gifts for kids

Yu-Gi-Oh Yeah!: Not only is Elite a great place to buy the cards from this wildly pop-ular game, but they host weekly tournaments for experienced players. Packs prices vary; available at Elite Sports Cards & Comics, 2028 W. Montrose.

Stack ‘Em Up!: Collect, trade and gift these colorful Daphne bracelets kids and teens will love! $12/pack, available at Maash Boutique, 3828 N. Lincoln & maashboutique.com.

Get Crafty: Give your budding artist the gift of inspiration with classes or camps at The Wishcraft Workshop, where creative kids can try everything from crochet to radio production to jewelry making. Prices vary, available at The Wishcraft Workshop, 3907 N. Damen. Pricing and schedule available at growartists.com.

Lights, Camera, iPhone!: Screen time can be creative! Encourage kids to channel their inner filmmaker with this Sci-Fi Movie playset. $10, available at Da Sorce, 4353 N. Lincoln.

Bean Baby: Start that Chicago pride as young as possible with this soft, screen-printed onesie from Rhymes With Twee. $20, available at Neighborly, 2003 W. Montrose, or shop.neighborlyshop.com.

Little Luxe: Give the kids the movie-star treatment at this kid-friendly spa, or join in on the fun with their parent-child mani-pedi packages. Mani-pedi $28 or $65 for ‘Mommy and Me’ mani-pedi; available at Rock Candy Salon + Spa, 4141 N. Lincoln; call 773-883-3000 for appointments.

gifts for her Black and White: Go for high drama with this necklace, accented with onyx and mother-of-pearl, at your New Year’s party. $139, available at Maash Boutique, 3828 N. Lincoln & maashboutique.com.

On-the-Go: This brief bag from local designer Shiraleah is perfect for the well-traveled pro or an errand-packed day close to home. $130, available at embellish boutique, 4161 N. Lincoln.

Gimme Some Sugar: Essential oils, moisturizers and other products make for a bright, sweet pick-me-up during the busy holidays. $45, available from Arbonne International via Beneen Prendiville, beneen.myarbonne.com.

Lumberjanes: Comic book fans will love these stories of best friends at summer camp… fighting crime. Issues $3.99 each, available at Da Sorce, 4353 N. Lincoln.

Little Boot Peep: Keep your feet warm and snow-protected while adding a touch of personality to those winter boots! $28, available at Mainstream Boutique, 4357 N. Lincoln. .

for your four-legged friend

.Little Lion Treats: Even the most finicky feline will love these popular new cat treats. $4, available at zulu dog + cat boutique, 3919 N. Lincoln.

Chilly Dog: These knit sweaters for your pet are the accessory for the winter—and practical with the bitter Chicago cold! $30, available at zulu dog + cat boutique, 3919 N. Lincoln.

Four-Legged Fans: Whether the Bears win or lose, at least your pooch will look cute in this classic team sweater! $23, available at zulu dog + cat boutique, 3919 N. Lincoln

Twisted Fun: Your pup will play for hours with this plastic treat tornado, equal parts toy and handy snack dispenser! $42, available at zulu dog + cat boutique, 3919 N. Lincoln.

for the workaholicA Great Look on the Go: With the TSA-approved Baxter travel kit of skin and hair care products, your itinerant pal can look and feel great after those cross-country flights. $50, available at Isle of Man, 3856 N. Lincoln & iomamerica.lightspeedwebstore.com.

Point and Shoot: A session for high-quality professional portraits makes for a gift that is both practical and thoughtful. Prices vary, available at Steven E. Gross Photography, 4330 N. Lincoln. Call 773-509-9393 for more information.

Say It With Hotdish: Know some-one with no time to cook? Treat them to a hot meal with Johnny Casserole’s Operation Hotdish subscription program. Prices vary, available at Johnny Casserole, 4019 N. Damen. Call 773-957-2665 to sign up.

Rustic Meets Modern: Look forward to long days at the home office (or office-office) with this stylish seal and wood desk. $325, available at Mint Home, 2117 W. Irving Park, & etsy.com/shop/minthome

Fringe Benefits: These turquoise fringe earrings from Chicago designer K. Amato make a statement. $40, available at embellish boutique, 4161 N. Lincoln.

Belt It Out: Whether with new jeans or a dress, this belt is a great versatile accessory. $100, available at Traipse Shoes, 4341 N. Lincoln.

more winter style

Comfy in Chevron: Brave the Chicago winter with this comfy and stylish poncho. $64.99, available at Maash Boutique, 3828 N. Lincoln & maashboutique.com.

Dress Me Up: The perfect dress for the holidays, from the family gathering to the work party to a New Year’s Eve night out. $58, available at Mainstream Boutique, 4357 N. Lincoln.

our favorite beauty & wellness gifts If your friend is always initiating the dance party, sign them up for a class at Old Town School like West African Dance, Jazz or Hip-Hop. Prices vary, available at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, schedule at oldtownschool.org.

Rev. Billy’s Famous Hair Crap is organic, sustainably-produced and makes your hair look pretty damn fine. Available at Rev. Billy’s Chop Shop, 4134 N. Lincoln.

Who wouldn’t want a cool new (or gently used) bike to jet around Northcenter with? Prices vary, available at Easy Rider Bike Shop, 4119 N. Lincoln.

