With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start strategizing for the hectic shopping season ahead. If you’re looking for something a little more unique than what you can find at a big-box store, try shopping local.

Dog treats from Lucky Dog Outfitters, 1411 West 23rd St. Suite B and 1027 Massachusetts St.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a few potential gifts available at Lawrence businesses that appeal to a range of interests, ages and even species, but rest assured, there’s plenty more out there for even the pickiest of tastes.

For man’s best friend

Treat your favorite pup to these football-centric cookies from Lucky Dog Outfitters. Made in a human-grade bakery but safe for dogs’ tummies, the snacks (frosted with yogurt, carob or peanut butter) make a fitting gift for the canine KU fan in your life.

Available at: Lucky Dog Outfitters‘ two Lawrence locations: 1411 West 23rd St. Suite B and 1027 Massachusetts St., $4.99 per treat.

Knock Knock's Bathroom

For the host with the most

In this clever book that’s perfect for holiday parties, guests can reveal the length of their powder-room visit, whether they looked inside the medicine cabinet and other “memorable moments.” There’s even a “report card” in which visitors can grade aspects from cleanliness to ambiance to the quality of toilet paper — all in good fun, of course.

Available at: Cindy’s Simple Life, 16 E. Eighth St., $14.95.

Book T-shirts from The Dusty Bookshelf, 708 Massachusetts St.

For book lovers

Wear your literary tastes on your sleeve with these T-shirts from The Dusty Bookshelf. They’re available in many different titles, and come in unisex, women’s and kids’ sizes.

Available at: The Dusty Bookshelf, 708 Massachusetts St. Adults’ sizes cost $24.95 and kids’ sizes cost $17.95.

A ceramic Neti pot from The Merc, 901 Iowa St.

For the chronically congested

Surprise loved ones with the gift of clear sinuses this holiday (and flu) season. These colorful ceramic neti pots are prettier than the plastic drugstore variety, and can even double as a gravy boat for festive turkey dinners.

Available at: The Merc, 901 Iowa St., for $16.99.

Squigz suction-cup toys from The Toy Store, 936 Massachusetts St.

For kiddos

Children of all ages will get a kick out of these simple yet endlessly entertaining suction-cup toys. The 24 pieces in this Squigz starter set can be assembled into all kinds of structures, from vehicles to robots to jewelry and more, and stick to any surface, including walls and windows.

Available at: The Toy Store, 936 Massachusetts St., for $29.99.

For the home chef

Staub enamel cocotte from Weaver's, 901 Massachusetts St.

Made in France by the storied Staub brand, this 5 3/4-quart cocotte is the ideal size and shape for braising chicken or any poultry dish. Its lid features self-basting spikes that evenly return juices back onto food, as well as an adorable nickel-plated rooster handle.

Available at: Weaver’s, 901 Massachusetts St., for $199.99.