Here are the some places Torontonians can hunt for gifts this year that are likely more socially and environmentally friendly than at the big chains, not to mention meaningful, and sanity saving.
The 20th Annual Festival of Smalls
If you're looking to give fine art (or buy something to spruce up your pad this winter) but don't have a huge budget, hit up the Festival of Smalls. Artwork in a variety of styles and mediums is up for sale from $55 - $250. You can browse all available works in their preview here, and if you're sneaky enough you can use the images to test their gift potential. Now until December 24th, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm. Art Interiors (446 Spadina Rd), free.
Souvenir at Milk Glass Co
This weekend on Dundas West you can grab some gifts that vibe, and I mean this in the best way possible, very Dundas West. Milk Glass Co. knows that some Torontonians just want to get their shopping out of the way before the snow really sets in (snow is so bad for ruining hand screen printed paper totes) so they're having their holiday sale early — and it's going to be a good one. Look for fine art, hand crafted decor, letter press works, coffee, vintage items and accessories from over 30 Canadian designers, artists, and makers. Milk Glass Co ( 1247 Dundas West), Friday, November 15 - Sunday, November 17, free.
One Of A Kind Christmas Show & Sale
One of a Kind is like a craft fair mall experience (so, way nicer). Over 800 Canadian artisans from each and every province will be showing and selling handmade gifts at the Direct Energy Centre between Nov 28 - Dec 8. Caffeine up and power through this one, and you might just win the holidays. There will be a gift wrapping centre and, to keep this extra Canadian, daily figure skating performances. November 28 - December 8, most weekdays and Saturdays 10am - 9pm, Thursday 10am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm. $12 adults, $7 seniors & students, kids free.
Toronto Christmas Market
The Toronto Christmas Market is back for its fourth year, and its expansive set up will (sort of) emulate a European Christmas Market in the Distillery District for the first two weeks of December. Local handcrafted products will be for sale from a variety of vendors. Entertainment will be provided by carollers, a Bavarian brass band, children's choirs and more, plus there will be beer and mulled wine gardens. Damn, mulled wine isn't a thing that happens often enough in Toronto. Distillery Historic District (55 Mill Street), Friday November 29 - Sunday December 15, Mon - Fri noon - 9pm & weekends 10am - 9pm.
The Artisans Gift Fair
This homegrown gift sale in The Annex will run over four weekends starting at the end of November. Look for handcrafted items like garments, soaps, jewelry, zines, journals, and everything from cupcakes to cat toys. The Tranzac is known for being bustling with a community vibe during events like this, so it's bound to be a cozy one. The Tranzac (292 Brunswick Ave), Saturday November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. 12pm - 6pm, free.
Bit Bazaar Winter Market
Presented in part by TCAF, this might be the coolest holiday craft event of the season. Bit Bazaar will "celebrate the art and craft of indie games, web comics, and good food" — all of those things are pretty great, right? Exhibitors include indie game creators, arcades, comic artists, zine makers photographers, and chefs (there will be pie). It's like Christmas for nerds. See you there. Bento Miso (862 Richmond St W), Friday, December 6, 7pm (RSVP), Saturday, December 7, 11am - 7pm.
GLDSTK Standard Holiday Pop-Up Market
This fashionista-friendly pop-up market is back at 109OZ. You'll have three days to hit up the 2nd floor of 109 Ossington for Fall/Winter 2012 garments and accessories from Gouldscttock Standard Supply Co. / Estate Family Guilds. Stock is limited, so if you there's something you've got your eye on here's your warning. 109OZ (109 Ossington, second floor), December 7 - December 9, 5pm - 9 pm Friday, 10am - 9 pm Saturday, 11am - 6pm Sunday.
Toronto Young Designers Holiday 2013
Glad to see this one is back! The 4th annual toronto young designers holiday sale will host nineteen local vendors at Brassaii on King West this year. Look for jewellery, home decor, paper goods, baby gifts, clothing, tote bags, art, furniture and beauty supplies. There will be gift wrapping on site. So, why shop till you drop when you can shop til you... brunch? Saturday December 7, 10am - 3pm, Brassaii (461 King Street West), free.
City of Craft
City of Craft is a highly curated juried craft sale is back for its 7th year at The Theatre Centre. High quality wares by established and/or promising local crafters and artisans will be on sale amid installations and workshops, and a gift from this sale is sure to make an impression. Stay tuned to their website for an upcoming vendor list and schedule. The Theatre Centre (1087 & 1095 Queen Street West), December 14 - 15, Saturday 11am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm, $2 (kids under 12 free).
ADDITIONAL SHOWS AND SALES
Tuesday, November 12
St. Patrick's Bazaar, St. Patrick's Church (5633 Highway 7, Markham), 10am - 2pm
Saturday, November 16
East Rotary Club Arts & Crafts Sale, Eastminster United Church (310 Danforth), 10am - 5pm, free
Holly Berry Fair, Rosedale United Church (159 Roxborough), 10am - 3pm, free
Holiday Craft Sale, 1 Overland Drive (Don Mills Rd. & Lawrence Avenue E.), 9:30am - 1pm
Wednesday, November 20
The Don Valley Art Club Large & Small Holiday Art Show & Sale, The Papermill Gallery, Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Road), Nov 20 7pm - 9pm. Nov 21 - Dec 1: weekends noon - 5pm and Wed - Fri noon - 4pm, free
Saturday, November 23
Hippo School Craft Fair, Hippo School (729 St. Clair Avenue West), Nov 23 10am - 3pm
Swansea Craft Sale, Swansea Public School (207 Windermere), 10am - 3pm, $2 adults, children $1
Tuesday, November 26
St Christopher's Christmas Bazaar, St Christopher House ( 248 Ossington). Nov 26 10am - 7:30pm + Nov 27 & 28 10:30am - 4:30pm. free
Thursday, November 28
Festive Bazaar, Greenwood Towers (145 Strathmore), noon - 6pm, free
Friday, November 29
St Demetrius Christmas Bazaar, St Demetrius (135 La Rose). Nov 29, 11am - 8pm & Nov 30, 10am - 3pm, free
Sunday, December 1
Sassy Little Craft Show, The Central (603 Markham), 2 - 8pm, free
Monday, December 2
Toronto School of Art's tinyART SALE, Toronto School of Art (980 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor), Dec 2 - 3, 10am - 6pm, free
Friday, December 6
TPL's Arts And Crafts Fair for United Way, North York Central Library (5120 Yonge), 11am - 6pm, free
Holiday Gift Fair, Central Eglinton Community Centre (160 Eglinton E), 10am, free
Saturday, December 7
Gifts Of My Hands Holiday Craft Market, Sorauren Park Fieldhouse (50 Wabash Ave), 11am - 6pm, free
Saturday, December 14
Toronto Indie Arts Market Small Press & Literary Festival, Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen W), 10:30am - 4:30pm, $5
Native Arts & Crafts Xmas Sale 10 am-4 pm. Free. Native Canadian Centre, 16 Spadina Rd
Lead photo via City of Craft
by Aubrey Jax via blogTO
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