Give the gift of self-care with a tailor-made sports massage for your athlete. $98 for 60 minutes, available at Be Well. The Art of Asian Therapies, 2251 W. Irving Park.

This Amla Hair Oil, used as a natural hair conditioner for thousands of years, leaves hair feeling lustrous and refreshed. $18, available at Hamsa Ayurveda & Yoga, 3807 N. Lincoln & hamsaapothecary.com.

An invigorating sandalwood soap in this lovely wooden bowl makes for a fresh start to even the coldest Chicago morning. $29.50, available at Isle of Man, 3856 N. Lincoln & iomamerica.lightspeedwebstore.com.

gifts for himBeautiful Bacon: Who needs Santa when you have the smell of this magical locally-made maple bacon sausage waking you up on Christmas morning? $12 per pack or $45 for a four-pack; available at Big Fork Brands, 2707 W. Lawrence, & bigforkbrands.com.

Brush With Greatness: This soft, strong badger shaving brush is one of IOM’s signature items. $90, available at Isle of Man, 3856 N. Lincoln & iomamerica.lightspeed-webstore.com.

DistilleD to Perfection: Ravenswood’s Koval Dis-tillery sells their delicious small-batch whiskey, gin and more in convenient, cute gift-pack sizes. Prices vary, available at Bottles & Cans, 4109 N. Lincoln.

smell anD restore: This aromatherapy set is perfect for the busy guy who needs to treat him-self. $65, available from Arbonne International via Beneen Prendiville, beneen.myarbonne.com.

BehinD the Bar: Antique bar sets can bring kitsch, humor, class or charm to your dinner party, depend-ing on the set you choose. Prices vary, available at Tilly Boutique, 4164 N. Lincoln.

cuffinG season: These royal designs are just one example of the many unique cufflinks this vintage neighborhood boutique offers. $35, available at Tilly Boutique, 4164 N. Lincoln.

gifts $25 and under

Sweet Scentsations: Alapash has plenty of de-lightful scented candles, but our favorite is the Horchata, with all the re-freshing, inviting scents of the classic rice milk drink. $18, available at Alapash, 1944 W. Montrose or alapash.com.

Munchkin: Kids and adults alike have fallen for this battle card game, with its whimsical characters and hilarious cartoon artwork. $25, available at Da Sorce, 4353 N. Lincoln.

Ear Candy: Pauline, the owner of Chic Squared in the old Belle Kay storefront, makes stunning jewelry too. $10, available at Chic Squared, 3862 N. Lincoln.

Baby Blue Bangles: These bracelets are beautiful, stackable and affordable! What’s not to love? $18, available at Mainstream Boutique, 4357 N. Lincoln.

Bee-utiful!: Local bookbinder Bari Zaki makes this beautiful, buzzworthy stationery your busy bee will love. $18, available at Union Handmade, 3860 N. Lincoln or barizaki.bigcartel.com.

Comfortably Spooning: This charming spoonrest from Fishs Eddy will delight foodies and pun addicts alike. $16.95, available at Hazel, 1902 W. Montrose.

for the home1. A pop of kelly green gives this industrial butcher block bench some quirk and character. $199, avail-able at Mint Home, 2117 W. Irving Park, & etsy.com/shop/minthome

2. The Ogham script recorded early Celtic texts; you can share in this historic tradition with custom Ogham script plaques for your home! Call for pricing at 773-784-7712, available at Celtica Gifts, 1940 W. Montrose.

3. Vermont-based designer Laura Zindel’s dinner-ware captivates with its detailed natural designs. $138, available at Hazel, 1902 W. Montrose.

4. This classic bubble terrarium from Northcenter’s #1 terrarium purveyor brings the outdoors in with a modern touch. $18, available at Alapash, 1944 W. Montrose or alapash.com.

5. These screenprinted pillowcases offer a very friendly message to those cozying up on your couch. $7, available at Chic Squared, 3862 N. Lincoln.

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for the friend who LOVES

CHICAGO

Tower of Power: This beautiful piece makes for a jewelry tree or a great conversation starter. $25, available at Tilly Boutique, 4164 N. Lincoln.

InsPIred sPIre: Show off your civic pride with this print of a Chicago icon. $40, available at Neighborly, 2003 W. Montrose, or shop.neighborlyshop.com.

All AbouT ThAT bAss: Give the friend who loves Chicago blues the gift of a lifetime - music lessons from local experts! Prices vary, available at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, schedule at oldtownschool.org.

for the craft beer lover

Brew Crew: Show your Chicago craft beer pride with this comfy t-shirt sporting Half Acre’s iconic ‘Squidowl’ design. $20, available at Half Acre Beer Company, 4257 N. Lincoln, & halfacrebeer.com.

Spiteful’s Mrs. O’Leary’s Chocolate Milk Stout: Northcenter’s “nanobrewery” pays tribute to the Great Chicago Fire with this smooth chocolate milk stout. $9.49 for a 22 oz bottle; available at Bottles & Cans, 4109 N. Lincoln.

Community Supported: Any beer lover would love a membership to Begyle Brewing’s unique beer CSA, but if you can’t get off the (long) waiting list in time, a seasonal growler or bomber will do. CSB membership $66 for 6 months; available at Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler.