Unique gift options, right here on campus

By D. Lyn Hunter, Public Affairs

05 December 2001 | Need a unique gift for someone on your list? Numerous shops and organizations, right here on campus, offer a wide range of distinctive items — from music, calendars and games to clothing, art pieces and classes. Here are a few suggestions:

Hearst Museum of Anthropology
Unique gifts from around the world are available at the museum’s gift shop. Most items are handmade by native artisans. Pieces include dolls, carvings, scarves, baskets, ceramic teapots and cups, toys and Native American jewelry. Faculty and staff receive a 10 percent discount. For information, call 643-7648.

Lawrence Hall of Science
Fun and educational gifts and stocking-stuffers can be found at the museum’s gift shop. The store offers books, toys and games with math or science themes. Call 642-1929.

Student Musical Groups
The sounds of Cal are available on CD and cassette recordings of the UC Men’s Octet, the California Golden Overtones, the Marching Band and the Cal Jazz Choir. Proceeds support Berkeley’s student musical groups. Recordings may be purchased at the Student Musical Activities office, 72 Chavez Student Center, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with check or exact change. For information, call 643-1347.

Scholar’s Workstation
Hundreds of computer-related items can be found here, including hand-held, laptop and desktop computers, as well as digital cameras, scanners and software. Call 642-8424.

California Alumni Association
Get a membership for the alum on your list and he or she will receive a subscription to California Monthly magazine, special discounts and free library privileges. Dues also help support numerous scholarship programs. Call 642-3706.

Cal Performances
Some of the world’s most talented dancers, musicians and vocalists grace the Zellerbach Auditorium stage throughout the year. For lovers of the performing arts, Cal Performances tickets make a perfect gift. Call 642-9988.

Berkeley TRiP
Consider purchasing AC Transit, BART, Golden Gate Transit, Muni or County Connection passes for the commuter on your list. The store now has two convenient locations: downtown at 2033 Center St. and south of campus at 2535 Channing Way. Call 643-7665.

Cal Student Store
Much of what’s sold here — from robes and bean-bag chairs, tochocolates and clothing — features Berkeley’s distinctive logo. Other items include books, electronics and software. The store is located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Union. Call 642-7010.

Cal Rec Club
With a gift membership, exercise enthusiasts can participate in swimming, tennis, weightlifting and racquetball. Also available for purchase are passes to a variety of classes, including rock climbing, sailing and aerobics, as well as group or private instruction in tennis, golf, yoga or self-defense, among others. Call 642-7796.

Institute of Transportation Studies Library
“Smokestacks on the Bay,” a calendar celebrating the golden age of ferry transportation on San Francisco Bay, is available for purchase. Twelve high-quality black and white photographs taken between the late 1800s and the 1950s are featured.

The calendar was produced in conjunction with the Water Resources Center Archives. To order, e-mail vchan@library.berkeley.edu or call 642-3604.

Berkeley Art Museum
Home to world-class art, the museum offers a number of unique gifts in its store, including oriental rug mouse pads, fanciful bottle stoppers, jewelry, paperweights, calendars, books, cards and ties. Memberships to the art museum and the Pacific Film Archive are also available. Call 642-1475.

Botanical Garden
Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy a gift from the Garden Shop at UC Botanical Garden. Books, field maps, guides, seeds, vases and pots are among the offerings. And nothing tops its plant selection, which includes perennials, miniature cacti, house plants and orchids. Garden memberships are also available for purchase. Call 642-3343.

Intercollegiate Athletics
Sports fans will love tickets to Cal Bears sporting events, including men’s and women’s basketball, rugby, women’s water polo, baseball and softball games. Call 800-GO BEARS.