LINCOLN SQUARE — Skip the shopping malls and big box stores and their blood-pressure-raising parking lots this holiday season. The greater Lincoln Square area abounds with independently-owned shops offering handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts that put Santa's army of elves to shame. All within walking distance or a short train ride.
FOR THE CRAFTER
Got a knitter in the family who's forever leaving tangled balls of yarn around the house? Knit 1 Chicago (3823 N. Lincoln Ave.) has a solution: yarn bowls. Crafted by local ceramicist Barbara Grunewald, the bowls have a handy notch that unspools yarn in a neat and tidy strand; they also serve as a decorative item when not in use. For the novice, Knit 1 is offering holiday gift bags that hold a gift card and set of needles. Yarn bowls, $50.
FOR THE ALPHABETICALLY INCLINED
Go ahead and get personal with the women on your holiday shopping list. Gift them with an initialized charm bracelet from Union Handmade (3860 N. Lincoln Ave.). Better yet, bring a tear to her eyes with a charm stamped "Mom" or "Sis." The brass jewelry is part of the Lady Faye collection designed by Katie Mills, a faculty member at Lillstreet Art Center. Shop owner Leigh Deleonardo is also preparing to unveil her line of holiday clothing, which features subtle shimmers and metallic fabrics. $35 per bracelet
FOR THE MANLY MAN
You love him, but his apartment smells like... well, it smells like a dude lives there. Fortunately, Isle of Man (3856 N. Lincoln Ave.) offers Archer Air Superiority air fresheners in scents like European Sports Car, Distillery and Hunting Lodge. Wanna really get his engine running? Put a restored 1964 BSA motorcycle under the Christmas tree, vintage brass tire pump sold separately. Archer Air Superiority, $14; BSA motorcycle, $7,500; vintage tire pump, $95
FOR THE DISCERNING BOOZEHOUND
Craft beer is so 2012; 2013 is all about small-batch spirits. Bottles & Cans (4109 N. Lincoln Ave.) is stocked with some of the best bourbons and whiskeys you've never heard of ... yet. Co-owner Joe Katz is a big fan of Black Maple Hill out of Kentucky, which he calls the "perfect sipping bourbon." Another favorite is Michigan's Journeyman Distillery, which "tries hard to make some really unique things," said Katz. Case in point is the distillery's Humdinger Jalapeno white whiskey, which begs to be taken to a party and poured as hot shots. Black Maple Hill, $53.99; Humdinger Jalapeno, $25.99
FOR THE PERSON WHO WEARS MIDWEST PRIDE ON THEIR SLEEVE
Midwesterners might not be loud — too polite for that — but we're plenty proud. Neighborly (2003 W. Montrose Ave.) celebrates all the things we love about the country's heartland — the Great Lakes rock! — and all the things that east and left coasters will never quite understand. Nope, Ohio and Iowa are not the same thing. Indoctrinate the little ones early with Ana Apple onesies featuring embellishments like "773." Cooks will appreciate cutting boards designed to look like the Chicago flag or shaped like various states, the latter made from naturally anti-microbial, sustainably-grown bamboo. And Great Lakes ornaments for everyone. Onesies, $25-$30; Chicago flag cutting board, $80; state-shaped cutting board, $55; ornaments, $12
FOR THE (W)RAPPER
You spent weeks agonizing over the perfect gift and you're gonna wrap it in newspaper? C'mon, presentation counts. Hazel (1902 W. Montrose Ave.) has a collection of individual sheets of holiday-themed gift wrap that ranges from whimsical to elegant. $2-$2.50 per sheet
FOR THE PERSON SUFFERING FROM SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
December is all fa-la-la-la-la and joy to the world. Then come the dark days of January, February and March. Spread a little light — and greenery — with a terrarium from Alapash (1944 W. Montrose Ave). Owner Marco Chavarry's exquisite creations are a reminder that spring and summer aren't just figments of the imagination. Another escape from the winter blahs: "Phantograms From Nature." The book features 3-D photographs that literally leap off the page, and the dorky-cool glasses to view them with. Chase away the doldrums with cozy home goods like farm bowls crafted by local artist Chad Allen and the Alpaca wool blankets Chavarry's mom schlepps up north on visits from her native Peru. Terrariums, $35 small, $50 large; "Phantograms From Nature," $36; wool blankets, $140; farm bowls, $50
FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE
Pssst ... you're not fooling anyone with your less-than-cleverly-disguised re-gifts. This year, how about you stock up on hand-crafted confections from Amy's Candy Bar (4704 N. Damen Ave.), the perfect solution for every situation, from the office grab bag to the annual awkward gift exchange between step-in-laws. Assorted bon bons, $10; OMG Bar, $4; Turtle, $3; Caramels, $8.50; Nougat, $3
FOR THE FUTURE MISSUS, OR MAYBE SHE'LL KEEP HER NAME
A romantic Christmas Eve marriage proposal need not involve a trip to Jared's. Allow us to suggest designer Todd Reed's "alternative" engagement rings found at Steve Quick Jeweler (4710 N. Lincoln Ave.). Reed's rings frequently incorporate colored diamonds — red, gray and even black — as well as raw stones. Prices range from $2,365 to $6,380
FOR THE KIDS WHO HAVE EVERYTHING AND STILL WANT MORE
The best gift you can give to Moms and Dads this holiday season — peace and quiet. Set the youngsters up with Q-BA-MAZE, available at Timeless Toys (4739 N. Lincoln Ave.). The "marble maze meets construction toy" ought to keep the little ones occupied for hours while the grownups get buzzed on eggnog. Gift givers with a sadistic streak could opt for Plan Toys' Musical Band. Hook your little nieces and nephews up with the mini-drum kit and let the glares begin. Q-BA-MAZE Mega Stunt, $79.99, Big Box, $39.99; Musical Band, $59.99
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER
Forget about dogs playing poker. Gemini Studio artist Stephen Fowler designs block prints that depict various breeds of pooches drinking coffee, eating cupcakes, brewing beer and recording music. Sacred Art (4619 N. Lincoln Ave.) carries a sizeable variety of Fowler's artwork, from Airedales to Corgis. Think you've exhausted the supply of Bears/Cubs/Bulls paraphernalia available for purchase? Then you haven't seen a Burton History Tree — the graphic depiction of a team's history told through thousands of words and images that form the shape of a tree. That's way more original than yet another beer koozie. Gemini Studio blocks: $24, small; $34, medium; 44, large. Burton History Tree: $20 for small unframed print; $125 for large framed print