Your Handmade Holiday Shopping {list}

Shew, can't believe Thanksgiving is already over and December is right around the corner. You wouldn't know it from this brilliantly warm weather, but the holiday shopping season is upon us! I think we can all agree buying local, handmade goods is one of the best ways to find truly unique gifts while avoiding the "big box" mania.

Whether or not you are as excited as a Christmas elf or hibernating until the New Year, Richmond has got you covered for all your handmade gift needs. We've compiled a list of local craft shows and markets to get you through the season:



1. Bizarre Market Holiday
The annual Bizarre Market Holiday shop is open for business upstairs at Chop Suey Books in Carytown! This wonderfully cozy pop-up shop has everything from jewelry to laptop sleeves, screen prints, pottery, accessories, fuzzy friends, and much more (including Fibre Craft by yours truly!) - all handmade in Richmond! Don't let the cuteness fool you, this shop has some incredible finds for awesomely affordable prices. The shop is open until December 24, during Chop Suey's bookstore hours. RSVP on Facebook here.




2. Art Karma Auction + Party
On Thursday night from 7 to 10p, at Plant Zero Cafe in Manchester, Art 180 is hosting the Art Karma Auction + Party. This silent auction features local art, services, and dining deals. The party will also feature belly dancers, henna tattoos, exotic hors d'oeuvres, and more. Tickets are $16 beforehand and $20 the day of (kids are free). All of the proceeds go towards Art 180's after-school programs in self-expression for those living in challenging circumstances. Pick up some gifts and support an awesome cause, what more can you ask for?



Over 400 vendors! Image via Bizarre Bazaar site.

3. The Bizarre Bazaar
The annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar will take place this Thursday through Sunday, from 10a to 7p, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. This market will feature multiple handmade vendors, but it might not save you from much mania. The Bizarre Bazaar features hundreds of vendors, so you are bound to find the right gift if you dare to brave the crowds! Tickets are $7 for adults and $1.50 for kids. You can follow the Bizarre Bazaar on Twitter here.




4. aRtVA's Independent Art & Craft Show
This Sunday from noon to 5p, aRtVA will be hosting the inaugural Independent Art & Craft Show at the Bankuet Place in Manchester. (Side note: the Bankuet place is a former bank turned event space!) This show will feature 16 hand-picked local craft and art vendors, as well as good eats and drinks from Pizza Tonight, Atomic Bakery, and Grayhaven Winery. If all of that wasn't enough, WRIR's Michael Miracle and DJ Mikemetic will be DJing the event as well. Stop by my booth, Fibre Craft, and mention this list for 10% off any purchase!




5. Handmade Holiday
On the following Sunday, December 11, the Richmond Craft Mafia will be hosting more of Richmond's makers at the Handmade Holiday show at Plant Zero Cafe. From 11a to 5p there will be 65 handmade vendors set up and ready to provide you with your every holiday need. RSVP on Facebook here.




5. RVA on Etsy
Lastly, if you just can't bring yourself to shop in the presence of others, you can still shop local handmade by searching Richmond, Virginia from Etsy's homepage. There is a link towards the bottom on the left where you can "Buy Local" - type in your zip code, or Richmond and find over 20,000 items from local Richmond makers. You can also check out the Richmond Street Team on Etsy for another listing of local makers. I have a feeling you may be able to talk some sellers into free shipping by picking your item up! Etsy just created a mobile app as well, so you can shop local, handmade, and on the go! It's so easy!

So there you have it folks. Bookmark this link for all your handmade holiday shopping needs for the next few weeks. Know of any more local shows that we missed? Let me know and I'll add them to our list!

Happy Holidays!

Christie Thompson