THE PERFECT GIFT — A variety of unique and homemade gifts will be among the items sold during the Holiday Gift Market, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Top of West Virginia, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8. Items to be sold include original painted Christmas cards by Mary Keenan, left, and character-themed jean jackets designed by Judy Schmidt. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — The days when people waited until the day after Thanksgiving to begin their holiday shopping have long passed. Most shoppers start browsing the aisles and online even before the arrival of Halloween, which takes place Friday.

So for those who are looking for that ideal, unique gift for those on your naughty and nice list, can mark their calendar and prepare to attend the upcoming Holiday Gift Market. This year’s event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8. at the Summit Art Gallery in Weirton. The gallery is located at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17, inside the Top of West Virginia Visitors Center.

Sponsored by the Arts Council of the Top of West Virginia, these creations will feature the work of more than 12 local artists and makers who have designed and put together an array of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted gifts and decorations containing a holiday theme.

“We are a membership organization comprised of artists and supporters of the arts,” arts council officials stated.

Among the items to be offered will be wreaths, yard and table decorations, small paintings, greeting cards, unique ornaments, clothing and accessories, foods, cookies, breads, stocking stuffers and more.

These gifts are not able to be duplicated anywhere and are certain to be a gift your recipients have never received before, officials explained.

The Holiday Gift Market will feature door prizes awarded every half hour, with the day’s grand prize being a holiday Fiesta Ware basket. That drawing will take place at 4 p.m., according to organizers who noted the winner need not be present to receive their gift. To be entered into the drawing, stop by the Top of West Virginia Visitors Center up until the day of the event to receive one free entry ticket, per visit.

Among the artists being featured at the holiday market are Joyce Beatty, Nancy Wright, Leslie Fields, Elissa Greathouse, Mary “Sis” Keenan, Judy Schmidt, Everett Metz, Sue Tate, Melodie Provenzano, Taylor Anderson, Alexis Richard, Hancock County 4-H and members of the Arts Council.

Keenan will have items which include original painted Christmas cards. Miriam Church will be selling homemade breads and Amish-style fry pies.

Schmidt, president of the Steubenville Art Association, will be selling decorated jean jackets displaying characters such as the Grinch, Bluey, Stitch, nutcrackers and more. Homemade cookies and holiday-shaped breads by Rustik Rollz will be available.

Preferred payment methods are by cash or check.

The Summit Art Gallery is run by the arts council, which sponsors exhibits, classes and art-related events for the community.