Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many other holiday celebrations will be here in a matter of days—and Windy City Times is here to help. Below are a few ideas for those who are not sure what to get (or when they’re going to get them).
—Going to the dogs: We’re going to start with something for Fido (or Luka, or whatever your pooch is named). Canine Cocktails are non-alcoholic beverages optimized for the taste buds of dogs—and don’t worry about steroids, hormones or antibiotics in the concoctions. Currently, there’s only one flavor (Classic Peanut butter), which the company says has a “creamy peanut butter taste.” I’ll take their word for it.
—Getting cheeky: House of Ivy is a suburban-based company that specializes in handmade functional concrete goods. I discovered this business at the One of a Kind Show at the Mart (formerly Merchandise Mart)—and I have to admit that what initially caught my eye (and a lot of other eyes) was the Booty line, complete with functional derriere-shaped figurines. However, there’s a lot more to get here, including the Goonie Skull, the Chicago Millennium Tray and the Bubble Jar—and some of these items are on sale.
—Say cheese: Based in Barron, Wisconsin, Cheese Brothers (and is there any better state to sell cheese?) has all types and flavors of the dairy product as well as cured meats. Curds, spreads, artisanal cheeses, spicy cheeses, holiday gift and charcuterie boards—this company has everything. You’ll have a “Gouda” time searching for items and buying them (and, speaking of which, that smoked Gouda is amazing).
—The Poseidon adventure: Urbn_Chc is a company that sells something most unique: luxury bulletproof handbags. Using state-of-the-art materials, the bags come in a variety of styles, including purses, book bags and totes. For example, the Poseidon Black Bulletproof Bag has multiple compartments as well as a cross-body strap and carry handle that provide various wear options—and it comes with a Kevlar panel that only adds 17 ounces of weight to the bag.
But for Chicagoans who want a brick-and-mortar store that’s close by, there’s TUMI, which is on the Mag Mile. Sleek totes, cross-bodies, slings, wallets and even golf bags are available for purchase—and the semi-annual sale (with prices up to 40% off) is happening right now.
—What a moss we’ve made: Some people may regard moss as a throwaway plant—but the creators of The Moss Shop see it differently. Boasting works that are all real moss—but with no maintenance or even watering needed—there are all sorts of bowls and frames that can beautify your place, adding much-needed shots of color.
—My fair lady: I have a warning: Lady Belvedere Handbags are not for wallflowers. The titular owner—a Chicago-based visionary artist/designer—has some of the most innovative and eye-catching purses I’ve seen in a while. And, according to Lady Belvedere, “Every handbag I create tells a story—one of beauty, history, and sustainability. I’m passionate about transforming materials that might otherwise be discarded into timeless accessories that make a bold statement.” And there you have it.
—Carry all: There’s a certain tumbler that people have been hearing about all year (with a name like the NHL trophy) but have you heard of Splitflask? It’s pretty unique in that it’s a dual-beverage insulated water bottle that carries hot and cold liquids at the same time. Also, it comes in a wide variety of colors—so you can even buy multiple ones to match your moods.
—Art-felt: The quirky, beguiling works of Nicholas Holman will likely make a favorable impression on your favorite art aficionado. Holman’s bio reads, in part, “Typically, he expresses himself through gouache, pastels, charcoal, oils, and digital although he has also been known to work in photography and to use his own body as a canvas.” And tongue-in-cheek works like Falling Banana Peel cost far less than the banana that was recently taped to a canvas.
—Image receiver: Some feel that Sharper Image has gone the way of the dodo (or Radio Shack), but it actually still has some intriguing items—although I may have to pass on the Electric Head Massager that looks like a face-hugger from Alien. But you have the Smartphone Photo Printer, the Video-Camera Bird Feeder, the Portable LED Ring Light (a must for any influencer) and the Aervana Electric Wine Aerator. The latter item is simple to operate, as you just it place on an open bottle of wine; among other things, the aerator helps reduce tannins, acidity and sulfides, giving you maximum flavor from your favorite reds or whites.
—On the same page: Unabridged Bookstore and Women & Children First have been a couple of the most progressive small bookstores in Chicago—and they’ve each been around for more than four decades. And, believe it or not, there are people who still like to hold actual books when they read them (no shade to e-readers). Also, they’re both open on Christmas Eve!
—Lighting the way: A friend of yours might have a thousand candles—so why not add one more? Queer Candle Co. has items of various scents (ginger tea soy candles as well as a Fresh 3 Pack of sea salt-and-orchid, lavender and tea-and-herb candles). In addition, the business donates 10% of its profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, an NYC based grassroots organization working to “guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.”
—Skin is in: Aesthetic Skin is a production from Dr. Anil Shah, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and clinical instructor at the University of Chicago—so he really knows his stuff. Described as “a line that merges cutting-edge science with proven results,” products include Aesthetic Skin’s Forza Retinol, Acqua Profondo Moisture Enhancer and Lumi Pads (with the latter aiming to reduce skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation while also improving texture, smoothing fine lines and gently exfoliating). Your skin just may thank you.
—Pet Midler: If you have a pet, the Andersonville-based spot Jameson Loves Danger (and I love that name, by the way) has practically everything for your dog or cat—and, yes, there’s a Christmas section online. From collars to vitamins to freeze-dried treats, this place has it—and feel free to get a fellow pet owner a gift card for Jameson Loves Danger’s products or grooming services.
—Di the way: Featuring some of the best-tasting sweets I’ve sampled in some time, To Di For Baked Goods should not be overlooked. And there’s a vast array of offerings, from holiday party bars to gingerbread cookies to toasted coconut brownies to hot-cocoa cookies to lemonies (my fave), you can order items in Biggie Bite, Bite Size and Tiny Bite portions—and there are vegan and gluten-free options. Check out this scrumptious line-up!
—Fantasy dates: And I decided to conclude things with items from the Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift List because—why not? We can dream, can’t we? For example, there’s the Ginori 1735 Fine Porcelain Experience Fantasy Gift ($90,000) that has you and three friends creating fine porcelain during your experience in Florence, Italy, with Ginori 1735. Or imagine owning an exquisite seven-foot-long calèche (carriage) that dates back to the 18th-century Spanish royal family—specifically King Charles III—for the low price of $1.9 million. (Amazingly, the $777,777 Messika Jewelry & Safari Experience is sold out.)