Honolulu Gift Fair: December 19-21

When I am shopping for Christmas gifts I always set aside money for the Honolulu Gift Fair which will boast the most vendors ever in its five year existence. There will be more than 250 vendors when the Gift Fair opens at 5 PM on Friday, December 19 at the Neil Blaisdell Center (777 Ward Avenue). There will be plenty of time to shop on Saturday December 20 as well — from 10 AM to 9 PM.  The fair wraps up on Sunday, December 21 from 10 AM to 5PM.

The Honolulu Gift Fair is a treasure trove featuring many items crafted by local artisans with a wide selection of items ranging from Antiques & Collectibles, Apparel, Arts & Crafts, Books & Music, Coins & Paper Money, Food & Beverage, From Across the Sea, Gadgets & Toys, Health & Beauty, House & Garden, Jewelry, Made in Hawai’i, Personal Services and Pets. Some of the featured vendors are Discovery Toys, Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies, and Hawaiian Kin Gourmet Gifts & Seasoning Sauces. One can expect to find designer handbags, handcrafted jewelry, gift baskets, surf wear, pearl necklaces, Christmas ornaments, and much much more.

What is truly wonderful about the Honolulu Gift Fair is that many of the vendors are artisans themselves, which makes for great interaction allowing one to truly connect with the gifts they are buying. One can give as well as receive too!  There will be a Lokahi Booth for those wishing to give a gift for some of O’ahu’s less fortunate families.  All attending are encouraged to bring a can of food, or more, for the Hawai’i Food Bank. In 2007, more than a ton of food was collected.  This year, the fair’s producer, Phillip ‘Flip’ Kuchler hopes to collect two tons of donations. Says ‘Flip,’ “Our mission: To create an alternate Christmas shopping experience that is fun and affordable for the entire family.”

In addition to all of the shopping, there will be entertainment and visits from Santa Claus throughout the weekend, so trek on down to the Blaisdell Center December 19-21!