The countdown is on—it’s to the point where it’s pretty much too late to order Christmas gifts and holiday items online (unless you’re willing to pay an arm and a leg for shipping), and the options are becoming more and more limited. So, we encourage you to branch out into your local businesses to finish that last-minute holiday shopping.

Let’s be honest: shopping malls are alright, but the parking situations are a nightmare this time of year and there’s hardly any space to shop comfortably.

Since we’re all about connecting local businesses and potential customers, as well as providing relevant, timely and informative community-focused news, we want you to know some of the most unique places to pick up Christmas gifts in the days leading up to December 25, as told by folks in your town’s Economic Development Corporation or Chamber of Commerce.

Using information from the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce as well as the Snider Plaza Merchant's Association, we gathered some ideas of businesses where we think you can pick some great, one-of-a-kind gifts for the loved ones in your life.

Here they are in the Park Cities and North Dallas (plus a handful in Oak Cliff):

For the people in your life who like electic art items, including paintings and sculptures, and much more, check out Artisan's Collective in the Bishop Arts District. All the artwork in this local shop was crafted by Dallas artists—another plus.

In University Park's Snider Plaza, don't forget about Peek in the Attic for collectible pieces, candles, hand-crafted pottery and some unique food offerings (this place is good to frequent for that friend who has everything).

Over at Highland Park Village, Chapter Two has some interesting book and magazine options, and the Number One coffee shop next door has some special items in its retail section.

Scardello Artisan Cheese has some fabulous gift baskets for your friends and family members who enjoy the finer things in life. Choose a cheese-inspired gift and pick up a bottle of wine while you're there. Another idea for your favorite foodie is a box of chocolates or freshly-baked cake from Neuhaus Cafe. And, if you don't have much time, pre-order a decorated "Christmas" box of cookies from JD's Chippery (you can't go wrong with JD's!).

In the same vein, you can always pop into Oak Cliff's Emporium Pies to spread holiday cheer to a next-door neighbor or church friend by delivering one of their delicious pies. 

Kids love to unwrap toys for Christmas, but it's sometimes hard for parents to balance the kinds of gifts they get their kids. Learning Express in University Park offers lots of educational play items, as well as fun toys.

To add a little nostalgic flair to your gift-giving this year, head to Zola's Everyday Vintage. It has been featured in some of the top fashion magazines for its selection of old (but very cool) clothing pieces and knick-knacks. Can't find this stuff at NorthPark.

You can't leave out the men in your life—husbands, sons, uncles, cousins (though they have women's items, too!)—so consider Orvis at The Plaza at Preston Center for leather goods like wallets, fly-fishing and hunting gear, manly gadgets and other stocking stuffers.

Happy shopping, and more importantly, happy holidays!