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For those of us who celebrate Christmas and live in Downtown Los Angeles, it can be a bit of a challenge to try to keep your money local and support our businesses.

Sure, it’s easy enough to head over to Target in Pasadena, but all year long you’ve been encouraging friends to spend their hard-earned dollars here rather than in the ‘burbs. Time to step up to the plate yourself.

With some notable exceptions, Downtown is sorely lacking in the traditional retail department. But what about nontraditional retail? A number of options are a short walk away, and you won’t have to brave those congested parking structures that are notorious during the holiday season. All Downtown options are walkable and accessible by transit.

Even Downtowners who choose not to participate in the standard consumer madness have a few options such as great dining options where friends can gather (my preferred Christmas-time splurge), or donating to a local homeless shelter.

Kathryn Maese of the Downtown News offered a few great gift ideas in last week’s issue, but I’d like to expand upon that and suggest ways to keep your shopping local. Be sure to let us know if we’ve missed anything, and I’ll gladly add it!

Macy’s

Once home to many flagship department stores, Downtown has seen those steadily dwindle to only two — both of which are Macy’s: 7th + Fig and Macy’s Plaza (7th and Flower).

Neither location may offer as many options as some of the larger suburban department stores, but there’s still a variety of merchandise. The Macy’s Plaza location recently expanded its selection of mid-range to higher-end clothing. Also, don’t forget about the cosmetics and fragrances counters.

In the same building is Express (men’s and women’s), an easy outlet for the “I’ll just buy him a sweater” deal.

Jewelry District

Unofficially framed by 5th , Olive, Broadway 8th, Downtown LA’s Jewelry District is the largest in the United States. With over 3,000 jewelry-related businesses making their homes in former movie palaces and department stores, the bustling neighborhood is a draw for all Southern Californians.

The most well-known jewelry mart in Downtown — as well as one of the largest in the world — is the St. Vincent Jewelry Center (7th between Hill and Broadway) in the former Bullock’s Department Store. This massive block-long complex alone houses over 500 merchants. If you’re buying her a diamond, you’ll find the best deals along these blocks.

Toy District

The bustling Toy District is the place to go for bargains on stuffed animals, toy cars, video games, electronics, DVDs and all kinds of other things that kids love.

According to the Central City East Association, the Toy District is roughly bounded by 3rd, Los Angeles, 5th and San Pedro streets. Spend a few hours here to see what treasures you can find — but don’t get lost.

Olvera Street

If you’re a lifelong Angeleno, you must have fond childhood memories of field trips to Olvera Street, grabbing taquitos at Cielito Lindo (extra avocado sauce!) and sitting in the Plaza with your friends watching mariachi.

This charming “Mexican shopping promenade” may not be the most authentic reproduction of the real thing, but it still provides great fun for kids and adults alike. Children’s toys, handcrafted knick-knacks, molcajetes, leather goods and candles are just a few of the available offerings.

Flower District

Thinking of adding some Christmas cheer to your loft? Wreaths and poinsettias abound in the Flower District. This growing sub-district is centered along Wall Street between 7th and 8th, but you’ll find that it has expanded to many of the surrounding blocks.

The larger markets have restricted hours for non-industry types and are closed on Sundays in December, however, smaller shops are generally open to the public. The Flower District’s massive wholesaler pavilion, the L.A. Flower Market — another “World’s Largest” for Downtown — has an admission price of $1 or $2 depending on the day.

Pet Stores

For all the pet lovers out there, Downtown has two excellent options: Lofty Dog (120 W. 2nd Street) and the brand-new Pussy & Pooch (6th and Main) offer a number of gifts suitable for the little prince or princess in your life.

As a pet owner myself, I’d never dream of putting Bear in — horror of horrors — a pet wig (seriously?!). Luckily for us, Downtown pet stores are limited to such extremes as raw foods, pet stew (made for pets, not of pets), Santa outfits and custom leashes.

Metropolis Books

A book is a gift that can last a lifetime. Though Downtown hasn’t had a major bookstore for a few years now, Metropolis Books (440 S. Main Street) offers a great selection of bestsellers and non-fiction titles.

From now until Christmas Eve, Metropolis will now be open on Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A one-year anniversary event is planned for Saturday, December 15th, so stop in for free goodie giveaways!

Gym Membership

For Downtowners without an exercise facility in their buildings, there are a few options in the Central City. The LA Athletic Club, 24 Hour Fitness, Bally Total Fitness, Gold’s Gym and the YMCA (thanks, Jim!) are all located here. Gift memberships are available.

Clothing Stores

There’s no shortage of retail stores in Little Tokyo. The 2nd Street strip is lined with a number of trendy shoe boutiques and clothing retailers.

American Apparel on the corner of 2nd and Central provides their ubiquitous basics (all made in Downtown LA), while Popkiller Second (343 E. 2nd Street) draws customers in with its attention-grabbing name.

Over in the Old Bank District, Blends offers a cool selection of footwear and t-shirts.

These stores trend toward the “urban youth” set.

El Maestro Bike Shop

El Maestro on Main Street is a great bike shop that’s been Downtown for over five years.

Consider some biking accessories or even a brand-new ride to help encourage a loved one to become car-lite or car-free. It’s better than a gift card to Chevron.

Skin/Hair Care

Little Tokyo Cosmetics (on 2nd Street in the Japanese Village Plaza) is a Shiseido retailer, while the Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s Visage (517 S. Olive) offers full line of Aveda products and salon services.