paint! SO cute and creative. I can’t wait to make these.
Bonus: A portion of the Toilet Tube Treasury sales will go to Eden Reforestation Projects. Find it on Supermakeit along with dozens and dozens of other crafting ideas.
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For crafty preteens, teens, and adults who are interested in exploring natural dyes, this Natural Dye Kit Bundle for beginners is a wonderful introduction. Star Etsy seller The Love of Colours includes one indigo kit, one natural dye kit, and one indigo blockprinting kit.
Or keep it simple and start with the indigo kit to create your own totes, tees, sweatshirts, hats, onesies, pillow covers, and more. Either way, these kits make it easy to jumpstart a new hobby or spend time learning and making together.
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Putting a puzzle together is also an opportunity to spend time with facts that, when you stare at them long enough—literally puzzling them together—become easy to remember. I call it puzzle osmosis. This lovely Galison Edible Flowers 1000 piece puzzle is on my list this year so the kids learn these lovely and useful blooms. Find it at Bookshop.org or get it directly from Galison.
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This Rex 3D Mask by OMY in France is such a cool gift. I love the retro feel of a colorfully illustrated cardboard. They have Tiger and Unicorn masks, too, all found at Kido Chicago.
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