On The Job – Katie Booker

Katie Booker

Vintage and handmade gift shop owner

Katie Booker is the owner of Little Vintage Venue in Suncook. The retail shop sells vintage, upcycled and locally handmade items.

Explain your job and what it entails.

My job includes finding local crafters and vendors to rent out space in the shop or having them attend one of my open houses. I love being on the hunt for unique antique or vintage items [and] items made locally or in the U.S. … I place [items] in the shop. Display is everything. If items aren’t selling, I … change the display, and that usually does the trick. I also take pictures for social media to share new items or items on sale. Sometimes I’ll have a live video with my daughter and show new items … or feature a local crafter to help their sales. I love interacting with my customers. … When they ask for special orders, or … something in particular they’re looking for, I enjoy finding that special piece. There are housekeeping items I have to handle, too cleaning the shop, paying my vendors and crafters, paying bills, posting on social media.

How long have you had this job?

Since August 2018.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I’ve always loved making craft items for my home or to give as gifts. In 2013 I started making and selling signs to friends and family. From there I started attending craft fairs, selling my work. When I saw places that opened up at the mall selling local crafters’ work, it made me think about having my own shop. There’s nothing better than stumbling along a cute town with some nice shops. A space was open right in the town I grew up in. Even better, it was only a four-minute walk from my house.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I’ve been self-training the point-of-sale system and taking photos of items that I’m selling.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Casual attire that includes my shop’s shirts.

How has your job changed over the course of the pandemic?

I had to shut down March 2020 until June 2020. I was nervous how sales would do after reopening. It turned out to be great for my business. People who lived in town started walking by and would peek in the window. It made them want to come into the shop. My reopening attracted many because they were excited to see what I had. On the weekends people would go out for a Sunday drive and notice my flag outside and items on the sidewalk, then stop in. I feel that people felt safe coming into a small shop where it was less busy. For me, it brought in a lot of new customers that enjoy coming back.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

More about social media and building a platform for my business.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I’ve started the business from scratch. There have been a lot of bumps along the way, but I try my best to smooth them out. When the shop is a mess, it’s only because it’s a lot of work to move items around. You have to keep it fresh by rearranging the shop and making your visions and ideas come to life.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was 14 years old and worked selling rubber stamps at craft fairs on the weekends for a small business called Stampers Delight. I would give demonstrations for making cards and crafts and how to use the different products, along with ringing up the customers.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

Remember to take time for your family and yourself.

Five favorites

Favorite book: Craft magazines and The Mysterious Benedict Society
Favorite movie: Mary Poppins
Favorite music: Rob Thomas/Matchbox Twenty
Favorite food: My mom’s chocolate cream pie
Favorite thing about NH: Everything it has to offer. I love being an hour away from the mountains, beach, lakes and Boston.

Featured photo: Katie Booker. Courtesy photo.

Dark days of winter

How to make them a little brighter

This is the darkest time of the year: Not only are the days short, but clouds obscure the sun much of the time. Many of us find the gloom oppressive, especially when there is neither enough snow to ski nor ice to skate on. And for gardeners, there is little we can (or wish to) do outside. So what do I do?

First, I go to my local grocery store or florist and buy cut flowers or potted plants. For $10 or $15 I can brighten my outlook considerably. The most economical to buy are potted plants. They will, with a minimum of care and forethought, bloom for weeks or even for months. Here are a few of my favorites:

Christmas cactus. It should be called a Thanksgiving cactus, really, because they usually bloom well before Christmas. Buy one in full bloom or that has a mix of blossoms and buds. They need moderate light indoors, but not hot afternoon sun. Temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees are best for success. They should not be allowed to dry out completely, but neither do they want to be kept soggy. They like humidity, so place them in a saucer of small stones and add water. Never let the pot sit in water.

Cyclamen. Another low-light plant. This one is suited for even less light than Christmas cactus. If you give it any direct sunshine, an hour or two of morning sun is plenty, but indirect light is better.

