While we usually explore locally-owned gems among South Sound business districts, there is one place that one must explore whether they love it or hate it and that is the mall. For this week's spelunking adventure, we play mall rat and knock out some holiday shopping in one fell swoop. There's a little something for everyone at the Tacoma Mall. Snag dapper duds, bites to eat and a little something fun for the minis in your life with more than 150 retail and culinary spots inside. Like, oh my gawd, let's go to the mall, Becky.

[Beary Sweet]
Build-a-Bear Workshop lets visitors play Santa's little elf! Dozens of unstuffed bears (and turtles, dogs and other furry friends) line the walls at Build-a-Bear just waiting for someone to bring them home. Kids and grownups alike can choose their new stuffed friend, stuff them on-site and personalize them with sound buttons, outfits and accessories. Even register and name them before whisking them away. It's wholesome, sweet fun and an especially magical experience for the kiddos.

[Get Chocolate Wasted]
My Granny always said that chocolate was good for the heart, and she is especially fond of See's Candy. Whether you're looking for a box of chocolates for an assortment of treats for a holiday party or midnight noshing or a few select truffles for your Mee-maw, See's Candy has gift baskets, dark chocolates, milk chocolates and more - a lovely, yummy assortment for all chocolate desires.

[Ollie Up]
For the skater kids and snowboarders, or those who just want to appear as such, Zumiez is a rad go-to. Check out hip threads from Obey, Billabong and Volcom - just to name a few. Nab some fab sneakers like Vans and Adidas. And stock up on boards and accessories, which fill up the store. It's casual cool wear at reasonable prices.

[Kitsch and Class]
Fuego is a unique mish mash of high-end jewelry and accessories to über cheap costume pieces, not to mention scarves, hats, bags, home decor and tees - mostly aimed at the neat ladies in your life. That said, there are also tons of kitschy and fun finds for everyone in the family.

[WHERE ARE THE MODELS?]
Listen up, ladies ... your dudes like to see you in lingerie. Listen up, fellas. If you love seeing your lady in lingerie, buy her some sexiness at Victoria's Secret. Friendly tip: if you're looking for the lady in your life, be sure to snoop around her undies drawer to take a peek at the proper size OR, even better, volunteer for laundry duty.

Fuel Your Frenzy: Food Court, BJs Brewhouse, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, Cinnabon
Coming Soon: Mod Pizza, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, Blazing Onion
Department Store: Macys, Nordstrom, JCPenny, Sears