Mallternatives
You don't need a Cinnabon to have a positive shopping experience
BY GENEVIEVE RAJEWSKI

If you dread holiday shopping, you have only yourself to blame.

Most likely, you're doing it all in one go at the mall, where you search frantically alongside other panicked shoppers, and end up buying a gift everyone has seen in a catalogue a million times over. The whole experience smacks of binging at the consumer trough - and, not surprisingly, leaves you feeling exhausted, unsatisfied, and a little sick to your stomach.

Consider an alternative, if you will. What if you used holiday shopping as a reason to venture into four very different neighborhoods? Such excursions are the antidote to everything that's wrong with the hectic, antiseptic, fluorescent-lighted mall. In the South End, you'll see brownstones decked with juniper and holly. In Harvard Square, college couples pause to kiss a little more passionately under twinkling lights before returning to their respective hometowns. It's the stuff that holiday songs are made of. (Note that none has ever been composed about a mall.)

Better yet, as you explore the best of what Boston and its environs has to offer, you will still have all the options you would at the mall - only you can take the T, avoid the crowds, and find gifts that are actually inspired.

Harvard Square
Sure, you can find some lame remote-controlled car at KB Toys to suit your younger brother. But at Tokyo Kid (36 JFK Street, Cambridge|617.661.9277|www.tokyokid.com), you can opt for an age-appropriate manga title and matching action figure. In addition to posters and DVDs, you can find Japanese snacks and J-Pop CDs perfect for stocking stuffers. Reward yourself by popping into Tea Luxe (0 Brattle Street|617.441.0077|www.tealuxe.com) for a bubble tea to sip on the way home.

A lesser sibling might buy their sister a Nightmare Before Christmas T-shirt at Hot Topic. But not you. You are going to visit Proletariat (2-B JFK Street|617.661.3865|www.arevolt.com), where a mere $20 buys you a limited-edition piece of graphic art. For example, the store's army-green "Mac Attack" shirt has a black silhouette that appears to portray the Iwo Jima flag-raising, but actually shows soldiers hoisting the golden arches. The shirts - typically produced in runs of only 250 - are discontinued when they sell out; the shop owner posts owners' first names and hometowns online so you can see where your fellow, er, comrades reside. If the custom designs aren't rare enough for you, there are also racks of vintage wear.

Forget every horrid jewelry-chain jingle and the haunting image of salespeople, grinning raptor-like, from behind glass cases. Buying jewelry does not have to be cliché or exhausting - if you weave your way past the classic pipes, poker sets, and money clips to the very back of the Leavitt & Pierce smoke shop. There lies Zipa Jewelry (1316 Mass Ave|617.491.6991), a refreshingly no-pressure oasis of affordable and unique pieces. The emphasis at Zipa is on international designers and precious/semi-precious stones (think emeralds, opals, amethysts, and pearls). Styles range from clunky Celtic rings to elegant multi-strand necklaces and très bohemian French feather earrings. Particularly striking is the Baltic amber jewelry, which ranges in color from sunny yellows to layered sienna tones.

For the comic-book geek in your life, an ordinary magazine-stand purchase just isn't going to cut it. So head to Million Year Picnic (99 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge|617.492.6763), the oldest comic-book store in New England, where the super-knowledgeable staff can help you pick out a treasure based on what you've seen your special someone reading. This "comic person's comic shop" carries a full selection of the major publishers' most popular titles and, better yet, countless independent comics and small presses.

A critical shopping destination conspicuously absent from malls is the liquor store. This is quite a rub actually, because beer is usually welcomed by dads who'd otherwise roll their eyes at clothes or tools. Fortunately, in Harvard Square, there's no need to hit a packey for the same-old selection. At Cardullo's (6 Brattle Street|617.491.8888|www.cardullos.com), you can mix and match your own six-pack of hard-to-find brews and receive a 10 percent discount. You could throw in some seasonal options such as Corsendonk Christmas Ale and Samuel Smith's Winter Warmer, mix in American microbrews such as Rogues Brutal Bitter and Rapscallion's Blessing, and finish off with some classic Sam Adams flavors.

