WEST LOOP — While the West Loop is known for its impressive lineup of restaurants, there's something you might not know about the 'hood: It's poised to become a serious retail destination, too.
Want to be ahead of the curve? Shop one-of-a-kind gifts from Madison Street boutiques this holiday season.
Can't find that perfect stocking stuffer? Have no fear. Dose Market's HoliDose will bring more than 100 makers to Morgan Manufacturing Dec. 13.
Pasta stamps from Monteverde
For your Top Chef-wannabe friend: Pick up a set of hand-carved corzetti pasta stamps ($65) at Sarah Grueneberg's new restaurant Monteverde, 1020 W. Madison St. The Top Chef alum, who opened the restaurant in November, uses the Italian-made stamps to make her delectable duck egg corzetti pasta.
Dapper Duds from Bird Dog Bay
For the friend who could use a few extra minutes in the morning, Bird Dog Bay's shirt & tie gift sets ($190-$215) pair 100 percent Egyptian cotton shirts with the shop's whimsical ties. Headquartered on the Near West Side, the brand's accessories are available for purchase online.
Foxtrot
Did your friend throw the best holiday party ever and you'd like to thank them in style? Have on-demand delivery service Foxtrot deliver a gin and tonic party kit ($74) to their door. Featuring St. George Botanivore gin, Jack Rudy tonic, Fever Tree club soda and a tray of Titonic ice cubes, the kit makes for one impressive round of drinks. Foxtrot just opened a second storefront in the West Loop at 1019 W. Lake St.
Ballcaps That Work in the Winter CH Distillery
Speaking of booze, nothing pairs better than a cold drink and Chicago sports. Taking that truth into consideration, it just makes sense that West Loop-based CH Distillery, 564 W. Randolph St., is selling a line of wool baseball caps ($50) that feature the distillery's logo in Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks colors.
Custom Kicks from ESQ
Ge Wang, the West Loop tailor dressing some of the NFL's hottest athletes is now selling custom shoes at ESQ Clothing, 555 W. Jackson Blvd. We love these wingtip and winter boots ($450).
Unique Party Games from Cat & Mouse Games
Can you think of anything more hilarious than watching your family race against time to build models using only a "crane" attached to their head? We can't. To seal the deal on those invaluable memories, pick up the Lift It! game ($34.99) at Cat & Mouse Games, 1112 W. Madison St.
Chi-Pride Onesies from Fig Tree Chicago
Make sure your friend's new baby is repping his Chicago roots from the start with this adorable Local Love onesie ($24) available for purchase at The Fig Tree, 1037 W. Madison St. Bonus point: You'll be supporting local mom Lidia Varesco Racoma, who screenprints the Chicago flag designs with water-based, lead-free inks in the West Loop.
A Girls Night Pamper Party at Glowout
Getting ready for your company's holiday party? Grab your three favorite co-workers and book a girls night party at Glowout, 160 N. Halsted St. The salon's holiday special includes blowouts and four express manicures for your four-girl crew at a killer price ($180). And the salon is B.Y.O.B., so you can pop Champagne while you're being pampered.
Jimmy Buckets Shirts from Mint on Taylor
Shopping for your favorite Bulls fanatics? They'll love cheering on Jimmy Butler in this Jimmy Buckets crewneck from Mint Clothing, 1058 W. Taylor St. The Little Italy streetwear shop stocks limited-edition T-shirts ($15-45) from Chicago designers, in addition to their own Mint brand.
Green Line Throw Pillows from ZeroBird Studio
Zerobird Studio's Green Line throw pillow ($45) offers a stylish upgrade to any West Looper's couch. As an alternative to shipping, last-minute shoppers can also opt to pick up their gifts in-studio at the Historic Feather Loft building, 355 N. Laflin St.