Think global, shop local

Funny how quickly this holiday season has snuck up on us, isn't it? That election sure was distracting. Here's hoping our ultimate holiday gift guide can help you navigate these next few months while you're busy celebrating President Obama and protesting Prop. 8. Speaking of politics, the Guardian has joined a national effort to support local businesses this year as a way to boost our economy. Read Tim Redmond's explanation. May this be a holiday season of change!

Molly Freedenberg

Holiday Guide editor

All illustrations by Justin Renteria

>>Think global, shop local

Saving SF's economy one gift at a time

By Tim Redmond

>>Guilt-free gifts

A guide to supporting good causes

By Katie Baker

>>Head Bangin'

Too much metal for one gift

Photo by Arlene Romana, styling by Ben Hopfer

>>Graphic gifts

Epic comics for your twisted loved ones

By Justin Hall

>>The game room

Fantastic new releases for computers and consoles

By Daniel N. Alvarez

>>Burner bourgeois

Leather and feathers trump fun fur and faux fabrics

Photo by Arlene Romana, styling by Ben Hopfer

>>Seasonal sounds

Sifting through the year's albums and shows for melodic gifting

By Brandon Bussolini

>>Bike-ster

Retro, velo-inspired ideas for hipster gifts

Photo by Arlene Romana, styling by Ben Hopfer

>>Giving on a shoestring

Cheap and DIY ideas for the financially-challenged

By Molly Freedenberg

>>Not your pilgrim's pie

Modern pumpkin desserts for the historically-minded

By Meghan McCloskey

>>So fresh, so clean

Hip-hop duds for your homies

Photo by Arlene Romana, styling by Ben Hopfer

>>A holiday from the holidays

Spa ideas for the weary shopper or lucky gift-getter

By Chloe Schildhause