When attending a holiday party, it's simply good manners to show up with a gift in hand. Most people make do with a six-pack or a mediocre bottle of wine, but why not bring something made by hand from a local artists, something your host will truly enjoy and appreciate?

Within the next 26 shopping days left a slew of local crafters, concocters - butchers, bakers and candlestick makers - and non-brick and mortar entrepreneurs will join forces, under a single roof, to sell you their pride and joy.

Among the array of gift options, I have no interest in sharing news of bad sweater makers or velvet Elvis picture painters but would rather tell you about the bounty of culinary goodies that are available whether you're playing old Saint Nick or just the wicked rad gift giver this season.

Thursday, Nov. 30

Ladies on the Ave Holiday Event being held at A Rhapsody in Bloom Florist and Café Latte is not only a fun intimate shopping event, but also targeting a good cause. Ten percent of the money raised will help make a needy family's holiday more joyous, handpicked by the YWCA. If the turnout is especially successful the YWCA will add another family. Ladies on the Ave's good eats gem has to be The One Spot jams. Dan Briggs concocts unique and flavorful spreads with flavors such as Blueberry Basil, Blackberry Orange Cointreau and Jose's Raspberry Heat, the last being a raspberry jam with Jose Tequila and habanero peppers. Psst: samples are available. Expect Luckys smoke house spice rubs too. 5-9 p.m. 3709 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.761.7673

Sunday, Dec. 2

The New Frontier Lounge - home of rock, bluegrass and DJs shows - will host its first Arts, Crafts and Handmade Fair Sunday. Even if you don't snag foodie-inspired gifts (vendor list still pending) you can fill your gullet with spiced mulled wine, hot toddies and bourbon hot apple cider. Yum. 3-9 p.m., 21+, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020

Saturday, Dec. 8

I have two words for you: Winter Beer-nanza. New specialty brew shop/bar Pint Defiance isn't so much hosting a gift fair as a holiday shindig. Think about it. Certainly the mister in your life - dad, husband, brother, grandpops, hot bartender - will take brewskis over a bad tie no matter what the occassion. Drink your way through a winter beer tap takeover, be entered into an ugly sweater drawing to win super sweet beer-themed prizes and bring some cookies for the cookie potluck. Then buy bottles to stuff those stockings. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., 21+, 2049 Mildred St., Tacoma, 253.302.4240

Saturday, Dec. 15

Back to Reedy of Libertine Salts, she hosts a monthly gathering of local vendors - from the wearable to the edible - every third Saturday, which calls Urban Shopping and Cocktails. She's not skipping the holiday season. This month's get-together will play host to holiday-themed nibbles and cocktails. Expect at least eight local vendors in the house including her 50+ salt flavors and blends presented in beakers, tins and nifty holders. Apparently The One Spot jams will be at the event, as well as Fingerprint Confections and its decadent handcrafted caramels and caramel sauces. If you RSVP on Urban Shopping and Cocktails Facebook, you will score a goodie bag loaded with treats. 1-5 p.m., Libertine Salts studio, 21+, 842 S. Sprague Ave., Tacoma, Facebook

It's a rough job having to nibble and sip your way for the perfect gift. But hey, somebody has to do it. Let it be you.

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