If you're looking for a visit with Santa that's a little different from your typical mall experience, head over to Outdoor World. Santa's there every weekday evening and every weekend, plus free photos.

The next two Saturdays are Christmas Stroll in Georgetown -- a parade and Christmas market in a gorgeous little town.

If you have someone who loves to eat, cook or garden, buy this book: Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. After you read this book, you will understand why it's important to buy locally grown foods (whether they're "organic" or not; you'll want to plant your own garden and start composting; and you'll want to cook every single night.

If you're short on cash and want to give a unique gift, think about planting a rainforest tree in Costa Rica in someone else's honor. For just $10 per tree, you can help the planet just a little bit.