LITTLE VILLAGE — Whether you want to sample Mexican treats, support local artists or spoil your favorite pup, Little Village and North Lawndale have you covered this holiday season.
We've rounded up some of our favorite gift ideas.
Little Village T-Shirt from Villapalooza
Show some neighborhood pride with Little Village T-shirts from Villapalooza. The non-profit music festival brings together local artists, musicians and food vendors for a free festival and block party in early September. Shirts are available online for $15.
Grand Mayan Tequila from Moreno’s Liquors
Splurge on the tequila lover in your life with this limited-edition ultra-aged tequila from Moreno’s Liquors, 3724 W. 26th St. Though the Little Village shop carries more than 650 types of tequila — there are only 120 bottles of this holiday special, which was made exclusively for Moreno’s Liquors and comes in an embossed ceramic jug. The 750 ml bottles (60 available) cost $89.99, while the 1.75-liter version (60 available) is $124.99.
Brew Bites from Lagunitas Brewing Company
Share some beer with your favorite pup with Brew Bites from Lagunitas Brewing Company, 2607 W. 17th St. Each dog treat is made with spent whole beer grains from the North Lawndale brewery and all-natural peanut butter. Each 4-ounce bag contains 16 biscuits and will set you back $5. Buy at the "Schwag Store," open 1-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesdays-Sundays. Pro tip: If you swing by Wednesday to Sunday, you can grab yourself a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' in the tap room.
Adult Coloring Books from Yollocalli Arts Reach
Scoop up stationery, stickers and adult coloring books from Yollocalli Arts Reach, a youth program that offers art classes and career training at 2801 S. Ridgeway Ave. Items were designed by local teens and run from $7-$10. Available online at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Honeytone Mini Amp from Ceasar's Music
Treat the music lover in your life to this retro-inspired mini amp ($40) from Ceasar's Music, inside the Little Village Discount Mall at 3115 W. 26th St. For a splurge, check out the shop's colorful accordion collection, starting at $450.
Jewelry, Sculpture from Urban Art Retreat
Help support local artists at Urban Art Retreat's holiday shop, which runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays through January. Expect jewelry and sculpture; 70 percent of your purchase goes directly toward the artist, while 30 percent helps fund programming for battered women at the North Lawndale center. If you can't make a Saturday show at 1957 S. Spaulding Ave., email contact@urbanartretreat.com for a private appointment.
Lucha Libre Masks (Kids) from Little Village Discount Mall
Take playtime to a whole new level with kids' luchador masks ($10 each) from Little Village Discount Mall, 3115 W. 26th St. During a recent trip to the sprawling shopping center, we spotted Spider-Man and La Parka versions.
Cappuccino Peanut Butter Cups from Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lagunitas Brewing Company infuses each handmade peanut butter cup with cappuccino stout. Need we say more? A six-pack costs $6, or grab 16 cups for $12. Available at the "Schwag Shop," 2607 W. 17th St. Buy at the "Schwag Store," open 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Pro tip: If you swing by Wednesday to Sunday, you can grab yourself a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' in the tap room.
Skateboards, Tennis Shoes from Prosper Skate Shop
Even Justin Bieber likes skateboarding in Little Village. Prosper Skate Shop, 2620 S. Central Park Ave., carries plenty of local skateboard brands ($50-$55 per board) and is one of just three Chicago stores licensed to carry Nike SB tennis shoes. Owner Orlando Delarosa, 22, says the shop gets one or two new SB styles per month, and the shoes typically sell out within a week. Red and green kicks (see photo) are on tap for December.
Chili-Watermelon Lollipops from Dulcelandia
You'll find perfect stocking stuffers for everyone on your list at Dulcelandia, 3253 W. 26th St., where all the candy is imported from Mexico. We're digging mango and watermelon lollipops covered in chili powder (25 cents each). Glorias goat-milk candies with pecans are a crowd pleaser year-round ($5.19 for a 5.29-ounce bag).
Clyde May’s Whiskey Blend from Moreno’s Liquors
Moreno’s Liquors, 3724 W. 26th St., teamed with Clyde May’s for this limited-release bottle (750 ml, $63.99). Three whiskeys were blended in a sherry cask for a 110-proof special reserve. There are only 180 bottle available, so act fast.
