MULTIMEDIA

Got Sole! gift gallery

Frankey's gift gallery

Red Rose Vintage Clothing gift gallery

Vibes 2 gift gallery

The Bungalow gift gallery

Tantrum gift gallery

Excellent Virtu gift gallery

Mass Ave Toys gift gallery

Sleepy Hollow gift gallery

It's that time again: holiday gift-giving looms. Before you hit the same old big box stores (crowded aisles, shoving shoppers, annoying piped-in music) to ring up the same old gifts that everyone else will be opening, try taking a new route.

Independent stores offer a handwritten-thank-you-note-worthy mix of merchandise -- stuff you won't find on every other store shelf. So whether you're shopping for a fashionista friend, a rock-star wannabe, the cool kid next door or mom and dad, start your search here, with INtake's 2007 Gift Guide.

Mass Ave Toys

409 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 715-9158

"Awwws"-inspiring

A doll for your favorite child to play with now and cherish later, these handmade Kathe Kruse creations from Germany will elicit plenty of "awwws" from admiring adults -- and a big smile from the lucky young participant. Nearly a century old, the Kathe Kruse company still prides itself on handcrafted dolls and accessories, made from natural materials whenever possible. Up to 10 craftspeople and artists work on each doll. For kids age 3 and up. Doll with carriage, $75; bed, $80; dresser, $80.

Architect's playthings

Encourage your child's inner Michael Graves (or salute a grown-up's architectural prowess) with Anker Stone Building Blocks ($96), in production for more than 120 years. (Frank Lloyd Wright owned some.) This Basic Box #4 includes 55 multicolored blocks made from chalk, quartz-sand and linseed oil. The accompanying instruction manual helps your recipient create soaring structures without glue or cement; the blocks stay in place through their own weight.

Toys of old

Believe it or not, kids really did have something to do before video games. T.J. Whitneys' Traditional Toys specializes in beautiful reproduction vintage playthings, and this newly released Toy Memories Match ($80) shows just why these products are treasured by loyal consumers. Each tile depicts a watercolor drawing of an antique toy. Youngsters place the tiles face down and then turn up two at a time, trying to find the 24 identical pairs. For children age 4 and up.

Excellent Virtu

1114 E. Prospect St., Fountain Square, (317) 687-0450, www.excellentvirtu.com

Who needs maturity? Got a friend who refuses to grow up? These quirky pop-surrealist finds are perfect. The urban vinyl movement creates art toys that "look like a toy, play like a toy, but actually go up in value like a sculpture," says gallery owner Tom Jones.

Produced by Strange Collective and created by artist Jermaine Rogers, the very pink rotocast-vinyl Veil: Specimen #129 ($80) stands 11 inches tall and steps out of Rogers' world of the Dero invaders and their takeover of the "human world."

Bumper crop

An equally bizarre character, Mr. Bumper ($60), takes flight from the imagination of artist Jim Woodring. Only 750 of each Mr. Bumper figure (they come in a variety of colors) are created. This red version is listed as sold out on Woodring's official Web site. Why buy? Well, as the site states, "Mr. B is the only toy on the market today with eight legs, three mouths, 37 eyes and a flame coming out of its fore-trunk."

Krusty artwork

Got a "Simpsons" fan on your list? One whom you really, really want to impress? You'll have a friend for life when you hand over this framed original animation artwork of Krusty the Clown ($500). (Impress your pal even more by knowing Krusty's real name: Herschel Krustofaki.)

Tantrum

747 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 822-8550, www.tantrumusa.com

Garden of Edun

Got a socially conscious Brangelina-like couple on your gift list? Tantrum has the perfect fit: his-and-her creations from Edun, a line of clothes created by Bono, his wife, Ali Hewson, and New York fashion designer Rogan Gregory.

Edun seeks to build economies in developing countries through trade: The company works with locally run factories in Africa, South America and India.

For him: The black Debaser jacket ($225), made of 100 percent cotton with a zip front and epaulet detailing.

Made in Africa. For her: a Riga cardigan sweater (wool, acrylic and cashmere blend, $220) in soft heather gray, with black buttons and a lace-up ribbon accent. Made in Peru.

Hangout garb

A sis or sister-in-law will love Kensie Girl's cream and peacock-green striped sweater ($68). The oversize cut makes it perfect for hanging out on weekends, and its soft, sparkly sheen means it can be dressed up and taken out on the town. Made of a rayon/nylon blend.

Gifting yourself

Don't forget to shop for one of your favorite people: you. If you've got a party coming up, splurge on this Basix II silver Sequence dress ($487.50). The hand-beaded, strapless babydoll-style mini with black-ribbon detailing will turn heads while you toast the holidays. 100 percent polyester.

The Bungalow

912 E. Westfield Blvd., (317) 253-5028, www.bungalow-inc.com

Feeding nostalgia

Know a former Hoosier who lives out of state? Remind her of what she's missing with this Catstudio dish/hand towel ($17). It depicts Indiana landmarks and teams, including the Colts, Pacers, Purdue and IU -- and Broad Ripple, of course, where The Bungalow is located.

Treat for hands

Beat the cold of an Indiana winter -- and do so in green-friendly style -- with warm boiled-wool BaabaaZuzu mittens ($48), handmade from vintage 100-percent-wool sweaters.

High(-end) time

Mom or Grandma will love the simple elegance of a beautiful keepsake watch. This Silver Spoon version ($132) is handcrafted from vintage flatware.

