The Holiday Shopping Guide to Unique Gifts and Memorable Moments

Bazzars, pop-ups, and retail events from Seattle to Bellevue and beyond.

MIVAL Holiday Show The annual Holiday Show from the Mercer Island Visual Arts League consists of 2D and 3D artwork, holiday decor, jewelry, and gifts. Appetizers, refreshments, and live music will round out the evening. The show this year is juried by well-known watercolorist, Tom Hoffmann. Mercer Gallery at Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, through Dec. 15

Bothell Country Village Stroll the grounds of a village filled with beautiful twinkling lights and displays, visit two of Santa’s live reindeer, and make holiday ornaments at the free snowflake station. Those who love Santa can visit his workshop, get their photo taken and vote for their favorite gingerbread house. Pirate fans will want to be present on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. for Santa’s Arrgh-rival, A Pirate X-Mas. 23718 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, through Dec. 25

Winter Wonderland at Redmond Town Center For the entire month, shoppers will enjoy extended shopping hours (of course) and a lot of special treats for themselves or the kids in tow, including a horse carousel, a covered synthetic skate rink, a train, and visits with Santa. 7525 166th Ave. NE, Redmond, Nov. 24-Jan. 1

Magic in the Market Cookie decorating, a ukulele band, photos with Santa under the big clock, a tree lighting, arts and crafts, and, as always, lots and lots of vendors selling gifts for all. Pike Place Market, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat., Nov. 25

Issaquah Highlands Shop Local Bazaar Come join local shops, vendors and artisans for some holiday shopping and community fun at this third annual event. Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, Nov. 25

GobbleUp The organizers of Urban Craft Uprising will host their first-ever artisanal, foodie show in Bellevue. GobbleUp will feature 70 food vendors ranging from specialty caramel and vegan truffles to crout, shrubs, and kitchen supply sellers. Some of those vendors include Capuli Club, And Tonic, Ayako and Family, Eliot’s Adult Nut Butters, Harbor Herbalist, Jonboy Caramels and Old Salt Merchants, among others. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 25

GeekCraft Expo The comicon of craft markets, GeekCraft Expo debuted two years ago and now has a fan base all its own with plans to expand to 17 cities across the county. This year’s edition is three times larger and will feature 80 exhibitors selling one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for the pop culture fan in your life. Also new to the two-day event is a section hosted by Seattle ReCreative where kids can make their own geeky gifts. Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Nov. 25-26

Hilltop Holiday Craft Show This craft show features thousands of hand-crafted items, including holiday ornaments, decorations, pottery, jewelry, wood, and knit items from more than 60 selected Northwest crafters. Northwest Arts Center, 9825 NE 24th St, Bellevue, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Giving Marketplace There is gifting and then there is giving. Do both at this two-day affair featuring dozens of pop-up shops peddling socially conscious wares with proceeds going to support the environment, refugees, and children in need. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, 440 5th Ave. N., 10a.m.-5p.m., Dec 1-2

Skyline Holiday Bazaar A festive holiday shopping to-do featuring local artisans and crafters, as well as a bake sale, musical performances by students, and a raffle drawing. Skyline High School, 1122 228th Ave. SE, Sammamish, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 2

Urban Craft Uprising Now in its 22nd year, this celebration of high-quality handmade goods covers all the bases, from furniture to food stuff and clothing to candles. And toys too, of course. Featuring more than 150 jury-selected vendors, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to take care of your entire list with this one stop. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 2-3

Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism’s Annual Holiday Sale Mix some culture in with your commerce this season at this annual sale. Tibetan vendors will be on hand selling items born of the Himalayas, including statues, incense, beads, art prints, and prayer flags. Then take a guided tour of the Monastery’s shrine room, which contains murals, mandalas, sculptures, and an immense golden Buddha. Also, there will be a bake sale. 108 NW 83rd Street, Seattle, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 3

Oddmall More than just an ordinary craft show, Oddmall is a celebration of uniqueness, creativity, imagination and wonder where artists, crafters and like-minded sorts gather to offer their unusual creations for public consumption. It’s the perfect place to find something unique for that special someone. Browsing Oddmall’s indoor profusion of nearly 200 vendors is a great and fantastic way to spend an afternoon with the family. Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue. Dec. 16-17