Tis the season, the Christmas craft fair season! I visit and buy many of my gifts at local craft fairs and farmers markets because I like to support small businesses and my fellow Canadians in their money endeavors.

Another benefit I see to buying at craft fairs are that most likely, the item bought will be handmade and therefore not likely mass produced so the recipient the gift won’t be wearing the same shawl, shirt or bracelet as his/her neighbours. And buying local helps reduce our stamp on the environment (less fuel used to transport goods), too.

It is true that farmer’s markets and craft fairs are not always the cheapest places to buy gifts and other items but at least you know where the goods come from (most likely the vendor if also the maker of the item and no sweatshops) and you are helping the economy so in the long run, you may just be helping yourself, too.

If you live in the Vancouver area, here are the upcoming crafts fairs that you can visit for this season be sure to check out:

1. Bonsor Community Centre’s Christmas Fair -
November 21 & 22, Saturday and Sunday, 10AM-3PM
6550 Bonsor Ave., Burnaby, BC

2. Blim Craft Fair -
Sunday, November 29, 11AM-5PM
215 E 17th Ave., Vancouver, BC

Or visit the link below to get a list of fairs around town all year round!

www.gotcraft.com/aroundtown

Happy shopping!