Local craft and fine art fairs are a fun, festive, social and creative part of the holiday shopping season, but for some of us the crowded scene can be too much.

Thanks to Shop Maine Craft, the retail affiliate of the Maine Crafts Association, you can find the finest, one-of-a-kind Maine-made, artisan gifts without physically navigating through hundreds of booths. The Maine Crafts Association is a non-profit organization serving Maine artists, their studio practices, businesses and community since 1983. Shop Maine Craft manages and promotes cooperative advertising, a retail gallery, craft shows, craft markets and a web store.

All of these items can be found at shopmainecraft.com. We hope you support these local artists and many more like them whenever you shop, in the real world or online.

These items were independently found and selected for feature by METLN Content Studio staff.

TRADITIONAL KNOTTED NETTING BAG BY STEPHANIE CROSSMAN

Traditional maritime knotting techniques with nylon fishing twine were used to create these seamless, utilitarian bags that hold up to 200 pounds. They are machine washable and come in a variety of colors. $45

PURPLE DIA ACCENT TABLE SCONCE BY MACDONALD STAINED GLASS

Made from pieces of recycled purple glass, this one-of-a-kind mosaic candle holder comes with a handmade tea light insert. 3.25 inches wide by 4 inches high. $85

SIX WELL OYSTER PLATTER BY OYSTER RIVER JOINERY

Made from solid cherry wood, this foot-long oyster-shaped platter could cradle deviled eggs just as well. The carved underside adds to its compelling, one-of-a-kind story. $142

BEARS WHIMSY KIT BY HEIDI BOYD

Felt is an easy and forgiving material to sew, making this a great project to do with your favorite kid. Each kit comes with all the material necessary to make both bears—big bear is 5.5 inches tall, and baby is three. $23

CARROT SNACK PLATE BY C&M CERAMICS

Word on the street is that Santa has gone vegetarian. That makes this hand-painted and carved five-and-a-half-inch plate perfect for serving him a few healthy treats to share with the reindeer. $44