It’s that time of the year again… Think fluffy clouds, stunning sunsets and Christmas markets!
The lead up to Christmas at ARTE, the Makers Market sees the cogs churning and the workshops whirring as real-life elves dig deep into their Santa sacks of magic, creativity and skill for the best handmade products the UAE has to offer. Deep within the grottos of Dubai, you’ll find our busy makers cold-pressing nut butter, hot pressing fabric designs, fiddling with wires, beads and threads, merino wool and silk fibres, all to the sound of distant knitting needles clicking, paper mache sticking, gasps of awe and wows of wonder.
What better way to celebrate, than by gifting years of experience, craftsmanship and unique bespoke pieces to the people you love on your gift list?
ARTE’S STOCKING FILLER GIFT IDEAS
There’s a known saying that ‘good things come in small packages’ and our Artisans of the Emirates at ARTE have spent hours-upon-hours to prove that true. You can put them under your Christmas tree or slip them in a stocking; these unique handcrafted gifts are the perfect pieces for those who have everything and a must-have for everyone in between.
The Warm Up – Christmas Decorations
Jodie Art Framing – Tree Ornaments
Typical is an obsolete word at our markets, from art to ornament there’s a story of significance.
Our savvy Art and Framing Consultant, Jodie Cummins, has created these cute and crafty Emirati men and women tree ornaments, making your home the envy of the palaces.
If you’re lucky, you might just see her mastery in process at one of our upcoming Christmas markets.
Dawn Southern – Christmas Camels
As old and gold as the nativity scene itself, camels have featured as the bearers of great gifts throughout our festive history. Just as legendary, Christmas camels have become a UAE tradition that’s been running with the same group of ladies for over 15 years.
These wooden camel templates form their own unique features – from the gorgeous camels’ lashes to their brightest coloured saddlebags… all by hand using acrylic paints. A great Christmas tree decoration that can be gifted, hung and even personalised.
Luna Mora – Fun felt
Perhaps your tree needs a new fairy, or your fairy a new tree? Luna Mora’s designs are a true labour of love with some of these timeless pieces taking up to 25 hours to make.
Find your Christmas decoration that barely sees a box from her stall at ARTE.
Gifts for HER or HIM
Tread Threads – Keyrings/Bookmarks & Personalised Embroidery
Whilst Santa awaits his cookies and Rudolph his carrot, a Christmas dinner in Dubai might see tables laid with a roast, or a Christmas day brunch BBQ fired feast.
Here’s a stocking filler that can be rolled up and strategically given as a nudge to the man of the house, to do what he claims to do best, and get grilling for a Christmas day filling.
These aprons make the perfect personalised gift for him. Keep an eye out on the Tread Threads table for personalised bookmarks and other teacher’s gift ideas.
Raphaeilo Accessories – Jewellery
A go-to gift with a difference – jewellery! So (men), for once, don’t go trying to fix what isn’t broken and get her something sure to wow with a statement piece of jewellery from Raphaello Accessories.
Many of their items are handcrafted in lightweight silver and coated in gold leaf making them incredibly comfy to wear.
Gift Ideas for the Littlest Stockings
Marjan and Bahar – Corals Handmade
The sister duo Marjan & Bahar have 16 years of knitting under their belts which have perfected their bestselling topsy-turvy dolls and unicorns.
Keep them in the stocking, safely tucked-in the night before Christmas to bring as many years of joy for your little one.
For The cherished Pet
Sassy Pe
tshop, Pet Accessories
Leaving no one out at ARTE, The Sassy Petshop’s wonderful array of pet paraphernalia may just be the perfect way to say thank you and include the most loved member of the family (we won’t tell the kids) into the festivities.
We love this Christmas themed dog collar but she also has some pretty cool personalised pet gifts too!
Housewarming Gift
SAANTÉ – AROMATHERAPY FOR YOUR BODY, MIND AND SOUL.
The holiday season equals celebrations, invitations, food and merriment. Turn up with your arms open and your bags full with a housewarming gift that will literally warm the house.
Saanté makes the most deliciously smelling natural Beeswax & Essential Oils candles, soaps, creams, lotions & potions and they even stock White Sage to burn for ridding the nasties so that there’s only room for nice on the list – although that one may send the wrong message as a housewarming gift.
Arti – Hearti Grub
Great to take as a thank you or as a stocking-sized alternative to the Christmas orange are any of Hearti Grub’s exclusive festive granola and nut butterfestive gift boxes.
Using premium quality organic and GMO-free nuts through a cold-pressed technique that retains the nutritional value of the nut oil puts all of her products appropriately on the nice list.
Gifts For One & All
Kelly – Abra Pop-up Cards
The fantastical genius Kelly at Abra Cards, hand makes her whole collection and they’re truly magical! She currently has some new ones that are the perfect tree accompaniments to your stocking fillers, for a Christmas in Dubai filled with family tradition.
Check them out at our next Makers Market – She’s doing special batch deals.
Nicola – Framed with Love
An all-round creative by nature and a self-professed Christmas enthusiast can mean only one thing – oodles of festive treasures by Nicola of Framed with Love.
We’re loving the personalised Santa Sacks and have our eyes set upon her cushions and Dubai-alternative to the Christmas jumper – Christmas T-shirt designs.
Shireen – Rare Find
As somebody that only sells what she loves, knowing that love, in essence, is universal, Shireen of Rare Find spends hours of doodling, sketching, painting and perfecting until her designs are ready for purchase.
You may have admired her hamsa & burqa prints at ARTE before and can be yours or a special someone’s at any of ARTE’s forthcoming Christmas markets coming up.
Arte’s Christmas Markets For the Diary:
- D3 | Dubai Design District, 12th December – Between buildings 2 & 4, 11am to 7pm.
- TSC | Times Square Center, 13th December, 10am – 6 pm.
- QE2 | Queen Elisabeth , 14th December, 9am – 5pm – Mina Rashid Marina, Port Rashid.
Click here! To check out our Facebook page for more Christmas gift hints and ideas and our events calendar and workshops to come.