For some, the bustle of the Holiday Season is a rush -- they can't wait to get to the mall for the big post-Thanksgiving retail push, they hum along to Muzak versions of "Winter Wonderland," they spend hours scouring the aisles in search of the perfect gifts. Others, though, recoil with dread at the idea of stores, mobs, and product overload. If you're in category no. 2, here are some ideas for alternative gift-giving -- with tips on items from certificates for cooking classes to self-styled candles, we can help keep you out of the mall this season.
COOKING CLASSES
Most of us know a few people who are out of work these days. Why not put those idle hands to good use? You might even get a tasty return on your investment. Demonstrations and classes at Homechef can be as short as a one-hour risotto demo or as intensive as the six-week series on seafood. Pack the beginner off to the Essential Cooking Series or a one-day Knife Skills workshop. The extensive curriculum includes a series on Asian food, quick and easy entertaining tips, a class on spa cuisine, and hands-on workshops to master everything from tamales to truffles. Prices range from $49 for one-day workshops to $389 for a 12-class series, with discounts for those who prep or clean. 3527 California St. (at Laurel), 668-3191, www.homechef.com.
The well-established Tante Marie's Cooking School offers $50 cooking demonstrations, one-day workshops from $90 to $375, and weeklong cooking vacations for $950. Participation is key to the teaching method here, so classes are small, and French cooking techniques with California tastes are reinforced throughout. Send one pal to the class on Vegetarian Cooking from the Farmer's Market and another to the Comfort Desserts course. Then host a dinner party. 271 Francisco St. (at Stockton), 788-6699, www.tantemarie. com.
Sur La Table offers both classes and culinary tours including a puff pastry workshop given by Le Charm's Alain Delangle ($65). Other topics: a Thai noodle-making class, ($85) a gnocchi workshop, ($85) and one that extols the glories of figs ($50). If a class doesn't quite suit, how about laughing and learning while eating and walking? San Francisco Chroniclecolumnist GraceAnn Walden leads neighborhood tours of North Beach, the Mission, and Nob Hill that incorporate the histories of the areas with taste samples along the way and a three-course lunch afterward. Gift cards can be redeemed for store purchases, tours, or classes. 77 Maiden Lane (between Kearny & Grant), 732-7900, www.surlatable.com. METAPHYSICAL
For spiritual seekers, why not give an astrological chart or tarot card reading? Voted Best Astrologer by SF Weeklyreaders, Susan Levitt combines knowledge of Western and Taoist astrology and offers spiritual services in tarot card and palm readings ($100 includes both), astrology charts and forecasts (a combination of Western and Chinese for $150), and on-site feng shui consultations ($175/hr). Just in time for the holidays is Levitt's Complete Tarot Kit ($35), which comes with a copy of her Introduction to Tarot book, a tarot journal, reference chart, and two tarot decks -- the Rider-Waite deck as well as the more esoteric Crowley cards.
Author Levitt has also written a number of books on the metaphysical arts. The popular Taoist Astrologytitle ($15) is a fun option for the office party grab bag. Certificates, books, and tarot kits are available at www.susanlevitt.com. Local astrologer Ericka Jennings offers 90-minute readings that include copies of your chart and audio tapes of the session. Certificates are available for individual readings ($45-60) or relationship readings ($75-100). Ericka Jennings, Solar Flair, (415) 846-4663, ericka@local-sf.com, www.local-sf.com/solarflair. CRAFTING
Maybe you're the one with more time than money this season. If you're thinking about creating rather than buying gifts, the following places can help. Waxen Moon is a candle-making studio where you can drop in and create your own vanilla-scented candle with dried flowers or sign up for an advanced class in layered, tapered, or hurricane candles.Candles start at $10. 1814 Polk St (at Jackson) 539-1936, www.waxenmoon.com.
Learn to make a personalized photo album for someone and fill it with memories from your last vacation together, create picture frames with beautiful decorative papers, or craft your own holiday decorations and greeting cards. Paper Source provides instruction, kits, and the encouragement of a helpful staff. Nearly two dozen classes include Polaroid transfer, bookbinding, matchbox books, and linoleum-block printing. Classes range from $45 to $110. 1925 Fillmore (between Bush & Pine), 409-7710, www.paper-source.com.
At Color Me Mine, you can make personalized ceramic gifts without going near the potter's wheel. Stop into the studio and chose from mugs, bowls, vases, piggy banks, and ornaments, then select paint colors and your technique, (e.g., sponging, splatter, or bubbles) and get to work. After you finish, leave your creation behind to be refired. Items cost $3-40, studio fee is $12 per day, and glazing and refiring cost $1-$5. 2030 Union (between Webster & Buchanan), 474-7076, www.colormemine-sf.com.
Gift certificates are available at all of the above craft studios.
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