We're closing in on the week before Christmas and you are coming up empty in the creative gift department. Panic is beginning to set in and you are pondering the dreaded gift card.

Here is another idea:

Since Milwaukee is home to a talented and quite prolific performing arts community, why not give that tough-to-shop-for person on your list tickets to a performance of the Milwaukee Rep, the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony or any of a number of other entertainment providers in town?

If you're feeling really generous, toss in a gift certificate to a nearby restaurant, too. Just make sure you give your recipient ample time to plan the evening's excursion.

Check out these Web sites for inspiration:

milwaukeerep.com

milwaukeeballet.org

mso.org