ROGERS PARK — Know someone single and smelly? A connoisseur of chocolates? A beacon of barbeque?
Then this gift guide has something for you.
From love potion soaps, to BYOB couples' barbecuing classes and beyond, our Far North Side shopping guide will get you started on a quest to favoritism among all the people you know.
For The Beer-Lover: Craft Brew Kit at Rogers Park Provisions, $49.95
For the creative drinker in your life, a brew-your-own craft beer kit is available at Rogers Park Provisions, 6928 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park. A perk of this gift is the potential to get to drink the beer yourself.
For The Local History Buff: Two Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Books, Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society, $18 Each (or $32 For Both)
The Far North Side has some of the most interesting historical roots in the city. Cabbage wars — need we say more? But for those who wish to read up on how Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods came to be, check out "Neighborhoods within Neighborhoods; 20th Century Life on Chicago's Far North Side," and "Chicago's Far North Side; an Illustrated History of Rogers Park and West Ridge." Both are available through the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society at 7363 N. Greenview Ave.
For The Sharp Dresser: Chicago Flag Inspired Bow Ties, Edgewater Workbench, $18
These shnazzy bows are made by local artist Jenny Urban from her line of ties called Dapper & Urban. For $18, you can pick one up at Edgewater Workbench, 1130 W. Thorndale Ave. and become the fifth shining star on the flag.
For The Bearded Man (Or Lady): Sweet Comb Chicago Essential Beard Oil, $22
If you've ever gone in to kiss a beardo, you may have noticed their scruff wasn't exactly the soft facial mane you were hoping for. Sweet Comb Chicago, a Rogers Park-based beekeeping business, makes a locally-sourced product line full of amazing things like BEEard Oil (see what they did there?) that makes your lover feel less like a Brillo pad. Beard oil helps soften facial hair while giving it a healthy shine. This is a gift that keeps on giving.
For A Four-Legged Friend: Hot Dog Collar, Bark Bark Club, $27.99
Imagine this: It's a hot summer day. You see a weiner dog walking down the sidewalk. He's wearing a collar with hot dogs on it from Bark Bark Club, 5943 North Broadway. Well guess what? That incredibly adorable and meta scene can really happen with the purchase of this $27.99 hot dog collar. That weiner dog could be your new best friend.
For The Tech-Savvy: An Intro To 3-D Design and Printing Class, Edgewater Work Bench, $35-60
For a unique gift experience, get a friend a wooden, laser-cut gift certificate for an Intro to 3-D Design and Printing class from Edgewater Workbench, 1130 W. Thorndale. Ave. Prices for individuals and families range from $35-45, or for $60, couples can take the BYOB class together.
For The Hopeless Romantic: Love Potion Soap, Alchemy Arts, $6.95
Not all of us are lucky enough to be clean, or in love. For those who wish to be both, Alchemy Arts, 1203 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., offers "Come To Me" soap. With promises to "draw in a partner ... or the one you want to desire you," yeah, it's a pretty good gift.
For The Forgetful: Set of 4 Rogers Park Refridgerator Magnets, Etsy, $19.99
You might as well guy two sets of these because you'll need something to hang your BEST GIFT GIVER award with. Made on tumbled marble, these hand-craft magnets show off treasured Rogers Park spots like The Heartland Cafe, Mayne Stage, CTA stops and more. Get a set of four here for $19.99.
For The Chocolate-Lover: Four-Inch Cinnamon/Peanut Butter/Chocolate Cup, Rogers Park Provisions, $7
Made in Riverside, Ill., these peanute butter cup babies eventually make their way to Rogers Park Provisions, 6928 N. Glenwood Ave., where they're available for purchase for $7. According to the maker's webiste, the treat promises "the worlds most intense and tastiest Saigon Cinnamon with creamy peanut butter, tossed in some whole roasted peanuts, wrapped it in a thick milk chocolate shell and finished it with a sprinkle of honey dust and sea salt."
For The Art Appreciator: Edgewater, Rogers Park Posters, Etsy, $35
The Far North Side has some of the most beautiful and historic scenes in the city, and these posters highlight some of the architectural gems in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods. Get yours (or a friend's) here from The Chicago Neighborhoods' Etsy shop.
For Your Barbeque Babe: BBQ 101 Class At Rub's, Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse, $120
You've never truly tasted barbeque until you've been to Rub's Backcountry Smokeshouse in Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood, 6954 N. Western Ave. For $120, you can not only eat the food, but learn how it's done in Rub's BBQ 101 class. Not only is the class BYOB, the "casual dinner party atmosphere" includes a full meaty discussion, preparation of a gourmet four-course meal, a buffet and a take-home cookbook full of recipes used during the class. Possibly one of the kindest gifts anyone could ever receive.
OK Now Wrap These Babies Like A Boss: Rogers Park Provisions, $3.95/Sheet
Once every amazing gift you've touched has turned to gold, you'll need the proper supplies to wrap. Rogers Park Provisions has creative, funky sheets of gift wrap that include the fluffy faces of kittens, a myriad of influential women and an assortment of others. Grab a homemade card while you're there.
