According to Lisa Simonian, who’s in charge of marketing for the show, the 13-year-old One of a Kind Show is immune to the alleged retail malaise that plagued our nation’s retailers over Thanksgiving weekend. “It’s recession-proof,” she says. “The economy doesn’t impact us. People come to the show to feel good about buying original, handmade work direct from the artists and artisans.” Last year 55,000 shoppers and 600 sellers showed up. This year, Simonian expects between 55,000 and 60,000 shoppers, all paying $12 apiece just to get in.

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A few of them were creeping in before the 11 AM opening, some dragging empty suitcases that were not carry-on size. One cynical crafter were overheard to complain that rich people could wangle anything. Some artists were still rushing to finish setting up their booths. But most were ready. About two-thirds of the sellers had been through the show before.

  • Aimee Levitt
  • Waters is prepared.

At the One of a Kind Show, you can buy just about anything. You can buy scarves (silk or woven or knit) or handbags (cloth or leather or synthetic material magically created from recycled plastic). You can buy a sweater made of wool or chain mail, though it’s advised to wear something under the chain mail. You can buy jewelry made from precious metals or from industrial wire or old watch parts. You can buy $30 pairs of mohair socks and $50 mittens (from Michigan) and extremely fancy Christmas stockings to put them in. You can outfit yourself (or a loved one!) in the style of Mad Men or Doctor Who or The Hunger Games. And yes, there are bows and arrows.

  • Aimee Levitt
  • Melissa Yen and Jo Snow Syrups

Is golf a necessity? Ember Luxury Wood Putters sells putters that are, as their slogan puts it, “smokin’ hot and beautiful” and look almost too beautiful to be wasted on golf. “If you keep your head cover on, you’ll be fine,” promises proprietor Barbara Keith. “We guarantee the finish.” She shows off her own personal putter, which bears the image of Mickey Mouse. (Ember will create customized putters for between $299 and $400 a pop. They appear to do a lot of college logos.) It’s only slightly worn on the edge. “See that?” The finishing process appears to involve three layers of the same sort of varnish used on boats.