Gates Foundation Giving Marketplace, Dec. 5
The Gates Foundation Visitor Center is hosting a new all-day holiday pop-up event that's focused on giving back. Families can find unique, socially conscious gifts at more than a dozen pop-up shops that support causes such as clean water, health, and education. Gifts include African promise beads that promote the empowerment of Ugandan women; woven tote bags, pillowcases, and scarves made by rural Andean women; a special "Rudolph's Dream" glassybaby to support Teen Feed and more. While you're there, don't forget to check out the visitor center's engaging exhibits on family life around the globe, infectious disease and more.
Details: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
Want to do find handcrafted holiday treasures this year and entertain the kids at the same time? We've rounded up a set of family-friendly arts and crafts fairs that will help you do just that. And, with some luck, you'll find unique, homemade gifts to boot. (Did we miss one of your favorites? Email emurray@parentmap.com.)
Seattle Waldorf School Winter Faire, Dec. 5
A best-kept secret of North Seattle, the Seattle Waldorf School's annual Winter Faire is a great place to entertain kids (concerts and crafts activities all day), buy unique and hand-made items from vendors, nosh on yummy treats in the holiday cafe and simply get in the spirit: The lovely school is filled with holiday boughs, music and smells.
Details: Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Seattle Waldorf School. Free entry; some activities have fee.
Phinney Winter Festival and Crafts Faire, Dec. 5–6
This popular fair in North Seattle features more than 115 artists and crafts vendors, hundreds of musicians and dancers, live ongoing entertainment on two stages, a quilt raffle, a bake sale and lunch items.
Details: Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Phinney Neighborhood Center, Seattle. Entry $2/PNA member, $4/general public; children 12 and under are free. Plus, bring a can of food to donate to the Greenwood Food Bank.
Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show, Dec. 5–6
Attention, crafty moms and kids! This is Seattle’s largest craft show, and it’s free. A true community event founded in Seattle, Urban Craft Uprising (UCU) spotlights over 100 DIY crafters, artists, and designers at its Winter Show. Check out the children’s goods and attend a free craft demo. Tip: Visit UCU in the afternoon to avoid the busy morning crowds.
Details: Saturday–Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. Entry $1 donation. Preview night Dec. 4, $8 entry.
South Park's Art Under $100 Sale, Dec. 12
In South Seattle, South Park Arts' annual holiday sale features more than 70 local artists this year selling their handcrafted treasures in every possible medium you can think of. Even better, awesome mobile arts lab The Makery provides all-ages art activities throughout the day. There will also be a live DJ, wine, beer, snacks and food trucks. You can also pay $20 for VIP hour from 1–2 p.m., to get first dibs on art plus champagne and chocolate.
Details: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2–8 p.m., Seattle Design Center. Free entry.
Second Use Handmade Holiday Market, Dec. 12
If upcycled gifts are your holiday game, you will love this chance to explore the creativity and skill of over 30 local artisans at Second Use's south Seattle spot. Find coffee, food, adult beverages, DIY screen printing, and a storewide sale.
Details: Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Second Use Store, Seattle. Free entry.