The Other Harvard (Harvard Avenue in Allston to Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner)
While all of the clothing at the mall is mass-produced (and typically overseas, in a less than savory fashion), the same cannot be said of the merchandise at Sting Ray (1 Harvard Avenue, Allston|617.254.0666|www.stingraybodyart.com). Here you will find original, cool, and affordable clothes - for men and women - handmade by local designers. Offerings include Shop Therapy hoodies, shirts from Lori Greene and Dame Darcy, cozy wool sweaters and bags with tattoo designs, and figure-flattering skirts from Mode Merr. The store also carries an extensive array of jewelry, belts, and other accessories - including Chandler Jewelry's facial jewelry and Shell's Bells mahjong bracelets, guitar-pick earrings, and hair flowers. You could also pick up some body ink for yourself.

You'd do well to treat your film lover to membership privileges at the fully restored Art Deco movie palace Coolidge Corner Movie Theatre, (290 Harvard Street, Brookline|617.734.2500|www.coolidge.org). In addition to showcasing the best documentary and independent films, the Coolidge's diverse programming incorporates a host of live and cult events, from all-night sci-fi festivals, to Sound of Music sing-alongs, to silent horror movies accompanied by live music. Open Screen nights allow aspiring filmmakers to show their own movies (10 minutes or less) on the big screen - an unpredictable and unique movie experience to be sure.

At Brookline Booksmith (79 Harvard Street, Brookline|617.566.6660|www.brooklinebooksmith.com), browsing among the stacks and excellent staff selections will yield finds hard to come by at a superstore. The Oh No! section is the place to head for the reader who enjoyed The Perfect Storm and Touching the Void; this year, consider The Last Expedition: Stanley's Mad Dash Through the Congo, a dark tale of an ill-fated rescue mission with ulterior motives. You can also purchase Book Sense gift cards, which are redeemable in-store or online at numerous independent booksellers.

For an independent alternative to Crate & Barrel, momentarily depart Harvard Street to visit Bowl & Board (1354 Beacon Street, Brookline|617.566.4726|www.bowlandboard.com). The store's countless shelves, pot racks, and surfaces are crowded with colorful dishware, cutting-edge kitchen gadgets, trendy linens, the best assortment of shower curtains anywhere (decorated with flamingos, postcards, synchronized swimmers, and more), futuristic-looking Umbra molded stacking chairs, and maple and stainless kitchen carts and work tables from John Boos. The stocking-stuffer possibilities are endless, as the shop has a wealth of inexpensive treats such as take-out menu organizers.

Return to Harvard Street to nosh on treats that improve wildly on the mall food court. Hit The Upper Crust (286 Harvard Street, Brookline|617.739.8518|www.theuppercrustpizzeria.com) for a slice of gourmet Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza. Or check names off your shopping list at Zaftigs Delicatessen (335 Harvard Street, Brookline|617.975.0775|www.zaftigs.com) over banana-stuffed challah French toast, homemade blintzes topped with fruit compote, or homemade chicken matzo balls.

The South End
One of the most depressing things about visiting a mall is the sight of puppies in the pet store's windows. It is pathetic enough to push your dog or cat's gift right out of your mind - and who wants to support a business that buys from puppy mills anyway? Fortunately, at Pet Shop Girls (12 Union Park Street|617.262.7387|www.thepetshopgirls.com), the only pet on hand is the tough and impervious Pedro, an orange tomcat who taunts passing dogs as James Bond's Pussy Galore plays in the background. Although you will find gifts for both canines and felines, (usually overlooked) cat lovers will appreciate the thoughtful selection of cat toys and accessories - from the collapsible "cat trail" tunnel toy to cheerful Danish bowls and supplies.

Likewise, the only pets seen at Polka Dog Bakery (256 Shawmut Avenue|617.338.5155|www.polkadog.com) are happy dogs dragging their owners through the door - and photos of dogs and cats available for adoption at the Animal Rescue League. The enticing aroma inside the doggie café may have you secretly contemplating what it would be like to try Peanut Butter Oatmeal Crunch or Carob Chip Puppy Dough - although the Liver's Lane will probably give you pause. In addition to the glass cases and canisters full of handmade treats, you will find a small boutique stocking stylish dog wear, collars and leads, and toys.

For many men, there is a noticeable "gap" in style after they take off their work clothes. So treat your guy to clothing that is not only stylish but comfortable. The newly arrived Uniform (511 Tremont Street|617.247.2360|www.uniformboston.com) is where to find hip, quality, casual clothing such as retro Penguin shirts, trendy Ben Sherman sweaters, Lee and True Religion jeans, and simple but well-made Victorinox shirts. They also stock three lines of men's skin-care products and industrial-strength German messenger bags.

