This is such a busy time of year and if you’re like me, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. I’ve always aspired to make personalised Christmas gifts, but I find that each year I’m a little busier and I just run out of time.
So it got me to thinking, what’s the next best thing? Buying handmade {and local}. It’s still a gift made with love and you’re supporting local small businesses and artists. It’s win/win.
There are many independent makers and artists out there ready with the perfect gift for your loved one. You can find a huge range of different handmade wares if you know where to look. Things like photographs, paintings, clothing, quilts, soaps and beauty products, jewellery, toys, handbags to name but a few.
Makers Markets
In Bendigo we’re lucky. We have some great opportunities to hunt for those perfect handmade gifts at a variety of makers markets.
Trove Makers Market
Trove Makers’ Market has over 50 stalls, a community barbecue, indie style live music, a cool social vibe and sensational coffee. Whether you love paintings, jewellery, photography, furniture, clothing or decor you’ll find it at Trove. You can see the list of makers for the next market on their website.
When: Sunday 14 December, 10am-2pm
Location: The Good Loaf Bakery
Fun Fest Makers Market
When: Saturday 13 December, 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Hargreaves Mall
The Square – Bendigo’s Handmade Market
The market has an incredibly large and diverse list of stallholders, with different stalls on each day. There will be handbags, stationery, jewellery, chocolates, clothing, artwork, kids toys and accessories, homewares, candles and much more. Check out the stall holder list on the website.
When: Saturday 6 December & Sunday 7 December 10am – 4pm
Location: Bendigo Town Hall
Castlemaine Artists Market
The Castlemaine Artists Market has many stalls full of exciting handmade goodies from local artists. You can find handmade resin and glass jewellery, wooden chopping boards, felt accessories, clothing, artworks, knitted works along with many other amazing creations.
When: Sunday 7 December 9am – 2pm
Location: Mostyn Street
Local Shops
Bob Boutique Bendigo
Bob’s stock is quirky and eclectic yet they’re the most gorgeous little pieces you ever did see. From crocheted tea pot cosy’s, hand-designed coffee mugs, craft kits to some gorgeous Christmas decorations. Pop in to the shop and have a good look around {you wont want to leave}, or have a little look at their online shop. You won’t be disappointed.
Location: 17 Williamson St Bendigo (in the Shamrock building)
Opening hours:
Mon – Tues 11am – 3pm
Wed – Fri 11am – 5pm
Sat 11am – 3pm
Sun 11am – 3pm
View Point Handmade Gallery
View Point Handmade Gallery is home to works from some wonderful makers. They stock clothing, artwork, beauty products, jewellery, toys and much more. From the elegant to the quirky, there is something for everyone.
The View Point Handmade Gallery also offers art exhibitions so keep your eye out for these exciting events.
Location: View Point Bendigo
Opening hours:
Tues – Thurs: 11am – 4pm
Fri: 11am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: 11am – 3pm
Bendigo Art Gallery Shop
The Bendigo Art Gallery shop also stocks a wide range of items from local artists along with some smaller handmade items.
Location: 42 View St Bendigo
Opening Hours: Every day (except Christmas Day) 10am – 5pm
Uniquely Bendigo
Uniquely Bendigo can be found in the Bendigo Visitor Centre at the Historic Post Office in Pall Mall. They stock a collection of local, handmade specialty pieces.
Location: 51 – 67 Pall Mall Bendigo
Opening Hours: Every day except (Christmas Day) 9am – 5pm
Online Marketplaces
There are a couple of other big online handmade marketplaces Etsy and Madeit.com.au. While not local to Central Victoria, you can find lovely wares made in Australia.
Made It
Madeit is an Australian only handmade marketplace, there are a huge range of handmade items all made here in our wonderful country.
Check out the site for a massive range of handmade goodies and some clever gift-buying guides.
Visit madeit.com.au
Etsy
Etsy is an international online marketplace for handmade, vintage and other goodies. One of the great features is that you can filter your search and focus on local makers. Check out Etsy for some amazing handmade gifts.
If you don’t have time to make something yourself, buy handmade and support our local small businesses and artists. From the traditional to the quirky, there is a handmade gift just right for everyone.
Are you shopping handmade this year? Share in the comments and tell us what you’re buying.
If you know of a shop in Central Victoria that stocks handmade items, leave a comment below and we’ll add it to our list.
Note: Details are accurate at time of publishing. This is not an endorsement of included shops, markets, online shops/markets. This article is for information purposes only. If there are any errors included please contact us include the error and a link to this article.
Edited: Added Fun Fest makers market.