Get ready Melbourne/Naarm – The Big Design Market is waltzing back into town, and this time they’re bringing winter with them. To celebrate the final days of this delightful autumn we’ve been basking in, Almost Winter is inviting over 250 independent designers from every corner of the country to exhibit their goodies. The clever folks curating The Big Design Market make sure to select makers and designers with an emphasis on ethical production, sustainability, quality and creativity – so you just know you’ll be leaving with a bucketload of super-lovely bits and bobs.

Across the market, you'll find a crapload of indie sellers, food and drink stalls, a kids' play area and even a fashion runway. Snag a ticket to Almost Winter for a breezy $6 (plus booking fee) – or for free if you’re a little ‘un under 12 – and pop on over to the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 25th with this list of top-notch sellers in hand.

FOR WHIMSICAL CERAMICS Would you like some corn with your vase? What about some bums on your toadstool? How about a dancing elephant girl? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Albatross Ceramic is the surreal ceramic heaven you’ve been looking for.

FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND The Big Design Market doesn’t just pander to humans – your furry pal can also get in on the fun. Comfy Tails makes an assortment of swanky cat and dog accessories for the li’l creature in your life, featuring a range of hand-painted, screen printed and digitally printed designs.

FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING SAUCY If you like adding a dash (ahem, we mean a bloody big dollop) of spice to your kitchen concoctions, ChamCham Sauce might just be your new go-to. Their ‘ChamCham Trio’ includes a smoky gochujang, a green chili ssamjang and a honey pepper ganjang – also known as the holy trinity.

FOR UP-CYCLED GARMS Gliese 504 makes limited batches of locally hand-made garbs from mostly deadstock fabrics or garments. Not only are they keeping the environment in mind when they’re creating, they’re also making some rad garms. Personally, we’re loving their dramatic tie-dye scrunchies.

FOR FRUITY HOMEWARES Is it a watermelon? Is it a kiwi? No – it’s a gorgeous little bowl! Helen Ashley Designs is turning our favourite pieces of fruit into schmick ceramic creations, and we couldn’t be any more chuffed. The clever lass behind the label – Helen Laura Ashley herself – hand-sculpts each doodad to perfection.

FOR QUIRKY GIFT-GIVING If gift-giving is the bane of your humble existence, then – hurrah! Missy Minzy is here to help. Featuring a collection of whacky bits – from cheeky nail stickers to ice-cream temporary tattoos – you’re going to be wanting to keep all of these gift-y goodies for yourself.

FOR JOY-INDUCING ACCESSORIES Oh, this? Our swanky flora hand mirror we’re carrying everywhere we go? It’s just another super-fine accessory from the self-professed one woman show that is Stof Studios. Mirrors are just the tip of the iceberg, too. This rad label also boasts an assortment of funky earrings, keyrings and clips.

FOR RUGRATS You’ve brought your kid to The Big Design Market for free, so you don’t mind palming out some dosh for the li’l one. Well, well, well – look what we have here. Bibbed is just the label for the rugrat in your life (especially if they’re in the habit of dropping what-have-you's all over themself).

FOR THE CHERRY ON TOP After all that wandering around the maze of incredible creations, you’re no doubt a bit hungry. Fret not – Cobb Lane bakery will be there with their yummo goods and sweet treats to turn a great day of market-browsing into a perfect one.