Water your cyclamen only when dry, which depends on the temperature and relative humidity. I find picking up the pot tells me a lot: If dry, it weighs very little; when moist, it is heavier. If you go too long, the flowers will flop as if to say, “Look at me, I’m dying of thirst!” But they recover quickly. Place your plant in a saucer of water and let it suck up water. But don’t let it sit in water for long.

My mother loved African violets and did well with them. I remember doing an experiment with my new Chemistry Set for Young Scientists when I was in the fourth grade. I made a solution of tannic acid and put a drop on a leaf. Overnight, it burned a perfect hole! Great experiment until my mother asked me if I had done something to her plant.

I have not had great luck with African violets here in New Hampshire (they may have heard about my experiment, way back when). I largely heat with a wood stove, and keep the house warm, but quite cool at night. I finally read an article that said one should never let the temperature in the room they are in drop below 70 degrees. So I no longer try, though I have recently read that temps down to 60 degrees are OK.

If you want to grow them, keep them consistently warm in a bright room but not in direct sunshine. They like high humidity (hence do not like woodstoves) but do not tolerate soggy roots. Water from the bottom, but water once a month from above (to flush out any fertilizer salts). Never let water get on the leaves. Pinch off spent blossoms or yellowed leaves.

My absolute favorite house plant is an orchid called phalaenopsis or moth orchid. Buy them in bloom, and they will bloom for many weeks. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, but they need a bright room. These are tropical orchids so like warm temperatures. But cool nights are good, down to 55 degrees.

Moth orchids in their native environment grow in trees. So the soil mix they come in is generally a special orchid mix made of bark chips, and perhaps a little perlite or vermiculite. This mix allows water to run right through it. If it comes with an inner pot and an outer pot, be sure to pour out water after watering from the outer pot, which normally has no drainage. Or just lift the inner pot and run water through in your sink. Otherwise you will kill your orchid. Water once a week, or if exposed roots turn silvery white.

According to the experts, tree orchids such as these do best with good air circulation. Me? I find that in a room with people coming and going there is enough air movement to keep them healthy. I grow them over a saucer of pebbles and water to increase humidity, and grow them in the bathroom, where steam from the shower helps.

But if you have no patience with house plants, or believe you cannot grow them, buy flowers for a vase. Most cut flowers will last a week; many will last longer. Most stems cost between $1.50 and $3. Buy an odd number of stems: three, five, seven or 11, depending on your budget.

The vase for displaying cut flowers should be about half as tall as the stems are long (or a little less). But that rule is not firm. If the arrangement looks good to your eye, it is fine.

Cut flowers generally come with a little packet of white powder. Use it. It helps to keep the water from getting full of bacteria or fungus that will clog the stem, keeping it from taking up water. Pull off any leaves that would otherwise go in the water. You can also use a teaspoon of Clorox in a quart of water. Never put cut flowers near a radiator or wood stove.

Henry’s book Organic Gardening (not just) in the Northeast is available from him for $19 at gardening-guy.com.

Gifts for gardeners
Henry Homeyer recommended gifts for the gardener in your life in the Dec. 2 issue of the Hippo. Find the e-edition at hippopress.com; the story is on page 20.

Featured photo: Cyclamen really are not fussy, and bloom for weeks. Photo by Henry Homeyer.

Kiddie Pool 21/12/09

Family fun for the weekend

Holiday happenings

The Nov. 25 issue was our big Holiday Guide issue, packed full of Christmas/winter/general holiday-themed events happening through the end of the year. You can find the e-edition at hippopress.com. Here are some of the events that are happening this weekend.

Santa!

• Santa Claus will arrive by helicopter at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m., where he’ll greet families and take gift requests until 1 p.m. The outdoor event is free and open to the public. Arrive by 10:45 a.m. to park and get a spot. Hot cocoa and cider will also be provided, courtesy of the Airport Diner in Manchester. Children who talk to Santa will get goodie bags, according to a press release.

