LOGAN SQUARE — By shopping local this holiday season, you're not just supporting Logan Square and Humboldt Park businesses, but you're also more likely to find truly unique gifts that won't end up in a "return" pile.
We've done the legwork for shoppers who should have no problem getting most of their holiday shopping done without leaving the 'hood.
Felted Wall Trophies from Fleur
For the person in your life who doesn't have it in him or her to hang the real thing on the wall of the den, Fleur, 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave., has felted wall trophies. The shop has an assortment of animals and sizes. Small mounts start at $25 and the large ones go for $50. The mounts pictured are medium-sized and are $32.
Sweet Mugs From Wolfbait & B-Girls
Wolfbait & B-Girls, 3131 W. Logan Blvd., showcases the wares and goods of more than 170 local artisans and Chicago-based fair-trade companies. We love their selection of handmade mugs from a handful of local ceramic artists. The mugs range in price from $20 to $30 and each is unique in its own way.
CTA Toy Cars from Play
Get your kid's CTA addiction started early with a miniature version of a Blue Line car from Play, 3109 W Logan Blvd. While we prefer the Blue Line of course, Red, Green and Pink Line cars are also available. The wooden railway cars are officially licensed by the CTA.
GIN!
Give the gift of booze. It is a simple, but effective tool in the gift-giving repertoire. Shop 1021 takes it a step further with its homemade gin kit, which allows a drinker to turn a bottle of vodka into a custom bottle of gin. The kit ($49.95) includes a bottle, strainer, funnel and all the goods needed to turn vodka to gin. Shop 1021 is located at 2650 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Gorgeous Chair from Humboldt House
Nearly everything at Humboldt House, 1045 N. California Ave., would surely make for a great gift, but this chair in particular stands out. The Comoda Chair ($250), designed by a Chicagoan, is handcrafted out of 100 percent teak wood by a small family-run business in El Salvador. Give the gift of style while supporting local Chicago crafters.
Chicago Kitchen Essentials
What better way to wipe stray mustard off your cheek than with a Chicago hot dog kitchen towel? Give the chef you love a set of kitchen goods including the aforementioned towels ($20) and a Chicago flag apron ($48). Both are available at Wolfbait & B-Girls, 3131 W. Logan Blvd.
Pour-Over at Home
Who's to say you have to head into the cold this winter to get a cup of your favorite coffee done right? Fleur, 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave., has the goods to give the coffee lover in your life a glass pour-over setup ($99). Pair it with a "coffee" and "tea" tin (each is $12) and a set of glass mugs ($25).
Game of Thrones Swag From G-Mart
Winter is coming — well, actually it arrived extra early this year, but this "Game of Thrones" plaque is sure to make any fan happy this holiday season. The plaque ($49.99) can be found at G-Mart Comics, 2641 N Kedzie Ave., along with a slew of other figurines from the comic book and pop culture world.
Local Poetry from Uncharted Books
Support Chicago's literary scene by buying a reader in your life a collection of local poetry from Uncharted Books, 2620 N. Milwaukee Ave. Dave Landsberger's "Suicide Jaguar" is recommended by Uncharted Books' staff ($16.95). Sixty percent of proceeds from any book featured on the store's Chicago table goes to the author.
Chicago Metro Cuff From Shop 1021
Wear your city pride on your wrist with a Chicago metro cuff that features a map of the city's transit system etched into a stainless silver band. The cuff ($39.95) is available at Shop 1021, 2650 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Bric-A-Brac Swag
Support your local record store while giving a gift that supports local music. Bric-A-Brac, 3156 W. Diversey Ave., has some swag for sale in its shop including a poster we love ($15) and a super cool T-shirt ($15), both by Chicago artist Ryan Duggan.
