‘Twas the week of Christmas and all through town, lots of men were seen running frantically around.

They dashed into stores grabbing items like mad, wondering if any good gifts were still to be had.

Would she like a blender, socks or soap? Each item screamed back, “No, no, nope!”

Then what to their glazed-over eyes should appear, but shops full of baubles and bags and something sparkly for the ears.

No mall crowds to fight, no parking spaces to find, these stores sell gifts that are one-of-a-kind.

So shop on dear reader for gifts of cheer, and please, oh please, don’t wait until the last-minute next year.

- French Cuff in Bellaire has seen a steady stream of male shoppers since Saturday and although the boutique is heavy on apparel (Black Halo, Yumi Kim, Kay Unger) owner Kairy-tate Barkley says jewelry is a great way to go.

Leighelena’s beautiful and affordable cuffs and Via Vandi’s playful hoops are top choices as are on-trend Big Buddah bags. Men who want to chance it and choose clothing can turn to Barkley and her fashion-savvy staff, and if size and style are a question, there is always a gift card. French Cuff is open until 3 p.m. Friday.

- Tootsies is ready for you man shopper. They know the woman in your life doesn’t want something useful, like appliances or other household items.

Instead there are gorgeous Zaida Michele croc clutches, the layered look of Gillian Julius leather bracelets, designer clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry. Tootsies is prepared for those of you dashing around while the clock ticks down. The store will be open until 5 p.m. Friday.

- Let’s face it. There are some guys who, hard as they try, just have no idea what to get. Rebecca & Drew’s selection of TrioFit shirts, dresses and in January, suits are gifts that say, “I thought enough of you to let you choose exactly what you want.”

Clothing is based on three measurements of a woman’s body: chest circumference, bra cup size and torso height and is designed to fit every woman from size 32A to 38DD. Owner Lindsay Aronstein is delivering well-appointed gift cards to men who can’t make it by her River Oaks shopping center store.

- For the man who is planning on knocking out all their Christmas shopping Friday, you get rewarded for that procrastination at M Penner. The men’s and women’s boutique in Uptown Park is holding its annual tamale party from noon to 4 p.m. and besides the tamale eating, there’s also shopping.

Co-owner Karen Penner raves about the new Yoga Jean, that combines stretch with style and comfort. They come in straight and skinny styles, four colors and are $145. The fun George, Gina and Lucy bag is a satchel full of fun, with unique hardware and fabrics. M. Penner also carries local jeweler Carol Lipworth’s collection of gemstones and freshwater pearls with an organic edge.

P.S. M Penner also gift wraps on the spot.

-Melodrama Boutique on Almeda is another pull up and pop in shop. Guys, if your wife or girlfriend is frequently stopped by other women, curious about where she got her outfit, then shopping at Melodrama is a must.

Owner Jackie Adams stocks the store with designers like Boxing Kitten, Le Rich Couture and other forward-thinking lines, plus jewelry, shoes and accessories. She’s styling outfits as gifts for the man wanting to give a full look to someone special Christmas morning or, for the less brave, Adam’s is also selling gift certificates.