Phoestivus Market 2012: Handmade Holidays Gifts For One and All

By Lauren Saria Thu., Dec. 6 2012 at 9:00 AM

Categories: Events

Lauren Saria

Phoestivus Market at the Phoenix Public Market in Downtown Phoenix

The annual Phoenix tradition of holiday shopping, airing of grievances, and festivities kicked off its two-day run on Wednesday night at the Phoenix Public Market. This year's Phoestivus features dozens of local vendors, plenty of munchies, and a beer garden.

From 4 to 8 p.m. the downtown community gathered to complain about the record winter heat and check a few more names off the Christmas shopping list. Didn't make it to the first installment of the Seinfeld-inspired event? Don't worry, we've got some highlights to help you get ready for next week.

Lauren Saria

Letter-pressed broadsides from Hazel & Violet, Nina and Grapey Handmade Toys and Moderncat Studio cat toys

With about 50 vendors to peruse, this year's event offers a variety of gifts for most everyone left on your Christmas list.

We couldn't leave without picking up a letterpress broadside from Hazel & Violet ($10) and a few holiday cards (5 for $20). The design-lover on your list will appreciate the centuries old craft of hand-printed letterpress art.

For the young family you're thinking of this Christmas season, we couldn't help but admire the handmade toys from Nina and Grapey. The unique, brightly colored monkeys would bring a smile to any child's face. More funky options include one-eyed sock monsters that come in a variety of colors and styles of apparel.

We thought fondly of our feline-loving friends when passing by Moderncat Studio, who brought their collection of design-focused cat products to the event. For $15 and less you can pick up a beautiful and functional gift for a cat-owning co-worker of for your own furry friend.