When in doubt on what to buy your loved ones this holiday season, turn to the gift card.

Travelers on your gift list will appreciate a travel gift card from BedandBreakfast. When you purchase a $250 gift card, they’ll give you a $50 gift card for free. Use it as a gift, or treat yourself to a special vacation. Gift cards are redeemable at over 4,000 B&Bs and inns across the U.S. and Canada, and guests will never have to worry about expiration dates or blackout dates. Purchase your gift cards by November 22.

Looking for something more local? Cornell’s Restaurant in Schenectady, New York offers a free $20 gift certificate for every $100 gift certificate you purchase. This deal is perfect for any foodie on your list, or anybody who appreciates fine Italian dining. Opened at its current location on Jay Street in 2002, Cornell’s is often referred to by locals as The Place to get Italian food.

Ithaca, a college town in upstate New York, is known for its educated population.  There are several universities in the area (most notably Cornell University), meaning that there is a high concentration of PhDs.  It is no surprise,  then, that even the town’s festivities are center around intellectual and educational themes.

From January 21st to January 24th, A Light in Winter, Ithaca’s festival of science and the arts, will take place at venues throughout town.  Many of the more than 2 dozen events will center around the science of creative endeavors.

The highlight will come on the final day of the festival when celeb chef Tammy Travis will run a seminar about the science (and practice) of using chocolate in cooking and baking.  Local Cornell faculty members will also be a part of the presentation, offering nutritional and cultural insight into the phenomenon of cocoa.  Tickets to this event cost $15 and seating is limited.

Visitors can also get their nerd on at lectures like the Calculus of Friendship and the Physics of Juggling.  Less-math-centered events like dance and music performances and a beer-themed lecture are also on the agenda.  A complete list of events can be found on the Light in Winter calendar page.

As with many college towns, there are plenty of places to stay in Ithaca.  The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a discounted rate of $119 per night during the late January festivities.  Would-be guests who want to take advantage of this offer need to use the promo code LIW1 when booking at 607-277-8900.

The Statler Hotel is offering a $125 per night rate to festival attendees who book two nights.  Details for the Statler’s promotion and other accommodation options can be found via the Light in Winter web site.