Twenty-one vendors are taking part in this year's Christmas Craft Market at the Botanical Gardens.

Department of Parks Assistant Park Planner Jameka Kelly explained that two thirds of the craftspeople will be first time exhibitors to the Second Annual Christmas Craft Market and Plant Display. "Out of the 21, only seven vendors are from last year," she said. "Most of the vendors are new."

The range of possible gifts is extensive, explained Ms Kelly. "All the crafts are handmade or original pieces and range from Christmas cards and Christmas stockings to sea glass, beaded and ethnic jewellery," she said. "Bamboo plants, festive candles, one of a kind Christmas tree decorations and ornaments, natural body products, knitted slippers, blankets and baby clothes.

"Someone else is selling local photography pieces, animal themed planters, cedar products, jams and chutneys and gift baskets.

"We also have a vendor who sells homemade organic soup and cornbread every week. Another vendor has cakes, cookies and other baked goods for sale and also takes special orders."

The Christmas Craft Market takes place every Thursday evening until December 20. Hours are 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. in the Jack King building (the building that houses the chickens and rabbits during the Annual Exhibition).