FAR NORTHWEST SIDE — No one wants the same old stuff this year for the holidays.
Show off your deep knowledge of hidden gems on the Far Northwest Side and show your squad that you really care.
Subscription to the Gift Theatre
Get the thespian in your life a subscription to the Gift Theatre's 16th season at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave., which will include a Shakespearean classic, an American epic and a world premiere. $75-$190.
Beef from BeefBelly
Dazzle your meat-loving friends with a Beef Pack from BeefBelly, which promises a new twist on the Chicago classic of Italian beef at 4800 N. Central Ave. For $100, you get five pounds of house-roasted beef, freshly baked rolls, toppings and condiments to make 25 sandwiches. Choose from original, Carolina BBQ, Bourbon BBQ, Sriracha, Black and Bleu, Chipotle and Garlic Parmesan flavors.
Cheesecake Tower from Eli's
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Chicago institution Eli's Cheesecake (6701 W. Forest Preserve Ave.) with not just a slice of Chicago-style cheesecake but a tower. The gift set includes an autographed copy of The Eli’s Cheesecake Cookbook and 14 slices each of original and strawberry-topped cheesecakes as well as 14 slices of salted caramel cheesecake for $94.95 plus shipping. Invite your friends — the tower serves 28.