Can you complete most of your Christmas shopping in one stop while enjoying a craft fair? I think you can.
I recently attended a local flea market/craft fair and left with strategies for my next flea market shopping experience. You can read my tips here. Completing Christmas shopping at a flea market would make an excellent challenge.
If you made a list of everyone you need to shop for this Christmas and then attended a flea market in the fall, or even a couple if required, could you finish shopping early? Consider what makes each person unique (they love to bake or are artistic, for example), what gifts they usually appreciate, or something unique you have never gifted them but might enjoy. Take the list with you and see if you can finish your shopping in one stop. You can take a paper list and an ink pen to mark off each person as you shop, use a task list on your phone, email yourself the list, or whatever method works for you. Whatever method you use is suitable if you enjoy a day at the market and finish some shopping before the December rush.
Here are the items I saw at my local flea market that might help you with this task. Although every flea market or craft fair varies by size and what is offered, this information gives you a starting point for shopping ideas. You can sometimes review the list of vendors for an upcoming flea market before you go so you know what general types of goods they will be offering. Of course, part of the fun is showing up and being surprised. Which of these items would help you cross off some of that list?
For people who love trying new food:
I saw specialty flavors of honey, various sauces, country ham, bacon, and fudge. Some vendors were providing free samples, so this can be helpful when deciding which food gift to purchase for each person on your list. Some of these nonperishable items would make good stocking stuffers.
For people who like antiques, unique objects, and older items:
Antiques, such as an old cash register and sewing machine, were found like hidden gems throughout the booths. There were also estate sales with many older items of interest. Vintage clothing, as were unexpected items such as an old dinner bell, were readily available. Vintage toys were also plentiful. If you have someone on your list who is very difficult to shop for, a flea market might provide great gift options.
For sports enthusiasts:
For people who enjoy sports, I saw sports cards, various sports memorabilia, and see-through purses that were security-friendly for sports stadiums.
For women and girls:
Shopping for women seems easy at one of these markets. A variety of purses in different patterns, lotion, jewelry, soap in multiple scents, and various types of clothing (vintage, tie-dyed, and screen-printed) were available. I saw hair accessories and barrettes that would make good stocking stuffers.
For collectors:
Many types of collectors were represented at the market. I saw vinyl records, knives, Blu-ray Disc movies, and DVD movies.
For people who like crafting or appreciate craftsmanship:
The old printing block letters I saw would give creative relatives hours of fun to stamp and make custom cards. Anyone who appreciates wood carving skills would enjoy the carved pumpkins for sale.
For newlyweds and new (or existing) homeowners:
Helping newlyweds to make their house a home is easy at the flea market—various home décor items and wall art were available to help them decorate their place. Front door decorative signs can be given so any homeowner can warmly welcome guests. Decorative candles for display might also be a gift idea. I saw colorful kitchen cutting boards that will surely be noticed the next time your special homeowner has a gathering. Every home needs a broom; why not have one of these beautiful ones?
For kids and kids at heart:
An entire booth was dedicated to custom Lego figurines for kids of all ages. Soft fabric dolls were available in an array of inviting bright color patterns. Kids would love receiving colorful gemstones to collect or display.
For gardeners and people who love to sit out on the patio:
Garden flags in every color and design were available. Let your gardener personalize their prized garden area or flower beds with one of these flags. A whimsical outdoor planter is a good gift for both gardeners and those who do not have a green thumb but enjoy sitting on the patio enjoying the fruits of those who did grow the plants; it is a gift an entire family can enjoy!
There are advantages to Christmas shopping at a flea market or craft fair. It allows you to purchase carefully chosen gifts for each person instead of picking more general options at a department store. You will probably find more unique items as well. Sometimes, you can work with a vendor to choose custom colors for your order, learn about the vendor’s products, and then order something from them online when you return home if they do not have that specific item at the fair.
There are also disadvantages to completing your shopping at a fair. If you see something better suited for someone after you have already purchased an item for them at another booth, you cannot get a refund. The recipient cannot exchange your gift if they do not like it. You might also consider shopping at a fair as risky if you are not buying from a Christmas list provided to you by others. You might have to make decisions quickly when you visit vendors to get the best selection before they run out of items. If this shopping method is too stressful, sticking with more conventional shopping might be better.
This shopping challenge might be something to try this year. There is little to lose by attempting this challenge. If you accomplish some of your shopping, you will at least have partial Christmas shopping success. If you do not complete much shopping, you can still have a fun day at the market. While walking around the fair, if you pick up an item or two for yourself, we can call it a complete success.