• Enjoy S’mores with Santa at the tree lighting at the gazebo in New Boston on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 4 p.m., after which kids can bring an ornament from home to put on the town tree and visit with Santa, according to newbostonnh.gov. The Recreation Department will provide s’mores ingredients along with hot chocolate and cider.

Lights!

• After the S’mores with Santa, New Boston will hold Light Up New Boston from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11. Find a map of houses that will be decked out via newboston.gov.

• Saturday, Dec. 11, is the first night of the Southern New Hampshire Tour of Lights. Participating town parks and recreation departments include Amherst, Milford, Jaffrey, Antrim, Fitzwilliam, Keene, Merrimack, Peterborough, Rindge and Troy. See the rec department websites for lists of houses on the tour, which runs through Dec. 27.

• Manchester’s Holiday Lights Contest opens for judging on Friday, Dec. 10. See manchesternh.gov for the Manchester Holiday Lights Map and the judging form for Manchester residents to pick their favorites.

Kids night out

• The YMCA of Greater Londonderry (206 Rockingham Road, Londonderry) hosts Kids Night at the Y on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 9 p.m. The theme will be “Holiday Palooza.” YMCA staff will keep the kids healthy and active with art and STEM projects, and a pizza dinner will be served. All are welcome; no membership required. The cost is $40 per child, and $30 for each additional sibling. Go to bit.ly/3vNi98A.

The Polar Express

• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham) has added more screenings for its Polar Express viewing party at each of its three locations. In Manchester, while Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 screenings were sold out, as of earlier this week, tickets were still available for Friday, Dec. 10, at 3 and 6:30 p.m. as well as Monday, Dec. 13, through Thursday, Dec. 16, in the evening. In Nashua, available screenings include Friday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12, at noon as well as evening screenings Monday, Dec. 13, through Thursday, Dec. 15. In Pelham, available screenings include Friday, Dec. 10, at 6:50 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. and evening screenings Monday, Dec. 13, through Thursday, Dec. 16. Tickets cost $5.99.

Gift Guide – A gift guide for hikers

Gear, good reads and great ideas for kids

By Dan Szczesny

While the cold season and its wind chills, frost and snow will certainly not be slowing down the winter hiker in your family or that crazy friend who takes midnight hikes up Mt. Washington, you can make their lives easier and maybe safer by stuffing their ragg wool stockings with some hiker gear over the holiday.

From books and maps to help navigate the White Mountains, to tough and warm gear to take on a frigid overnighter, to starter gifts for the tiny hiker in your croo, what follows is a brief overview of some (mostly) locally sourced gift items the John Muir in your family will enjoy.

Books: Because the first step is not getting lost

• New Hampshire’s 52 With a View: A Hiker’s Guideby Ken MacGray ($23.95, kenmacgray.org) Longtime hiker and guidebook writer Ken MacGray recently published the quintessential guidebook to what’s becoming one of the state’s most popular hiking lists, the “52 with a view.” The list is a collection of hikes to mountains around the state under 4,000 feet that offer spectacular views somewhere along the way. Some of the hikes on the list are family-friendly, others very difficult. But all of them get thoroughly analyzed in this guidebook that includes directions, mileage and a bit of history on each mountain.

• The 4,000-Footers of New Hampshire’s White Mountains by Steven D. Smith and Mike Dickerman ($24.95, bondcliffbooks.com) Mike Dickerman, the owner of Bondcliff Books in Littleton and a well-known mountain writer and hiker, just released a unique and beautiful photographic history of the White Mountains that any hiker would love to unwrap under their tree. The book features 200 vintage photos, historical background about the mountains and tourist sites and even an elevation list of the high mountains in our state.

