> Ate Series necklace, $58
This jewelry series is a sneak peak inside the food chain, on an 18-inch chain. Each animal pendant, and its dinner, is hand-cut from sterling silver by Kelly Conroy, of West Roxbury, Mass. The necklaces are easy enough for everyday, with a little shine and a lot of fun. More are available at Pear Tree, 303 Central Ave. in Dover.
> Copper ornaments, $16
Hampton-based coppersmith Don Felix specializes in custom weathervanes and sculptures, which can sell for thousands of dollars. These little bird and butterfly ornaments are much more affordable, but are still traditionally crafted and should last many years with repeated use, even year-round. They are available at Made, a pop-up shop by George Beland Furniture and Nomad Leatherwork, open through April at 150 State St. in Portsmouth.
> Amputee Bunny, $45
Nothing pulls at the heartstrings like an injured animal that needs rescuing. Designed and created by Heidi Brunelle, of Rochester, each Amputee Bunny is one-of-a-kind. She says it’s a cute way to help people accept differences. They come with their life story, written by Rich Brunelle, the manager of JetPack Comics, where the stuffed animals are sold at 37 North Main St. in Rochester. They’re also available at Artstream, 10 2nd St. in Dover, along with a sleepy friend, Narcoleptic Owl. A percentage of every sale goes to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
> Good Luck stickers and tattoos, $2 or $6
Portsmouth illustrator Kenley Darling put her original artwork on little black and white vinyl stickers, which are waterproof and stick to just about anything, and on temporary tattoos that stick to you. They make cool stocking stuffers, suitable for most ages. Find them, along with the best selection of letterpress holiday cards, at Gus & Ruby, 29 Congress St. in Portsmouth.
ONE STOP ART
With so many choices in one place, your local art association could have something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Together, these galleries represent hundreds of artists of all types. They make pottery and ceramics, jewelry and accessories, photographs, paintings, prints and more. This time of year, you can also find cards, ornaments and stocking stuffers. And everything is either on sale or priced affordably for gift giving.
PORTSMOUTH
From Four Tree Island by Shawn Pelech
The New Hampshire Art Association encourages everyone to “Give the Gift of Art” with an all-member holiday show where all artwork is priced under $300, till the New Year. The gallery will provide the wine, cheese and cheer at a Festive Friday reception on Dec. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Hours have been extended to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday through the holidays. One of the longest-running statewide art associations in the nation, it consists of more than 450 artists. It is based at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery at 136 State St.
EXETER
The Seacoast Artist Association offers “Small Works for Giving” this month. All the art is less than $100 and sized to fit under the tree. There are also locally generated calendars, books and crafts to choose from, and holiday cards to attach. The gallery is at 225 Water St.
KITTERY
The Kittery Art Association is hosting an all-member holiday art show and sale, on Dec. 20 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to mall works of art, sculpture and pottery, there will be jewelry, tree ornaments, felted mittens and hats, cards, scarves, and other handmade gifts. It is located at 8 Coleman Ave.
YORK
The York Art Association is also holding a holiday show and sale, including original arts and crafts and locally made gifts, Dec. 18 through 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is made complete with seasonal music, hot mulled cider and sugar cookies. The gallery is at 394 York St.