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There are few places in the world that consistently draw artists and writers, and we're lucky enough to live in one of them. That also means you need not look far for the perfect literary gift. Here are some of the best titles by local authors that were released in 2020, and what our critics had to say about each. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It's December, which means you're one of two things: already finished with your holiday shopping, or stressing because you have no idea what to get the special people in your life. That's OK, though. Datebook is here to help. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On Nov. 13, indoor dining shut down yet again for restaurants in San Francisco, Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties, with other several counties on the verge of doing it, as well. It's all due to the persistent coronavirus, and besides being disappointing to diners wanting to enjoy their favorite meals, it's taking a severe financial toll on the businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If there is one silver lining to this year's shelter-in-place demands, it's that more of us have been focusing on making our homes truly our palaces. We've cleaned out closets, organized garages, planted gardens and taken up hobbies. Sourdough bread baking, anyone? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The idea of opening a holiday gift decked out in a mask, gloves, a face shield and other protective gear kind of takes the magic out of the moment. And poor Santa Claus will have to wash his hands at every house he visits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

From august institutions to individual performers, those in the arts continue to face severe economic challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, the same creativity that inspires their work has also spurred unique virtual experiences ideal for gift-giving, as are subscriptions, memberships, CDs and other tangible items. Here is a curated selection from the cornucopia of Bay Area arts organizations and artists. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Whether it's a special bottle for a holiday dinner or a pandemic-appropriate tasting experience, Bay Area wineries provide a bevy of options for gift givers. Here are 10 options that showcase the region's dazzling diversity of varietals and vintners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A locally produced gift can be extra special to your friends and family, since local usually means unique, celebrating handcrafted products and a sense of place for where each piece was created. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Boston Celtics' 7-foot-6 center was a guest conductor during the Boston Pops orchestra's holiday concert. Fall led the orchestra in a rendition of the song "Sleigh Ride" at Symphony Hall on Monday night, wearing a custom-made, size-48 double extra-long tuxedo. Longtime conductor Keith Lockhart presented Fall a baton with "Congratulations to Tacko!" written on it in green marker, the Boston Globe reported. "Someone has come on the scene here and in a few short months has stolen everybody's hearts," Lockhart said. The audience cheered as Fall did a spin and wiggled his arms in time with the music. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

When Christmas shopping is down to the wire, there's a slim chance of finding something truly thoughtful, and a huge margin for buying the deeply regrettable - and paying the price. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This is a holiday gift guide with a lot of rules. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recently, I was seized by the determination to rid my home of all the belongings I no longer needed. I've written not once but twice about Marie Kondo's good-if-guilt-inducing organizational philosophy, so I like to think I'm possessed by this urge often. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

San Francisco State University's business school will benefit from a huge new donation of $25 million - though no check is in the mail. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

What some in D.C. might find under their trees [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Not all caps are created equal. Some are made in Japan, include an inner leather sweat-resistant headband, and utilize high-quality fabrics like trendy corduroy and soft velvet. Know a special guy whose life is unimaginable without a hat? Look no further. Poten baseball hats, $95, Self Edge, 714 Valencia St., S.F., www.selfedge.com. Sydney Evan Rainbow necklace, $860, https://www.sydneyevan.com. Edibles aren't what they used to be, and "Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen" makes a strong case for photogenic cannabis-infused culinary experiments. Written by Stephanie Hua, the woman behind the elevated marshmallow brand Mellows, it will put a smile on the face of any adventurous relative. Chronicle Books, $19.95, www.chroniclebooks.com [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Everyone loves a trusted hoodie, but a 100 percent cashmere hoodie is a game-changer. Local designer Kathryn McCarron created a simple, chic version, ready to be worn to the gym or to work. Wonderful for, but not limited to, the athleisure-loving type. Kathryn McCarron sweatshirt, $420, www.kathrynmccarron.com [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Is there anything cuter than a small child with a backpack? Probably not. Does a toddler actually need one? Also no, and that's why this gift is the perfect indulgence. Handcrafted in Holland from premium leather, the backpacks offer the tough choice between a floppy-eared dog, a serious bear or a naive bunny. Donsje kids backpacks, $119, RH, www.rhbabyandchild.com [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

While a face cream is a gift too subjective, a gorgeous-smelling face oil is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Created in Napa Valley with ingredients like avocado, dandelion and turmeric, it's a great addition to a mom's or a sister's beauty ritual. The limited-edition holiday bottle packs 50 ml into an attractive illustrated bottle. Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $305, https://vintnersdaughter.com [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Millennial man in your life might not expect slippers, but he'll surely welcome the idea of thoughtful at-home luxury. As everyday as it is impressive, this soft, hand-sewn pair is made of vegetable-tanned, breathable leather sturdy enough to endure a quick coffee run. FEIT men's slippers, $500, A B Fits, 1519 Grant Ave., .S.F., www.feitdirect.com [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

