They’re Crafty: Bostonist’s Guide to Handmade Gift Giving

Hairpins by Foundling at Bazaar Bizarre 2008. Photo by Christine Fernsebner Eslao. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, desperate to avoid the mall stampede, or hoping to support the Boston-area arts scene, buying local is the way to go. Below we’ve complied a far from exhaustive list of holiday fairs and sales featuring handmade gifts from your friendly neighborhood crafters. If you know of another upcoming event or have a favorite gift-maker, please comment! We’re all about helping out starving artists this holiday season. Bazaar Bizarre Stop by the Bazaar Bizarre this Sunday from noon to 7pm at the BCA Cyclorama in the South End and shop for everything from hand crafted figurines to decorated toilet seat covers . Bostonist attended last year’s event , and it was packed, so we suggest you get in line early. Admission is $1. Design Hive Cambridge’s Design Hive brings the party vibe to your shopping experience with a DJ spinning during their Handmade Holidaze on Dec. 6 from 10am until 5pm. And if you don’t find anything for your family and friends, you can always console yourself by shopping for one-of-a-kind party outfits among the Hive’s vintage and handmade clothing and accessories. SoWa Holiday Market Visit the 6th annual SoWa Holiday Market next weekend and browse gifts from over 80 vendors. Their website has particularly pretty vendor preview photos , which are making us invent reasons to give ourselves a few gifts. The market runs from 10 am to 6 pm on December 12 and 13, and admission is $5. (More goodies after the jump.) Downtown Crossing Holiday Market If you’ve already booked your weekends through the new year, step off the

Red Line at Downtown Crossing (or, you know, end up there when the train breaks down) and visit the new holiday market located at the top of Summer Street. In addition to crafts, the fair offers a great selection of food, including organic honey, veggies, sweet and savory breads, and even pork, beef, and lamb from Stillman’s Farm . You can cover your gift list and grocery list at the same time. Visit any day until December 24, 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. MassArt For the art collector in your life, MassArt’s holiday sale offers works from the college’s students and alumni. Proceeds are split between the artists and the college, with the school’s proceeds going to support student scholarships. And who knows, if you give your mom something from an artist who goes on to fame and fortune, you could end up the toast of Antiques Roadshow 70 years from now. The sale runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 12, 10am to 7pm. Made In Fort Point If you’re in the Financial District or Fort Point area, Made in Fort Point: the FPAC Store is worth visiting. Don’t be fooled by the spartan appearance (the large space is on loan to the Fort Point Arts Community while the owner looks for a commercial tenant), the store stocks everything from pottery to photography, metalworks to baby blankets, all of it created by FPAC members. Plus, Flour Bakery is right next door to provide you with a much-needed holiday sugar rush.

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They’re Crafty: Bostonist’s Guide to Handmade Gift Giving