Last Minute Xmas Shopping Ideas in SF
Oh, here comes Santa Claus, a-gain. How is that every year I always seem to wait until the very last minute to go Christmas shopping? I have literally one week to get all of my gifts in order…and there is no way in hell that I’m going to any mall this weekend. That idea pretty much sounds worse than someone ripping my fingernails out one by one.
So, I did some research for all of you other last minute broke-asses. There are a whole bunch of events and trunk shows this coming weekend were you can score some epic stocking stuffers created by local Bay Area designers. I always think it is cool to give (and get) unique gifts. Check out a few of these local products. They may be just what you looking for.
The 3rd Annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market is going on this Saturday and Sunday, December 17th and 18th, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Concourse Exhibition Center. This awesome event hosts over 250 DIY artists that exude creativity like it was was no big deal. Come check out an array of clothing, jewelry, crafts and other goodies from both local and national designers. This is a pretty big deal, there will be music and food to keep your energy flowing so that you can literally shop ’til you drop.
Stop by some of the booths by local designers such as LadyAlamo. Created by Yiva and Bryce, the name “Lady Alamo” comes from the beloved neighborhood park “Alamo Square”. From Alamo Square you can see the iconic ” Painted Ladies”. These clever designers combined the two as an expression of our love for the city from our point of view. They make fun handbags, T-shirts and other accessories that represent San Francisco. Their products are also available on Etsy. The prices are pretty reasonable – necklaces go for around $20 and their famous totes go for $30. Check out their website for details.
Oakland based SEIBEI is the pseudonym of David Murray, a self-taught illustrator who draws upon his love of comic books, bright colors, and offbeat slogans to create a unique line of graphic tees and accessories. He runs a one-man show and the public has taken such a liking to his creations, that his T-shirts has even been worn on TV shows like Dexter and 30 Rock. All the shirts can be bought online for $22.95 here.
There is also a fun last minute shopping opportunity that can be found this Saturday, December 17th from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Crunk and Trunk Holiday Popshop. There will be a whole bunch of local craft masters selling theircreations at great prices. There will be music, BBQ and there are even rumers of a Kendama battle. If you don’t know what that is – take a peek here. Anyways, all of this fun stuff will be happening in a big warehouse located at 2440 3rd St. down in the Dogpatch.
Some of the vendors are even helping to host this fab event. Stolen Sunday is one of them. Jacy Ceccarelli, the brains behind this company, has designed scarves for every occassion possible. These uber-fun accessories make even your lamest outfit look cool. And, the products are consciously made with organic cotton. The fabric is bought in L.A. and the scarves are made in S.F. The winter line of 2011 features awesome infinity scarves, strip scarves and scoodies that are all named after cities in California. Prices start at $45, and can be bought online here. (FYI, for any of my friends who are reading this right now, tell Santa I’d like one in every color…)
Another great stocking stuffer is a pair these hip shades known as Skyline Sunnies, which come in a variety of neon colors and show off the San Francisco skyline across the lenses. I have a green pair, and have gotten mad compliments on them. These bad boys are made in Oakland and according to one of the owners, John Keddie, they are going to be coming out with other city skylines about every month or so. They are now on sale for only $9.50 a pair! Check here for more details.
For all of you East Bay shoppers, check out the trunk show of the Didi Jewelry Project on Saturday, December 17th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the shop located at 466 28th St. in Oakland. Owner Laurel Gunnnarsson sells jewelry made by struggling women in India to help them generate an income. These women are victims of sex trafficking, HIV positive, widows, orphans, and victims of poverty. Unique materials like recycled glass bangles and seeds collected in India as well as stone, glass, and metal beads, from India are used to make the jewelry. Contribute to a better world by checking out the Didi Jewelry Project.
