Each year, SFR publishes an annual gift guide to kick off the holiday season. We do it after Black Friday—because, as it turns out, Black Friday isn’t about gifts. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, approximately 60 percent of Black Friday shoppers planned to spend money on “non-gift items”—to the tune of $140. So, now that we’ve treated ourselves to those “non-gift” flatscreens, iPads, pea coats and platforms, it’s time to think about others. In this year’s gift guide, we’ve grouped presents by category—food, drink, books, games, toys and so on. There’s something for everyone in here, and we’ve tried to focus as much as possible on local retailers and suppliers. Sure, it’s easy to find everything your new puppy might need at Petco, but a couple of local shops do it better, with eco-friendly beds, organic treats and high-quality jackets to keep him warm. Read about much more in the ensuing pages—and then get out there and support your local economy! And, of course, happy holiday wishes from your favorite local alt-weekly! Disclaimer: Prices may vary for the items listed; SFR has ensured their accuracy to the best of our ability.

For all of us hardcore gamers in the know, the months of October, November and December are glorious weeks full of nonstop triple-A releases and the death of our non-online social lives. But what are those of you who might not know the industry, despite having gamer friends and family, to do? Easy. I’m going to help you with a few suggestions, and I’ve arranged them into age-appropriate groups.

Giving the gift of words is kind of like buying someone perfume: It’s hard to know where to start, harder to know exactly what your gift recipient really likes and distinctly possible you’ll end up bringing another white elephant into the world. (Really, just don’t ever give anyone perfume. Trust me.) That’s why we asked for a little help this year from two of our favorite local booksellers: Garcia Street Books and Collected Works Bookstore. Conveniently, their suggestions are even categorized by gift recipient—so hopefully, you’ll know just what to do.

The holidays are the ideal time to give back to the community. Finding the right place or way to give your cash, time or goods can be a bit overwhelming, given how many local organizations do great work.

When it comes to pet-related giving, you can always big-box it up at Petsmart or Petco, but the locally owned Teca Tu sells an exclusive “doggie vestido vest”.

The greatest gift you can give your family and yourself this Christmas is a simple one: two-plus hours of silence.

It’s hard to top the personalized quality of an iTunes gift card, which allows loved ones to legally download all those songs that they’ve already pirated. But if you believe thought really does count, here are a few suggestions that are sure to satisfy even the most picky or pedantic music enthusiast, from scavenged items to bank-busters.

It’s December, which means holiday party season is officially upon us—and while it’s perfectly acceptable (or should be) to give the gift of a few cocktails at your giftee’s favorite watering hole, most parties call for a bit more formal, sharable take on presents.

Got a foodie in the family?

Having both attended and worked at a Montessori school, I am a big proponent of hands-on, technology-free activities for children—preferably made out of glass or wood, involving clay or paper or liquid or scissors and cloth with not-too-sharp needles for sewing: things that are not toys per se, but practical, everyday products that help develop motor and mental skills in growing human beings.