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Holiday Gift Ideas: Artistic, Experiential, Green

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Buy Local Berkeley educates about the community, environmental and economic benefits of shopping at locally owned, independent businesses.  We want to inspire people to shift their spending to Berkeley indies whenever possible.

In This Issue
Holiday Festivals
Gifts of Green
Gifts of Experience
Buying Local
in the News
Buy local goes big-time
A national community of small businesses in the Wall Street Journal & on CNN

"Money is like blood, it needs to keep moving . . . " TIME Magazine on buying local

Green holiday tip
Use leftover fabric, handkerchief, scarf or reusable tins to wrap gifts instead of single-use virgin paper.

For more great eco and econo tips


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Issue: 10
December 2009
Greetings!

'Tis the season of arts and culture in Berkeley. Our holiday craft fairs, nighttime art galleries and outdoor music are unique Berkeley winter wonderlands. Read on for ideas on how to give your visitors a getaway with a strong sense of place.

Treat yourself to holiday staycation goodies: Locally crafted artwork, tickets to Berkeley performances of theater, music or dance, a massage or spa day, or well made things for everyday use. 

If you're traveling, bear gifts with local panache. Supporting local economies and independently owned business is hip no matter where you go!

Have your gifts reflect your values - Give the gift of community this holiday season. 

Shop local independents in the spirit of the season!
Holiday Festivals & Shows
Gifts of art, food & more
Meet local artists! Stroll for festive shopping

ACCI Gallery's Holiday Arts Celebration
Friday, Dec 11,
4pm - 8pm
Jewelry, handblown glass, decorative arts and more. Everything in the gallery will be 25% off regular price!
Stop by the neighborhood Latke Tent nearby before or after (12pm - 7pm) for a Hanukkah warm-up fried to order

Saul's Latke Tent & Beer Garden
Dec 12 - 13 11am - 6pm
Hanukkah craft-making & live music

Berkeley Artisans Open Studios
Dec 12-13, 19-20 11am - 6pm
Treasure troves of artwork are all over Berkeley - follow this map to find them! Berkeley artists showcase and sell handcrafted work right where it's made. Dare to get up close and local.

Photographs circa Berkeley - John Vias Open Studio 
Dec 12 - 13 11am - 6pm
Holiday discounts during Winter Open Studio day
Give photographs for the love of Berkeley scenery

Ecology Center Craft Fair
Dec 12, Dec 19
10am - 4pm
Live music
Nearby at the Farmer's Market, pick up local jams, artisanal Berkeley-made sauerkraut,  California-grown olive oil, handmade fresh bread and bagels for holiday parties

Telegraph Ave Holiday Street Fair
Dec 12, 13, 19, 20, 23, 24 11 am - 6 pmMore than 200 Artists. How Berkeley can you be. Really! Something for every taste.

Holiday shows at The Freight & Salvage
Pomegranates and Figs: A Feast of Jewish Music Dec 16, 17
Christmas Jug Band Dec 18
Freight Holiday Revue Dec 20
A Christmas Carol theatrical reading Dec 22

Night Before Christmas Party at Rebecca's Books
Dec 19, 11am-2pm
Readings begin at 11:30. Kwanza will be celebrated at 1:00 and Santa will read the Night before Christmas at 1:30. Refreshments, fun, face painting, and a gift for every child that attends.
Gifts of Green Under $25
Cutting back on single-use plastic is all the rage. At the
Ecology Center Store find festive reusable glass straws, a treat for kids & adults alike. Break resistant.
Ecology Center glass straws
Nifty stainless steel three-in-one food container too. Have fun with packing lunch! 
Ecology Center stainless steel lunch box
Ecology Center Members' Holiday sale on Sunday, Dec 13. 20% off plus other special treats for members! On San Pablo.
 
Shrink landfills!
Elbow Grease DesignsBags made from event banners.
Made right hereElbow Grease Designs bags in Berkeley! Visit the open studio Dec 19-20 10am - 6pm in Berkeley, other opps to shop in person around the Bay here, or order online. Studio is on 9th Street.






Ajanta Bedspread



Made in Oakland: at Color Loom on 4th street, finds include a
sturdy Chef's Apron in Hombre Stripe $24 with matching Shopping Bags at $12. 












Amanda's Feel Good Fresh Food - Your favorite urbanite will save 10 cents on their drinks year-round when they bring Amanda a reusable cup.  $19.95 Reusable Amanda's cup and a $10 gift card (a $22.95 value). On Shattuck in Downtown Berkeley.
Gifts of Experience under $25
Stonemountain PJ pantsDIY skills are ultra cool and ultra eco. Give sewing classes and learn how to make cozy PJ pants at Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics on Shattuck.Download extra savings coupon. You can even buy a gift certificate over the phone and have it sent directly - how sweet of them to put in the extra effort! 510-845-6106

Holiday tarts made from scratch in DowntownPie in the Sky holiday tart Justina Berkeley.
By pastry chef Justina Barnard at Pie in the Sky.

Made fresh to order: sweet potato, chocolate caramel, cranberry tarts and more.




Buy local online! Purchase an On-the-Spot massage gift certificate good at the many convenient Bay area locations

The perfect gift for a Berkeley cinemaophile: Ajanta Bedspread
Elmwood
Rialto Cinemas
Gift Card!
More Berkeley Holiday specials
Earthsake Coyuchi Organic, Fair Trade Flannel Sheets - Ajanta BedspreadStay extra warm with cotton grown by family farmers organized in cooperatives. Coyuchi, located in Point Reyes, pays premium prices to these small-scale growers, to support the growth of organic agriculture.

Save 25% off Earthsake's online holiday gift guide. Holiday stock has just been marked down 50% off in-store! On 4th street.

Magic Gardens Nursery
Living Succulent Wreath (limited number). Wow!
Ajanta Bedspread









Metro Lighting -
20% off entire inventory, 50%-70% off select items
Ajanta Bedspread
Dec 11 - Dec 23
Wide range of compact florescents
Your shopping will be powered by a 19 watt solar rooftop array!
Happy Holidays. Stay warm.
 
Locally Yours,
 
The Buy Local Berkeley Gang