Whether you shop for presents for Chanukah, Chrismukkah, Festivus or the Winter Solstice, the shopping opportunities in Baltimore are plentiful — especially if you prefer the unique, DIY, handmade variety.
Here are 8 (see what we did there?) of our picks for holiday shop-arounds to help you avoid the mall while pleasing even the most discerning person on your gift list this season.
Bazaart at AVAM
Nov. 24, noon-6 p.m. and Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
This annual holiday art market, which takes place on #SmallBusinessSaturday, features more than 40 regional artists and craftspeople showing off their paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry and textiles. While you’re there, there are also some great gifts at Sideshow, the museum’s gift store.
Holiday Makers Market, Green Spring Station
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This holiday marketplace features more than 15 Baltimore crafters and artisans in addition to several DIY events that allow shoppers to make their own gifts. Workshops (available for an additional fee) include floral arranging, custom aromatherapy, terrarium-building and cocktail mixing.
Baltimore Etsy Sellers Holiday Market, Open Works
Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Face it, you spend a lot of time browsing Etsy.com, but without being able to touch all the pretty things, you can never really make up your mind. Now, you have no excuses. This event allows Etsy lovers to see wares by Baltimore-area artisans in person.
Merry Mart 2017, Creative Alliance
Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This is an annual juried holiday craft market that specializes in handmade objects ranging from handbags and jewelry to art and kids’ toys.
MICA Art Market, Brown Building
Dec. 7-9, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 10, noon-7 p.m.
Nothing says you care quite like picking out a very personal piece of fine art. Support up-and-coming artists at this handmade objects sale. Approximately, 275 MICA students, alumni, faculty and staff participate. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind object. Choose from a selection of illustrations, prints, posters, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, books and wrapping paper.
Additionally, if you’re shopping for MICA students, the nonprofit campus store includes course supplies as well as themed apparel.
For the Greater Goods Market and Vintage Flea Holiday Sip & Shop, R. House
Market: Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Vintage Flea: Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Greater Goods Market benefits a rotating list of charitable causes and promotes Baltimore small business. It includes 55 vendors selling hand-made clothing, jewelry and ceramics.
The Vintage Flea highlights more than 50 of the area’s top vintage vendors selling clothing, furniture, tchotchkes and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a unique gift for the person who truly has everything.
While you’re at R. House, takes some time to explore the various food stalls, too. Shopping is hard work, you’re going to work up an appetite and a thirst.
Holiday Heap presented by Charm City Craft Mafia, 2640 Space
Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This show features more than 50 area artisans selling deliciously scented candles, intricate papercuts, crayons in fun shapes, nostalgic dish towels, cocktail shrubs (drink mix) and more.
[box type=”shadow”]Still not enough shopping opportunities for you? Be sure to check out the following places and events:
- UMB Handmade and Homemade Holiday Craft Fair, Dec. 1, includes handcrafted items such as blown glass, gourmet treats, greeting cards and more.
- Midnight Madness in Ellicott City, Dec. 1, is an annual tradition that allows shoppers to stroll the historic streets at night while sipping hot cocoa and being entertained by costumed characters.
- First Friday in Hampden, Dec. 1, extends the hours of several business, which offer specials, discounts and, possibly, some treats.
- Federal Hill’s Moonlight Madness, Dec. 8, keeps area stores open until midnight for shoppers who enjoy the thrill of the hunt. The event also includes free gift wrapping and light refreshments.
- Chanukah @ Foundry Row, Dec. 17, includes Chanukah-related activities, food and fun at Foundry Row shops.
- The Jewish Museum of Maryland gift shop is the place for cute Chanukah ideas, Judaica objects and more.
- Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar is the hot spot on Sundays through Dec. 17. In addition to stocking up on various ingredients for holiday meals, the market also offers locally made gift items.
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Also see: Presents of Mind — Jmore staff members tell stories about their favorite, sweetest and worst gifts.
What’s your favorite Baltimore-area holiday shopping event? Tells us about it at Facebook and Twitter with #JmoreEvents.
[box type=”shadow”]Holidays 2017: How to Survive the Season
Jmore’s holiday guide includes Chanukah recipes, holiday event ideas, seasonal traditions, party dresses, gift ideas and lots more. Get festive here.[/box]