Alternative Christmas shopping

BUST Craftacular

There are a whole host of Christmas fairs and local late night shopping events popping up over London over the next few weeks. Not only are they brilliant for getting you in a festive mood, they are also a great way to pick up some really individual presents and support independent makers and retailers.

BUST Christmas Craftacular London is one of my favourites and a great one to visit – particularly if you are buying for, or shopping with teenagers – featuring over 60 crafters who make unique handmade gifts.This year it has moved to a new Islington location and takes place on Sunday, the 14th of December, from 12pm – 7pm 14 at The Islington Metal Works, 7 Torrens Street, London EC1V 1NQ.

In East London the Christmas Designer Market at the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green also looks like one to visit, especially if you are buying for small children. Taking place this coming Sunday it promises to feature more than 30 of the UK’s most exciting independent designers and makers for children.

Another East London goody features friends of mine, knitwear designers Jane and Jess from Quinton Chadwick, Rae Jones designer of the Buckitt bag and jewellery designer Vicky Davies. The sale takes place at 18 Tudor Road on Friday 5th of December from 4-9pm (with cocktails and mince pies) and Saturday the 6th from 11am -6pm.

Not strictly a Christmas sale but definitely one to visit if you live in South London, is the wonderful ceramic designer Lubna Chowdhary’s studio sale on the 6th and 7th of December. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit Lubna’s garden studio and enjoy a cup of tea and cake while picking up a ceramic bargain. The sale is from 10am – 6pm at 162 Sunnyhill Road, London SW16 2UN.

Check out the listings on Time Out and The Londonist for details of other Christmas sales in London over the next few weeks.

Apologies to non London readers – maybe one day we will have some staff and be able to bring you UK wide listings…..