Shop Small and Shop Local in Richmond this Holiday Season
I don’t shop small, local, or fair trade all the time, but I try my best and I try to bring you along on this journey when I can, too. There are a lot of reasons it makes sense to shop small and local. Beyond ensuring fair treatment and fair wages for services rendered by artists and creators, the economic impact actually comes back around to you. When you buy your holiday presents, stationary, party dresses, and beauty products from local businesses, you put money into the hands of your neighbor. That neighbor spends that money in your neighborhood, boosting the quality of life for your community and contributing taxes that benefit social services provided to you and your family. The same thing doesn’t exactly happen when you push “Check Out” at Nordstrom. I talk a bit more about how to spend your money consciously in this post.
With all this shop local and shop small talk, I decided to put together a list of curated events I hope to attend during the next month or so. I created similar post last year and it was a hit. So, with an even stronger entrepreneurial energy in Richmond, this year is going to be event better. I’ll be shopping for my family and friends, but I also hope to bump into friends, drink yummy local beer and dance to some music at these social and foodie friendly events.
Bizarre Market Holiday
November 24- December 24, Daily
Chop Suey Books, Carytown
One of the longest running small-business holiday markets (13 years) will feature 50+ makers of sparkly, snuggly, gift-worthy goods will be featured in the upstairs gallery of Chop Suey Books for one month. Expect jewelry, ceramics, skin care, toys, art, household goods and oddities! Learn more.
What I’ll be shopping for: I’ve had my eye on some Beego Handmade pouches to organize my purse. I think my lady friends and relatives would love the colorful patterns, too.
RVA Artisan Market
November 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Studio Two Three in Scott’s Addition
I love this local nonprofit! Studio Two Three will host 25 vendors at this even on Small Business Saturday.. Each of the vendors is donating 25% of their profits from that day to support Studio Two Three’s mission of offering affordable studio access, art classes, education and outreach to the Richmond community.
Learn more.What I’ll be shopping for: Burn Down for What Candles have been popping up on my feed for a while. I can practically smell them already. I can’t wait to get up close and personal. Also, all I ever want are candles for presents for anyone who is asking.
Over The River Maker’s Market
November 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bon Air Shopping Center
Don’t forget to cross the River, Richmond! This event will showcase the goods and gifts from some of the Southside’s best artisans, makers, movers and shakers.
Learn more. What I’ll be shopping for: Curio Tarriums, a collection of handmade terrariums in quirky vintage finds. The best gift for any one on your list.
Tapped & Wrapped
December 1, 4 – 10 p.m.
The Veil Brewing Co.
This will be a fun one! I’ve never had a dull time at Veil. I know a few Boss Babes on the list here. I’ve written about Maven Made (serums and essential oils) in Richmond Magazine, collaborated with Riot + Revel (stationary) on a styled shoot, just published an article about Sun & Selene (jewelry) and featured Mac’s Smack (skincare and beauty) in Richmond Magazine and right here on Sweet Sauce.
Learn more. What I’ll be shopping for: I haven’t gotten my hands on a Sun & Selene piece, yet. My very special friends will probably get something from here, too.
Richmond Craft Mafia Handmade Holiday
December 2-3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
I almost didn’t include this until I saw there were 80 vendors. I think anyone should go simply for the entertainment of looking at a huge collection of all of Richmond’s best makers. If you show up early on Saturday between 10 and 11 a.m., pay $5 to benefit TheaterLAB (another fav of mine) to shop before it really turns into mania.
Learn more. What I’ll be shopping for: I have an Awl Snap wallet I bought last holiday season, I think. The rich leather is like butter. My man needs a new wallet and I think this will be where I snag it.
Vegan Holiday Pop-Up and Shop-Up
December 8, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. to shop, and 4 to 10 p.m. to beer up and eat up!
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
This fun shopping and drinking even is co-hosted by the
Richmond Vegetarian Festival to bring you an indoor market full of local makers, artisans, and business owners that have a commitment to animals, wellness, recycling, and the world. Live Music kicks off around 6 p.m. featuring Paulo Franco with Shane Cooley and the Midnight Girls.
Learn more. What I’ll be shopping for: Maven Made, baby! This facial serum is no joke and perfect for my eczema.
Where else shall we shop in Richmond this year? Share in the comments below so all my readers can find out!
