Festive & Frugal - A Round-Up of Holiday Shopping Soirees

We've got some pretty impressive department stores in SF, from Macy's to the newly erected retail palace, Bloomingdale's. But let's face it, few of us have a Balenciaga budget and besides, true affections are best expressed in ways which are far more unique than mass-produced goods can convey. Luckily, there's no need to settle for more of the same; eclectic independent options abound. Plus, there are perks - parties and even gift-wrapping. So snap out of that mall-induced coma, and head to these lively local events.

Curious Finds
Quirky Mission District shop, Paxton Gate (824 Valencia), is the antidote to the generic. Its shelves and walls are lined with the strange and beautiful: taxidermy, framed and mounted insects, fossils and delicate jewelry among other objet d'art.To celebrate its 16th anniversary and the debut of a new sister store, they're throwing a party. Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids just opened its doors at 766 Valencia Street. A selection of unusual and uncommon toys, vintage and new, games, art, and Victoriana—will be available via a variety of independent, local and even “green” suppliers. This latest addition to proprietor Sean Quigley’s expanding business interests is personal. “One of the aims of the new store is to provide a place to purchase the tried-and-true toys we played with as children,” says the soon to be parent Quigley, “as well as the toys our parents played with as children.”

An excellent place to stock up on holiday goodies for the children and dreamers on your list. If you're fortunate, they make up the bulk of your friendships.

When: December 6 from 7-10pm
Where: Paxton Gate’s main store, 824 Valencia

Mission Bazaar
If you're dubious as to the desirability of creative taxidermy on the mantle or fossilized ornaments on the tree, the Mission Bazaar (333 14th St.) is a slightly less ephemeral shopping alternative. Just in time for the holiday season, the hipster swap-meet packages and markets the innate creativity of local artisans inside one of SF's historical landmark buildings.The venue, recently renamed the Armory Community Center (TACC), is a 40,000 square foot hall that provides the perfect setting for this community marketplace.

With over 100 local artisans exhibiting their uniquely designed creative products (fashion, accessories, jewelry, leather and more) and over 15 hours of live performances by singers, musicians, circus and dance acts, DJs and much more, "Mission Bazaar is a totally unique approach to connecting artists and the public that celebrates the artistic richness of the Bay Area," says organizer Justin Katz.

For more about the event or for exhibitor sign-up, visit www.missionbazaar.com

When: December 6th (10am - 6pm) and Sunday, December 7th (11am - 6pm)
Where: 333 14th St.

Party on Polk
To entice local gift-hunters, the Polk District Merchants Association (PDMA) is throwing two parties. On Thursday evenings, Dec. 11 and 18, from 5-8 pm, neighbors, friends and visitors are invited to partake in a plethora of promotions, sweets and treats. And the icing on the gingerbread man? Free gift-wrapping by student volunteers from nearby Galileo High School - at PARTY ON POLK. The cornucopia of stores and businesses in the Polk District is urging SF residents to "shop local" for the holidays.

From restaurants and bars, hardware stores to lingerie boutiques, art galleries to candy shops, most of the retailers are locally owned and operated, offering a wealth of unusual goods and services. "You can find a great gift for anyone along Polk: art, jewelry, clothing, home furnishings, you name it," says Jennifer Farris, owner of Studio Gallery. "During Party on Polk, you can do all your shopping right here, support the local economy and get your gifts wrapped for free - it's less stress and more fun!"
PDMA members hope old and new customers will join in the festivities, get to know their area merchants and be inspired to shop locally. That's a far cry from the anonymity of giant retailers. "This is really a local campaign," stresses Stephen Cornell, longtime owner of the iconic Brownies Hardware.

When: Dec. 11 and 18, from 5-8 pm
Where: Polk Street

Crafty Gifts
Local lefty radio station, KPFA, may be associated with rabble raising rather than fine crafts, music and tasty concession foods, but the KPFA Crafts & Music Fair draws thousands of listeners and supporters for a celebration of arts, music and free speech radio.

Each year, the Fair’s panel of judges selects more than 200 of America’s finest artisans and artists to participate. This much anticipated event offers collectors, craft and holiday shoppers a unique opportunity to purchase high-quality, original, handcrafted work directly from the artists and learn firsthand about their craft. This year, many exhibitors showcase eco-friendly green crafts that utilize re-purposed materials and environmentally sensitive techniques.
Take a break from browsing to dance to non-stop live music performances on the Fair stage including jazz, hip hop,bluegrass, world music and blues. Artist interviews and spoken word by WritersCorps Youth Poets will also be featured .

The FoodPavilion offers visitors a chance to enjoy festive food from around the world. The event benefits KPFA 94.1 fm, the country's first nonprofit listener-sponsored, free speech public radio station. It is the station’s largest off-air fundraiser.


WHEN:
Saturday, December 13, 2008 (10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Sunday, December 14, 2008 (10 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.)

WHERE:
Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street at Brannan
Wheelchair accessible.
Complimentary shuttles from the Civic Center BART Station, 8th & Market MUNI bus stop, and the Caltrain station at 4th and
King Streets.
Valet bicycle parking provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition.
Carpooling available with SpaceShare.com.