Yes, it’s officially the holiday season (although some people would have to think that it started in October). And with the giving and/or receiving of gifts being part of the season, Windy City Times is offering a few ideas.
—Carey’d away: Yes, Mariah Carey is known for that song during the holidays—but she’s listed here for another reason that might involve you. Through Dec. 15, GLAAD is hosting an exclusive opportunity to bid on Mariah Carey’s rhinestone-embellished “Protect the Dolls” jacket on eBay, with all the proceeds going to GLAAD’s Transgender Media Program. It’s a unique and cool way to get the special gift for that Mariah Carey lover on your list.
—Skin is in: Take care of your skin with the Goshi Exfoliating Towel—one of the standout products from this skincare/facecare brand. The towel is being promoted as “the only physical exfoliant that’s intuitive to use, easy to wash, and 100% effective at fighting breakouts and other skin conditions.” I have to agree. After all, your face is far from the only body part that needs exfoliating.
—Now hear this: For everything from everyday use to the fitness-centered listener, you should definitely turn your attention to the high-performance audio products from H2O Audio—considered a leader in sport and waterproof headphones and the original inventor of bone-conduction tech for underwater use. For example, the very cool TRI 2 Pro are fully waterproof bone-conduction headphones with Playlist+ tech that lets you record and store streaming music directly for offline listening underwater.
—Butter delight: With the tagline “Own your edge. Subtle or daring,” the LGBTQ+ apparel store Bent Like Butter has just launched. Whether the person you’re buying for is directly part of the queer community or a staunch ally, a “United Tribe of America” T-shirt with a rainbow contour of the United States can say a lot.
—Art-felt: Conde Nast calls the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) store “one of the best gift shops (ever)”—and just one look will tell you why. Gift items range from the Yoni Alter Eternal Drop Menorah ($880) to a ghost caviar glass necklace ($125) to the bold “Chicago Dykes Rule/Pussy by the Lake” tote bag ($20)—and there are sale items as well, like the “Black History Is Chicago’s History” T-shirt ($21.98).
—Red Haring: And speaking of art, LEGO has a collection of Keith Haring dancing figures. With these breaks, you or your gift recipient can celebrate the bold lines, vibrant colors and distinctive energy that defined Haring’s work. And after completing the works, you can proudly display your items on a wall, bookshelf or other spot.
—Core value: If you’re looking for a new HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout, look no further than the Nucleus Central Core Pro. Using a fluid-filled vessel that can be held horizontally or vertically, everyone from established athletes to beginners can use this device to lose weight or become really toned—and the Nucleus Central Core Pro can be used anywhere: in the gym, at home or even at the office (before or after hours, I would think).
—Have you ever heard of Craig Rodwell? Well, written by John Van Hoesen—a writer, researcher and lifelong journalist—Insist That They Love You: Craig Rodwell and the Fight for Gay Pride is an insightful and comprehensive look at Rodwell, a pivotal figure in the militant gay-rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. From his roots in suburban Chicago to his game-changing actions in New York City, this book presents a fascinating look at someone who should be as well known as Harvey Milk (who Rodwell actually dated).
—Manney-pedi: Tyris Manney Beauty is a Black- and LGBTQ+-owned Chicago-based skincare brand that sells affordable, organic products. And they’re products with purpose: A portion of every sale helps fund free mental-health resources and therapy for underserved communities. So buy that Shea All Day moisturizer with pride!
—Mercury rising: This year marks four decades since Freddie Mercury released his debut solo album, Mr. Bad Guy—and the 40th-anniversary edition is being issued on a translucent 180g green vinyl. The record saw Mercury delve into disco, dance and pop influences to deliver his new sound, resulting in songs such as “My Love Is Dangerous” and “Made in Heaven.”
—Wine and dandy: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille—celebrated nationwide for its Rare & Well Done® dining experience and Wine Spectator Award-winning program—has launched ShopPerrysWines.com, which is a new, direct-to-consumer website dedicated exclusively to Perry’s Reserve wines. Personally selected to reflect the culinary connection and balance of the Perry’s brand, the launch features a curated collection of six distinguished Perry’s Reserve wines: NEW Premier Cru Champagne, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Big Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, Perry’s is known for something else besides those world-class pork chops.
—Eat to the beat: And speaking of Perry’s, a gift card to your recipient’s favorite restaurant always works. Whether it’s a cafe, a hole-in-the-wall spot that makes a great burger, a vegan/plant-based restaurant or a fine-dining establishment, this gift is something anyone can appreciate.
—Sheet happens: PeachSkinSheets is a high-performance solution that delivers the experience of high-end bedding without the maintenance or price tag. With a non-sateen finish that’s as soft as peach fuzz, these sheets provide silky softness and long-lasting strength. In addition, they’re made with athletic-grade SMART fabric, so they wick away moisture and balance body temperature—resulting in you staying cool and comfortable all night long. Who could ask for anything more?
—Cup to it: Corkcicle provides some of the coolest cups, mugs, high-end glasses, slings and related items around. And there are categories ranging from the character-obsessed (Batman sport canteen) to the cocktail connoisseur (a cigar glass that has a space for your Havana). There are also items from collabs with companies such as KFC, Disney, Star Wars and even Cheetos.
—City life: As you might guess, Citywide Goods is about all things Chicago. Whether it’s for you or that friend who’s moved away but is still homesick, this site has something for everyone. What’s one of my favorites? It’s probably the T-shirt that reads “Popes from Chicago: 1; Popes from Green Bay: 0.”
—Wired: Previously highlighted in The New Yorker, theDaylight DC-1 is a high-powered, full-touch-screen computer with its own e-ink-like display and access to apps like Spotify, Slack and Notion (and any app available on an Android)—and it’s designed for deep focus and well-being. Described as “the world’s first human-friendly computer,” the Daylight allows you to read and annotate PDFs, write without distractions and view smooth video playback, among other things. It might become your new favorite thing.
—Float on: I have a tradition of including at least one item that most of us might only dream of—but it doesn’t hurt to dream, right? Be among a select few to experience a reimagining of luxury travel at sea as Four Seasons debuts its inaugural yacht. Launching next spring, this exclusive invitation-only inaugural preview voyage aboard Four Seasons l for four guests journeys through the Mediterranean. The 679-foot vessel, designed by the visionary Prosper Assouline, houses just 95 suites. And it’s all for you (and three guests) for the low, low price of $115,000. (At least it doesn’t cost as much as a four-hour Annie Leibovitz photo session from Neiman Marcus that’s a cool half a million bucks.)