CHATHAM — Holiday shopping can be a pain, but this list should make the gift buying season a little easier. The best part is that this shopping can be done from the South Side.
Hoodies, My Block My Hood My City
First up, there are hoodies for a cause. My Block, My Hood, My City hoodies will set you back $65, but proceeds help fund the exploration program, which exposes teens from under-resourced communities to new (to them) neighborhoods around the city. The program is run by Chatham resident Jahmal Cole, who recently took South Side teens to Edgewater for the first time.
Winter Boots, Lure Chaussures Shoetique
Ladies will love the sexy, colorful, fun boots and heels from Lure Chaussures Shoetique, 319 E. 79th St. The edgy Chatham shop offers a variety of shoes, clothes and accessories. Right now the black Lug Sole boots are only $53. They are perfect for the snow. The boots are insulated and they run a half size larger to give that much needed extra sock room. Pair the boots with the perfect fitted pant and still be fashionable. Check out the website at www.lurechaussures.com.
Sweet treats from Brown Sugar Bakery
Can’t go wrong with something sweet. Brown Sugar Bakery, 328 E. 75th St., in Chatham is a staple in the community. Bring your boss one of Stephanie Hart’s sweet potato pies, caramel cakes and cobblers and watch her swoon. A four-layered cake is $44. A cobbler pan is $33.50.
Fitness Class, Rhythms Within U Dance & Fitness Studio
Working out doesn’t have to be boring. Rhythms Within U Dance & Fitness Studio, 8530 S. Racine, in Auburn Gresham, makes it fun. They offer a variety of classes, everything from hot hula fitness to belly dancing. The owner is taking of 20 percent of all packages and gift cards. Drop in classes will only be $5 for the month of December.
Jewelry, Botwe Collections
Rhythms Within U Dance & Fitness Studio, 8530 S. Racine, also sells Ghanaian items in the studio called Botwe Collections. They have hand bags, necklaces and more. For December, there will be 15 percent off each entire purchase.
Flavored Candles from Englewood resident's small business Flavor Candles
Flavor candles can be purchased too. Kimberly Reese runs her small business, Flavor Candles, out of her Englewood home. She can make any flavor--gingerbread, peppermint, pound cake. She has baskets too. A small is $5, medium is $10, large is $15 and extra large is $20. The website is www.flavorcandles.com. Reese can also be reached at 708-504-5782.
Paintings from Englewood artist Jimmy Williams
Art from Englewood resident Jimmy Williams can be a unique gift this season. The abstract artist calls art “investment.” He has an unframed painting on sale for $40 now. His work can be viewed online at www.JimmyWilliamsonline.com.
Production and editing from viproductions
Hiring Englewood business viproductions to do event photography ($60), filming ($70 per hour), editing and more is another unique gift to add to the list. The business is housed in the Englewood Blue 1647, 815 W. 63rd St. The website is viproductions7.weebly.com.