Introduction

Yeah, yeah, we know: It's not even Thanksgiving yet and we're putting out a holiday gift guide. How tacky of us. On the other hand, you've got exactly five weekends left to find something even halfway appropriate for your finicky sister back in Dayton and crazy Uncle Arthur down in Florida.

So unless you want to be fighting your way through the midnight hordes at Serramonte Mall a few days before Christmas, we suggest you check out this shopping supplement. We've listed a bunch of excellent stores around town, by neighborhood, where you can pick up everything from weird musical instruments and good cigars to discount designer duds and secondhand furniture.

And let's face it: You're gonna be a lot happier skipping down Haight Street while you shop than slogging through some mall. If you're too damn lazy to even hit the streets, we've also listed a number of gift certificates, eating tours, train trips, and other stuff you can buy online or over the phone. Not to mention about a gazillion new CDs, DVDs, and books.

So happy hunting, folks, and may you all get it over with real fast this year.

The Editors