To others, it's time to avoid the malls.

Luckily, again, Rose Garden area residents have plenty of options here in the neighborhood.

Besides being close, convenient and not too crowded, shopping in the 'hood supports the area's small businesses and could encourage others to move in.

A stroll down The Alameda, with a few jaunts nearby, found the following stores and gift offerings:

For Your Journey

Give someone a word stone inscribed with a single word, such as love, hope or healing, as a talisman, from $4; a T-shirt reading "Be @ Peace," $19.95; or a journal for recording thoughts and dreams, starting from $5.98.

1435 The Alameda, 408.947.1508.

Sisterspirit Bookstore

Staff entirely by volunteers, this is a good place to shop for gifts with a sense of humor. You'll find magnets with illustrations such as the one that said "Gods knows when you don't tip waitresses" or "Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic" for $2.50, and coasters reading "A clean house is a sign of a wasted life" or "Drink coffee, do stupid things with more energy" in sets of four for $10. On the serious side there's a good selection of children's toys, books and clothing; magnetic poetry kits with topics ranging from cooking to dog lover; and a lot of books and music CDs. And for that person who has everything, a rainbow feather boa for $12.95.

938 The Alameda, 408.293.9372.

Red Dragonfly

This gallery is filled with offerings from many artists. You'll find intricate mandala cards and carvings, from $7.50; beaded earrings, $10 a pair; hanging seaweed sculptures, from $18; and affirmations to affix to a mirror or door reading "Wishes do come true" and other statements, $5. Owner Julie Valentine's line of Divine Goddess and Sacred Soul pillows, candles and other gifts are also offered for sale.

Upstairs from For Your Journey, 1435 The Alameda, 408. 297.1610.

Lemmon Percussion

If there's a percussionist on your gift list, this is the place to shop. For the holidays, they're offering gift packages such as a of six sets of drum sticks that comes with a free six-inch drum practice pad, and a Zildjian "crash pack," which comes with a 16-inch medium thin crash, an 18-inch medium thin crash and a free 22-inch gig back. If you don't understand what a crash is, or have no percussionists, on your list, get someone started on the instrument with an eight-inch djembes drum for $69.95.

1427 The Alameda, 408.286.9150.

The Starting Line

All the merchandise is oriented toward runners, but a lot of their items would be welcomed by anyone. Among the finds are socks with an "anti-blister system" at $7.99 a pair; lights to wear on your body or clothes after dark, from $11.99; and a 365-day running log that includes training tips. Intriguing are the Dress Fit insets for high heels, priced at $18.99, that reportedly takes pressure off of the arch and balls of the feet and "reduces toe squish." There's also Bodyglide, which is a $6.99 anti-friction cream that reportedly prevents blisters and chafing.

1354 The Alameda, 408.995.6420.

Be Civilized

This store is vacating its location on The Alameda in the expectation of more sales and customers on Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen. Everything that's still left in the store is being discounted, so it's worth checking out for bargains. It's also a reminder of what can happen when a store isn't supported by the neighborhood.

1345 The Alameda, 408.292.6161.

The Teak House

Furniture dominates this institution on The Alameda, but even if an armoire is a bit much, look beyond the furniture. You'll find a nice selection of porcelain fish pots, which work with potted plants or with a glass top as an end table, starting at $49. There is also a collection of figurines from China, at various prices, and even a stunning carved boat in jade for $1,200.

1343 The Alameda, 408.293.8686.

Andy's Pet Store

A landmark on The Alameda for more than 50 years, this is the place to find a special treat for your cat, dog, fish or any other pet. If your pet is on a diet, pick out a new outfit or sweater, starting at $15.99.

1280 The Alameda, 408.297.0840.

All American Fitness

It's hard to resist the colorful Thera-Band exercise balls, in yellow, red, green, blue or silver, each one looking like it belongs under a tree. You'll also find free weights, elliptical trainers, treadmills and gym machines. Best of all, the staff knows what they're talking about.

1223 The Alameda, 408.293.9966.

Mission Pipe Shop

This is an emporium of cigars, pipes, tobacco, humidors and all things related to smoking with a knowledgeable staff.

1205 The Alameda, 408.293.5144.

Recycle Bookstore

There are 3,500 square feet of space here, with books stacked floor to ceiling. An out-of-print or hard to find book is always welcome to collectors and they don't mind if they're used. The cookbook area is a good option for finding gifts—pick a book and give it with something made from a recipe inside.

1066 The Alameda, 408.286.6275.

Movie Arts

Any film buff will appreciate the selection of posters, lobby cards, vintage photographs and films for sale here. There's also a healthy dose of memorabilia, including 3-D glasses and promotional lapel pins.

998 The Alameda, 408.294.9979.

Schurra's Candy Factory

Give them visions of sugarplums by buying a bag for $3.75. There's also chocolate in a variety of shapes from Santa Claus to snowmen to an apple for your favorite teacher. This is a small jewel of a store, filled with all things good.

840 The Alameda, 408.289.1562.

Indian Motorcycle

Gleaming chrome motorcycles dominate this store, but even if a $23,000 cycle is out of your price range, the accessories aren't. Give someone the cachet of an Indian cycle with a lapel pin, from $7; a belt buckle, from $21.95; a coffee mug, $12; a wall clock for the garage, $35; or a T-shirt, $22.95.

830 The Alameda, 408.287.5060.

Also worth a visit are these shops that aren't on The Alameda, but they're still close enough to be considered "in the 'hood":

J. Lohr Winery

One of the top 20 United States wineries in terms of sales is right off The Alameda. There are seven labels in the J. Lohr mix and something for everyone's tastes from Ariel, the first de-alcoholized wine, to zinfindel.

1000 Lenzen Ave., just off The Alameda, 408.288.5057.

Asiel Design

Garden sculptures and architectural items dominate this cavernous space, but look closely and you'll find small items with an antique look.

245 McEvoy St., off West San Carlos Avenue, 408.280.7079.

Pacific Blue Traders

Carvings, furniture, musical instruments, baskets and other exotic offerings from the Pacific Rim are plentiful here.

150 S. Montgomery St., 408.993.9300.

Sam's Downtown
Feed & Pet Shop

A wide variety of foods, treats and toys for your favorite pet.

759 W. San Carlos St., 408.287.9090.

Paradise Art & Garden

Interesting plants and even more interesting containers to put them in are plentiful here. There are also some whimsical garden benches, sculptures and fountains.

1490 Park Ave., at Magnolia Avenue, 408.885.1773.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The gift shop here has some exquisite reproductions of Egyptian items, including a set of four small jars, each with the head of a different god for $30. Children might enjoy the papyrus kits, for $3 you get one to paint and for $5 you get the materials to make your own.

1342 Naglee Ave., at Park Avenue, 408.947.3636.

Zanotto's Di Tavola

Gourmet foods are the order of the day here. You could easily put together a sumptuous gift basket with their offerings, or ask one of the staff to help you.

1988 Naglee Ave., 408.294.9151.

Finally, don't forget the value of gift certificates. They are particularly nice for services at places like Everything's Blooming for flowers or Being Spa & Tanning. Certificates are also a way of giving a treat or a meal, so don't forget local favorites such as Lou's Village, Habana Cuba, Seven, Anise, Queen of Sheba, Greenlee's Bakery and Falafel's Drive-In.