Syracuse Cultural Workers’ Tools for Change
What: cards, calendars, posters, buttons, bumper stickers, books, bookmarks, shirts, CDs, DVDs, mugs, flags, cloth bags Where: 400 Lodi St.
When: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; open Saturdays, call for holiday hours
How much: $2-$150
Why: “Keeping your business in the community keeps your community in business.”
—Donna Tarbania, Syracuse Cultural Workers Associate Publisher
These 11 words explain why Syracuse Cultural Workers should be a stop along the path of your Perfect Christmas Gift search this year. Housed in an unassuming building off James Street, Tools for Change publishes items such as calendars, cards and buttons, a.k.a. great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. By supporting Tools for Change, the money spent stays in the local community and helps to support the Syracuse Cultural Workers.
“We try to do as much locally as we can,” Tarbania says. “We get involved in the life of the neighborhood, we try to be good neighbors.” By supporting causes such as environmentalism, peace, justice, sustainability and community, the SCW lead a work life infused with values, as Tarbania put it. All shirts sold at Tools for Change are made organic and fair wage, and other items are printed locally.
Tools for Change’s items can be found online, as well as in-store. Check out their website every Thursday when one selected item is available for 30 percent off.
For more information, call (800) 949-5139 or visit www.syracuseculturalworkers.com.
Craft Chemistry
What: housewares, clothing, jewelry, wall décor, hair accessories, ceramics, novelty soaps
Where: 745 N. Salina St.
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: $5-$175
Why: For anyone on your Perfect Christmas Gift List who appreciates unique art and funky, alternative crafts and jewelry, look no further than Craft Chemistry. This small and vibrant shop, located in Syracuse’s Little Italy district, serves as an art boutique and gallery. “{We’re about} showcasing and selling locally handmade goods, in a gist,” says Briana Kohlbrenner, who devised Craft Chemistry.
In a city blooming with artistic creativity and shoppers looking for outlets for the out-of-the-ordinary, Craft Chemistry is a perfect fit. “Craft Chemistry provides an alternative shopping experience offering goods that are unique, original, inspired by contemporary trends, and can’t be found elsewhere in the city,” boasts Kohlbrenner. “Shop at Craft Chemistry for yourself, friends and family, and feel good about buying local, buying handmade, and supporting your local artists.”
Not sure exactly what would make that Perfect Christmas Gift? Don’t get your Santa hat in a bundle—gift certificates are available.
For more information, call 424-1474 or visit www.craftchemisty.com.
