We're all getting a little desperate waiting for that perfect gift to reveal itself. I can tell you, based on my personal history, it's not going to happen by itself. As humbling as it might seem - it's time to settle.

But if you're smart, you'll settle easy. Nothing is easier or smarter than a gift certificate to an upcoming show. If your recipient enjoys theater there is plenty to like coming to Capital Repertory Theater in Albany or at Cohoes Music Hall. If the choice is musical concerts of either the pop or classical variety, go to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Egg is good for both music and dance, while Proctors in Schenectady offers something for anyone's taste.

If you're looking for a gift certificate for a younger person, check out Revolution Hall in Troy or the Palace Theater in Albany. And don't neglect the upcoming schedule for EMPAC on the RPI campus - they have some cool events scheduled.

If you want something that appears more personal - most entertainment venues have gift shops where you can get, at the very least, a logo T-shirt. The Arts Center on River Street has a gift shop with unique ideas. Calendars might seem generic, but a trip to Albany Institute of History and Art, especially during their current Impressionist exhibit, will give you a great choice of beautiful items from their expanded gift shop. The Clark Museum and the Williams College Museum in Williamstown have great gift shops. The shop at Mass MoCA in North Adams is sure to get you a conversation piece.

One of my favorite gift shops, especially for kids, is at the State Museum at Albany. They prove educational gifts can be fun. The same is true for the Children's Museum in Troy. The Rensselaer County Historical Society is also a good spot to locate a treasured gift.

However, hands-down, the best arts-related gifts can be found in the Proctors Arcade in Schenectady. It's like a mini-shopping mall with several shops, all operated by Proctors, offering unique and fairly priced gifts for the entire family. I still treasure one of my first purchases there - a tree ornament made from the original Proctors curtain.

So don't worry there's still time to get something special. And, trust me, a gift about the arts says you thought of something special. Who has to know it was last-minute?