LINCOLN PARK — Live in Lincoln Park or Old Town and want to shop local this year? You're in luck. Some of the city's top boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues will help you knock out that holiday shopping in no time.
FOR THE PET PAMPERER
Lincoln Park's Wreck Creation (1659 N. Halsted St.) has hand-made dog beds created from reclaimed materials. Artist Neil Galati's dog begs are both fashionable, comfortable and environmentally friendly. The pieces of furniture come in a wide range of styles that won't clash with your pet lover's decor. $200 and up
FOR THE NEXT TOP CHEF
Did you know there are more than 30 types of olive oils and vinegars available just steps from the Armitage Brown Line stop? Let the experts at Oh, Olive! (904 W. Armitage Ave.) put together a sampler pack of their six most popular oils and vinegars that will make the cook in your life swoon. Options include garlic, butter, Tuscan herb and blood orange extra virgin olive oils, an 18-year aged balsamic vinegar and a cranberry pear balsamic vinegar. $29.95
FOR THE BUDDING COMEDIAN
The comedy training center that produced stars such as Chris Farley, Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert has classes ranging from Introduction to Improv to Writing with the Onion. Unleash your loved one's inner comedian with a Second City Training Center (1616 N. Wells St.) 8-week class. $290 with early registration
FOR THE OUTDOOR DRINKER
Who doesn't enjoy a nice drink outdoors? Lincoln Park's Art Effect (934 W. Armitage Ave.) has the perfect solution to take your beer and wine on the go with insulated tumblers that you can bring boating, camping or to a movie in the park. $15 for a 10-ounce wine glass to go, and $18 for an 18-ounce beer glass
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER
ADOPT an animal at the Lincoln Park Zoo and add on the holiday package, which is new this winter. The recipient of the gift will not only have the satisfaction of knowing the animals are a bit better off because of that gift, but will also get vouchers for skate rental, ice time and hot chocolate at the zoo's skating rink. $70
FOR THE POPCORN CONNOISSEUR
If movie theater butter doesn't quite do it for you anymore, check out Berco's (810 W. Armitage Ave.) famed "Way Too Expensive White Truffle" popcorn. $32 for a gallon tub
FOR THE THEATER BUFF ON A BUDGET
Steppenwolf Theater (1650 N. Halsted St.) has featured a number of Tony Award winning plays over the years and while tickets are usually steep, the theater's RED Card program is ideal for anyone in their 20s. For $100 you get a card worth six tickets that can also be shared with friends. The magic card is also your ticket to in-theater drink discounts.
FOR THE MELLOW ROCKER
Old Town School of Folk Music is featuring an eight-week AC/DC guitar class, but theres a catch, it's for acoustic guitars. The intermediate course will meet for 80 minutes each week at the Lincoln Park location (990 W. Armitage Ave.) of the famed music school. $184 for non-members, $174 for members
FOR SPICE MASTERS
One of Chicago's oldest spice merchants, The Spice House (1512 N. Wells St.) features a 10 jar box set that attempts to capture the essence of 10 different Chicago neighborhoods. The set includes Old World Central Street Seasoning, Old Taylor Street Cheese Sprinkle, Lake Shore Drive Seasoning, Bronzeville Rib Rub, Milwaukee Avenue Steak Seasoning, Greektown "Billygoat" Seasoning, Bridgeport Seasoning, Back of the Yards Garlic-Pepper Butcher's Rub, Ukrainian Village Seasoning and Pilsen Latino Seasoning. $49.95
