You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)
So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.
If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.
I'll add more, but these events are happening this week. (The NY Times had "25 gift ideas for $25 or less")
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FRI 12/5 & SAT 12/6
10am to 7pm
MassArt Annual Holiday Sale
at Tower Building Lobby, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)
This has been going on since 12/1, so maybe there might not be much left -- or maybe some deals could be had... Over 150 MassArt alumni and students are offering a "selection of ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, fibers and jewelry." The Dig's article suggested that gift wrapping may be complimentary. I don't know.
Proceeds go to the artists and to support student scholarships. (Visa, MasterCard, cash, and checks accepted.)
FRI 12/5 to SUN 12/7
11am to 5pm (FRI: Noon to 7pm)
Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale
at 12 Farnsworth St, Boston (Fort Point, next door to Flour Bakery & Cafe)
"...30 area artists to display and sell works in a wide array of media. From baby clothes to silver jewelry, from clay pottery to handmade pet toys, there’s something for everyone on your holiday list."
SAT 12/6
11 am to 4 pm
Winter Craft Market
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
at Gallery 321, 321 Washington St, Somerville
at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Rd, Somerville
at Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor St, Somerville
This is an effort all around the Union Sq area: craftspeople on the Plaza and inside Precinct, the surrounding shops selling their goods, at the nearby art center, at the museum, and there's a chocolate-making operation in Somerville "from bean to bar" and all other sorts of choco-products.
SAT 12/6
1pm to 5pm
Traditional Christkindlmarkt
at German International School, 57 Holton St, Allston (near Brighton Mills)
German-style Christmas shopping [PDF].
SAT 12/6
11am to 5pm
Jamaica Plain Holiday Craft Fair
at First Church, 6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain (near Soldier's Monument)
"Over 35 Craft vendors, lunch & bake sale."
SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7
10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: FRI 12/12 to SUN 12/14 and THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)
SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7
10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)
A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.
Also: SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14 at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)
SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7
10am to 4pm
"First-ever Warehouse Sale"
at Harvard Book Store Warehouse, 14 Park St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE
I'm excited about this one! I wonder if I'll buy anything for other people...
Harvard Book Store's warehouse sale -- find thousands of:
- Bargain booksSAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7
- Used books (at 1/2 off the cover price)
- $1 books
- Comic books
- Rare and collectible books
- Selected rare titles available at a 30% discount!
- and more!
Noon to 6 pm (SUN: Noon to 4pm)
"Natures Gems"
at Franklin Park Golf Club House, 1 Circuit Dr, Boston
This is a combination sale and exhibit featuring works by local artists inspired by nature and community along the Emerald Necklace, but I was told there would be calendars, cards, t-shirts, etc. The price range for the art -- paintings, photographs, jewelry, hand carved wooden pieces, prints -- goes from $25 and up.
Proceeds will support woodlands restoration and youth jobs in the parks.
SUN 12/7
Noon to 7pm
Bazaar Bizarre
at Park Plaza Castle, about 130 Columbus Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$1 to get in
Okay. Every other listing has no admission fee, but this is just a dollar. They started out at the Dilboy VFW in Davis Sq, and now it's in the Castle, so throw them a buck for the effort...
"Shoppers can expect to find the creme de la creme of indie goods: handbags, pottery, letterpress stationary, silk-screened t-shirts, baby clothes, body products and more"
At least 3 food vendors: Petsi Pies; Snacks, Crackers and Pop; and Mr. Puppovich's Odd Beverages & Uncommon Delights.
Through THUR 12/11
Abandoned Property eBay Auction
Just had to share this: The State is selling a 100 lots of watches, jewelry, and collectible currency. Auctions end at noon on Thursday 12/11.
1 comment:
Thanks, Susan!
~r
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