Whitney Smith Pottery at BellJar

While pledging to buy local all year can be a rather severe lesson in restraint (fresh raspberries should never be passed up, even in December), buying local for the holidays can be like  the best sort of treasure hunt. And with as much talent as there is in the Bay Area, you're bound to come away with thoughtful and unique gifts for the whole list. Don't know where to start? How about ceramics from Oakland based artist Whitney Smith? Her sprout vases are perfect for a stem of daffodil (seasonal/local be damned!) or just as a cluster on a mantle. See more of Smith's work here, or stop by BellJar in the Mission to sit some in person.