Don’t kick yourself repeatedly for waiting until the very last minute to buy tons of thoughtless gifts for your loved ones.

Instead of fighting off the herds of Canadians for prime parking at the Galleria in the days before Christmas, take advantage of some of the pop-up holiday markets that will offer unique—even Buffalo-centric—gifts from local vendors. And start checking items from the gift list as early as this weekend:

Kriskindlemart, Broadway Market, 999 Broadway, Buffalo

This annual holiday food and craft festival kicks of Saturday at the iconic east side market. A promotional poster advertises local gifts, specialty foods and organic coffees. According to the market’s official website, Kriskindlemart is still accepting vendor applications for the market, which runs the week of Thanksgiving, closes Thanksgiving day, reopens on Black Friday, and then it open again Dec. 3, 10, and 17 through 24. Santa is scheduled to make his first Broadway Market appearance of the season at noon Nov. 25.

A Christmas Market, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, 76 Pearl St., Buffalo

On Sunday, pick up some one-of-a-kind gemstone jewelry, watercolor paintings, handcrafted soaps and fashionable accessories at this one-day holiday market, sponsored by the folks at Pearl Street and Albarella Media. For more info on participating vendors, check out the Facebook page. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m., and attendees are invited to shop while watching the Bills game on the TVs throughout the complex. It’s a genius idea. I don’t know about you, but I could use a stiff drink before/during/after holiday shopping ‘til I drop.

Niagara Holiday Market, 101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls

This mother of all WNY holiday markets opens up on Black Friday, and it promises to bring a slice of the European market scene to our corner of New York state.  With tons of high-end vendors, caterers, Etsy crafters, live concerts, street performers and holiday cheer, a small blurb can’t do this all-encompassing market justice. I’ll be reporting more on the opening of this market as Black Friday approaches. For now, visit the official website for a full list of participating vendors, family activities and more.

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Gia_S.