2010 Holiday Gift Guide

This holiday season abounds in more than cheer and good will; holiday arts and crafts fair have flourished into a bountiful existence this year, providing plenty of opportunities to buy unique, locally made gifts at bargain fair prices.

MARN’s ARTibles Holiday Bazaar
5407 W. Vliet Street
November 26 through December 23
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays noon-8pm; Saturdays 10am-6pm; Sundays noon-4pm

Featuring art & crafts by over two dozen local artisans. Plus, CDs and books from local artists.  Local singer/songwriter Annie B. is performing on opening day from 1-4pm. There will be hot apple cider and cookies too!

Westown Indoor Market
Shops of Grand Avenue
Every first and third Wednesday until Feb. 16

Here you’ll find everything local: from handcrafted art from local artists to Farmer’s Market vendors and Wisconsin-grown greenhouse items, this is the place to get your local fix.

Holiday Artisan Market
Discovery World
December 4 & 5

Along with unique, handmade goods from local artists there will be artist demonstrations, live music, festive treats and complementary gift wrapping at Discovery World.

Shorewood Arts and Crafts Fair
Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shorewood High School

This annual juried fair has over 80 vendors to choose from.  Featuring raffle baskets, a silent auction and unique hand-crafted items, this fair has some of the best the Midwest has to offer.

HoverCraft
Bay View Brew Haus
Sunday, Dec. 5 from 12 – 6 p.m.

Crafts, bands, and crafts come together to showcase the rad people of Milwaukee. There will be performance art, craft demonstrations, make and take tutorials and local deejays throughout the day.

Outpost Alternative Gift Fair
Sunday, Dec. 5
Lakefront Brewery

Instead of shopping at the mall, you can honor friends and family by donating to an organization that fits their values. Non-profits offer shoppers the opportunity to make donations as gifts. There’s no better way to contribute in a true holiday spirit than helping those in need in your local community.

Sugar Mamas Art Fair
Sunday, Dec. 5, Noon – 5 p.m.
Sugar Maple

This art fair promises handmade clothing, jewelry, ceramics and crafts from local artisans. There will even be art by local kids, too! Feel free to peruse the goods for sale and have a beer to forget the stress of the holidays.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Retail Emporium
Now through mid-January
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Colby Abott Building – Corner of Milwaukee and Mason
You’re certain to discover unique gifts and fabulous trends at downtown’s four new pop-up shops. Visit Broadway Paper Pop-Up!, Gingrass Gallery & Blutstein/Brondino Fine Art, SHOP and Wafrique now through mid-January.