WICKER PARK — If you can't get all your holiday shopping done in Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town or Ukrainian Village — you're doing something wrong.
Here are some gift picks from our favorite area shops.
You begged your parents to take you to Disneyland as a kid, but they preferred a laid-back beach vacation in Michigan. At first, you resented it. Now you totally get it and find yourself scoping B&B deals in Saugatuck each summer. Get mom something that reminds her of those days. Study Hall, 2016 W. Chicago Ave., teamed up with Grand Haven's Michigan Rag Company for the Marüshka x Study Hall collection, which features some of the iconic Michigan art on sweatshirts, tanks, postcards, prints, tea towels and more ($3-$50).
Looking to avoid Toys 'R' Us this holiday season? Give the child in your life something unique and creative. Aside from cards, candles and art, One Strange Bird, 2124 W. Division St., sells mask-making kits ($30) with everything you need to get your masquerade face on. The kits are good for kids ages 5 and up and come with paint, feathers, glitter glue, foam and more.
Asrai Garden, 1935 W. North Ave., is more than just (really gorgeous) flowers. They also have jewelry, soaps, candles and other beautiful gifts. As we all gear up for another brutal winter, get your pal some stuff for her house. Blackbird Incense ($28) is not the cheap stuff of college dorm rooms. We're obsessed with their Blood Countess scent — which is often burning in Asrai. Pair it with the Wild Unknown Tarot Deck ($40) and plan a witchy, cozy wine night with your pal.
Dovetail, 1452 W. Chicago Ave., is a great place to find vintage glassware and an awesome 1950s cardigan, but the shop is also packed with goods from independent artisans. We are obsessed with candles by Chicago-based (and super green) Nicolet Candle Company. The Red Cedar and Twigs and Berries ($22) scents are perfect for winter. We also swooned over room sprays and trail soaps by Juniper Ridge ($30-$40). This California-based company makes their products while camping. Seriously. Their fragrances are distilled with "real plants, bark, moss, mushrooms, and tree trimmings found hiking the backcountry." If you've ever inhaled the Big Sur air or hiked through the Redwood Forest, you'll understand how good this stuff smells.
Vividbraille, 2064 N. Damen Ave., makes a custom-line of winter hats for men, such as a wool woven beanies available in black and blue ($30), which will keep your favorite guy's head warm and toasty. We also love the Bucktown shop's selection of Cordovan leather wallets by Chicago-based Ashland Leather. Their bifold wallets ($95) are available in several colors or if you are on a tighter budget, spring for a business card holder wallet, which is available in several styles, by two craftsman who hold day jobs as at the Horween Leather factory.
If you decide to have lunch at Dove's Luncheonette during your holiday shopping excursion, walk across the street afterward and check out Moon Voyage, 2010 W. Pierce Ave. The new Wicker Park boutique is packed with cute sweaters, dresses, jewelry and other goodies. We also love the ceramic orbs in the window by A Question of Eagles, an LA-based company with Illinois roots ($40-$65).
Trying to save cash? Get your loved ones some food and drink from your favorite local spots. Your cousin will dig a growler of Golden Arm from Piece, 1927 W. North Ave. ($20), your hyper boss will love a coffee sampler from La Colombe, 1552 N. Damen Ave. The Geisha Sampler features coffee from around the world chosen by La Colombe CEO (and reality TV star) Todd Carmichael. If you're near Belly Shack, swing by for a bottle of Chef Bill Kim's Belly Sauce. The Korean-inspired sauces ($8 each) come in five varieties to please your spice-loving mom (Belly Fire) and your mild-mannered dad (Seoul Sauce).
Listen to all the great gift ideas in the neighborhoods here:
