BRIDGEPORT — Take a stroll down Halsted Street before the holidays. You'll find no shortage of neighborhood-centric gifts for the holidays.
Here are some of our gift picks for Bridgeport area shoppers.
Sports-Themed Ugly Sweaters from Grandstand Sports
The ugly sweater trend is as popular is ever. If you're sick of the cliche Christmas patterns and crazy cat prints, you might head to Grandstand Sports, 600 W. 35th St., where you'll find ugly Christmas sweaters ($64.99) themed after Chicago's most popular sports franchises: the Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears.
'Hood Shirts You Haven't Seen 1,000 Times
Hardscrabble Gifts, 3335 S. Halsted, is the go-to store for Bridgeport swag. For $19, you can get a shirt that reads "STRAIGHT OUTTA BRIDGEPORT" or sports a map of the neighborhood. Shop owners will print these shirts in custom sizes on the spot.
Souldier Guitar Strap, Vintage Guitars
Got a budding rock star in the family? Make sure they're repping this great city when they finally take to the stage with a Chicago-made guitar strap by Souldier. You can pick up a strap in a solid color for $19.99 or a patterned one for $24.99 at Vintage Guitars, 754 W. 35th St.
'What the Pho' Porter, Marz Community Brewing
Inspired by the Vietnamese noodle soup, Marz Community Brewing’s “What the Pho” is an experimental spiced porter. This winter brew is aged on oak and sassafras wood staves centrifuged and infused with Urban Belly soup Pho base. The beer carries 6.2% alcohol and runs $7.99 per bottle.
Healthy and Delish Dog Treats from Bark N Bites
And you can't leave out the pooch. At Bark N Bites, 702 W. 35th St., you can pick up an assortment of treats for the family pet, including chew sticks made by The Natural Dog Company ($5.99).
SUBOX Vaporizer, South Side Smoke Shop
Since the South Side Smoke Shop opened in September at 3333 S. Halsted, vaporizers have been flying off the shelves. Paired with Cuttwood Vapors ($15), models like the SUBOX Mini ($95) could be a good choice for the smoker in the family looking for an alternative to dry tobacco products.
Local Paintings from E.R. Shoe Repairs, Dry Cleaning & Alterations
At the E.R. Shoe Repairs, Dry Cleaning & Alterations, 3364 S. Halsted St., you might not expect to find a wall full of art produced on the South Side. But for prices from $17-$30, you can walk away framed painting for print for that special someone looking for something nice to hang at home. You can also have your winter coat cleaned. Win/win.
Bridgeport Mug, Jackalope Coffee and Tea House
Bridgeport’s coffee shops are something to experience. Much like in Las Vegas, you can find a souvenir to help remember that experience. Head over to Jackalope Coffee & Tea House, 755 W. 32nd St., to pick up a Vegas-style coffee mug for $10. That way you can rep the neighborhood — and your favorite coffee shop — from the comfort of your own kitchen.