A SIX-PART SERIES   ● Our six-part series will profile a different aspect of the gifting season each week.   l Nov. 26: Avoiding the crowd   l Last week: Gifts from the heart   l Today: Shopping local   l Week 4: Gifter-giftee miscommunication   l Week 5: Last-minute shopping   l Week 6: Post-Christmas sales and returns   On StarNet: Check out previous Guide to Gifting stories at www.azstarnet.com/ sn/ent_shopping     HE SAID/ SHE SAID   There aren't many things men and women view as differently as shopping. So for each week of our six-part gifting series, reporters Kevin P. Thé and Erin White will offer a male and female perspective on the topic at hand. This week: shopping local.   He said   OK, it should tell you something that I've never heard of half of these places. The ones I do know have some pretty neat stuff, sure - and out-of-towners always love a little Tucson or Arizona touch - but I'd rather consolidate my shopping than drive all over town.   I have gone for some local artisan stuff before, for people I know would really love it. It's a nice thought, but normally loses out to efficiency for me. Maybe this year I'll try a new store or two.   She said   I love hitting local shops for Christmas gifts. Not only does it ensure that the gift I've bought is one-of-a-kind - or at least one-of-a-kind to the recipient - I often find items that I like much better than things I'd find at department stores. Plus, I get to put money back into Tucson instead of sending it elsewhere.   Add to that the fact that I don't have to deal with parking at the mall, and I'm sold on buying as many presents as I can at locally owned shops. Sure, the gifts tend to be a bit more expensive. But I'd rather buy one really cool, unique thing than three that will be forgotten by New Year's.

In the hustle and bustle of this season, you may forget that your purchase isn't just a present for your giftee. It's also a gift to the business you bought it from. So why not do your remaining shopping at local stores instead of funneling your funds into big-name corporations? Don't know where to shop, you say? Well, here's help. The following list is by no means comprehensive; we couldn't include every Tucsonans' local favorites. This rundown offers shops and stores where spending your money will give a little gift to the Old Pueblo and its hard-working entrepreneurs - and also score some killer presents. Mission San Xavier del Bac gift shop

 

1980 W. San Xavier Road, 294-2624

 

8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Nearly everything in this little shop has a Tucson connection. The books are from a local publishing house, the religious supplies are from a local distributor - you get the idea. The Tucson T-shirts evoke the desert with images of Kokopelli and mustangs in bright colors on sandy backgrounds. Much of the pottery is art-gallery quality at discount prices. Sabaku Boutique

 

5605 E. River Road, Suite 131, 577-2053

 

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays Owner Nancy Lenches-Alegret designs T-shirts as fund-raisers for nonprofits. Shirts are sold at the organizations, such as at Tucson Botanical Gardens. At her shop, you'll find more of her designs, along with a wide range of high-end clothing with a Southwestern flair, home décor, jewelry and more. Jewelry by Annie Guthrie

 

299-1873

 

http://www.guthrieminingco.com

 

e-mail: a.p.guthrie@usa.net

 

Custom jewelry maker Annie Guthrie creates one-of-a-kind pieces. She doesn't have a retail studio, but she does occasional trunk shows, with two coming up - Sunday and next Friday. Contact her through the number, e-mail or Web site listed above to learn where the shows are or to discuss a custom piece. Stewart Boot Manufacturing Company

 

30 W. 28th St., 622-2706

 

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays

 

Vic Borg and the others at Stewart have been keeping cowboys in boots for decades. The footwear sells for $255 - and that's off-the-shelf. For $30 more, you can have a pair specially made to fit your kickers. Don't think Stewart is just about cowboy boots. We spotted a pair of 4-inch, spike-heel platforms in bright, silver leather. Tohono Chul Park's gift shops

 

7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, 575-8468

 

9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily The shops have a variety of locally produced products - from original oil paintings by local artists to pottery to purses made from cactus boots. They also carry the standard foodstuffs, such as prickly pear jelly - Tucson-produced of course - books and some selections for children. Nimbus Brewing Company

 

3850 E. 44th St., 745-9175

 

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays In addition to selling some of Tucson's best beer (we're partial to the Oatmeal Stout), the brewery also has cool T-shirts, signs and other items covered with its recognizable monkey logo. The brew is available in six-packs at stores all across town, but you'll have to head to the pub itself for the other things. Consider investing in a 64-ounce jug for your favorite beer bud. It costs $11 to $12 and can be refilled with anything on tap for $7. Ochoa Stained Glass

 

3920 E. Fort Lowell Road, 325-8791, www.ochoasg.com

 

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturdays The store has been in Tucson for almost 30 years. Partners Genia Parker and Desiree May create beautiful glass pieces with help from local artists. You can get more of the store's story and see some pieces at the Web site above. Custom orders wouldn't be ready by Christmas - but you can buy a gift certificate and let your recipient plan the piece after the holidays. Berryware

 

321 S. Kino Parkway, south of Broadway, 670-1808

 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays Artist Berry Silverman creates all the designs sold at this warehouse. In the past, she made all of the pottery, but these days she has her colorful, playful pieces made in China. She's gotten quite a bit of national press, especially for her innovative salt and pepper shakers. She does have a few originals still for sale. Prices range from about $8 to $75 per piece. Patty Cakes A Children's Boutique

 

4144 E. Grant Road, 325-2888, www.pattycakesboutique.com

 

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays- Saturdays Owner Lisa Jacome offers high-end children's clothes for the mother who wants her child to be as fashionable as she is - or for the mother who just can't resist Patty Cakes' absolutely adorable pieces. In addition to traditional jumpers and cute dresses, you'll find baby and toddler trucker hats and sleeveless T-shirts. Dress your kid in this store's gear, and he's bound to be the coolest babe in the nursery. Bohemia

 

299 S. Park Ave., in the Lost Barrio, 882-0800

 

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays This hip, funky shop has pieces by about 200 local artists. The wide variety of pieces range from flower-painted windows to fun margarita glasses. While you're there, don't forget to check out a few of the other equally interesting boutiques in the Lost Barrio. Summit Hut

 

5045 E. Speedway, 325-1554

 

605 E. Wetmore Road, 888-1000

 

http://www.summithut.com

 

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays -Fridays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5p.m. Sundays You can get just about anything your favorite nature lover could ever desire, from a Swiss Army knife that hooks into a USB port to stellar coffee mugs. Plus the stores carry the whole Burt's Bees line and cute clothes - so you're covered even if your nature lover is more of a nature avoider. Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles

 

4811 E. Grant Road, Suite 151, 326-0188

 

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 10-6 p.m. Sundays

 

If you're tired of buying only toys connected with television shows, head over to Mrs. Tiggy-Winkles. You'll find plenty of unique gifts, including costumes, plush toys and even magical fairy dust.