Ok ... many of us are already burnt out on ads, shopping, cheesy decorations and crowds. It’s that time of year again, and for those of you who still have some shopping to do (I haven’t even started yet), here are some places to go this weekend that will benefit some great local organizations:

Oakland School for the Arts Instrumental Music Program will present a Barnes and Noble fundraising event this weekend at the Bay Street Emeryville location. In addition to books -- one of the best gifts ever -- shop for CDs, calendars, decorative items, stationary and many other affordable gifts. A percentage of each purchase will benefit the IM department.

This event, to feature performances by OSA's jazz, classical and piano students, will have both an in-store and an online component.

In-store: Dec. 11, Barnes & Noble, Bay Street location, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; performances from 1 to 4 p.m.

Online: Dec. 11-16, at www.bn.com/bookfairs; Bookfair ID# is 10325298 - this is required for all online purchases!

Take a break and eat at Rubio's at Bay Street! Between 11 a.m. and closing on Dec. 11, 20 percent of your meal purchase will be donated to Instrumental Music.

The Crucible hosts the Holiday Gifty Art Sale 2010 this weekend - the most unique annual holiday shopping experience around. Shop for affordable handcrafted gifts created by more than 70 Bay Area artisans and experience the excitement of this 56,000 sq. ft. studio space, where furnaces roar and sparks fly. Kinetic Steam Works also will be on hand with its large steam powered tracker "Pappy" to usher in a very important guest. The Crucible is located at 1260 7th St. in Oakland.

Friday, Dec. 10 (Preview Night)
7 to 10p.m.
$10 at door/free admission for Crucible Members

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12
, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission for all

KPFA will hold its annual Crafts Fair this weekend, the largest holiday crafts fair of its kind in Northern California. Collectors, craft enthusiasts and holiday shoppers flock to this signature event featuring 220 craftspeople and artists from throughout the Western States. A festive food court is available to enhance your visit.

All this and more will be presented in a warm and spirited ambiance that reflects the Bay Area’s great diversity. All proceeds benefit KPFA 94.1 and KPFA only.  Shuttles will be available (Civic Center BART/MUNI Station, Eighth and Market MUNI bus stop and Caltrain station at Fourth and King streets) make getting to and fro as easy as possible. For more info, click here.

Concourse Exhibition Center, Eighth and Brannan streets in San Francisco
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 Free admission for all

These are just three ways to find great gifts and support organizations that are doing great work in the community!