'Tis (almost) the season! The holidays are fast approaching, which means it's time to make sure your gift list is in good shape. If you're stuck on what to get someone special, we're here to help--we are huge fans of shopping in this city, and we've come across some gift-potential gems in Albuquerque's local shops.
Below are some Albuquerque gift ideas for maximum joy-producing effect.
For the history buff interested in learning more about local history - The book "Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West," by Hampton Sides, or "Cities of Gold: A Journey across the American Southwest," by Douglas Preston
For the cowboy or -girl - Boots from classic local shop Dan's Boots & Saddles, now in its third generation
For anyone who loves clever gifts - A "Freudian slips" mug from Beeps in the Nob Hill Business Center ("When you say one thing but mean your mother") or any of the other imaginative gifts at this delightfully quirky shop
For the fan of pampering and self-care - A massage at Betty's Day Spa, or artisan lavender products from lavender grown at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
For the sweet-toothed (including those with a sense of humor) - Chocolates or candies from The Candy Lady, such as "Breaking Bad"-inspired blue candy or chocolate from the shop's "naughty side"
For the Giada-in-the-making - Cookware from Now We're Cooking, anything from cookie sheets to paella pans
For the stylish type - Men's or women's clothing from funky-chic Toad Road or KII Boutique 
For the New Mexican at heart - A chile ristra, jar of Hatch green chile or Zia symbol T-shirt from state-pride-filled Made in New Mexico. (They have a comprehensive online shop as well as a store in Taos.) We also love the Native American pottery and rugs at the Palms Trading Company.
For the jewelry appreciator - Creative or classic jewelry from Ooh! Aah! Jewelry, or statement Southwestern pieces from Gertrude Zachary
For the friend who's recently moved - Antiques from any of the shops along Albuquerque Antique Mile in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
For the theater nerd - Tickets to an upcoming show at Popejoy Hall. The fantastic offerings in early 2018 include "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," dance troupe Pilobolus, "A Chorus Line," "Porgy and Bess," and "The Book of Mormon."
For the art collector - Some great local galleries include the Weems Gallery and Matrix Fine Art.
For the animal lover - A gift certificate to the ABQ BioPark, to visit the zoo, aquarium and botanic gardens, or a horseback ride at the Stables at Tamaya-Hyatt
For the little one - Creative kids' clothes and toys from The Octopus and the Fox (also excellent for adult presents), or toys from Out of the Blue
For the hiker - "100 Hikes in New Mexico," by Craig Martin. Trust us, it'll get dog-eared and dirty really fast.
For the person who does not function before morning coffee - A bag of New Mexico Piñon Coffee, traditional or flavored (options include biscochito, peppermint bark and Mexican spiced chocolate)
