ANDERSONVILLE — It's cold, snowy and traffic's a mess. Shopping local can save you some stress (hey, that rhymed!)
Here are some gift picks from Uptown and Andersonville.
Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St, is the smartest place to stock up on best sellers for your book club friends. Concider one from feminist funny girls Amy Poehler ("Yes Please") or Lena Dunham I"Not That Kind of Girl.") We're also suckers for the staff picks wall, where you just might find some gifts for yourself.
For that very special someone in your life, stop by Early to Bed at 5044 N. Clark St. Beyond the standard adult store offerings, the shop offers specialty items like vegan lube ($3-$15). For those looking to keep their money in the hands of locals, the shop offers an array of Chicago-made goodies — Blowpaste ($5), Francis Ellis Massage Candles ($5) and the Secret VII Game ($28). If you’d prefer to do this kind of gift shopping from the privacy of your own home, check their website.
If there’s a one-stop shop for all your holiday shopping, it’s Foursided at 5061 N. Clark St. The shop’s custom framing center will help you find the perfect frame for a college degree, wedding photos or an eccentric painting. They say, “you name it, we frame it,” and they aren’t kidding! If you need an offbeat gift that’s not a frame, look around for a mini red sewing machine ($70), a vintage globe ($75) or a cool Midwest-themed atlas print ($23.50). Keep your friends on point in the new year with pet calendars: A Year of Dogs to Love 2015 ($17.75) or A Year of Cats to Love 2015 ($17.75). There’s also a Beer + Food calendar ($23.50) for your friends that love, well, beer and food.
For the health-conscious member of your family, consider a super hot class pack from Bikram Yoga Andersonville. The studio at 5715 N. Clark St offers 90-minute hot yoga classes seven days a week. A 10-class pack, which expires one year from your first visit, costs $140. A 20-class pack costs $240.
For that fashionable man in your life, check out the newly opened Notre menswear shop at 5202 N. Clark St. Pick up a plaid Band of Outsiders shirt ($275) or a classic pair of dark wash jeans from 3sixteen ($215). If he’s kind of a sneakerhead, a pair of burgundy suede and patent leather kicks from Common Projects ($428). The shop offers a wide variety of accessories: Makr wallets ($60), wings + horns gloves ($78) and Mr. Gray socks ($46).
For your super proud Chicago pal, stop by GreenSky at 5357 N. Ashland Ave. The eco-boutique carries an assortment of locally-made products. Pick up Chicago flag soap bars, Chicago-themed lip balm and shaving soap, which are vegan and made in Rogers Park. The shop also carries recycled license plate art ($135), which molds reclaimed state license plates into the shape of the state.
For the pet lovers in your life, stop by Jameson Loves Danger at 5208 N. Clark St. Spoil your furry friend with a fun collar or leash, a cushy bed, a new coat or gourmet treats. The store also features an entire wall of toys for your pet. Tails will wag this holiday season!
Hey, big spender! Take your favorite foodie to Uptown's hottest restaurant, 42 Grams, 4662 N. Broadway. The reservation-only spot earned two Michelin stars just months after opening, and feels more like a fancy dinner party than your typical fine dining experience. Prepare to spend $243 per person — and plan ahead.
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