The main hall of RDS for Gifted: Contemporary Craft and Design Expo, selling everything from household goods to art. Image: Fintanglac Photography

They said it is common sense to buy as early as possible when shopping for Christmas and avoid Christmas week shopping. But what about buying better?

November and December are the months for handicraft fairs across the country. There is an opportunity to complete shopping under one roof, support local producers and purchase sustainable products, while enjoying a day of coffee and cake pitting.

To give you an idea of ​​what is happening, here are some events and what you can expect to experience.

Location: Cork University College, West Road, Cork. T12 V1WH

Time: Friday, November 12, 1pm-7pm; Saturday, 13 o'clock, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 14 o'clock, 11 am to 5 pm

Price range: Mr Kite Designs’ Christmas decorations start at 5 Euros, and Alan Horgan Studio’s chandelier starts at 1,250 Euros

Entrance fee: 5 euros to support Glucksman's art project, or free flyers, which are available at the gallery until November 9th, UCC campus, Li River Hotel and cafes throughout Cork City .

"There will be more than 35 stalls full of amazing handmade products that can be collected in any home," said Mathilde Corbineau, Glucksman's retail and communications manager.

"Ceramic household items, wooden bowls, lamps and lampshades, cushions, illustrations and prints, pendulum clocks, etc.

"This year we have reduced the number of stands to provide everyone with a more enjoyable and safer experience."

New attraction: Glucksman, with its award-winning architecture, is located on the grounds of the UCC campus, where you can wander and enjoy coffee in the autumn sun.

Where: Shanagarry, Co Cork, P25 FH67

Time: November 19-21 and November 26-28. Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm

Price range: Brookfield Farm candles start at 10 euros. Fermoyle Pottery pottery for daily use starts at 15 Euros, children's toys and Christmas decorations start at 5 Euros

Tickets: 6 euros per person, free for children under 12

“We have 150 different stalls every weekend,” said holiday manager Bree Allen, “from lace plant hangers and wall decorations, candle manufacturers, artists, photographers, furniture manufacturers, food manufacturers, winemakers and winemakers business."

New attraction: create your own wired tree sculpture with artist Glenn Gibson. All equipment is provided and tickets can be purchased from www.ballymaloegrainstore.com. Children’s activities include candle making workshops, Lego play area and visits to Mrs. Claus.

Cork Craft and Design Magical Outdoor Festival Craft and Food Market

Location: St Patrick's Woolen Mills, Douglas, Cork, T12 H932

Time: December 5th to 12th, 10 am to 4 pm

Price range: Sophie Longwill handcrafted vintage style glass decorations, 15 euros, John O'Shea wooden plates and bowls, 80 euros

Carol Walsh, manager of Cork Craft and Design, said: “When Christmas kicks off at Mills, look forward to the twinkling lights on the trees and the cozy smell of mulled wine, hot chocolate and cinnamon. All the crafts on the market are made in Cork. Or design. Every purchase from coffee to candles will support local small businesses, which is still very important after the challenges of the past 18 months."

Additional attraction: the children are invited to sit down and write a letter to Santa Claus, and then send it to a special mailbox to the North Pole. "

Genius: Contemporary Craft and Design Expo

Location: RDS, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. D04 AK83

Time: December 1 to 5, Wednesday to Friday, 10 am to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm

Price range: from 20 euros for Irish art prints, 15 euros for handmade ceramics, and 215 euros for alpaca blankets

Entrance: Tickets on giftedfair.ie. Adults 12 Euros, OAP 10 Euros. Children under the age of 16 accompanied by parents/guardians are free (this does not apply to school groups). Group discounts for 10 or more people if booked in advance

"Gifted will have more than 300 designers, manufacturers and artisanal food producers selling a range of household items, including art, textiles, handmade ceramics, tableware, candles, throwing objects and lighting equipment," organizer Patrick O'Sullivan Say. "The annual exhibition is a huge boost for the independent creative industry, and it is estimated that it generates enough business to keep most exhibitors busy for at least four months of the year."

The spectacular Christmas Food Mall has more than 100 artisanal food producers, where shoppers can meet experts and purchase holiday food. In addition, Sustainable Edit is back with a selection of environmentally friendly manufacturers such as beauty, household products, gifts and clothing.

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