How do you guarantee a gift will please its recipient? One telltale sign is if it's something you'd like to receive. The Style team shares five time-tested ideas - from stocking stuffers to more substantive presents - that are also budget friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here's the thing about holiday gift shopping: It's not always a thrill. Rather, the same familiar ritual comes around every year, filled with questions and bedazzled with doubt. What would make the most perfect present for Mom? Will my best friend use this? How can I surprise my brother while keeping things practical? Given everything the Bay Area endured in 2018, we decided to cast worries (and practicality) aside in favor of a theme impossible not to get behind - gifts of utter whimsy and indulgence. Can one live without a handmade designer doll? Enter 2019 without a cashmere T-shirt? Forgo a fancy air purifier, a luxe eggplant-hued bag or an ultra-slick laptop? Probably. But will gifting those, and many other gifts, make for an extravagant moment to remember? Definitely. The following gifts, either designed or widely available in the Bay Area - are chic, occasionally over the top and generous. Above all, we believe they are as thrilling to give as they are to receive. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Whether you want to avoid paying the ever-increasing checked-bag fees or you merely want to ensure that your suitcase arrives in a destination when you do, going carry-on only is always a safe choice.It can take a while to train yourself to bring less, but sometimes having the right items makes it easier. And once you have everything down to packing science, it's easy!Here are six tested carry-on-friendly gear items to make your stay in the main cabin more enjoyable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The holiday season brings both joy and anxiety, as the anticipation of receiving a present sometimes overwhelms a child's ability to enjoy the gift. Thus the popularity of unboxing videos, where kids (and sometimes big kids) can experience the anticipation and then a surprise reveal. A 6-year-old even has a YouTube channel with 17 million subscribers who watch young Ryan opening gifts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Let's face facts. There really aren't that many travel-related products on the market that can be called, well, absolutely essential. Your plane ticket is essential. Your smartphone has become essential. Your eyeglasses or contacts are essential. And, in general, some form of clothing is essential, at least ever since Naked Air went out of business. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Former San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar will pay more than $26,000 for state and city ethics violations associated with concert tickets he took from Another Planet Entertainment within months of sponsoring a board resolution to extend the company's permit for its Outside Lands festival in Golden Gate Park. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Six months after finishing its probe, the University of California has released a heavily redacted report indicating that outgoing UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks got improper fitness freebies from the school recreation center - including a few dozen private sessions with a personal trainer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

You know what's easy? Opening, pouring and throwing back a bottle of wine. All you need is a corkscrew, a glass and a functional liver. It's worked consistently for millennia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If you have friends or relatives on your gift list who like to gamble, here are some ideas about how to stuff their virtual stockings. Though, I should first advise: Do not give chips or money for gambling. Those can disappear in an instant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Travel-related gear, gadgets and goods constitute a massive market and, frankly, there isn't usually a lot of genuine innovation from one year to the next, one model to the next. But when you're talking about often-pricey products that most likely you only get use a few times during the year, it's even more important to invest in the best of the latest items - and this has been a good year for it. Instead of a laundry list of whatever travel goods we looked at, what follows are my Top 10 picks, all items that I believe are extraordinary in some way or represent taking the same old products to a higher level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here's the big irony about film books. They are better now than they ever were - and fewer now than they ever were. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

