Affiliate Links: How They Work (and How They Help Creators You Love)
Using Affiliate Links can be an Act of Resistance
Sometimes, frankly, the simplest solution is the best one. And sometimes that means no matter how well-intentioned you are — shopping small, shopping secondhand, giving experiences — you just have to go big or commercial. Like shopping at a big box store, for example. Or Amazon.
So how can we make this a more-ethical choice (remember, it’s all about progress over perfection)? I have a suggestion: use affiliate links for the creators and writers and photographers and others whose content you enjoy — and whose values align with yours.
Follow me here… You’ve probably seen people online say or write things like “this post may contain affiliate links.” I have this disclaimer on my content. But what does that actually mean? Who does it help? And why should you care?
I would argue that using affiliate links strategically is a small act of resistance. You are transferring a fraction of your purchase away from the vaults of big merchants (Amazon, Target, Etsy, etc) into the pockets of a real person.
I used to avoid using affiliate links all together. But then I decided to be strategic. If I am going to shop online, I’m going to use my power to benefit the people I enjoy and support.
Let me show you what I mean…
See this notice that’s at the bottom of every post? I am legally required to disclose that links might be affiliate links. But I would tell you anyway. 🧡
What is an affiliate link?
It’s basically a special link that tells a brand, “Hey, this person sent you a customer!”
If you click a creator’s link and end up buying something, the creator usually earns a small commission — kind of like a referral bonus.
Here’s the nice part: it doesn’t cost you anything extra. The brand just shares a tiny bit of its profit with the creator.
Content creators large and small use those links to generate income. Some people make thousands of dollars a month from affiliate income. Others, like me, pay for a dinner out for the family each month. When publications like newspapers and magazines are publishing “The Best Makeup Trends for Fall” or “We Tried 15 Air Purifiers — This One is the Best” — all of those product links are affiliate links, too. So if you click to buy that perfume or dog toy or trowel, you are sending a little money their way, too.
Why Affiliate Links Matter
Affiliate links are one of the ways creators make money while keeping their content free — whether that’s blog posts, videos, art, or tutorials. When you shop through their links, you’re helping them to keep creating the stuff you love.
Think of it like tipping your favorite artist or YouTuber, but with your regular shopping instead of cash.
That’s why choosing WHOSE links you use is important. If you just click those links from anyone, you may end up sending money to someone who doesn’t share your values.
How You Can Help
The best creators use affiliate links thoughtfully. They only recommend products they genuinely like or that fit their values. And they’re upfront about it, saying something like:
“If you buy through this link, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).”
Next time you’re about to buy something a creator recommends, use their link instead of Googling it yourself. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for them — and helps keep the internet full of good, creative work.
But choose to support creators with your values! If you use affiliate links or discount codes from creators whose views don’t align with yours, that’s a vote for their policies. Seek out creators who are clear about where they stand. If it’s not easy to find, chances are they may not align with you. Stay away!
And if you really want to stick it to the man…
but can't completely avoid Amazon (or another big chain)
Choose a creator’s link, and make it your Amazon bookmarked link. Every time you shop there – or at any big store – at least part of your purchase is going to help someone you like and support. We may not get much out of it, but every little bit helps!
This is what I do. I have a list of writers, and I rotate through their Amazon links knowing that I’m helping them just a little.
Want to do the same? Here’s my Amazon.com shop if you want to bookmark it!
Buy ANYTHING on Amazon — in my shop or elsewhere. I will still get a small commission. I don’t have any idea WHO shops or what they buy, either, so — you do you!
Brands I have Worked with this Year & Recommend
When I am making content for brands, they want to know that my community is hearing what I am saying. And one way to tell them is by using my affiliate links. They can see how many clicks and purchases I get. This may sound crass, but it is one of the backend things that keeps my business afloat. And I think you as a consumer should know that! We are being judged, partly, by something we can’t control: your behavior.
I am very particular about which brands I work with, and I walk away from good money every month, because I won’t compromise. I refuse to work with companies with iffy values, terrible products, big ethical issues, and more.
My primary exception is Amazon, full disclosure, but my monthly residuals from them won’t even buy a week’s worth of groceries! I have my reasons for making this ethical compromise. Bezos is on my 💩 list. But I had to choose one big company — and Amazon is ubiquitous. So there we are.
The companies I recommend have quality products and values aligned with my own (at least for the most part). They include:
Hoselink | Discount Code: 2025Angela | $10 off purchases of $50 or more
Crescent Garden | Discount Code: WILDREVIVAL15 | 15% off your entire purchase
Botanical Interests | Discount varies and is applied automatically
Epic Gardening | Discount varies and is applied automatically
Each link above is an affiliate link. If you purchase something from those companies using that link, I will get a small commission. And it won’t cost you a penny more.
Giving Guides
Many creators spend a lot of time putting together themed giving guides for the holidays. I have them, too! These are posts with lots of affiliate links. You can support your favorite creators while shopping their favorite products.
A word of warning: lots of creators just put as many links as possible on a guide. They aren’t actually products they have seen or used. They are just products linked through their LTK affiliate site. That’s the dirty secret (that’s not so secret). So beware!
Personally: I don’t do this. I could. But I don’t. My guides are stocked with my own personal choices — things I either own and use or would actually buy if I had the money. And there are lots of other people out there like me. You just should know that it isn’t everyone!
My past giving guides which are FULL of great ideas (like Gifts for Gardeners, Gifts for MidCentury Modern Lovers, Gifts under $15, and more) are all found here:
Click the image for my giving guide!
This year’s guide will come on Sunday — be ready!
Holiday giving doesn’t have to mean supporting companies whose values clash with yours. By combining affiliate links, second-hand finds, and local independent shopping, you can give meaningful, thoughtful gifts that reflect your ideals. And by knowing which brands to avoid (and why) and offering smart alternatives, you create a pathway for change through consumption.
Your wallet is powerful—each purchase (or non-purchase) sends a message. This season, let your choices reflect what you believe in. Happy ethical holiday shopping!
Coming on Sunday: Part 3 — My Holiday Giving Guide for 2025. Cheers!
Cheers!
Angela