• NH Rocks That Rock: An Adventure Guide to 25 Famous Boulders of the Granite State by Uma and Dan Szczesny ($12, dan-szczesny.square.site) Looking for some shorter hikes kids of all ages will enjoy? Six-year-old Uma Szczesny and her dad (full disclosure: that’s me!) have written an adventure guide to more than two dozen famous boulders scattered across New Hampshire. The book includes directions to all of these interesting glacial erratics, along with photographs, their history and GPS coordinates.

Family hikes

• Hiking field journals / mountain passports What better way to involve the kids in your family’s hikes and adventures than through journals and logbooks? From White Mountain passport books where you can stamp your adventures to simple blank field guides, your littlest hiker can draw and color about their hike like a mini Jane Goodall. Go for a blank field guide with a brightly colored cover from Elan Publishing (elanpublish.com), or, if you want some prompts for drawing and writing, the Nature Journal and Sketchbook for Kids from River Breeze (riverbreeze.com). The handy pocket-size White Mountain 4000-Footers Passport from The Mountain Wanderer (mountainwanderer.com, $20) has a peel-off stamp for each peak.

• White Mountain Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Program($5, recreation.gov/tree-permits) Want to bring part of the White Mountains into your living room for the holidays? For a $5 permit, the state will let you cut down and bring home your own Christmas tree from the Whites. They only offer one per family and as you can imagine there are rules about where you can go and how you can cut them, but there’s nothing like a family hike to bring back a tree.

• Keen Greta Waterproof Boots, plus Snowline Kids’ Traction Spikes (Approximately $80 for boots, $40 for spikes, most local retailers, prices vary) If your little hiker is going to help you find a tree, they need to protect their feet. We like the Keen Greta boots for comfort and ease to slip on. Over the top of that, pick up a pair of XXS Micro-Spikes and your mini hiker will have warm feet and sturdy footing!

Heavy-duty winter gear

• Burgeon Outdoors Flume Base Layer ($89 to $100, burgeonoutdoor.com) Hardcore hikers know warmth and safety start with a solid base layer. Lincoln, N.H., outdoor company Bergeon Outdoors is offering a Tencel and Spandex base layer top that was named best hiking shirt by Field and Stream. The company specializes in sustainable outdoor wear inspired by and designed in the White Mountains.

• The Nemo Quasar 3D Sleeping Pad ($129 to $249, nemoequipment.com) If you’re overnighting on snowpack, you’re going to need a tough and warm pad. We’re recommending Dover outfitter NEMO’s Quasar #D Sleeping Pad. Low weight, easy inflation completes the package. Rest easy!

Miscellaneous hiking gifts you didn’t know you needed

• Artwork from Kat Maus Haus Illustration and Design (katmaushaus.com) Artist Kat Maus has been illustrating amazing and unique scenes and landscapes from around New England for posters, book covers, stickers and greeting cards for years. One of her specialties is White Mountain scenes, everything from Mount Washington to the Cog Railway to mountaintop fire towers. Pick up a pack of White Mountain postcards for your favorite hiker’s stocking.

• New Hampshire State Park ornaments (newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com) The state has teamed up with artist Lyn Collins of White Mountain Smile Makers to create a series of Christmas tree ornaments that commemorate several state parks, including Mt. Washington, Bear Brook and Franconia Notch. You may want to grab one now, though, so it’s on the tree when you’re opening your presents.

Featured photo: Field guide, hiking journal and the White Mountains 4000 Footer Passport. Courtesy photo.

The Art Roundup 21/12/09

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• Nutcracker galore: Don’t miss your chance to see the classic Nutcracker this holiday season. Three local dance groups are performing the piece this weekend. The Turning Pointe Center of Dance presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets cost $18. Visit turningpointecenterofdance.com.

The Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m., at Dover High School (25 Alumni Drive, Dover). There will also be shows the following weekend on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Kingswood Arts Center (396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro). Tickets purchased in advance cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 60 and up and $17.50 for students and children; tickets purchased at the door are an additional $5. Visit northeasternballet.org.