Sleepy Hollow

5535 E. Washington St., Irvington, (317) 354-8000, www.sleepyhollowstore.com

Symbolic gift

Does your mom or best friend inspire you? Honor her admirable qualities with a handmade Zapbaby ($12.98), created by Bobbie King Zaphiriou, one of the shop's co-owners. This Lightning Love version represents intuition, inspiration, bravery and strength.

No-ink promise

Anyone raising a wild child in training will appreciate the sentiments on this toddler-sized T-shirt with three-quarter-length sleeves ($14.98): "No Tattoos... Yet."

Vant to be alone?

Retro movie buffs (and fashion fanatics) can relive the glories of the silver screen through a set of three Greta Garbo Paper Dolls in Full Color ($5.95). They'll drool over the 33 re-created costumes from 27 of Garbo's movies, including a skimpy gold mini and an elegant gold gown from Mata Hari (1932) and a lush, romantic red dress with star and moon accents from Camille (1936).

Maybe baby

Know someone who prefers vintage music to film? Snag this classic Buddy Holly vinyl album, 8recorded when the singer was 21. It features cuts such as "Peggy Sue," "Rave On," and "You're So Square." ($29.98).

Gentlemen of Japan

Shopping for a graphic artist, textile designer or another visually creative type? Wrap up this extensive guide to Japanese Design Motifs ($14.95). More than 4,200 illustrations of Japanese family crests incorporate plants, birds, animals, celestial objects and more, making the book perfect for sparking creative inspiration with a simple flip-through.

Vibes 2

1051 E. 54th St., (317) 726-0927

Power chords

Got a rock star wannabe in your midst? Launch him or her on the road to fame with an electric-guitar pack from Washburn Guitars. Your lucky recipient receives a guitar with nylon strap, amp, digital tuner, padded gig bag, three medium-gauge picks and an instructional DVD, all for just $269.99. Rock on.

Silvertone vibes

For the serious collector, invest in a 1963 Silvertone Model 1448. Created by Nathan Daniel of Danelectro exclusively for Sears stores, Silvertone guitars were the first instrument of choice for many would-be musicians, who loved the built-in amp found in the case. ($400)

Play local

Indy's own Thrash band, Demiricous, returns with its "Two (Poverty)" release ($11.99). Show the metal fan on your list why this local group has toured with Exodus, King Diamond, Malevolent Creation and Obituary, among other notables. Demiricous may have gained buzz in part by its Slayer-influenced sound, but the band is rapidly establishing itself as an independent force to be recognized.

Red Rose Vintage Clothing

834 E. 64th St., (317) 257-5016

Dressing free

A Broad Ripple staple since 1979, Red Rose was into vintage long before Hollywood celebs jumped on the bandwagon. For a friend or sis who's a bit of a free spirit, snap up this wing-sleeve blouse in groovy shades of blue, gold and burgundy, with a V-neck and back tie. ($58)

Backward glances

For a retro gal, Jane Andre California's two-piece dress/jacket combo ($95) still looks sleek and stylish. A matching belt sets off the A-line design. Your pal can get double duty from this gift by pairing the snap-button jacket with jeans for a casual weekend look.

Going wild

Can't find the perfect outfit? Try a Red Rose gift certificate. Since stock changes often, your recipient can wait until the right item arrives. Or perhaps that Austin Powers fan can use the credit to rent one of the shop's far-out 1970s disco-worthy leisure suits -- zebra-trimmed accessories complete the look. Yeah, baby! Suit rental $55; accessories extra.

Frankey's

1300 E. 86th St., (317) 580-1111, www.frankeys.com

Poverty-fighter

Here's another pick for your socially conscious guy pal: an OmniPeace by Signorelli short-sleeve T-shirt and matching cap. OmniPeace purchases support Millennium Promise, a not-for-profit working to end extreme poverty by 2025. How? By empowering residents of African villages with skills and tools. Men's T-shirt $65. Cap $35.

Partying up

Owe your BFF a big splurge-worthy gift? Make her day (and her next big party outfit) with a flirty silk ruffled halter top with a sexy low-cut back. Hera Ombre top, $309.

Special effects

The photography buff on your list will love these special-effects cameras. The Fisheye 2 captures images within nearly 180 degrees of the photographer's field of vision -- and can shoot up to one inch away from the subject. This 35mm camera ($78) also allows for multiple exposures on a single frame and creates long night exposures without a flash.

Another good 835mm choice: the Supersampler, a four-lens camera that takes four panoramic photos on a single print, with no special film processing required. ($56)

Got Sole!

6243 N. College Ave., (317) 466-1173, www.myspace.com/gotsoleboutique

Game footwear

Urban style plus upscale sneakers equals the perfect guy gift. Show a boyfriend, brother or other male in your life the love with these sports-inspired gifts.

Start from the ground up with the Dio Mid boot from Creative Recreation (known by fans as Creative Rec, $156). Available in men's sizes 8 to 13, the distinctive red, khaki and black color scheme gets noticed, while the adjustable Velcro toe strap keeps the fit stable.

Shoes to T-shirts

To go with those new kicks: The Dr. Doom short-sleeve T-shirt by Sneaktip ($49) incorporates designs from popular Jordan shoes. Or wrap up a Crooks & Castles New Bandito T-shirt, $34.

By Julie Cope Saetre / INtake correspondent