By Kayla Bruch

Unique gift ideas showcased in Prince Albert

Oct 18, 2014 | 4:24 PM

Prince Albert’s Exhibition Centre brought shoppers looking for the perfect Christmas gift or just browsing the selection, during the Craft and Antique show and sale.

Marley Ring said she tries to attend any show that comes to Prince Albert.

“I love coming to these kind of trade shows it’s really fun to see all the different small businesses that we have in P.A. [Prince Albert],” said Ring. “It’s really good for Christmas shopping.”

Ring said there isn’t a specific vendor she comes to check out but she did stop by a rather unique booth which was selling interchangeable jewellery.

James Wilm is the Chairman of the 14th annual show and sale. He said this two day event is so popular that all 67 booths were sold out and they began a waiting list.

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Wilm said it’s important they keep the costs low so vendors who can’t afford a larger show can participate in this one.

 “We keep our costs down to a bare minimum of just enough so that they can come out and participate,” said Wilm.

This event had baking, home-made crafts, coins, collectibles, antiques and the list goes on. Wilm described the event as having “just about anything and everything.”

Grace Chekowski, Owner of G and R creations has had a booth at the sale for six years now. Chekowski said they sell things like children’s sweaters, Barbie doll clothes and dog sweaters.

New this year, Chekowski said they made dog booties as well as rider hats, dog sweaters and cat nip toys.  

This family business has been around for 15 years. Chekowski said it takes a bit of ‘brain work’ to make their products but they do very well.

“[Why did we decide to sell this product] because they sell, people enjoy knitted items, they’re easy to wash and wear,” said Chekowski.

Baby Love by Meagan, Owner, Meagan Cook, said she usually only sells baby accessories at smaller shows.

 “I was really nervous to come to a bigger event,” said Cook.

Cook said she was inspired by her own children to develop hand-made baby items.

“I had my own kids and I like to craft things, instead of buying them,” said Cook. “Friends started saying well can you do that for me, and so then I would get busy and people would say ‘you need to sell this stuff’.”

Since Cook works alone she waits until her children are asleep to make her items. Cook said her three children are ages three and a half, two and four months old. She said they get to test out her car seat covers, growth charts, head bands, toque and any of her other baby products.

Baby Love has been around for three years. Cook said her stuff makes for great gifts.

“This year my growth charts are my popular gift, for Christmas to my family,” said Cook.

All of the proceeds raised go to local initiatives.

Wilm said they have already booked next year’s event.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter : @KaylaBruch1