Finally, Dance Visions Network presents The Nutcracker Suite on Sunday, Dec. 12, with shows at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester). Tickets cost $22. Visit dancevisionsnetwork.com.

• Holiday theater: If you’re looking for something different from the ubiquitous Nutcracker and Christmas Carol, there are a few other holiday shows coming up. The Majestic Theatre presents Scrooge in Love at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry), with showtimes on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Set one year after the events of Charles’ Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the musical follows four ghosts — Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future — as they team up to reunite a reformed Ebenezer Scrooge with his long-long first love, Belle. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up and students age 17 and under. Visit majestictheatre.net.

The Pinkerton Players presents Donald Margulies’ play Coney Island Christmas at the Stockbridge Theatre (5 Pinkerton St., Derry), with showtimes on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Based on the 1959 autobiographical short story “The Loudest Voice” by Grace Paley, Coney Island Christmas follows a young Jewish girl from an immigrant family in Depression-era New York City who is cast as Jesus in her school’s Christmas pageant. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Visit stockbridgetheatre.com.

The Palace Youth Theatre, consisting of student actors in grades 2 through 12, presents Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• Festive voices: It’s also a big weekend for holiday choral music. The Souhegan Valley Chorus presents its holiday concert, “A Celebration of Christmas,” on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at Souhegan High School (412 Boston Post Road, Amherst). Tickets are available at the door and cost $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Visit souheganvalleychorus.org.

The Concord Chorale presents its holiday show “Gloria!”at South Congregational Church (27 Pleasant St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors in advance, and $25/$20 at the door. Visit concordchorale.org.

Lastly, the Manchester Choral Society presents its holiday concert at LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids age 10 and under. Visit labellewinery.com

DIY gifts

AR Workshop Manchester (875 Elm St., Manchester) will have a holiday gift making workshop on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be several different projects to choose from, including mini plank trays, round lazy susans, centerpiece boxes and photo boards. The cost ranges from $49.50 to $89.50, depending on the project chosen. Registration is required, and space is limited. Call 573-9662 or visit arworkshop.com/manchester.

ART

Exhibits

• “AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE” Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, 49 S. Main St., Concord, now through Dec. 16. Featuring the work of New Hampshire Art Association member Elaine Farmer, including oil paintings embodying New Hampshire’s iconic views and ideals, ranging from mountain lakes and birch tree woods to historic landmarks. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• EMILY NOELLE LAMBERT Solo exhibition by New York City artist Emily Noelle Lambert. Dana Center for the Humanities (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Now through Jan. 9. Masks required inside the gallery. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities or call 641-7700.

• “THE DYSFUNCTION OF SOCIAL PRACTICE” Kelley Stelling Contemporary presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculpture and performance works by five New Hampshire artists. Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord). Now through Jan. 14. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with evening and weekend visits available by request. Visit kelleystellingcontemporary.com.

THEATER

Shows

• A CHRISTMAS CAROL Hatbox Theatre (270 Loudon Road, Concord). Now through Dec. 19. Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.

• THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE The Players’ Ring Theatre presents. 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Now through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.

•​ PETER PAN The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents. Now through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $32 to $50. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• A CHRISTMAS CAROL: AN ORIGINAL LIVE RADIO PLAY The Peacock Players present. Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). Thurs., Dec. 16, and Fri., Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sun., Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $19. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• THE NUTCRACKER The NH School of Ballet presents. Sun., Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord); and Sun., Dec. 26, at 6 p.m., at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tickets cost $22. Visit nhschoolofballet.com.

Classical

• “IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” The NH Gay Men’s Chorus presents holiday concert. Sat., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington); and Sun., Dec. 12, 4 p.m., at Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester). Tickets cost $20 for adults; free for children under age 13. Visit nhgmc.com.

• GRANITE STATE RINGERS Handbell choir performs holiday music. Sat., Dec. 11, 2 p.m. 20 Main St., Sandown. Free. Reservations required. Visit granitestateringers.org.

• HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra performs. Fri., Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at Colonial Theatre (617 Main St., Laconia); and Sat., Dec. 11, 7 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 12, 3 p.m., at Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium (Route 25, Meredith). Tickets cost $10 to $20 for students and $20 to $30 for adults for Dec. 10 show, and $10 for students and $25 for adults for shows on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Visit lrso.org.

• HOLIDAY POPS Symphony NH performs. Sat., Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua); and Sun., Dec. 12, at 3 p.m., at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets range from $20 to $60 for adults, $18 to $55 for seniors age 65+, and are free for children. Visit symphonynh.org.

• “THE DICKENS CAROLERS ON TOUR The Piccola Opera presents. Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Sat., Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for seniors and children and $20 for adults. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.

Gift Guide – Creatively wrapped

Art, music and theater gifts for all ages

There are plenty of opportunities to shop locally for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts this month. Some art galleries host special holiday exhibits focused on small and affordable works of art, with gift shopping in mind. Pop-up holiday arts markets and craft fairs have a little of everything, including photography, pottery, woodwork, textiles, jewelry, glass, metal, fine art, mixed media and more. New Hampshire also has a number of retail shops that sell items created by local artists and craftspeople.

“Buying handmade and local not only supports the local economy, and our neighbors’ livelihoods, but also presents an opportunity to gift unique, one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts that are so much more personal than things you may find in a bigger retail environment,” said Jessica Moores, owner of Manchester Craft Market.

Arts markets and craft fairs

• The annual holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen), “Sleighbell Studio,” is open now through Dec. 18, featuring a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.

• “Small Works —Big Impact,” the annual holiday exhibit at Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford), is going on now through Dec. 31, in person at the gallery and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.

• Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook) has its Holiday Art Show and Sale now through Dec. 23, featuring handmade gifts by more than 30 local artists, including paintings, pottery, mixed media, photography, fabric art and more. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.

• The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair is open now through Dec. 23, with in-person shopping at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an online shop. The fair will feature seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by juried local artists and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.

• The Great Holiday Shopping Extravaganza is Friday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club (50 Emerson Road, Milford). More than 80 local crafters and artisans will sell jewelry, scarves, home decor, woodwork, pottery, metal art and more. Visit hampshirehills.com.

• The Holly Jolly Craft Fair takes place at DoubleTree Hotel (2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua) on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 80 exhibitors will sell jewelry, wreaths, metal art, pottery, children’s items, candles, scarves and more. Admission costs $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and is free for kids under age 16. Visit joycescraftshows.com.

• The New Hampshire Audubon hosts its Holiday Fair on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord). A number of local artists will show and sell their work, including jewelry, pottery, nature photography, greeting cards, quilted items and more. Visit nhaudubon.org.

• The Artisan Market at The Cider Mill Gallery (24 Francestown Road, New Boston) is going on now through Dec. 24, open Friday through Sunday, and, for last-minute gift shopping, Monday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day. Call 487-5522 or visit eileenbelanger.com.

Handmade gift shops

• Creative Vibes (2 Pauls Way, Amherst, 557-2457, creativevibesnh.com, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Currier Museum of Art gift shop (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org, open Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

• The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries (nhcrafts.org)

• Concord (36 N. Main St., 228-8171, open Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Hooksett (530 W. River Road, 210-5181, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Nashua (98 Main St., 595-8233, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday)

• Meredith (279 Daniel Webster Hwy., 279-7920, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.)

Locally Made

• Salem (99 Rockingham Blvd., Salem, 890-7141, locallyhandmadesalemnh.com, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.)

• Merrimack (80 Premium Outlets Blvd., Merrimack, 377-7610, facebook.com/LHMerrimackNH, open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

• Manchester Craft Market (Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, manchestercraftmarket.com, open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.)

• Spriggs Shoppe (Twiggs Gallery, 254 King St., Boscawen, 975-0015, twiggsgallery.wordpress.com, open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.)

