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Looking for a parking space, braving the mall crowds and fighting for that last Nintendo Wii on the shelf can make for a stressful holiday.

For those who want to avoid the mainstream mayhem and find a unique gift this holiday season, there are plenty of places in Albuquerque to find it.

After all, it's much more fun — and, likely, calm — to wander off those well-worn paths during this season of giving.

And it's in that spirit we present a guide of sorts to some of Duke City's most sterling — and oft-overlooked — treasure-troves.

Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanic Gardens

The Aquarium Gift Shop, at 2601 Central Ave. N.W., features chimes, stained-glass gifts, educational puzzles, books, clothing and a plethora of quirky items. It sells more than two dozen stuffed animals, including narwhals, yaks and snow owls. They range from $5 to $50. The store is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 848-7188 for more information.

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

The museum's gift shop, at 2000 Mountain Road N.W., sells pottery, perfume bottles, paperweights and work from Albuquerque artists. It sells $6 handmade bookmarks made of different types of wood. They are thin, light and soft, and they can be put into a Christmas card. Its Southwestern pottery comes in a variety of colors, including lime, cranberry and orange. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 242-0434 for more information.

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum

A highlight for visitors during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the museum's gift shop off Alameda Boulevard Northeast offers all things related to balloons — socks, T-shirts, jewelry, ornaments, tops, key chains, toys, Christmas cards and notebooks. The shop's wind spinners, made of balloon material, are hot items. They cost $15. The shop is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 822-1111 for more information.

ARCA

The center, at 11300 Lomas Blvd. N.E., provides services to people with disabilities. It has a gift shop that sells clothing, badge holders, tote bags and blankets. Its $7 fleece blankets are perfect for travelers. They roll up easily and can be kept in your vehicle. It's open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 332-6700 for more information.

Commission for the Blind

The commission store, at 2200 Yale Blvd. S.E., sells items for the blind at its gift shop, including tote bags, watches and canes. The tote bags are high-quality and handmade by people who are blind. They cost $9 to $14, and there will be a two-for-one sale after Christmas. The store is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 841-8844 for more information.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The center, at 2401 12th St. N.W., features American Indian jewelry, artwork, pottery and cultural books. The store sells history books that range from $15 to $199. They are essential gifts for history buffs. The shop is 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, call 843-7270.

National Atomic Museum

The museum's gift shop, at 1905 Mountain Road N.W., sells jewelry, pins, military patches, flags, posters, science books, toys, T-shirts and stuffed animals. The shop sells science kits for $30 that feature more than 100 experiments. And you can never go wrong with an Einstein action figure for $8.50. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call the gift shop at 242-6083.

National Hispanic Cultural Center

At 1701 Fourth St. S.W., the center's gift shop sells textiles, nativity scenes from Peru and Guatemala, santos, jewelry and art from local artists and books about New Mexico. It features dishes from Spain made of recycled glass. They range from $32 to $43. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call the gift shop at 766-6604.

Rio Grande Nature Center

Tucked into the Rio Grande bosque at 2901 Candelaria Road N.W., the center has stuffed animals and gifts for kids, along with books on nature. The store features scarves with hand-painted nature scenes by a local artist. They start at $30. The shop is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Call 344-7240 for more information.

VSA Arts of New Mexico

Located in a strip mall at 4904 Fourth St. N.W., the gallery offers artwork from adults with disabilities, and local, national and international artists. Artwork ranges from $50 to $350. Hours of operation vary. Call 345-2872 for more information.