Just when you've run out of time and ideas, along comes suggestions from Chelsea Piers. Buying gifts for your family, your loved ones, your friends and your kids is now easier than ever.

Among this year's most-wished-for adult gifts is a one-month membership to the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers, which offers unsurpassed opportunities for cross-training, team play and recreation. The Sports Center on Pier 60 features 150,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art facilities for running, basketball, volleyball, indoor sand volleyball, rock climbing, cardio and strength training, swimming, boxing, sports leagues and over a hundred different sports and fitness classes each week. A special one-month membership: $125 plus tax. Must be 16 years or older. Offer expires December 27, 1998. (Sports Center: 212.336.6000.)

Another good buy is a package of Group Ice Skating Lessons at Sky Rink Skating School. Professional instructors are ready to teach kids, adults or the entire family to ice skate in a series of eight 30-minute group classes, which includes admission to the general skating sessions that follow. Cost: Ages 3-4, $120; Ages 5-adult, $150. Also offered, "Hockey Prep" classes: eight 30-minute group classes: $170, individual class: $21.25 (Hockey Prep basic skating and puck control). Private ice skating and hockey lessons are available on request. And don't forget General Skating sessions, which are great gifts for novices and experts alike! (Sky Rink: 212.336.6100.)

For both young tigers and old duffers, give the gift of golf. During this holiday season and throughout the year, the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers offers "gifts within your range." Why not purchase a gift certificate for private lessons, group lessons, packages or clinics at the Jim McLean Golf Academy? A lesson with a Class A-PGA pro starts at $60. Or, plan to "drive safely all winter" with tee-time cards available in various denom-inations ($15-100). (Golf Club: 212.336.6400.)

If you're thinking about buying a new pair of in-line skates for that special someone, make sure they roll with safety. The Roller Rinks at Chelsea Piers offers private and group lessons with top-of-the-line instructors. Group classes begin in April and a package of 10 classes is offered for $130. For those with roller hockey aspirations, Jeff Nozillo, the Director of Hockey at The Roller Rinks, is personally teaching Hockey Basics and Stick Handling. Cost for 2 classes, $120.

This year, the Roller Rinks is offering a fantastic Skate Park gift idea. For only $99, why not give the Skate Park Power Pack? This brand-new gift package features a one-year Skate Park Membership which includes a full year of half-price sessions plus two weeks of free unlimited sessions, a long sleeve Tag Rag tee-shirt, a 20% discount (good all year) at the Chelsea Piers Store, a 15% discount for all Roller Rinks-sanctioned competitions and programming, and a Blades Board & Skate 15% off coupon. This is an incredible value, and something your favorite aggressive skater will just love! Give the gift that keeps on rolling! (Roller Rinks and Skate Park: 212.336.6200.)

The Field House at Chelsea Piers is offering 17-week Class Packages for children and teens, ages 3-18, in Gymnastics, Dance, and Rock Climbing. Prices range from $170 to $360 for 17-week sessions. Also at the Field House: Preschool programs for children ages 18 months and up. Call for times and rates. For holiday gift-giving, how about a Package of Two "Open Gym/Open Climb" Sessions for kids or adults? Sessions are 90 minutes each and are conducted under the supervision of the Field House's experienced staff. Cost: $30. For the adults on your list, why not a 10/20 Class Card for Adult Gymnastics? Cost is $180/350 and each class runs 1 1/2 hours. Single classes are available at $25 each.

Dance Your Troubles Away at the Field House! Beginning January 25th, Radio City Music Hall Rockette Rhonda Notary will be teaching tap and jazz to both kids and adults. As a special holiday treat for your kids, why not consider a 17-week Dance Class Package for children? Cost: $170 until January 25 ($204 thereafter). (Field House: 212.336.6500.)

If you just can't make up your mind, what about a Chelsea Piers Gift Certificate? Certificates are available in denominations beginning at $25, and they're redeemable at the Chelsea Piers Store or any of the Chelsea Piers sports venues. Or, stop by the Chelsea Piers Store today for wonderful prices on a huge selection of Chelsea Piers logo sportswear, gifts and accessories. (Chelsea Piers Store: 212.336.6262.)