ARTS SMARTS by Dennis Anderson

Having trouble thinking of a last-minute gift for the person who has everything? How about an alternative to those expensive gifts that either break the day after Christmas or are banished to the closet and never used? Maybe you just want an unusual stocking stuffer or remembrance.

Art makes a wonderful present. I don't just mean pictures to hang on the wall, although that might be a good place to start. If you like visual art or crafts, there are lots of simple, inexpensive ways to remember someone. And, if nothing from a store or gallery sounds appealing, you can always create it yourself.

If you paint, weave, photograph, pot, carve, sculpt or draw, a personal creation from the heart can mean everything. Or, if you know someone with a creative streak that needs encouragement, try buying their enrollment in a class or seminar.

Written gifts have been exchanged for years, from Grandma's recipes to Uncle Joe's war memoirs. Genealogy is always cherished and, if you aren't a writer, you can always tape record family history stories. It's not unusual for essays, books, stories, poems or even songs to be created and given as gifts; even better if the written work is accompanied by related photographs.

Music is popular at the holidays. Some possibilities are CDs, especially if your Someone has a collection of favorites to add to. Musical instruments can usually be purchased locally and, like just about anything else, prices can fit nearly any budget; music lesson coupons are available from most instructors. Finally, consider tickets to symphonies or concerts.

The same goes for dance lessons, dance equipment or tickets to the ballet or a recital. I know a dance instructor in a small town whose family sprang for a year's studio rental. (The cost of lessons barely covered her overhead.) She was so thrilled that she offered a discount on first lessons of the contributors' children.

If you know someone who participates in the theatrical arts, warm and comfortable clothing comes in handy, as well as a variety of pencils, notebooks, water bottles and carrying bags. Theatre tickets can usually be purchased either on a per-show basis or as season tickets.

Books, supplies, equipment, apparel, sheet music and memorabilia relating to any art form are cost-effective for any budget. Subscriptions to arts publications or memberships may also be appreciated.

And if you just can't think of anything else, check the newspaper and take someone to the closest arts event, even if it's "just a kid thing." Trust me - you'll never make more points with senior citizens than by taking them to see a school concert!

Be sure to query the person in advance to determine personal preference. But just remember, unlike lava lamps, pillows or ugly ties, art will never go out of style. And, unlike fruitcake, you can never have enough art in your life!

December Fun Fact: The #1 musical instrument given as a Christmas gift? Guitar. #2? Piano.