By Collin Kelley
INtown Editor
The search for the perfect holiday gift can be frustrating, especially if you’re shopping for someone who has everything. Luckily, Intown has a unique annual event and some unusual places to shop for gifts that are definitely not from the mall or a big-box store.
Indie Craft Experience (ICE) has opened its 4th annual Pop-Up Shop in Candler Park this holiday season at 1390 McLendon Ave. The shop, which is open now until Dec. 30, features handcrafted items by more than 50 artists from all over the country.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
The ICE shows have quickly become an Atlanta tradition and offer a way to directly support crafters rather than chains or big box stores, according to the organizers.
ICE was founded in 2005 by Shannon Mulkey, Susan Voelker and Christy Petterson after traveling to shows around the country such as the Austin Craft Mafia and the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. For more information, visit ice-atlanta.com/pop-up-shop.
More Shopping Suggestions
The Cathedral Book Store: Located inside the Cathedral of St. Philip in Buckhead, 2744 Peachtree Road, the shop is open to the public and offers a selection of books, music, children’s toys, jewelry and more. From knotted rosary beads to a Celtic-inspired address book, there’s something here for anyone who needs a little inspiration. cathedralbookstore.org
Oakland Cemetery Museum Shop: Located inside the historic Bell Tower on the grounds of the cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave., the shop offers books on the cemetery and Atlanta history, including the Civil War. You’ll find jewelry and items made by local artists, and other gifts such as T-shirts, bookmarks, postcards, and key chains. oaklandcemetery.com
High Museum Shop: The museum shop, 1280 Peachtree St., has items related to current exhibitions, but is also a resource for gorgeous art books, toys, jewelry and whimsical items inspired by great art from around the world. You can check out some of the merchandise at high.org. As a bonus, your purchases help support the High’s educational programs.
Atlanta History Center Museum Shop: Choose from a wide array of unique pieces ranging from books, handmade jewelry, pottery, and folk art to golf memorabilia and fanciful garden knick-knacks. Hand-woven pillows and shawls, made from the wool of the Tullie Smith Farm sheep make a perfect addition to any home. 130 West Paces Ferry Road. atlantahistorycenter.com
Margaret Mitchell House Shop: If you have a friend or loved one who is a “Windy” – that’s a dedicated fan of Gone With the Wind – then there is probably something they’ll love in the shop on the ground floor of the home, 990 Peachtree St., where Mitchell wrote her famous tome. Items include Gone With the Wind-inspired figurines from the San Francisco Music Box Company and Polonaise holiday ornaments of Scarlett, Rhett, Ashley, and other legendary characters. The gift shop showcases an array of collectible plates, dolls, dress patterns, and recipe books and more. margaretmitchellhouse.com
Ten Thousand Villages: If you want to support fair trade this season, look no further than this shop at 1056 St. Charles Ave. in Virginia-Highland. Offering the work of artisans and crafters from around the world, you can find unique jewelry, bags, home décor and more. tenthousandvillages.com/atlanta
Root City Market: Hundreds of one-of-a-kind hand-made goods will be available from vendors on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stoveworks, 112 Krog St., in the Old Fourth Ward. rootcitymarket.com