Be a crafty shopper
Markets are a way to support the uniquely creative people
Got $10 to spend on a handmade gift to warm hearts and hands of all sizes? A purchase that will please the planet while boosting a local artisan?
Then you’ll be smitten with mittens crafted from recycled sweaters by hobbyist Debbie Edison. Selling for $10 a pair, the fleece-lined cozies are one example of the dollar-stretching, original gift ideas at holiday craft shows, markets and bazaars.
“People like seeing who made it, and they love to buy something that’s recycled,” Edison says, explaining why customers veer off the beaten retail path in favour of seasonal pop-ups.
Based in Colborne, Ont., she makes clothing accessories and kids’ tutus when she’s not delivering mail and newspapers for a living. Her craft show appearances, including one in Port Hope on Dec. 8, are noted on Facebook under the name “Just Tulle’in Around .”
If you need more reasons to shop the shows, try these on for size: less waste- ful packaging, merchandise you won’t find anywhere else and support for the creative little guy. Add season’s eatings, free activities and entertainment, wrap it all up in a cheery atmosphere and shopping becomes a festive family outing.
And here’s a bonus: many vendors accept cash only, meaning no credit card bills to worry about.
Here’s a sampling of what we’ll call “mall-ternatives”:
HOLIDAY FAIR IN THE SQUARE
Combining Christmas market with winter carnival, this third annual fair organized by Epilepsy Toronto promises “festive fun for everyone.” Unique gift ideas from more than 75 artisans reflect the city’s cultural diversity with products that include clothing, jewelry and decor.
“Buying from our artisans goes a long way as this market is run by and benefits a charity,” says spokesperson Melanie Carrey.
When: Dec. 1 to 23; Tuesday to Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 12 to 10 p.m. (closed Mondays) Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. More info: fairinthesquare.ca
HOLIDAY STREET MARKET
It’s worth the drive to Milton for the ugly Christmas sweaters alone ($15 and up). But there will be more than 2,000 niche products at this event — billed as Ontario’s largest outdoor holiday market — showcasing the handiwork of 250 artisans.
Special show prices include charcuterie and cutting boards starting at $20 and cushions printed with sayings for $10.
For a nominal fee, indoor workshops cover everything from cooking to cookie decorating.
“You'll be able to save time, gas and money by shopping all in one location,” points out founder and managing director Philip Suos. When: Dec. 1 and 8; 12 to 7 p.m. Where: Main St. in downtown Milton More info: holidaystreetmarket.com
OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW
Custom fishing lures for $10 to $15, dolls in knitted outfits for $1 to $15 and home decor items from $3 to $100 are among the creations of 80 crafters and artisans at this fourth annual event just north of Toronto. There’s also jewelry, seasonal decor and self-published books at the show that raises awareness of a community group that brightens seniors’ lives called The Grandparent Connection. When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Newmarket Community Centre, 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket
More info: anoldfashionedchristmascraftshow.com
PORT HOPE FARMERS’ CHRISTMAS MARKET
“Handmade” and “homegrown” are the buzzwords for the 10th year in this small-town event east of Toronto. More than 40 vendors can provide everything on your list, from knitted goods, skin-care products and baby wear to wreaths, woodwork and beeswax food wraps. For holiday hosts, there’s European and East Indian foods, preserves, farm veggies and a perennial favourite: perogies priced at five for $2.50. When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Town Park Recreation Centre, 62 McCaul St.
More info: Port Hope Farmers’ Market on Facebook
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & CRAFT SHOW
Handicrafts from other countries will be assembled under one Mississauga roof when more than 60 vendors — many from the Middle East — offer up jewelry, artwork, clothing, decorative items and baked goods. Renting retail space is expensive for artisans, says organizer Rose Mary, but the bazaar gives them an affordable place to sell their wares.
When: Dec. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: First United Church Port Credit, 151 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga More info: Rose events on Facebook
JUNCTION HOLIDAY MARKET
Hosted by a west corner of Toronto, this market features hundreds of vendors, shops and artists at multiple locations.
There is complementary gift wrapping, free photos with Santa, public transit access and lots of affordable parking. When: Nov. 30, 4 to 8 p.m.; Dec.1,10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 2,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: The Junction neighbourhood in the Dundas St. W. and Keele St. area More info: thejunctionbia.ca
Carola Vyhnak is a Cobourg-based writer covering home and real-estate stories. She is a contributor for the Star. Reach her at cvyhnak@gmail.com