Instead of hitting the mall for mass-produced items that will likely fall apart after a handful of uses, consider one of metro Detroit's craft markets.
Saturday, 11/25
Made in the Mitten Holiday Market
@ Royal Oak Farmers Market
This little market has it all — local vendors, live music, food trucks, and even photos with Santa. The best part? Every single vendor is from Michigan, meaning you can pick up statement gifts for everyone on your list.
Runs from 5 to 11 p.m.; 316 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak; MadeInTheMittenStore.com; admission is $3, free for kids 10 and younger.
Sun, 11/26-Tue, 12/19
Holiday Markets
@ Eastern Market
The best part about this holiday market is this: It's a series. That means you can stop by one and browse through vendors, and come back another day for that item you just can't stop thinking about. Tuesday markets will have a food focus, while Sunday markets will feature more Michigan-made gift items like clothing, jewelry, and art.
Tuesday markets begin at 9 a.m., Sunday markets begin at 10 a.m.; 2934 Russell St., Detroit; facebook.com/easternmarketdetroit.
Fri, 12/1-Sun, 12/3
Detroit Urban Craft Fair
@ Detroit Masonic Temple
This longstanding craft fair is absolutely enormous and, arguably, the best of the bunch based on its sheer size. You'll find favorite vendors like Glass Action, Rebel Nell, Sfumato, Cool Critters, Stef-N-Ty, and All Things Grow, as well as newer crafters.
Fair runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday; 500 Temple St., Detroit; detroiturbancraftfair.com; Friday night admission is $10, admission on Saturday and Sunday is $1 and kids 12 and younger are free.
Fri, 12/1-Sat, 12/16
MerriMonth
@ Downtown Berkley
This month-long celebration in downtown Berkley got its start mid-November and it'll keep rolling until Dec. 16. Though you might have missed out on some of the fun, there's still a wine stroll and shopping event on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; a Christmas tree lighting with vendors, kids crafts, and more on Dec. 2; a Christmas-themed jazz concert on Dec. 7; and an ugly sweater shindig on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information go to downtownberkley.com/merrimonth-in-downtown-berkley.
Saturday, 12/9
Oakland Ave. Farm Holiday Bazaar
@Oakland Avenue Urban Farm
The Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in Detroit's North End neighborhood is hosting a day of food, art, and performances with vendors and artists like AfroJam, Wee Art Gallery, artist Dr Kno!, tea and cookies from the Urban Country Tea House, funky hats by Gloria Bradley, black heritage games by David L. Head Foundation, Truth Book Store, preserves by the Oakland Ave. Urban Farm, aprons by Constance King, purses by Rosetta Pauls, handmade Africa dolls by Evelyn Pickard, jewelry by Makita Taylor, and more.
The event is free and runs from noon to 8 p.m on Dec. 9. Find it at 9227 Goodwin St., Detroit. Check here more info.
Saturday, 12/9
Tiny Expo
@ Downtown Ann Arbor District Library
This little craft show is about as cute as they come. It'll feature more than 40 vendors including Glass Action, JKM Soy Candles, Mimi and Ferne, Taneko, and a handful of other vendors.
Runs from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor; aadl.org/tinyexpo; free.
Sat, 12-9-Sun, 12/10
DIYpsi
@ Riverside Arts Center
Pronounced "dip-see," this little indie craft fair continues to grow in popularity each year. The list of vendors is long and it ranges from avant-garde jewelry to stuffed animals to macabre (but cute!) paintings.
The fair runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday; 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti; diypsi.com.
Sunday, 12/17
The Eastern Holiday Market
@ The Eastern Detroit
This first annual craft event is free and indoors. There will be loads of local craft vendors and food too. But, what's really going to set this one apart is that cash bar.
Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 3434 Russell St., Detroit; facebook.com/theeastern; free admission.
Sunday, 12/17
Vintage Market: Home for the Holidays
@ Monroe County Fairgrounds
If you're looking to make a day out of your indie holiday shopping, this is the place to do it. The women who put on this absolutely enormous outdoor craft fair have made even the most minute details into magical elements that will make you feel warm and cozy. You'll find all things shabby chic, chippy paint, and boho chic here — just remember to bundle up!
Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 3775 S. Custer Rd., Monroe; theVintageMarketMi.com; Entry is $5, kids 6 and younger are free.
