So, did you space out on Small Business Saturday, that national holiday of support for your friendly-neighborhood shops?
Well, don’t go running to the big box store just yet: There are still several more events coming up where you can purchase Delaware-made art, crafts, and food products for everyone on your gift list.
(Or for yourself. We’re not here to judge.)
Let’s start with Art Loop, happening on Dec. 7. A program of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, this self-guided tour is a great start for those looking to buy local this year.
The Delaware Contemporary’s Annual Craft Show and Taste of the Holidays features emerging and established artists offering fine art and hand crafted items, including jewelry by Wilmington metalsmith lolahSoul. You can also try $1 samples of craft beer, wine and champagne.
Studio on Market will be holding a Holiday Shopping Bazaar featuring fine art photographer Michael Orhelein.
Wilmington in Transition will have its own Holiday Artisan Crafts Market on Loop night at Grace Methodist Church.
Looking for local folk art? Eunice Lafate is having an art sale at the Old Swedes Historic Site.
Retail Therapy Night at Wilmington Brew Works on Dec. 11 will feature shopping in the brewery, including local businesses Rocker Soaps, KPK Woodworking and Moon Child Sweets.
RH Gallery in Hockessin is holding a curated art and artisan craft Holiday Market on Dec. 14.
In The Spirit returns to The Mill on Dec. 20. The downtown holiday party benefits Wilmington families in need (the fee to enter is either a toy or gift valued at $10+ or a $10+ donation) – and it also benefits local artisans and last-minute shoppers with The Mill Market.
The Newark Art Alliance’s Holiday Art Market is open six days a week (it’s closed on Mondays) through Dec 28. The gifts for sale in the gallery are made by sixteen local artists, and include pottery, jewelry and fine art.
If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, Nextfab has put together a regional Holiday Gift Guide where you can virtually meet Nextfab artists and purchase from them online.
Last but not least: If you want to shop Delaware-based vendors on Etsy, just do a search and set the location in the sidebar to Delaware, United States. Piece of cake.
