Makers say high cost of living is another reason to buy local for the holidays

Small business owners and artists say the rising cost of living makes it especially important to do holiday shopping locally this year.

Local makers converged in Fredericton this weekend to showcase their work at one of many holiday markets scheduled for the weekends leading up to Christmas. 

Bobby Betts grew up helping in his grandfather's shop, and now makes wood products like cribbage and charcuterie boards. 

He says a lot of makers use their spare time on a chosen craft to help make ends meet. 

"I got to know a lot of craft vendors through all the markets. From all over. I've been from here to Miramichi, out to Keswick, everywhere," Betts said.

"Times are tough and a lot of people like myself have full-time jobs, and we just do this … to make a little extra money to help make it a little more enjoyable when Christmas comes."

Painter Chrissie Park-MacNeil says choosing local artists is a way to support people in your community. 

"It helps families out," she said. "If you're an artist … you've got all kinds of things out that you're bringing little bits of money in."

Some of Park-MacNeil's work on display would be familiar to those who call Fredericton home, with scenes from Odell Park and the city's trail system. 

She believes those kinds of gifts are more appreciated by the recipient, as they are more personal than what might be offered in larger stores.

Le Farris has found that to be true while running her small preserve business, Cozymade Foods. 

"People get really excited, and I think it's because of the homemade products ... I'm finding a lot of people don't make them anymore. It's becoming a lost art," Farris said, pausing to help customers at her busy table. 

Although larger stores might give tempting holiday deals, Farris believes nothing beats buying homemade goods. 

Debbie Hood, who sells only at markets, fondly recalls a time she was able to give a young customer a good deal on her jewelry made from repurposed utensils.

"A little boy had come up to my booth, and he was trying to get his mother to buy a piece of jewelry for him, and she said 'No, no, no, you won't wear that," she said.

"He came back a little while later with his grandmother, and went through the same scenario. And then he came back, he made a little wooden puck and he painted it and he said, 'Can I trade this for the piece of jewelry?'"

Hood says she happily agreed to the exchange.

Enthusiasm from young customers is also a highlight for vendor Emily Whalen, who sells crocheted plushies and accessories – including the "leggy froggie," which she says tends to sell fastest.

"Look within your community and support. I think it's really important, especially now where things are a little bit hard," she said. "Support the people around you."