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Far North Side Gift Guide: From Pet Parkas to Mini Pianos

By Benjamin Woodard | November 25, 2014 5:29am
 The shops in Rogers Park and Edgewater offer the perfect gifts.
The shops in Rogers Park and Edgewater offer the perfect gifts.
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DNAinfo

ROGERS PARK — From Howard Street to Foster Avenue, the Far North Side abounds with independently owned shops to suffice your holiday shopping needs.

Hit the neighborhood's hottest strips to tackle your gift list in no time.

For the audiophile on the list, Audio Archaeology, 1324 W. Devon Ave., has you covered. Owner John Arnsdorff collects vintage audio electronics, records and more. He even put together a list of gift ideas. Some of the highlights include $4 used records, an $85 portable turntable and — for the right person — a $675 Zenith record player console from the 1960s. They don't make 'em like this anymore, man.

For the crafty, Blue Buddha Boutique, 1127 W. Granville Ave., is the place to be. The handmade jewelry emporium specializes in chainmaille designs and encourages newbies to try out starter kits, starting at $49.95. The kits come with tools and colorful chains that are linked together to make unique bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry.

High-end furniture shop Vern + Vera, 5856 North Broadway, is holding a sale of up to 50 percent off. For the retro furniture lover on your list, you can find a Warren Platner lounge chair and ottoman for $5,950, down from $7,450. It ain't cheap, but dang is it cool.

This is the gift for that person on your list who needs a constant dosage of neighborhood theater. Both Rogers Park and Edgewater theaters — such as BoHo Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Raven Theatre and Jackalope Theatre — offer a "flex pass" that can be redeemed at any participating venue. Rogers Park's theaters offer a five-show pass for $50. Edgewater's offer a nine-show pass for $75.

Rogers Park's newest toy store, Giving Tree Toys, 7020 N. Clark St., doesn't carry action figures or NERF guns. Owner Bridgett Scarborough prefers to stock puzzles, building blocks and puppets. For the tot on your list, go with the $20 gift certificate. That will help pay for a miniature grand piano for $139.99.

Don't forget your furry friend. For about $60 depending on size, Ruff Haus Pets, 1206 W. Granville Ave., offers Canada Pooch parkas to keep Fido warm. The parkas come in styles that include a waterproof shell and detachable hood. They also easily incorporate a leash.

The new year is right around the corner, and so are the resolutions. Plan ahead with this special from Cheetah Gym: $499 for a year membership. But act fast, the deal is offered Nov. 29-30 only. Cheetah Gym has locations in Edgewater, Andersonville and Bucktown.

Cheetah Gym photo: Facebook/Melissa diLeonardo

Listen to all the great gift ideas in the neighborhoods here: