If you're weaving rugs in rural Morocco, getting online and figuring out mostly English-language e-commerce sites can be tricky. But Anou, a purely visual interface for sellers, is connecting makers in developing countries with the international market.

The online marketplace that Etsy has pioneered through a 30-million-strong user base is under scrutiny after the company's ability to police mass-produced merchandise in a sea of supposedly hand-crafted goods is questioned.

Interior design has an exclusive ring to it. It conjures up images of high-end designers sourcing the priciest of homeware products. Laurel & Wolf intends to change that perception with crowdsourced, collaborative and affordable designers. But could it really make interior design available to everyone?

'Gift Ideas for Your Friends' is a new offering from online marketplace Etsy that aims to alleviate Yuletide gift buying anxiety by suggesting person-specific presents based on the information your friends provide on Facebook.