Uwishunu.com

By Carrie Estok

Let’s be honest here – gift giving has gone to the dogs. But don’t fret – you can totally get some street cred this holiday season (and if you gave gift cards last year, trust me, you’ll need it) by picking up some handmade presents (such as the cards above from Art Star) that were crafted by local artists:

Mew Gallery: Lovely little Italian Market boutique and gallery that “aims to provide an independent alternative to commercial boutiques and inaccessible galleries by providing the public with a unique alternative to mass-produced, socially irresponsible products.” Snap up clothing, jewelry, housewares and more, including necktie wallets from Parvenu Leisure, dolly pillows from Lucy’s Vintage and accessories from Project Runway superstar Jay McCarroll. Hours: Tu-Th 11ish-6:30ish | F 11ish-7ish | S 10ish-7:30ish | Su 10ish-4ish

Mew Gallery
906 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 625-2424
www.mewgallery.org

Art Star Gallery: Stop by this beloved Northern Liberties shop, which exhibits and sells handmade clothing, accessories, artwork and crafts, for their Third Annual Holiday Exhibition. 25+ artists have created unique ornaments, stockings and cards that help you avoid buying more mass produced junk that nobody really wants, anyway. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 11 AM-7 PM, Sun. 12 PM-6 PM

Art Star Gallery
1030 N. 2nd St., Unit 301, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 238-1557
www.artstarphilly.com

More after the jump!

Bambi Project: Some call it a gallery, others an artist consignment shop. We just call it swell. Just follow the pink neon lights to Fishtown, where you’ll find quirky owner Candace Karch and wares by many superstars of the emerging art scene. Hours: Fri. 12:30 PM-4 PM, Sat.11:30 AM-4 PM, Sun. 11:30 AM-4 PM

Bambi Project
1817 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 423-2668
www.bambiproject.com

Vagabond: While it’s not strictly dedicated to local goods, you can score beautiful clothing designed and handcrafted by the shop’s owners. Check out Mary Clark’s beautiful hand-knit Stellapop sweaters, as well as Megan Murphy’s expertly tailored dresses, pants and jackets from her City of Brotherly Love collection. Now that you’re inspired, pick up some yarn (also sold here) and get to work on your own darn line! Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 AM-7 PM, Sun.11 AM- 5 PM.

Vagabond
37 N. 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 671-0737
www.vagabondboutique.com

Positive Space’s Procrastinator’s Holiday Bazaar: Fresh off the success of their recent craft sale at Standard Tap, this network of local artists is ready for round two on Saturday, December 22 at the M Room. Stock up on locally made painting, prints, glassworks, jewelry, crafts and more – you’re running out of time! From 11AM to 4PM.

Positive Space’s Procrastinator’s Holiday Bazaar
15 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA
215-739-5577
www.positivespace.net