Lincoln Park Gift Guide: Records, Locally Designed Kicks And More

For $19, you can be the best-dressed man at the New Years Eve party this year. This speckled bowtie, which comes in a few different colors, is part of The Tie Bar's, 918 W. Armitage Ave., November collection.

Whoever is the recipient of this cozy handmade blanket will be forever indebted to you. Retailing for $179.95 at Greenheart Shop, 1714 N. Wells St., the blanket was made in Ecuador with sustainable materials. This is a gift that will be used for years to come.

Young artists will love this 50-page sketchbook and tiny poseable mannequin for $16.50 from Greer, 1657 N. Wells St. Plus, the little mannequin could serve as an art object on the gift recipient's well-designed bookshelf.

Does your best friend love vinyl? Head to Dave's Records, 2604 N. Clark St., to snag Buena Vista Social Club's self-titled album on vinyl for a cool $30. It's back in stores after not being in print for at least seven years. While you're there, check out all of the other offerings from the well-curated record shop. 
 

What do you get for the woman who has everything? Shoes, of course. There's a wide array of locally-designed kicks that are both comfortable and work-appropriate to choose from at Chelsea Jones Shoe Studio, 2425 N. Clark St. The platform boots in ash grey retail for $219, while the over-the-knee socks retail for $18. 

Local boutique Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., sells gifts galore, so it was hard to choose just one. We think you can't go wrong with a Demi Mercury Glass Woodfire Candle ($17) with a 20-hour burn time, a graphic tray ($17.50) or a Chicago beanie ($32 - $40).

Just like a throw blanket, luxe bath goods make perfect gifts because we don't always buy that kind of thing for ourselves. We think your mom, sister or aunt would love Malin + Goetz rum hand and body wash ($22) from Aaron's Apothecary, 2338 N. Clark St. The cleanser balances all skin types. Plus, the robust scent isn't too precious.

It's always a good idea to give a gift that ends up benefiting you in the future. In all seriousness, a gift that's more about the experience than the material thing is always a good idea. Culinary bookstore and test kitchen Read It & Eat, 2142 N. Halsted St., is hosting a teen kitchen takeover class for kids from 10 - 14 years old on Dec. 18, which will set you back $45 for one teen and one parent. While you're there, check out the shop's impressive selection of cookbooks.