ANDERSONVILLE — Clark Street in Andersonville is host to fine shops and restaurants offering everything from an adult-friendly arcade experience to handmade shops spotlighting local designers.
So why not bolster that Christmas with some gifts from local shops around Andersonville's busiest street? DNAinfo rounded up some cool gifts for some of the pickiest people to ever be placed on the "Nice List."
Cute Animal Ornaments From Marguerite Gardens
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the season-loving enthusiast young or old, head down to Marguerite Gardens, 5059 N. Clark St., for a limited supply of the cutest animal ornaments in the hood ranging from reindeer to birds to squirrels. The ornaments retail between $6-$12.50.
Bucket Bags from Milk Handmade
[Courtesy of the Chelli Harms Collection]
For the fashionista dear to your heart, head to Milk Handmade, 5137 N. Clark St., for the Chelli Harms' bucket bag, which sells for $225. The handmade in Chicago bags with Horween Leather from the Chelli Harms Collection are available in three colors.
Cool Kicks and the Perfect Socks from Notre
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the dapper man on your list, head to Notre, 5202 N. Clark St., for the perfect casual pairing for that suave gentleman: Common Projects Achilles low shoes with White Mountaineering's Marquetery-pattern middle socks in charcoal. The kicks retail for $412, while the socks retail for about $40.
Pooch Sweaters from Jameson Loves Danger
[Model: Kevin Ray Bacon][DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For your favorite four-legged companion experiencing its first Chicago winter, head to Jameson Loves Danger, 5208 N. Clark St., for hand-knit sweaters for your fashion-minded pooch retailing from $30-$40. The Chilly Dog sweaters are available in sizes to fit tiny dogs to great Danes.
Hometown-Themed Gifts for Foursided
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the person who loves home, whether it be Chicago or a far away state, head to Foursided, 5061 N. Clark St. The local frame shop has Chicago themed-ornaments that retail for $13.50 and custom-made framed states they'll put together in the shop. While you wait you can take in the beautiful holiday window display. The custom-made framed states are one of their hottest sellers retailing between $18-$55.
Tomtars from the Swedish American Museum
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
What's a Winter Solstice without out the bearded, vertically-challenged gift bearer of Sweden? The handmade in Sweden figurines vary in size and price from $5-$50 at the Swedish American Museum's gift shop, 5211 N. Clark St. They're the perfect gift for the collector of the family.
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For those whose holiday season is warmed by the life-giving fluid called coffee, head to the '50s- and '60s-themed home decor shop at 5219 N. Clark St. The mugs retail for $14 each, but the shop also features a huge collection of miniatures of the Jolly One starting at $22.
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For that inspirational feminist in your life, head to Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., for the wise words of some of today's most celebrated authors. The independent book shop has autographed copies of Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" ($16) and Gloria Steinem's "My Life on the Road" ($18) along with copies of "Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" ($20) and Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me" ($24).
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the dedicated cyclist or runner whose late-night runs give you anxiety, head to the Runner's Edge, 5243 N. Clark St., for the illumination tools they need. The LightBender, which sells for $20, wraps around an arm or leg to give the athlete more visibility. It's also USB rechargeable.
"Star Wars" Gifts and Comics From Alley Cat Comics
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the "Star Wars" enthusiast head to Alleycat Comics, 5304 N. Clark St., for new comic books or vintage toys no younger than 15 years old. The figures retail from $8-$18. The graphic novels, which stretch way beyond Marvel and DC classics and feature independent authors, vary in price from about $5 to $35.
Sweets and Treats from Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
For the lovable yuppie in your life head to Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine, 5212 N. Clark St., for its Sweet Home Chicago basket, which includes a La-Dee-Dah chocolate and caramel bar, caramels from Katherine-Anne Confections, Ethereal's chocolate-dipped, gluten-free pretzels and a Sweet Margy gluten-free toffee bar. The basket retails for $40. And if you're in the mood for some authentic Andersonville flavor, Wickstrom's Lingonberry, which isn't part of the basket, retails for $12.
