It’s always a good idea to shop locally, and the holidays offer up a unique opportunity to do that at the many craft fairs happening all over the state – whether you’re in search of unique gifts or looking to treat yourself.

So much shopping is done in the online world; take a break from the screen and make a day of perusing handmade items, artwork, baked goods and more, many made by local artisans.

Art on the Hill
6-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8. East End Community School, 195 North St., Portland. seaportland.org
The Society of East End Artists has been presenting Art on the Hill for many years. The cafeteria, gymnasium and several hallways are all packed with local and regional makers. Offerings include paintings, pottery, home goods, soap, woodworking items, candles, pet items and much more. There’s also a cafe serving up snacks, coffee, baked goods, soups and more.

Maine College of Art & Design Holiday Sale
5-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland. meca.edu
Students, alumni and faculty of Maine College of Art, as well as select community members, will be spread out over several floors for the annual holiday sale. The sale features works dozens of artists and makers. If you hit it on Friday night, it’s also the First Friday Art Walk, which means the entire area will be hopping.

46th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Italian Heritage Center, 50 Westland Ave., Portland. unitedmainecraftsmen.com
The Italian Heritage Center will be headquarters to a huge annual fair that attracts dozens of talented artists and makers. The show is presented by United Maine Craftsmen, which means you’ll be tempted by high-quality offerings from seasoned pros.

Holiday Craft & Fine Food Market
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7.  217 Main Community Music Center, 317 Main St., Yarmouth. On Facebook
The Yarmouth Farmers’ Market presents a curated craft and fine-food market where you’ll find 23 vendors. There will also be live music throughout the day.

Yuletide Fair
8:30 a.m. to noon. Dec. 7. First Congregational Church, 167 Black Point Road, Scarborough. On Facebook.
You’ll love the Yuletide Fair. Stocked with baked goods, candy, crafts, jewelry, gently used Christmas items, greens, quilts and more, this fair packs a whole lot into 3.5 hours.

Holiday Craft Fair
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. North Yarmouth Academy Gymnasium, 148 Main St., Yarmouth. nya.org
More than 60 artisans and crafters will be assembled with a variety of offerings including artwork, photography, jewelry, candles, soap, blown glass, woodworking and more. Lunch and treats from the NYA art department will be available in the cafe.

Odd Fellows Bazaar
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Odd Fellows Hall, 651 Forest Ave., 2nd floor, Portland. woodsfordcorner.org
The Friends of Woodfords Corner present the Odd Fellows Bazaar, a vibrant holiday craft fair with plenty of handmade gifts to choose from. More than 30 vendors will be set up. Vina Ann’s will also be there with a variety of nibbles to nosh on.

Christmas Fair
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7. First Parish Church, 1 Church St., Gorham. firstparishgorham.org
This fair will features a range of unique gifts including essential oil sprays, selfcare items, evergreen centerpieces and holiday decor. There will also be more than 50 themed baskets in the church’s silent auction.

Merry Maker’s Market
12:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Broadway Bowl Maine, 725 Broadway, South Portland. On Facebook.
Many makers will be assembled for your shopping pleasure just over the Casco Bay Bridge in South Portland. Head to Broadway Bowl Maine for an afternoon of gift perusing and purchasing, all of which can be paired with a mimosa or bloody mary. Should the need to bowl a string or two hit you, knock yourself (and some pins) out before heading home.

Brown School Craft Fair
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Frank I. Brown Elementary School, 37 Highland Ave., South Portland. On Facebook.
Twenty local artisans will be set up and ready to sell. Handmade items  range from jewelry, ornaments, knit apparel, stuffed animals, home decor and artwork. Given that it’s being held at a school, the chances of some kind of bake sale are excellent.

Trinity Christmas Fair
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Trinity Episcopal Church, 508 Forest Ave., Portland. woodfordscorner.org
The Trinity Christmas fair is the place to go for greens, wreaths and other holiday decorations. There will also be a wide range of handmade crafts, fiber arts. jewelry, books and bird houses along with candy, baked goods, a cookie walk, soups, preserves, pickles and more. Rumor has it, Santa will be swinging by for selfies.

Christmas Craft Fair
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield, $2, free for under 12. stonemountainartscenter.com
Upon arrival to the Christmas Craft Fair at Stone Mountain Arts Center, you’ll find Santa directing traffic and parking cars. Once you cross the threshold of the barn, you’ll be in a holiday dreamscape of two beautifully decorated halls populated with crafters, makers and others offering up unique gifts. The Queen Post Cafe’s bar will be open, as will the venue’s kitchen with a robust brunch menu. Don’t forget, this is a music venue, so chances are you’ll hear some tunes.

Designing Women Portland
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Ocean Avenue School, 150 Ocean Ave., Portland, $3 suggested donation. designingwomen.org/portland
The Designing Women fair in Portland got its start in 1991 and continues to thrive. You’ll find an array off fine arts and crafts from area women who work in several mediums including fine art, clay, jewelry, fiber, glass and more. Proceeds from food sales and admission are donated to the show’s participating non-profit groups.