Just when you've run out of time and ideas, along come 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: $150 plus tax. Must be 16 years or older. Offer expires December 27, 1999. (Sports Center: 212.336.6000.)

Another great 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 ten 30-minute group classes, which includes admission to the general skating sessions on the same day. Cost: Ages 3-4, $144; Ages 5-adult, $175. Also offered, "Hockey Prep" classes (basic skating and puck control): Ten 30-minute group classes, Ages 12 and under, $180; Adults, $198. Minimum registration is four weeks. 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. Everybody skates at Sky Rink, the coolest place in town! (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 Golf Academy? A half-hour lesson with a Class A, PGA pro starts at $65. Or, plan to "drive safely all winter" with tee-time cards available in various denominations ($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 that safety is a consideration. 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 $135. For those with roller hockey aspirations, Sean Edwards, 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 again offering a fantastic Skate Park gift idea. For only $99, why not give the Skate Park Power Pack? This 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 15% 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 in Gymnastics, Soccer, Dance, Basketball, Baseball and Rock Climbing. Many classes begin at age 3 and continue right on up to age 18. Prices range from $170 to $380 for 17-week sessions. Also at the Field House: Preschool programs for children ages 17 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: $34. For the adults on your list, why not a 10/20 Class Card for Adult Gymnastics? Cost is $180/350 and each class runs 1½ hours. Single classes are available at $25 each. This year the Field House is also offering a 10/20 Class Card for Adult Rock Climbing. Cost is $155/300 and each session runs 2½ hours. Private lessons in all sports are available for children and adults.

Dance Your Troubles Away at the Field House! Beginning January 24th, Ballet School NY, the official training school of New York Theatre Ballet, will be teaching ballet and modern dance 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: $185. (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 holiday prices on a huge selection of Chelsea Piers logo sportswear, gifts and accessories. Everything you need, for everyone you love. (Chelsea Piers Store: 212.336.6262.)