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4 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas You Can Buy Or DIY From Local Shops

Brazee Street Studios
Students working in Brazee Street's glass studio.

Still checking items off your list this season? There are many ways to get your holiday shopping done while thinking outside the big box stores. Tune in to Cincinnati Editionon Wednesday, December 12, at 1 p.m. for some great gift giving ideas. In the meantime, here are four unique spots to check out this holiday—whether you're looking to buy or make something unique on your own, these shops can help make your Christmas one of a kind.

Happen Inc. On Hamilton Avenue In Northside

Credit Happen Inc.
Make your own Toy Lab necklaces and bracelets at Happen Inc.

There's a lot going on inside this non-profit, which offers free art projects year-round for families.

  • Milk and Cookies

December 11-13, kids can make their own ceramic plate for Santa, then pick it up at a special Milk and Cookies event on Saturday, December 20.

  • The Toy Lab

This is the perfect place to make a gift out of recycled toy parts. Right now, you can make a reservation to come in and design your own Toy Lab necklace or bracelet.

  • Santa Arrives!

On Saturday, December 22, Santa visits for free pictures. Bring your own camera and stay for treats and crafts.
You can also keep up with Happen events on Facebook.

Indigo Hippo On Main Street In Over-the-Rhine

Credit Indigo Hippo
Indigo Hippo's Holiday Gift Show on display now.

Get crafty this Christmas while you resolve to recycle more in the New Year. Indigo Hippo can help. This art supply thrift store offers reused goods at a discounted price. If you have a crafter on your list, you may want to check out their wide selection of paints, fabrics and knitting needles. Or, if you want to do-it-yourself this season, Indigo Hippo is the place to get your gift-making supplies. The store has a Holiday Gift Show on display right now with artist-made objects for sale. Gift cards are available, plus Indigo Hippo also has a selection of environmentally friendly gift-wrap ideas. For more inspiration check out their Facebook page.

Visionaries + Voices Visionarium On Madison Road In Oakley

The Visionarium is part retail space, part educational environment for people of all ages and abilities. It was created by Visionaries + Voices, a non-profit that provides exhibition opportunities and studio space to artists with disabilities. This season the Visonarium has a lot going on.

  • Holiday Wreaths
    Credit Visionarium
    Items for sale inside the Visionarium.

You'll find some unexpected supplies, including found objects and recycled materials at this wreath making class on Thursday, December 13.
 

  • Hip-Hop Holiday Greeting Cards

This class on Tuesday, December 18, is led by artist Lamar Madison, who works in drawing and printmaking, and takes his inspiration from hip-hop music and culture.
 

  • DIY Snow Globes

On Thursday, December 20, make your own snow globes with small jars and Shrinky Dinks shrinkable plastic.
There are also plenty of options for that hard-to-shop-for friend. Visionaries + Voices' Holly Dazed art opening features work from more than 100 artists for sale at discounted prices. The Visionarium also sells Mystery Gifts. Each gift package includes five original pieces of artwork made by a Visionaries + Voices artist. For more inspiration visit the Visionarium on Facebook.

Brazee Street Studios On Brazee Street In Oakley

Credit Brazee Street Studios
Make your own glass ornament at Brazee Street Studios

Make your own ornament for the season inside Brazee's glass studio. On Thursday, December 13, Brazee offers Memory Series: Ornaments. Whether it's a picture from your child's first Christmas, or a family photo you treasure, that day you can transform it into glass, then decorate your ornament with accessory glass to give it an even more personal touch. You can keep up with all the events at Brazee by visiting them on Facebook.