Just because your grandmother is addicted to Yankee Candle, there is no need to subject yourself to that store's olfactory assault. Aunt Sadie's (18 Union Park Street|617.357.7117|www.auntsadiesonline.com) has an extensive line of its own scented candles - inspired by things like pies (blueberry, pumpkin, cherry) and botanicals (jasmine, lavender, rosemary, grass, balsam) - that soothe rather than overwhelm. Best of all, the candles come in artfully decorated tin cans that eliminate the need to worry about whether to pick a pillar or votive. Labels feature Anne Taintor's bitter and campy '50s housewives, images of Paris, and other fabulous retro-style art.

Forget Williams-Sonoma. When it comes to foodstuffs, ask the helpful staff at Formaggio Kitchen (268 Shawmut Avenue|617.350.6996|www.formaggiokitchen.com) to put together a basket for the foodie in your life. The tiny shop is chock-full of sweet and savory pantry items that will keep well under the tree. "Mostardas" are sweet, spiced fruit preserves from Northern Italy that star jellied red peppers, white pears, or a combination of apples, pears, figs, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Spicy-food lovers will relish smoky dried jalapeños packed in a vinegary adobo sauce or the heat imparted by a pinch of dried pepperoncino peppers. You can also stock up on artisanal cheeses, and cured meats and wine to bring as host/hostess gifts to the season's many gatherings.

Newbury Street
Upgrade from the typical Bath & Body Works basket by hitting Lush (166 Newbury Street|617.375.5874|www.lush.com) for chunks of handmade bath products wrapped in paper to resemble gifts of fine cheese or chocolate. Among the shop's dreamy, cruelty-free options are the "Letter to Santa," a bath bomb packed with foam letters and scented with sweet orange, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper, and the "Emperor of Ice Cream," a decadent butter cream featuring macadamia oil, mango butter, and jasmine and rose absolutes. The shop has a number of pre-wrapped boxed sets, such as the "Desperate Housewife," a polka-dotted box containing "Two Timing Tart" pink bubble-bath bar, and "Smitten" hand cream. If your boyfriend collects Vans and Adidas the way you imagine he once collected baseball cards, skip the garden-variety sports store. Instead, take advantage of the Puma Mongolian Shoe Barbecue (333 Newbury Street|617.369.7091|www.puma.com). Now through the end of December, the store's "chef" will guide you through 30 different ingredients - including leathers, meshes, laces, tongues, colors, and textures - to create the perfect recipe for a personalized pair of 1980s Cabana racers. Four to six weeks later, your boy will receive his one-of-a-kind Pumas. Although it may be possible to walk in and start designing on a weekday, appointments are recommended.

If you're intent on surprising your lady with lingerie, don't pick up a revealing but artless teddy at Victoria's Secret or a way-too-revealing stripper outfit at Frederick's of Hollywood - a gift more for you than for her. To make your woman feel pampered, not pimped, visit the Lingerie Studio (264 Newbury Street|617.437.0700|www.lingeriestudio.com). The owner makes countless buying trips to find the best French and other European designers, and the staff has voted their approval of all selections that make it into the store. Simone Perele's Granada chemise features black tulle embroidered with delicate leaves and a contrasting red poppy. For something less risqué but equally decadent, opt for cherry-red or black silk pajamas for luxurious lounging.

Consider Karmaloop (160 Newbury Street|www.karmaloop.com) the urban equivalent of the department store. Whether you are looking for hats, vests, sweaters, hoodies, T-shirts, cropped ladies' jackets, or shoes, here you will find the latest and greatest styles for both men and women. Among the swank labels are brands such as Le Tigre, Triple Five Soul, and Obey.

And finally, no shopping trip on Newbury would be complete without a trip to Newbury Comics (332 Newbury Street|617.236.4930|www.newburycomics.com). The music and comics are still here, along with all the action figures you can shake an Ewok at. But the coolest gift could be the rock-tour posters on heavy stock (Mark Lanegan by Rhys Cooper, The Darkness by Joe Whyte, Arcade Fire by Mike King, an awesome Cat Power poster by Darren Grealish). These are not the Maiden posters you had in your bedroom back in the day.