Hunting down unique and well-priced holiday gifts for your friends and family is no easy task. To alleviate the stress and strain of shopping, here’s a cheat sheet on my favorite local hot spots. Happy shopping!
Out of the West
Where: 1000 W. Armitage Ave., 773-404-9378
Why: Channel your inner cowgirl/boy with stylish and functional Western gear.
Great finds:
– Customized studded leather belts, $120-$170
– Minnetonka sheerling slippers, $62
– Western hats: Shady Brady, Lucky Golden Gate hat company, $18-$55
– Leather-bound books with sterling silver clasp, $65
– Western-style picture frames, $25-$82
– 7 Diamond men’s striped dress shirts, $82
T-Shirt Deli
Where: 1739 N. Damen Ave., 773-276-6266, tshirtdeli.com
Why: There is really nothing cooler than a customized,
vintage-inspired T-shirt. The packaging–pastrami sandwich-style deli-wrapping complete with chips–significantly enhances the gift quotient.
Great finds:
– Personalized hot pants and G-strings, $10 + $1 per letter
– Custom tank tops and T-shirts, about $26
Ruby Room, A Spa for the Spirit
Where: 1743 W. Division St., 773-635-5000
Why: A haven for holistic-style gifts from bath and body products to organic tea kits.
Great finds:
– Red flower Japan collection: bamboo scrub ($58), cherry blossom rice buff ($18), rose camillia plum soft water mist, ($36)
– Numi Teas: Artisan 100 percent organic floral teas, $20
– Glass Steep Pot, $32; and 2-cup set, $30
– Fuzzy capelet, $120
– Personalized solar therapy unisex system with candle/spray or soap, $22
– Tiara Misu costume jewelry, $80 (rings) $110 (bracelets)
Stitch
Where: 1723 N. Damen Ave., 773- 782-1570
Why: Thrill him/her with of-the-moment leather accessories and bags.
Great finds:
– Leather wallets, from $90
– Michael Bianco nylon weekend bag, $120 (small), $167 (large)
– Bay Berk leather catchall box, $40
– Leather frames, $25
– Coasters, $21 each
– Leather scratch pad, $55
– Handbags, $234 (leather and tweed), $65 (metallic)
– Groovy pillows, $60-$90
– Leather pads, $60
P.O.S.H.
Where: 613 N. State St., 312-280-1602
Why: Score fabulously chic vintage tchotchkes for the home. Great gifts for the avid host/hostess
Great finds:
– Vintage “parfait” for champagne, $9
– Belgian cordial glasses from the 1940s, $16 (small), $20 (large)
– Water pitcher from Waldorf Astoria, $175
– Vintage mother of pearl and sterling silver serving pieces, $50
– Vintage champagne buckets, aluminum or silver plate, $50-100
– Kitchen storage canisters, $98 (set of 6)
– American Airlines first-class dinner plates, $4 each