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. Closed Wednesday and Sunday.)

• Wild Little Art Shop (Wild Salamander Creative Arts Center, 30 Ash St., Hollis, 465-9453, wildsalamander.com, open Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23.)

Performance venues

For the theater-lover in your life, consider tickets to an upcoming show that you know they would like.

“Giving the gift of theater and allowing someone to have a night out and away from the daily grind of life is a great thing,” said Robert Dionne, artistic director for The Majestic Theatre, a theater company based in Manchester.

Or let the recipient choose a show themselves with a gift certificate for a local entertainment venue.

“Entertainment is a great gift because it’s providing an experience that is always unique, and it’s a flexible option that can satisfy the tastes of any recipient,” said Dan Darling, executive director of the Franklin Opera House.

• Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., and Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com)

• Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin, 934-1901, franklinoperahouse.org)

• Hatbox Theatre (270 Loudon Road, Concord, 715-2315, hatboxnh.com)

• Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org)

• The Music Hall (Historic Theater, 28 Chestnut St., and Loft, 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org)

Art classes/workshops

Give the gift of knowledge to an aspiring artist, actor or musician with a gift certificate for a local art studio, theater program or music school, which they can use for workshops or classes to improve their craft.

“Perhaps someone played an instrument many years ago and has been wanting to pick it up again,” said Dionne, who is also the administrator at Ted Herbert Music School in Manchester. “Our teachers [work with] all ages, abilities, and musical styles. Whether you are learning for fun or to further a music career, we are here to lead you in the direction you wish.”

• AR Workshop Manchester (875 Elm St., Manchester, 573-9662, arworkshop.com/manchester) Offers DIY workshops for creating custom wood signs, canvas pillows, centerpiece boxes, canvas tote bags and more.

• Currier Museum of Art, Art Center (180 Pearl St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org) Offers seasonal weekly classes, master classes and one-day workshops for kids and adults in all kinds of media.

• Kimball-Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com) Offers weekly classes, master classes and one-day workshops for kids and adults in all kinds of media.

• The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fine Craft Galleries (98 Main St., Nashua, 595-8233; 279 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-7920, nhcrafts.org) Offer weekly classes and one-day workshops for a variety of crafts.

• Muse Paintbar (42 Hanover St., Manchester, muse paintbar.com) Offers paint-and-sip workshops and step-by-step painting workshops for families.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) Offers classes and workshops for all ages and experience levels in pottery, clay, painting, stained glass and more.

• Time to Clay (228 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, timetoclay.com) Offers pottery workshops for all ages.

• The Voice of Clay (16 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Brookline, 672-2626, voiceofclay.com) Offers pottery classes for all ages and experience levels.

• You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road, No. 101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; 204-5559; yourefirednh.com) Offers open studio times and materials for pottery and mosaic projects.

• The Canvas Roadshow (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 913-9217, thecanvasroadshow.com) Offers DIY workshops for creating custom wood signs, canvas paintings, sea glass art and more.

• Wild Salamander Creative Arts Center (30 Ash St., Hollis, 465-9453, wildsalamander.com) Offers a variety of art classes and workshops for all ages.

Music and performing arts classes/workshops

• Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool.org)

• The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net)

• Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org)

• Manchester Music Mill (329 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8022, manchestermusicmill.com)

• Nashua Community Music School (5 Pine St. Ext., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org)

• New Hampshire Theatre Project (West End Studio Theatre, 959 Islington St., No. 3, Portsmouth, 431-6644, nhtheatreproject.org)

• NH Tunes (250 Commercial St., No. 2017, Manchester, 660-2208, nhtunes.biz)

• Ted Herbert Music School (922 Elm St., Manchester, 669-9191, tedherbert.com)

• The Flying Monkey (39 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com)

Featured Photo: Shop handmade gifts at The Craftworkers’ Guild’s holiday fair. Courtesy photo.

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