SHOPPING

Looking for the perfect gift during the holiday season for the loved ones in your life can be stressful. If you are like me and have given Uncle Fred one too many sweaters, it may be time to go in search of a more unique gift.

There are many shopping markets and bazaars around Madison this holiday season, with the first two arriving this weekend, followed by many to more come after Thanksgiving. What better incentive to start crossing Grandma and Aunt Debbie off your holiday shopping list?

Here are some of the fairs you won’t want to miss.

Madison Holiday Market
November 7-9; Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
$7 admission (to benefit the Madison Ballet)

The Madison Ballet has gathered more than 120 gift merchants for a "shopping experience unparalleled to any other." Featured items include exclusive artwork, sports novelties, and handmade jewelry. The stress of hopping from shop to shop has been eliminated and replaced with a festive atmosphere to search out the perfect find. I am feeling calmer already.

Polish Christmas Bazaar
November 8; Saturday 9 a.m-3 p.m.,
West Side Club, 437 County Hwy. M

Step into the Old World and immerse yourself in Polish culture with gifts, music, and food. Listen to Polish Christmas music by the Polish Heritage Club while perusing handmade holiday ornaments, amber jewelry, Boleslawiec Polish pottery and the paper-cutting art known as Wycinanki. "Traditional Polish costumes, nativity sets (Szopka), and Christmas trees (Choinka) will create a truly Polish Christmas atmosphere in which to start your holiday shopping," explain organizers. Don't forget your camera to snap a picture of the kiddies with Święty Mikołaj from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Winter Art Festival
November 15-16; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m
Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive
$3 admission

If you missed the Art Fair Off the Square last July, you have a second chance to peruse artwork brought to you by the Wisconsin Alliance of Artists & Craftspeople. The companion to the summertime fair, the Winter Art Festival is a showcase of 140 Wisconsin exhibitors. At the fair, you'll find a wide selection of pottery, watercolors, fiber, wood, glass, photography, jewelry, graphics and sculpture.

MMoCA Holiday Art Fair
November 21-23; Friday noon-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, 227 State Street
$4 admission, with discounted admission available to MmoCA members; children under 12 free

This is the place to shop for unique and one-of-a-kind art-related gifts. All vendors have been jury selected, making it easy to find high quality and beautiful pieces, with a preview of participating artists is available here. “Prints, jewelry and wearables, baskets, toys, holiday decorations, and unique tabletop objects made of ceramic, wood, and glass” are among the items for sale. And don't leave without stopping by the Rediscovered Art & Treasures Sale for items donated by the community. "A longtime Madison tradition,” declares the museum, “Holiday Art Fair provides shoppers with an opportunity to purchase unique, handcrafted gifts in a stunning architectural space.” This is certainly not an event to miss!

Downtown Madison Holiday Open House
November 29, Saturday 10 a.m-6 p.m.
State Street and the Capitol Square

The Downtown Madison Holiday Open House, put together by the Madison Central BID, is your chance to work off all the turkey and stuffing you consumed over the previous two days. All along State Street and around the Capitol Square, merchants will be offering refreshments, special offers, and most importantly, sales, with participants listed here. The fun ranges from “gift-tag making at Anthology to a glass artist demo at the Fanny Garver Gallery to artisan cheese tastings at Fromagination,” explain organizers. Enjoy the downtown bustle Street with the sounds of carolers, holiday lights and free trolley rides. Don’t forget to stop by the Overture Center for fun activities for all ages, which include free gift wrapping and holiday cookie decorating, along with a new Kids in the Rotunda program, and characters in costume from A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker and Kanopy Dance. It promises to be a lovely day of shopping and fun right in the heart of town.

Fourth Annual Holiday Craftacular
December 6, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Madison Masonic Center, 301 Wisconsin Avenue

Explore the creations of regional artists and crafters at the Fourth Annual Holiday Craftacular! This fair is definitely a holiday shopping experience that is a joy rather than a chore. All vendors showcase handmade and original items that include "clothing, jewelry, housewares, gifts, body care products, and much more." Think Etsy live and in person. A bonus for this year's fair is the bigger venue "that allows for three times the amount of vendors as the past shows." Plan on spending a few hours here and better yet, come during lunch and grab a bite with pals in the dining area.

Fair Trade Holiday Festival
December 6, Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Exhibition Hall, Monona Terrace, One John Nolen Drive

The Fair Trade Holiday Festival brings to you unique gifts from artisans around the world. "Shop a wide selection of art, crafts, clothing, home decorations, pottery, weavings, food gifts, and more,” note the event’s organizers at Community Action on Latin America. International fair trade products will be available from Mexico and Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and beyond." And the gifts don't stop there. New this year is an expanded collection of domestic fair trade offerings made right here in Wisconsin, which include "cheese, maple syrup, honey, sausage, granola, and wool products." Every purchase will directly assist the artist in making a living wage. The list of participating vendors is available here, and don’t pass up a chance to double down on your shopping with a stop by the Dane County Winter Farmers’ Market that will be running concurrently in the Terrace.

Madison Hours Holiday Trade Fair
December 6; Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Avenue

"Buy holiday gifts from your neighbors and keep your money in the community,” urge the folks at Madison Hours, the local currency movement in the city. Support the local economy at the fair, as vendors will be accepting both dollars and Hours for food, jewelry, clothing, quilts, cards, gift certificates to local businesses and crafts. Saddle up the bar and enjoy a locally-brewed Ale Asylum beer while shopping too!

50 x 50: Art Show and Sale Opening Party
December 12; Friday 7-9 p.m.
The Project Lodge, 817 E. Johnson Street

Looking for a unique art piece this holiday season? Chances are high that you'll find it at the 50 x 50 art show and sale opening party at The Project Lodge. There will be 50 artists showcasing their work at the event, with no piece running over $50.

WIST Holiday Trunk Show
December 13; Saturday 5-9 p.m.
Lazy Jane's, 1358 Williamson St.

Shop and chat with over 20 Wisconsin artists and crafters at the Wisconsin Street Team Holiday Trunk Show put on by local Etsy merchants This is an opportunity to shop in a laid back environment -- it is at a place called "Lazy Jane's" after all. Enjoy complimentary holiday treats, relax and enjoy yourself! Plan to come early though, as the first 30 shoppers will receive a free gift bag.

Shopping locally this holiday season is a wise way to support the community during what’s looking to be continuing tight times in the economy. So get out and join in sharing some winter cheer!