Everyone seems to be having a shopping home party these days but an upgraded version. No more Tupperware, Personal Chef or PartyLite parties. Instead, items up for sale are homemade goods by moms trying to make a buck and stay afloat in this economy. The phone is not ringing off the hook to hire us so we will do what we do best: rely on our God-given talent and create.

So we go out and sell our newly created wares at Farmers’ markets, women’s boutiques, churches and synagogues, whoever will take us in and provide us with limitless coffee. On a good day a donut or bagel. Even though this is southern California doing the Farmers’ markets can be a pain because of weather, so indoor venues are the best: no wind, no rain and no porta-potties.

Here are some shopping boutiques for homemade goods to hit this month if you have the time and moolah:

• Calvary Community Church Jingle Bell Shop is run by MOPS. MOPS is a non-profit, international organization founded to give support and inspiration to moms of all socioeconomic backgrounds with children who have not yet entered kindergarten. Friday, Dec 2nd (9-12) 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362. Okay, this is a schlepp but worth the drive and you’re going against traffic.
• Our Lady of Malibu Christmas Marketplace, Saturday, Dec 3rd (2-6) and Sunday Dec 4th (8-1) 3625 Winter Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265. Who doesn’t like to drive to Malibu?
• St. Cyril’s of Jersusalem School Winter Wonderland Luncheon and Boutique is Dec 7th (11-3) 4548 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91436
• Encino Elementary Winter Wonderland Boutique, December 7 (2-7) 16941 Addison St., Encino, CA 91436
• Friends Don’t Let Friends Shop Alone is my annual Christmas Shopping Party, Sunday Dec 11th (2-7) 2124 Glendon Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90025. I have gathered some talented women who make very creative lines to come sell in my home. We laugh, we network, we sip champagne and we shop. Not too shabby. You can see them here: Whimsy Ranch by WhimsyRanch on Etsy, Planet Saver Sacks & SaucyWear Aprons by cindymcgrath on Etsy, Accessories by MalibuBows on Etsy, and vestla.com.
• Grant Booster Club Holiday Boutique, Friday, December 9th (8:30-4) 2368 Pearl Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Friends of Marquez Holiday Boutique, Wednesday, December 14th, (8-4) 16821 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

But if you want to go big-time, my two favorite indie craft shows in town are Unique LA and Renegade. Unique LA is also this weekend, Dec 3 and 4th, (11-6) 110 East 9th Street on the 13th floor of the California Market Center. Go early there is always a line and every twenty something who lives in Silver Lake will be there. This is the ultimate party shopping experience. Your kids will think you are cool for a good 24 hours if you take them here. They have crafting tables for the kids where they actually make crafts you want to keep.

The 2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market in Los Angeles returns to Los Angeles State Park on December 10th and 11th, from 10 – 5. Always free-to-attend and featuring over 200 artists, shoppers are sure to find something for everybody on their lists or can craft a special gift themselves at one of our terrific hands-on crafting workshops! A handful of LA’s best independent food trucks will be on site serving up delicious dishes and our bar will have many holiday libations.

You will be completely creatively refreshed and inspired by walking either of these shows. Happy local shopping! Here are a couple more local spots: web.me.com/darcysblues and www.hollyisco.com.

Do you know of any local shopping events going on this holiday season? Do you make homemade goods yourself? Feel free to leave me a comment in the field below!