Craft fairs are my absolute favorite when it comes to hunting for unique, handmade items that possess a certain charm you can’t find in mass-produced goods. Every time I visit one, I’m amazed at the creativity and craftsmanship that people put into their work. The array of items on offer is often overwhelming, but there are certain things that I find myself drawn to again and again. In this post, I’ll share with you 13 things that I always buy at craft fairs, and why they’re worth seeking out.
1. Handmade Jewelry
Handcrafted jewelry always has a unique touch that you won’t find in commercially made pieces. The beautiful imperfections and individual variations make each piece one of a kind. I love seeing what materials and techniques the artisans use, from hammered metal to hand-knotted macramé. Plus, when you buy handmade jewelry, you’re supporting small businesses and individual artists. It’s a great way to show your support for their craft and keep the tradition of handmade goods alive.
2. Artisanal Soap
There’s something incredibly luxurious about using a bar of artisanal soap. They’re often made with natural ingredients and essential oils, making them a healthier choice for your skin. Plus, the fragrances are usually more authentic and complex than what you’d find in commercial soaps. Buying handmade soap is also a great way to support local businesses. Many soap makers are small-scale operations, often run out of someone’s home. By buying their products, you’re helping to support their livelihood and encouraging them to keep making their wonderful products.
3. Handwoven Baskets
Handwoven baskets are a testament to the skill and patience of their makers. Each one is unique and tells a story of the person who made it. They’re also incredibly functional and can be used for storing items, serving food, or simply as decoration. When you buy a handmade basket, you’re not only getting a beautiful and functional item, you’re also supporting traditional crafts. Basket weaving is an ancient craft that’s been passed down through generations, and by buying these baskets, you’re helping to keep this tradition alive.
4. Pottery
Pottery has a timeless appeal that makes it a great addition to any home. Whether it’s a coffee mug, a serving dish, or a decorative vase, each piece is unique and has been crafted with care. I love the rustic, earthy feel of pottery and the way it can add warmth and character to a space. Buying pottery at craft fairs also gives you the opportunity to meet the artists behind the pieces. You can learn about their process, their inspiration, and the techniques they use. It’s a great way to connect with the craft and appreciate the work that goes into each piece.
5. Hand-printed Textiles
Hand-printed textiles are a great way to add a touch of handmade charm to your home. Whether it’s a set of tea towels, a table runner, or a throw pillow, these items add color and pattern to your space. Plus, they’re functional and can be used daily. When you buy hand-printed textiles, you’re supporting artisans who have honed their craft over years of practice. Many use traditional techniques, like block printing or screen printing, to create their designs. It’s a wonderful way to support these crafts and bring a piece of their artistry into your home.
6. Handmade Candles
There’s something incredibly soothing about the soft glow and gentle fragrance of a handmade candle. Whether they’re made from beeswax, soy wax, or another natural material, these candles often burn cleaner and longer than their mass-produced counterparts. Plus, they’re often scented with essential oils, which can have therapeutic benefits. Buying handmade candles is also a great way to support local artisans. Many candle makers start their businesses out of a passion for the craft, and by buying their products, you’re encouraging them to keep doing what they love.
7. Local Artwork
Buying local artwork at a craft fair is a great way to support your local arts community. Whether it’s a painting, a print, or a sculpture, these pieces reflect the talent and creativity of local artists. Plus, they’re a great way to bring unique, local flavor to your home decor. When you buy local artwork, you’re not only getting a beautiful piece for your home, you’re also supporting the artist directly. This can help them continue their craft and contribute to a vibrant local arts scene.
8. Handmade Leather Goods
Handmade leather goods have a quality and durability that’s hard to find in mass-produced items. Whether it’s a wallet, a belt, or a handbag, these items are made to last and will only get better with age. Plus, they’re often made with high-quality, locally sourced leather, which can make a big difference in the final product. When you buy handmade leather goods, you’re supporting skilled craftspeople who take pride in their work. It’s a great way to support traditional crafts and get a product that’s been made with care and attention to detail.
9. Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are a refreshing change from the plastic toys that dominate the market. They’re durable, safe, and often made with non-toxic finishes. Plus, they’re often more imaginative and encourage creative play. Buying wooden toys is also a great way to support local woodworkers and toy makers. Many of these artisans are small businesses who put a lot of love and care into their products. By buying their toys, you’re supporting their craft and getting a toy that’s been made with care.
10. Artisanal Food Products
There’s nothing quite like the taste of artisanal food products. Whether it’s honey from a local beekeeper, jam from a local fruit farm, or bread from a local bakery, these products are made with care and often taste better than their mass-produced counterparts. Buying artisanal food products is also a great way to support local businesses and farmers. Many of these producers are small-scale operations who take pride in their products. By buying their goods, you’re helping to support their livelihood and encouraging them to keep making their wonderful products.
11. Handmade Cards
Handmade cards have a personal touch that you just don’t get with store-bought cards. Whether it’s a birthday card, a thank you card, or a just-because card, these cards are unique and often feature beautiful artwork or clever designs. When you buy handmade cards, you’re supporting local artists and small businesses. Many card makers are independent artists who create their cards out of a love for the craft. By buying their cards, you’re supporting their work and encouraging them to keep creating.
12. Handcrafted Furniture
Handcrafted furniture is a real investment, but it’s one that can last a lifetime. Whether it’s a coffee table, a bookshelf, or a dining table, these pieces are made with care and attention to detail. Plus, they’re often made with high-quality, locally sourced wood, which can make a big difference in the final product. When you buy handcrafted furniture, you’re supporting local woodworkers and furniture makers. These artisans take pride in their work and put a lot of time and effort into each piece. By buying their furniture, you’re supporting their craft and getting a piece of furniture that’s been made with care.
13. Handspun Yarn
If you’re a knitter or crocheter, handspun yarn is a real treat. Each skein is unique and often features beautiful color variations that you won’t find in commercial yarns. Plus, they’re often softer and more luxurious than their mass-produced counterparts. When you buy handspun yarn, you’re supporting local spinners and fiber artists. These artisans put a lot of time and effort into creating their yarns, and by buying their products, you’re supporting their craft and getting a product that’s been made with care. So, the next time you head to a craft fair, keep an eye out for these items. Not only will you be supporting local artisans, but you’ll also be bringing home unique, high-quality goods that you can enjoy for years to come.