As the holiday season near many people are considering the kinds of gifts they want to buy for their loved ones. There is a lot of pressure to buy bigger and better presents every year, but the fact is that after Christmas morning is over, sometimes it seems a bit gluttonous and not very meaningful.
The last few years, when buying gifts for friends and family, I’ve really tried to focus in on gifts that reflect the community I live in. Especially for family out of town, I love filling a box with gifts that they might only ever get in Terrace. It comes from the heart, it supports our local entrepreneurs, makers and artisans and it’s something they wouldn’t get anywhere else.
One year it was a care package including a Sherwood Mountain Brewery T-shirt, packages of White Goat Coffee, another it was a collection of locally made Christmas tree ornaments and another year it was one of those one-of-a-kind faces carved from bark by local carver Rick Goyette (it’s like gifting a little piece of the Ferry Island trails to someone).
Terrace has no shortage of local artists, makers and crafters that bring out their wares every year. I love to peruse the many craft and art sales that pop up over the course of the next month or so. From finding that perfect tree ornament or adding to a collection of pottery, the opportunities are endless.
READ MORE: Shop local this Christmas and reap the benefits
Here is a small roundup of some of the annual Christmas craft sale in the coming weeks. This weekend being maybe the busiest for area artisans.
This Saturday, Nov. 23 is the annual Goods in the Woods Rossword Christmas Market. The beautiful drive to Rosswood is worth the trip. Local artisans set up in the Rosswood Community Hall & Grounds selling everything from arts and crafts to baked goods and handmade gift ideas. The market runs the respectable hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a great family outing.
That same weekend, one of my favourite holiday art exhibits happens at the tiny little pottery studio on Keith Avenue when the Clay Artists of Terrace Society (CATS) hosts its annual Christmas pottery sale. Established and new clay artists feature new works and I could spend hours perusing the amazing variety of clay items up for grabs. My collection of small pottery bowls grows bigger each year and it’s a great place to find a unique mug, dish set, hand built art pieces and tiles.
Another crafty option is the Aboriginal Headstart PAC Christmas Craft Fair at the Sportsplex Bandquet room on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fair features crafters and small businesses alike.
And mark your calendars for Kitsumkalum Craft Fair at the Kitsumkalum Hall December 7. This massive fair is packed with people, vendors and entrepreneurs. I never know what amazing locally made gifts I’ll find there – I have scored some great tree ornaments and even upcycled clothing at this fair. It’s definitely worth the pop in to see what’s on display.
READ MORE: Shopper’s frenzy at the Kitsumkalum Annual Christmas Craft Fair
The Terrace Art Gallery’s annual Art Gallery craft fair is set to go Dec. 6 and 7. More than 20 local artists and crafters feature their wares. This year you’ll find everything from bath bombs, to handmade items, art work and jewellery.
And if you can’t make it to one of these events, never fear – you can always shop the extended gift shop at the Terrace Art Gallery during regular operating hours right through to Christmas, when the entire upper gallery is filled with gift ideas including a this year is a $15 gift table, ideal for bargain shoppers and kids hoping to find that special something for mom or dad.
