Holiday Gift Guide

It's easy to shop for Duke fans: The Duke University Store offers plenty of options for folks who can't live without a dark blue Santa hat or Duke Christmas stocking (or the more common t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps). But that's not the only place to do holiday shopping on campus you also can find unique and unusual holiday gifts for friends and family that aren't emblazoned with the Duke logo.

Lemur Landing Gift Shop Duke Lemur Center, Erwin Road This shop, part of a research and education facility dedicated to the endangered primates, appeals to all ages. The serious reader can learn more about lemurs and other prosimians in Lemurs of Madagascar ($25). Children will love the plush stuffed slow loris backpack ($19.95) or stuffed animals, like "Hairy" the hairy-eared dwarf lemur ($10), named for an actual lemur. Both adults and children can "be the creature" with a lemur tail, attached to an adjustable belt, and with ears attached to a headband ($9.99). Crazy about lemurs? Adopt one for $50 to $500. The fee will help sponsor one of the animals at the Lemur Center for one year. The shop is generally open Monday through Saturday, but it's best to call first and check. Information: 489-3364.

Touchable Art Gallery Duke Eye Center, Erwin Road Patients with low vision, or no vision, are welcome to tour this touchable gallery part art gallery, part museum. This month the gallery features the fabric and bead work of Durham artist Linda Suiter. Her unique framed artwork ($50 to $200), painted gourds ($66 to $96), multicolored fabric handbags, some with beads ($42 to $60), pins, earrings and eyeglass cases ($10 to $20) are for sale. You may be also be interested in gorgeous fabric notecards, created by women artists in South Africa ($5). No two are alike, and all proceeds benefit AIDS research. Information: 684-0401.

Duke University Box Office Bryan Center, West Campus Each season, Duke offers a variety of dance, music and theater -- and the university box office is the place to buy tickets for most of those performances. This month, for example, you can get tickets for the Choral Society of Durham Christmas concert ($20) or jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon ($5 to $10). And next month, performances range from Brazilian jazz singer Luciana Souza ($5 to $26) to the Emerson String Quartet ($5 to $28), winner of eight Grammy awards. Get tickets for these and other spring semester performances ($5 to $41) as far in advance as you like. Information and ticket sales: 684-4444.

The Terrace Shop Doris Duke Center, Sarah B. Duke Gardens Perhaps you've strolled through Duke Gardens and admired the pre-drought blooms and foliage and wondered how to make your own garden magnificent. This shop won't give you a green thumb, but you will find garden items of all kinds. Stepping stones, wind chimes, hummingbird feeders and pottery range from $15 to $85. On Dec. 4, The Terrace Shop is having a one-day holiday sale and is offering free gift wrapping. Another option is to buy your loved one a membership in the Friends of Duke Gardens Groundbreakers Society for $50 a year. Benefits include the biannual Flora newsletter, education program discounts, and discounts at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh and the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. Information: 684-3698.

The Museum Store at the Nasher Museum of Art 2001 Campus Drive Besides books related to the museum's exhibitions, this shop offers one-of-a-kind gifts. You'll find unique jewelry, toys, journals and housewares in different price ranges. For $20 and under you can purchase a stainless steel wire photo mobile or an invisible bookshelf, two of the shop's best-selling items. Spend a bit more and you can get unusual sketchbooks for the budding artist, funky nightlights, and artfully designed stationery and handbags. A striking Guatemalan vase made of recycled bottles is a conversation piece ($65). Information: 684-5017.

Blue Devils Basketball Cameron Indoor Stadium Led by new coach Joanne P. McCallie, expectations are again high for the Duke women's basketball team. Fan enthusiasm is also high; to date, the team has sold more season tickets than ever before and general admission tickets for four games this season have already sold out. But it's not too late to buy tickets to see the Duke women in action. The eighth-ranked Blue Devils host four Top 10 teams this year, as well as ACC rivals Florida State on Jan. 11 and N.C. State on Jan. 20. There is also a cross-town matchup against North Carolina Central on Jan. 3. General admission tickets are $7, reserved tickets are $12. Information: (877) 375-3853.