The official holiday shopping season doesn’t dawn until Nov. 23, but now’s the time to steal away some quality time with your girlfriends before visiting relatives and winter travels close in. Stops at these shopping destinations will help you chip away at that hefty holiday gift list, and, afterward, you can squeeze in a much-needed catch-up session over sweet snacks and sips.
Shop: Erin Gallagher
(1017 W Lake St. 312-492-7548)
The 18K gold jewels gracing the front cases of this West Loop shop soar upward of $5,000 — but step back into the store’s custom studio to design surprisingly affordable trinkets for mom or grandma, such as a single-stone chain necklace ($31) or three styles of simple earrings ($20). Choose your metal (sterling silver or gold fill) and stone (black onyx and pale blue quartz are popular picks) and your creation will be ready for pickup in two weeks. For groups of 10 or more, Gallagher will arrange a private party.
Shopping sustenance: Recharge your creative energy in the sleek lounge at Otom (951 W. Fulton Market. 312-491-5804) with inspired cocktails such as the Crimson Pear ($12), pomegranate and cran-apple juices spiked with 10 Cane rum infused with pears, vanilla bean and allspice berries.
Shop: All She Wrote
(825 W. Armitage Ave. 773-529-0100)
This cheerful stationery shop will monogram gifts for anyone on your list; the store offers everything from fringed cashmere scarves ($40) to beer glasses ($55 for four). For your discerning sister-in-law, check out the bright leather wallets and passport holders by Baekgaard ($20-$36) and Lilly Pulitzer flower-printed handbags ($128 and up).
Shopping sustenance: Stroll over to Red Rooster Cafe and Wine Bar (2100 N. Halsted St.; enter on Dickens. 773-929-7660) to compare your fab finds over dessert wine ($8 a glass) and treats such as chocolate bread pudding and cappuccino cheesecake ($4.75-$5.50).
Shop: Hanger 18
(4726 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-275-3349)
This Lincoln Square gift emporium boasts funky and functional gifts from wall to bright-yellow wall. Your sister will love durable canvas Yak Pak bags (pictured) with endearing prints such as Venus flytraps, Buddhas and hedgehogs ($16-$48). You’ll also find aluminum water bottles by Swiss brand Sigg for your bottled water-boycotting boyfriend ($16-$21) and pint-size hoodies by Funktion for your niece and nephew ($36).
Shopping sustenance: Stop in at Cafeneo (4655 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-878-2233) to refuel with a round of whipped cream-topped espressos (or caffe con panna, as they say here) and decadent dessert crepes filled with strawberries and Nutella ($6.95).
Shop: Willow
(908 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-0140)
Hip housewares abound at this Ukrainian Village storefront. Check out stately stone-hued candlesticks that double as flashlights ($45), colorful porcelain coffee presses ($36) and animal-emblazoned sushi plates ($18-$42). Off-the-wall picks such as Clocky the alarm clock on wheels ($50; pictured) could make cute grab-bag gifts too.
Shopping sustenance: Get your post-spending sugar fix at Sweet Cakes (935 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-5771) with mini-cupcakes in flavors such as coffee and cream, root beer float and chocolate-chip mint ($1 each).
Shop: Lush Wine and Spirits
(1306 S. Halsted St. 312-738-1900)
Your wine-obsessed dad will adore the accoutrements at this University Village shop, from decanters shaped like chemistry beakers ($15) to wooden bottle stoppers carved with quirky faces ($6.75). Grab some affordable bottles for last-minute go-to gifts. We like the dry-yet-fruity Palmina de Tocai ($15) and the dark-and-spicy Museum Real tempranillo ($24).
Shopping sustenance: Swing by BeviAmo (1358 W. Taylor St. 312-455-8255), crack open a bottle of honey-tinged Aresti gewurztraminer ($31) or full-bodied Amazing zinfandel ($36), and raise your glasses to a successful shopping trip.
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lmarnett@tribune.com
