Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the holidays – every year it seems they arrive earlier and earlier.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the holidays – every year it seems they arrive earlier and earlier. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could avoid spending the entire holiday season stressed out? Rather than spend your time fighting crowds for great presents – only to see the same old stuff at every department store – why not find the perfect holiday gifts and finish all your shopping in October?

The Holiday Market, hosted by the Junior League of Tulsa, will take place October 9 through 12 at the Union Multipurpose Activity Center (UMAC), located at 6836 South Mingo Road. Over 100 merchants from several states will offer an amazing selection of gifts, home décor, tableware, clothing, jewelry, accessories and much more. The best part of all is that the proceeds benefit the Junior League, a valuable organization that promotes volunteerism, develops the potential in women, and improves the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Their projects range from done-in-a-day outreaches to the establishment of independent community agencies such as the Child Abuse Network, the Ronald McDonald House, Mayfest, the Oxley Nature Center and Leadership Tulsa.

The Junior League is hosting four fundraisers this year, and the Holiday Market is one of their biggest and most popular. Last year was their first time hosting the event, and it attracted over 1,500 people. This year’s projected attendance is at least 4,000.

The Holiday Market merchants come from around the country and include Davis Mountains Nut Company, Silver Pansy Designs, Social Butterfly Gifts, Little Black Dress, Ashley Minerals & Gems, eLLenJ Gifts & Jewelry, Gently Loved Furs, Gypsy Supply Co., LPOMA Handpainted Dinnerware, LSC Jewelry, Myrna’s Joy, My Sister’s Closet, On a Whim and Sophisticated Images. Lots of unique gift items will be available: fur coats, boutique clothing for children and adults, educational toys, cookbooks and personalized children’s items, to name a few. In fact, you are likely to find something for nearly everyone on your holiday shopping list.

For a new mom, pick up a few nursing covers from Modest Mommy, a Sapulpa-based company, or purchase a BurpCatcher, the first fully pocketed burp cloth designed to “catch” baby’s little messes instead of spill all over your blouse.

For the animal lover in your life, adorable pet clothing will be on hand.

A variety of collegiate jewelry and apparel will be available for those on the list who are fans of a college team.

Antique collectors will appreciate the choices of sterling flatware and antique linens.

For the all the chefs you know, pick up some unique, beaded kitchen gear from Spiffy Spoonz or purchase delicious herbs, spices and seasoning mixes from Carmie’s Kitchen. A lovely selection of pewter – the Shan collection from Dallas – is an excellent gift option for those who have a knack for hosting elegant parties.

If you’re thinking about creating a goody basket for someone special, choose one of the beautiful baskets from Unique Baskets, based out of Nebraska, Kansas, that have been handmade with fabric sewn into rope.

And what shopper doesn’t have somebody with a sweet tooth on their list? Packaged toffee and other treats will be for sale as well.       

Each day of the Holiday Market will feature a different theme. Thursday evening from 6 to 9 will be the special preview party, “Tricks, Treats, Sparkle and Sweets: Entertaining Ideas for the Holidays.” Chef Michael Fusco, pastry chef Lia Lewis and mixologist Lori Welch from Michael Fusco’s Riverside Grill will provide demonstrations on appetizers (treats), desserts (sweets), and “mock”tails, with advice for making them more adult (tricks). Adel Rasreddine from Israel Diamonds (sparkle) will discuss what to do – and what not to do – to your jewelry during the holidays, as well as great gift ideas. Plus, attendees will receive a ten percent discount from most merchants on this evening only. Tickets to the preview party are $35.

The admission for the other days of the event is only $5. Friday’s theme is “Fall for Books: Meet the Authors Behind the Words.” Jim Watts will emcee a panel of Oklahoma authors, who will also be selling and autographing their books, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday’s theme is “Out–Sparkle Your Tree: Tips for Looking Fabulous this Holiday Season” and will include a style show, makeovers, and great looks created from the merchants at the market. For Sunday, the theme is “Deck the Halls, Walls & Everything in Between: A Holiday Decorating Extravaganza,” with information on how to decorate a picture-perfect mantle and how to create exquisitely wrapped gifts.   

Don’t miss this fun, informational holiday shopping extravaganza benefiting The Junior League of Tulsa!

The Junior League is an organization that reaches out to women 25 years and older of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism. Their most recent projects include the Saint Francis Hospital Health Sciences Library, the Laura Dester Children’s Shelter, and Impact. They also award scholarships based on volunteerism.

For more information, contact

Junior League of Tulsa

(918) 663-6100

www.jltulsa.org