The latest hot shopping spots around Sydney…

The Finders Keepers

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Speciality:

The Finders Keepers market will be brimming with over 200 Australian artists and designers showcasing handcrafted goods. And don’t expect run-of-the-mill here! You’ll find original products that come with great stories to share over gift-giving traditions. Showcasing their latest collections, look out for gorgeous indie fashion labels like Milk & Thistle and Dragstar, or find luscious hemp-based skincare from Humble Body. For those with a green thumb, keep an eye out for much-coveted ceramic vases from Bridget Bodenham, and Vessel and Vine for their range of planters and pots.

The crowd:

We find that Finders Keepers attracts all walks of life, from the baby boomers seeking sustainable shopping to the inner-city fashionistas, and mums and dads who are still cool kids. There’s something for everyone, and all are indeed welcome.

Stocking fillers:

Check out what’s on the table at each stall; often there’s some bargains to be found that would make perfect stocking stuffers. For the special man in your life, look no further than the likes of Hide + Seeker for carefully crafted leather goods. The littlest members of the family will not miss out; The Smallest Tribe has a selection of playful designs and accessories perfect to keep youngsters hip for the summer holidays.

To spend the last $10 in your pocket, make sure you’re covered for wrapping paper and cards! For the essential accompaniment for every gift, Amelia Lane Papers has your wrapping needs sorted. With gorgeous hand-designed cards, you’ll be well stocked for those last-minute well-wishes. You can also check out Bespoke Letterpress, Emma Kate Co., Amelia Lane Paper and Parchment & Twine.

What’s the fuel?

This season, we are excited to announce the new addition of a beverage stall by the wonderful folk at CAPI. For those who’d like something a little stronger, Stone & Wood will be serving their beers at the bars, in addition to a selection of white and red wine. You’ll also discover a fantastic selection of food stalls and trucks with ready-to-eat meals, along with treats and snacks to take home as well. The Veggie Patch Van’s sweet potato chips with avocado dressing are always a crowd favourite, or if it’s Vietnamese you’re after, then don’t go past the friendly faces from Bar Pho. There will also be bagels, salads, cakes, gelato, cold-pressed juices and donuts too!

Stallholder info:

Stallholders apply via an application form on our website. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media channels for the announcement of our event and application dates for 2016 very soon!

Where: Australian Technology Park, Exhibition Hall, Locomotive Street, Eveleigh. Entry via Henderson Road (entry via Bay 8).

When: Friday December 11 (6-10pm), Saturday December 12 (10am-6pm) and Sunday December 13 (10am-4pm)

More: thefinderskeepers.com/sydney-markets

[Main image: Finders Keepers Markets byFinders Keepers by Dave Kan; Finders Keepers food photo by Bec Taylor]

Made In St Peters

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Speciality:

A unique selection of stuff made/created in St Peters. We wanted to showcase and celebrate the makers of the area. We’ll have a range of shoulder bags, badges, light boxes, patches, screen printed T-shirts, local honey, tarot readings, weird Australiana and all kinds of affordable art. The Department Of Nothing, Vectorpunk and The Urban Beehive are a few of our local characters.

The crowd:

Much like St Peters these days, it’s a diverse crowd. But expect rock’n’roll families, the fashion mafia, art lovers and people looking for something that’s well crafted, locally made and unique. And lots of sexy locals.

Stocking fillers:

Come early and take your time. Our goal is to make this a one-stop Christmas emporium that is gonna be chilled and fun. We’ve made an effort to include local printers and designers whose gifts start at $3. Look for the one-off badges from $5. With a spare $10, I would buy a jar of honey from the St Peters hives. It tastes like the flowers in Sydney Park.

What’s the fuel?

Art is our fuel. But there will be iced chai and we’re metres away from the babes at Velvet Garage café. BYO longneck, shop with a beer and enjoy the tunes. As Alec Empire said, “Pleasure is our business.”

Stallholder info:

To apply, email ASAP: [email protected].

Where: 31 Princes Highway, St Peters – opposite Sydney Park, minutes from Newtown and St Peters station.

When: Friday December 18 (5-9pm) and Saturday December 19 (10am-5pm)

More: Just type Made In St Peters into Facebook.

Dear Pluto Pop Up Xmas Market

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Speciality:

Dear Pluto’s Pop Up Xmas Market is part of a week-long series of events we are curating at 107 Projects in Redfern. In addition to the three-day shopping extravaganza, we’ve got workshops, a light-hearted (dare we say comedy) talk about dating, an art exhibition and even a speed dating party.

We’ve lined up a fantastic selection of upcoming makers and designers for the markets, giving you the opportunity to get your loved ones some unique gifts this Christmas (no socks or ties over here). There’s a pop-up nail salon, an in-house florist and a curated range of locally sourced and made wares including ceramics, cards, jewellery, apparel, art and homewares. Some of our favourite stalls include Amy Blue Illustration [above], Everything’s Good [below], Sprout & Friends and Suely Lu Design. Opening night will feature live music from Cohlaj and free nail art by Cutiecoolz.

We’ve lined up a rotating roster of 30 stalls over the three days. That’s not including our other contributors, workshops and artists, of course. With no space left unused, the walls will also have some fantastic works from Natalie Synnott, Imogen Grist and Gal Dente on display and available for sale from Tuesday right through to Sunday.

The crowd:

Like nice things and/or gotta get some Christmas gifts? Then this market is for you. There’s something for every age bracket, whether you’re a tiny tot or silver fox.

Stocking fillers:

We’d get a highly inappropriate card from Millie Hall for grandma, and a sushi cat sticker pack from Jess Chen.

What’s the fuel?

There is an onsite bar and café, with wines from Cake Wines, coffee and snacks. There’s also candy sushi (yes, candy that looks like, and is packaged like, sushi), for those of you with a sweet tooth.

Stallholder info:

Unfortunately, applications for stalls have now closed. However, we love hearing from local designers and makers; say hello to us at [email protected], and we’ll be in touch next time we’re doing something cool.

Where: 107 Projects, 107 Redfern Street, Redfern

When: Friday December 11 – Sunday December 13. We’ve also got some great things lined up for next year already, although most are still hush-hush. One event we’re particularly excited for is St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, where we’re putting on a makers’ market for the second year running. Subscribe to our events on our Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

More: dearpluto.co

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