The Vegan Holiday Shop-Up runs Dec. 8, 15, and 22 at Pine Box Rock Shop.

If you’re like me, you get stressed out when when December rolls around and its time to buy gifts for Hanukkah and Christmas. It seems like I have to buy for everyone– my parents, friends, bosses, boyfriends, girlfriends, secret crushes, the friendly neighbor that dog sits when you go away, kind people that do favors for me, etc. And, in case you forget someone, my trick is to have an extra gift handy because you never know when you’re going to need it. Luckily for us Brooklynites there are lots of ways to shop locally and support Brooklyn based artists, and keep away from the Manhattan tourists who want to see the tree and walk slowly down the sidewalks. Here are the best holiday markets in every neighborhood to keep your holiday season stress (and crowd) free. (more…)