The key to giving gifts seems to be understanding that uniqueness makes them personal. Events like the Lititz Art Association's (LAA) Holiday Gift Show present great opportunities to locate unique gifts.

"When I receive a gift, I always think about how much thought goes into it," said Carolann Van Wyen, an LAA board member who oversees public relations for the organization. "Did (the giver) really think hard about what I might like? They're not doing it out of obligation. The Holiday Gift Show gives people an opportunity to go outside the norm. Some people do a majority of their shopping there. There are unique, beautiful gift ideas there. This show is diverse in what it offers. You can shop for so many people in one place."

The eighth edition of LAA's annual Holiday Gift Show will be presented over two days, Friday, Nov. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. indoors at Lititz Church of the Brethren (LCOB), 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. The show, which is free to attend, will feature the work of 35 members of LAA.

"It's a well-lit building, and there are booths set up around the perimeter," said Van Wyen. "You walk in a circle, and everyone is happy because the holidays are coming. It's a nice way to mingle with people who appreciate art. You'll see artists in neighboring booths encouraging each other. There's a sense of family between the artists, and that can't help overflow to the public."

LAA's participating presenters work in the mediums of watercolors, acrylics, oils, graphics, ornaments, ceramics, wood carvings and jewelry, and all their works will be available for sale. The locally handmade items that will be available include pottery, traditional artwork, sculpture, paintings and candles.

In addition, LCOB's Golden Needles sewing group will offer quilts for sale. To view some of the items that will be available at the Holiday Gift Show, go to http://www.facebook.com/LititzOutdoorFineArtShow.

"Some artists create items specifically for the holidays," said Van Wyen. "There are others who integrate holiday items into the things they normally have. Not everyone wants to buy Christmas-themed items. It makes it very nice for the people who come. Everything there could be purchased as a gift. There's thought that goes into everything."

LAA, which was founded in 1949 and took on its current name in 2014, consists of 105 members. LAA sponsors five events throughout the year, all of which are meant to connect its artists and their creations with the local community.

"This show is cozy," said Van Wyen. "It's not as big as the other shows we do. It's intimate. There are a lot of artists sharing with each other, just catching up with each other. It's a show the members like."

"The LAA's membership is a creative group," added Van Wyen. "In this particular show, they're thinking about the local people and the opportunity to give the gift of art for a loved one this year. Our membership is very focused on the people who come to our events. We want to create an event that's welcoming and inviting. We're just a friendly group who enjoys sharing our work with the public."

For additional information about the Lititz Art Association, go to http://www.lititzartassociation.com.