We know. The easy thing to do is get some kind of worthless small appliance for your uncle or your in-laws. Maybe even two if they are on sale. Stay strong. Help is on the way.

We suggest: one sweet West Philly hoodie from Vix Emporium, two gift sets from Dock Street, three books from Bindlestiff, four meals from Desi Chaat House, five Green Line mugs, six Studio 34 Pilates classes, seven Community Acupunctures, eight Four Worlds loaves, nine Younglove’s purses…

OK, lame. But you get the point. There are lots of great, affordable, unique gift ideas around the neighborhoods. In addition to the shops above and a bunch of others, a couple of holiday fairs are also going on this weekend:

Second Saturday Holiday Craft Sale • Saturday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St.

This is a big one. It includes more than 30 local vendors with local goods.

• Holiday Craft Sale • University City Arts League • 4226 Spruce Street • Saturday – 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

Several local artists will have jewelry, pottery, handwoven clothing, handmade cards and a bunch of other amazing stuff for sale.

For 25 years Curtis has been selling Christmas trees at 50th and Baltimore.

“I know I don’t look that old, but what can I say,” he said as he oversaw the loading of another tree – a 6-footer – atop a car roof.

Curtis has a selection of trees ranging from $15 for a 4-foot-or-so to $60 for trees up to about 10 feet. He said there is no way he will run out before Christmas, so look for his stand between the Dock Street Brewing Co. and Cedar Park. In fact, Curtis stressed, if you don’t have a tree by midnight on Christmas Eve, then stop by and he will give you whatever is left over.

Curtis is typically open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. When you see him make sure you mention how good he looks for his age. He likes that.

We are looking for more places to get a tree. If you have any favorite spots, let us know in the comments or write to us at editor [at] westphillylocal.com.

Word has it that the volunteers selling holiday greenery at Bartram’s Garden (54th and Lindbergh – 36 trolley to 54th Street) are getting a little lonely. Now is the time to get over there and get yourself a bough, wreath, freshly cut evergreen or centerpiece. The sale is over at 3 p.m. today. All proceeds benefit the Garden’s horticulture and community programs.

I know … it seems like just last week it was summer. Get over it. In fact, a good way to get over it – if you’re so inclined – is to pick up a holiday wreath or swag. We can help you out with that. Well, actually Lauren Leatherbarrow can help you out. The West Philly gardener extraordinaire is once again selling holiday greenery. Lauren advises everyone to pre-order and pre-pay for wreaths. The pre-order deadline for poinsettia plants is long gone. She will have some wreaths for sale on spec on Dec. 4 at 517 Woodland Terrace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that’s also where and when the pick-up is for pre-ordered stuff.

Proceeds from sales will go to the Boy Scout Troop 152 at St. Francies De Sales Parish, the University City Garden Club and UC Green, the youth choirs of St. Peter’s Church (3rd and Pine Streets) and the local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity.

A price list and order form is available below. For more information, call 215-386-3905.

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