If your ultimate holiday goal is to complete your gift shopping without ever encountering a too-long line, a clueless cashier or cutthroat shoppers throwing elbows, then your strategy is clear: Shop online. The caveat: You risk throwing your cash directly into the coffers of big-box stores and corporate giants. Shop local at these e-boutiques without leaving your computer.
Click: fiveaccessories.com
Accessory company Five doesn’t have a storefront, but it’s Chicago-based, fair-trade and donates a portion of proceeds to charitable causes.
WE LOVE: Eyeglass cases woven from colorful chip wrappers ($20), chunky wooden bracelets ($15) and totes made from bamboo ($25-$45), right.
EXTRA COSTS: $10 for flat-rate ground shipping, $25 for overnight delivery and free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
Click: greerchicago.com
Old Town stationery shop Greer Chicago (1657 N. Wells St., 312-337-8000) stocks a small but impeccable selection of sophisticated and sophisticatedly witty gifts.
WE LOVE: Colin Schleeh’s super-sculptural desk accessories (bottom left) which will thrill for a distinguished dad or design-obsessed colleague ($35-$75). Knock Knock Coworkers Vouchers ($8.50) (top left) are hilarious work-themed IOUs that promise a sympathetic ear, a happy-hour outing or a cover-up for a missed deadline.
EXTRA COSTS: Shipping costs vary by total amount spent, starting with ground shipping for $6.50 on orders of $25 or less. Orders of $150 or more score free ground shipping.
Click: grasshopper510.com
You don’t have to haul out to North Damen to peruse the eco-friendly gifts at Grasshopper 510 (1944 N. Damen Ave., 773-292-0510).
WE LOVE: Funky organic cotton onesies ($30) and hats ($10) for rugrats, trays made from street signs ($85) (above) feminine rings and pendants ($45) crafted from vintage pottery and cufflinks made from baseballs, golf balls and vinyl records ($80-$145) (right).
EXTRA COSTS: Exact UPS shipping cost by weight.
Click: shoparteffect.com
Navigating the crowds at perennially popular multi-room gift shop Art Effect (934 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-3600) can be daunting. Luckily, they’ve got a robust Web store — and free gift-wrapping too.
WE LOVE: The Pirate Shoot game with LCD scoreboard and infrared musket ($72) (above) slick Tokyo Bay watches ($75-$88) and silver seder and challah plates ($50-$175).
EXTRA COSTS: Exact UPS shipping cost by weight.
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lmarnett@tribune.com
Prices and availability are subject to change.
