International Institute Holiday Bazaar

If you want to knock out your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza shopping early, you should probably head to the International Institute Holiday Bazaar. This sale of handmade goods features more than 20 vendors representing countries such as Ecuador, Peru, DR Congo, Morocco, Haiti and the U.S., offering home décor, statues, art and more. Several of the participants have been aided by the International Institute's Economic Development program, which offers guidance and business training for new arrivals to America. The bazaar takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (December 7 and 8) in the International Institute of St. Louis' gymnasium (3401 Arsenal Street; www.iistl.org). There is an admission fee of $5.