Handmade incense holders and planters. (Courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair)

The Best Local Maker Fairs For Holiday Gift Giving

08 November 2017

Score the title of best gift-giver this year.

There's something undeniably special when someone opens your present and you notice a glimmer in their eye, the slight upwards curve of a smile. For those of you that revel in being skilled gift-givers, these markets are for you. Traverse indoor and open-air bazaars to explore one-of-a kind handmade and vintage goods; and perhaps even pick up a little souvenir for yourself. These holiday fairs will be brimming with the loveliest crafts that are bound to make you question how you ever lived without that gorgeous teapot or ultra nifty purse with a multitude of secret compartments. Here are some of the best markets in the area, starting as soon as this weekend.

Renegade is perhaps the largest showcase of craft and design spanning 12 major cities across the U.S. and U.K. The fair will be here this month with a barrage of lovely handmade goods from independent makers, as well as DIY workshops, local food vendors, seasonal cocktails, and DJ sets. This event will also include the debut of SF Design Milk Spotlight displaying work from one noteworthy designer. For this winter tour, Renegade has partnered with CERF+ to help raise funds to affected creators from the NorCal fires as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Pop by their info booth to learn more. // 11am to 6pm, Nov 11th - 12th, Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina), renegadecraft.com
▲

Likely the most celebrated maker market in the area with over 25,000 attendees, WCC hits Fort Mason again for its holiday extravaganza. The show will carry a juried exhibit of work from more than 250 artisans with goods including ceramics, sculpture, fiber arts, textiles, home furnishings, wood crafts, bath and body products, and more. This year, they are also introducing their "Intro" program for emerging creators between the ages of 14 and 24 years old, who will not only be included in the show, but also have the opportunity to learn about production, sales, and merchandising. //10am to 6pm, Nov 18th and19th, westcoastcraft.com
▲

Treasure Island Flea brings in more than 400 artists and collectors for their monthly market. Their holiday event will have all the vintage and handmade goods you'd expect, as well as holiday DIY workshops, live music and three full bars with local wine, craft beers, and seasonal cocktails. Best of all, it's dog-friendly. Take a selfie with Santa and explore a barrage of designers, antique collectors, and underground food start-ups. // 10am to 4pm, Nov 25th and 26th, California Ave and Ave N. (Treasure Island), treasureislandflea.com
▲

All of the beautiful things you've favorited on Etsy can now be viewed in person at their holiday market. There will be more than 200 local makers as well as small batch food vendors at this jolly event. // 12pm to 5pm, Nov 25th-26th, Pier 35 1454 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), facebook.com
▲

Anna Monet jewelry

A meticulously curated marketplace with an emphasis on sustainable design, Urban Air carefully selects their creators based on originality, ethos and quality. Born in Hayes Valley 13 years ago, their holiday iteration will open in December with 150 vendors. Peruse a wide selection of fashion, home decor, art, furniture and body products that are not only beautiful, but good for the planet. // 11am – 6pm, Dec 3rd, Jack London Square (Oakland), urbanairmarket.com
▲

SFMade presents a market with goods from more than 70 makers, all based in San Francisco. In its seventh year, the fair will carry a multitude of gifting options including jewelry, bags, chocolate, gourmet items, home goods, apparel, body products, and more. Artwork from from CCA students will also be available for purchase. Munch on treat from Humphry Slocombe and snag a living wreath from Urban Farmgirls. // 11am to 5pm, Dec 17th, California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St. (SoMa, sfmade.org
▲

Magic Makers brings an enchanted weekend of goods and services, with an entirely different set of vendors, healers and food for each day. There will be over 50 makers with artwork, home goods, clothing, books, health and beauty products and healing services including acupuncture, tarot and massage; and if you get hungry, there will be handcrafted food as well as a bonfire and hot cider. // Door is by donation (no one turned away from lack of funds), 12pm to 6pm, Dec 9th and10th, Humanist Hall 390 27th St. (Oakland), facebook.comacebook.com
▲

For their holiday art sale, Creativity Explored's studio and gallery will be teeming with original art prints, ceramics, paintings, drawings, textiles and sculptures from more than 135 artists. // 7pm to10pm, Nov 30th, Creativity Explored 3245 16th St. (Upper Market), facebook.com
▲

Pottery by Kenny Sing

Crafted SF curates stunning work from emerging artists. Explore gorgeous handmade ceramics and jewelry at their December show from local makers including SF-based Kenny Sing who melds digital design with pottery. // 11am to 6pm, Dec 2nd and 3rd, 1616 Pacific Ave. (Nob Hill), craftedsf.art/dec-show
▲

This six-day Oakland market is bustling with fine art and affordable gifts. With more than 200 vendors, there will be an eclectic selection of goods from jewelry to leather work, pottery to woodworking, photography to sculptures. They even have free gift wrapping and shipping. // Dec 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th, Telegraph Ave. between Dwight Way and Bancroft Way (Berkeley), telegraphfair.com
▲

Related Articles