Hey, partygoer, don’t show up to bashes empty-handed. Bringing host and hostess gifts is appropriate–and often expected. Need suggestions? Instead of settling for a bottle of Two Buck Chuck, go with these more personal options.
For co-workers
Ah, what to get the quiet guy in accounting with whom you’ve only had one water-cooler conversation? A little humor never hurts. Present him with Be Good Elf Soap and Be Nice Elf Soap, Swedish-import soaps that are shaped like little holiday sprites. $3.50 each at smallflower.com.
For next-door neighbors
The smell of their home cooking wafts through your condo building’s corridor. The sound of their vacuum is heard nightly. Encourage your neighbors’ domestic bliss by presenting them with a ceramic spice grinder from Mint NYC. Now, they can really cook like Martha. $36. Available at Virtu, 2034 N. Damen Ave., virtuchicago.com.
For artsy friends
Apartment envy kicks in every time you lay eyes on the Warhol and Lichtenstein prints your friends have in their place. Add to their collection with a custom-designed poster from photowow.com. The site takes your photographs and manipulates them into funky pieces of pop art. Choose your colors and style (cubism, watercolor, collage and more). $180-$600.
For the party you’re crashing
No one will know–or care–if you weren’t invited to that huge party down the road if you show up with a few tubs of Garrett Popcorn. The famous Chicago popcorn-maker came out with two tins for the holidays featuring artist-made renderings of Millennium Park and the historic Water Tower. $22-$190 at 2 W. Jackson Blvd. and garrettpop corn.com.
For messy siblings
Your little bro throws a good kegger. But he doesn’t do such a hot-shot job cleaning up the next day. Give him the gift of a squeaky-clean condo with a gift certificate from The Maids.
Check out maids.com or call 866-857-7401 for an estimate.
