Gift lists have a way of turning into a pile of big-box receipts. This year, a few Saturday mornings downtown could change that.

The Baton Rouge Arts Market, run by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, sets up at Fifth and Main streets on the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. For holiday shoppers, that means two dates to circle: Saturday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 5.

What you'll find

The market has been running since 1998, and it's juried, so artists apply and are selected by an anonymous panel. Booths are filled with handmade work from local artists and makers, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and one-of-a-kind home decor.

That makes it a strong spot for gifts that won't show up under anyone else's tree. You also get to meet the person who made the piece and hear how it came together, which adds a story to the present.

Expect live music and artist demonstrations, too.

Make a morning of it

The Arts Market runs alongside the Red Stick Farmers Market, so you can stock up on fresh local food in the same trip. Grab breakfast downtown, walk the rows of tents and get home before lunch with half your list checked off.

The Dec. 5 market lands on the same day as the Arts Council's Festival of Lights downtown, so families can shop the market in the morning and stay for the festival, which kicks off at noon.

For artists

If you make work you'd like to sell, the Arts Council accepts applications to the market with a $25 fee. A jury reviews them quarterly.

Your loved ones get something handmade, and a Baton Rouge artist gets a sale. That's a pretty good trade for a Saturday morning.

Photo courtesy of Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.