While your loved ones can always use those ubiquitous gift cards you snagged at the grocery store checkout in a last-ditch attempt at holiday shopping, this season show a little more thought - and a lot more creativity - with the latest generation of custom photo gifts. Forget about that headshot-plastered coffee mug or lackluster wall calendar. We're talking about sleek media cases, elegant letterpress portraits, modern Risographs and minimalist Instagram albums that can be created directly from your iPhone. Today's fresh, design-centric options are cooler, quicker and more fun to make than ever before. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Santa Claus is nothing if not a citizen of the world. How else do you explain his journey to dole out presents to deserving girls and boys across the globe? The commercialism of contemporary Christmastime may make this yearly international expedition seem more like a materialistic gift dump than an altruistic venture, but its roots hew to the latter and can be traced back to the generosity of St. Nicholas, who is believed to have traveled the countryside in the third and fourth centuries to aid the needy and suffering. Fast forward 18 centuries, and the wonders of the Internet allow holiday shoppers to lend a hand - and score some superb stocking stuffers - in the spirit of St. Nic by placing their purchases with Bay Area companies that give back to communities beyond our borders, no sleigh required. Here are six to consider if you're shopping with a global mission in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As crowdfunding becomes the norm for startups, Etsy, a national online marketplace focused on handmade products, still believes in supporting small businesses the old-fashioned way: through its community of local Etsy Teams. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With wedding season in full swing, many find themselves yawning at standard registries and impersonal gifting options. For those who like to give outside the box, there are better ways (and better boxes) to celebrate the people in your life. Three new women-run startups combed through the cornucopia of Bay Area brands to curate online shops filled with local goodies that will make your present stand out from the pack. Whether your recipients are sentimental San Francisco expats, new transplants, longtime Giants fans or foodies, these sites cover all the bases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Growing up, brothers Chris and David Steinrueck would make gifts for their family out of wood, and their most loved creation was a wood tie. Now, lucky for those tired of gifting plain old fabric neckwear, the pair have taken their hobby public. The brothers recently opened their Wood Thumb SoMa showroom and design shop, giving new life to reclaimed wood and offering a fresh approach to classic men's gifts and accessories. In addition to wood ties and bow ties, Chris and David say popular items include engraveable six-pack beverage carriers and magnetic bottle openers; they also carry cuff links, sunglasses, and more, all made on-site in the back of the shop. While you're browsing, be sure to check out the painting on the garage door - a San Francisco cityscape, painted, naturally, to look as if it were made of wood. 354 Fifth St., S.F.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. (415) 512-7040. www.woodthumb.com. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

When Irene Chen Grenby and husband Matthew created e-stationery brand Iomoi in 2001, they were years ahead of Paperless Post, but technology lacked the sophistication to support their full vision. Plus, their followers coveted real paper products. So they launched printed versions of their line in 2,000 stores. Two children later, they decided to move the stationery business back online, and expanded with classically chic personalized canvas totes and Lucite trays. Now, the couple are opening a dedicated shop in Orinda under a new name, Parker Thatch, after their kids. The location offers the pair's signature totes, accessories and small gifts with personalization options available on site. Considering Irene's extensive background in fashion and Matt's multiple degrees in business and design, you won't leave Parker Thatch second-guessing your choices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Whether you're decorating an unblemished office space or giving a gift to a friend, you won't have a hard time finding unique spring floral creations in the Bay Area, thanks to the proliferation of traditional florists turned botanical artisans. Local flower shops have upped the ante, composing gorgeous arrangements in special ways. From limited-waste businesses that give back to the community to bicycle-delivered bouquets made with seasonal vegetables, it's never been easier to appreciate the city's fine floriculture. Here's a guide to finding your next verdant masterpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A heart-shaped box of candy, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, a heady perfume: Valentine’s staples we’ve all come to know but not necessarily love. Instead of the expected, consider a twist on a classic gift this year with these luxe local finds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Berkeley’s Viv&ingrid launches its new Confetti Mixers sets — five of its popular mix-and-match post earrings packaged in a luxe tie box and mounted on custom cards designed by company owner Ingrid Chen — just in time for Valentine’s Day. The tiny posts are the perfect antidote to the usual holiday suspects (no baby’s breath or red roses here), while still winking at tradition. Lipstick kisses, fanciful perfume bottles and crush-worthy candies decorate the cards, studded with gold-plated hearts, stars and other earring shapes, all designed by Chen and assembled in the Bay Area. Choose a style and color palette, then give to your sweetie (or sweeties). Who wouldn’t fall in love? Girlfriends, daughters, sisters will all shine equally in these adorable adornments. $65, Viv&ingrid at Oxford Hall, 2142 Oxford St., Berkeley, (510) 384-4889. www.vivandingrid.com. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Every time I recall the white sweater with the blue anchor embroidered on it, I see red. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Did you get a gift card for Christmas? If so, here are six things to do: [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Here is a holiday challenge that’s peculiar to the Bay Area: What to give the newly minted tech billionaire? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Last-minute gift shoppers, meet your local baker. The 2015 Donuts of the Bay Area calendar by San Francisco illustrator April Walters is the perfect way to sweeten holiday giving. Profiling 12 confections from area shops — from the fancy (brioche) to the classic (glazed yeast doughnuts) — the calendar is a yearlong love letter to the early-morning treat. Walters researched her subject by blitzing shops from Berkeley to the Mission District and painting on-site at each one. “I try to find what interesting, unique thing is at every doughnut shop,” says Walters, whose personal haunts include Happy Donuts in Noe Valley for traditional styles, Donut Savant in Oakland for “amazing delicious doughnut holes,” and A Spoonful of Sugar in the Mission District for their popular brioche flavors. Her colorful creations are also available by commission, if you care to immortalize your favorite fritter in watercolor. “I have this theory that if you hang doughnut art in your house, people will bring you more doughnuts because they know you like them,” Walters says. A theory we’re willing to test. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Our favorite finds for your furry friends. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]