It’s time for Gift Seizure, and Gift Seizure Syndrome (GAS) holds millions.
The US Holiday Shopping Season is getting busy. Terrible Halloween costumes are removed, and millions of live turkeys begin to disturb the feeling in the feathers of their feathered bellies.
The fear of Turkey is nothing compared to the complicated questions we ask ourselves about giving gifts to loved ones and friends.
We find ourselves wandering through the aisles of our favorite Big Box stores, lost in the same old canyons looking for something special.
You don’t find that at Arca Magna, because its mission is to sell the same thing to as many people as possible.
Here are just ten of some of the hidden gems—both suburbanites and tourists alike—that are unique and diverse treasures in Chicago.
If you are in the suburbs, or in another part of the world, come here! Chicago knows how to do the holiday season right, with lights, music, joyful Christ shows in the streets, and a crisp wind that makes your cheeks purple.
Once here, bring your gestures. This could mean threading up and down the Magnificent Mile, or State Street, just to see how you all shop. Who knows? You could pick up something special, but if not, this secret shopping has saved you. Meanwhile, the trees are enjoying twinkling lights and the windows are decorated.
Okay, now shop as it matters!
Leave Mag Milene and the usual shopping districts behind and head to the streets and side streets.
Chinatown: This is a noisy and bustling area, almost a city within a city, where you can find anything from colorful Asian art inspired by Buddhas of all shapes and colors to spices and herbs to miniature violins and other musical instruments. Every Saturday Sinistown puts on a bazaar with various stalls selling everything from porcupines to small live turtles. Well, Giftland has some great items and Oriental Art Imports to add some Oriental items to your home. Why don’t you stop and have some szechwan to eat yourself warm? There are many restaurants at all prices, and you can give yourself a little gift by hunting for the right item. (Cermak and Clark)
Greektown: Just west of the Loop, or the heart of Downtown Chicago, is a place with great food and a number of great shops where you can find something with the Mediterranean Sea to twist it. A number of spots Halsted, such as Athenian Ornaments, Greek Music and the Athenian Candle Society. Why not visit Santorini (the restaurant, not the island) for some delicious Greek cuisine? (Halsted and Alciati).
Merchandise Mart: Cross the Chicago River and enter what was once the largest building by square feet in the world. Although the Mart no longer holds the record, the store is quite large. At one time, this was the only flea market that brought furniture and equipment and buyers in the closed stages of the gift. The Mart still does this, but an expectant holiday shopper can walk two floors and find items as small as a diamond ring and as large as a bed. There is also a cooking school, Sagittarius Block, which offers daily cooking classes. (222 Mercantile Mart Plaza).
Illinois Artisans Shop: Head south across the Chicago River again and browse the unique collection of handcrafted jewelry, crafts, ceramics, clothing and much more. This is where you will find the most diverse selection of artwork in the Midwest. (James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 2-200).
Abraham Lincoln Book Shop: Got a history buff at home who is interested in Lincoln books and not just twenty. laoreet dollar? If so, this is the place to trade some twenty for books –some rare and antique–current. signatures, letters and other documents. There is also a selection of new works President of the United States. It never goes out of style, though, so it’s not a stove hat. (357 W. Chicago Avenue)
Beverly Records: Time to get out of downtown Chicago and drive south to the Beverly neighborhood on the far south side. This vinyl is heaven! Stacked here and piled in the bins that really only long-time loyalists can figure out are LPs and 45s of everyone from Arrowsmith to Zappa. I can’t find exactly what you want? No worries. In a few seconds he will find the gravestones piled up under his feet. There is a great selection of jazz and blues as well. It is worth the trip to see album covers still refreshing, for our days it is enough to remember what “album” is. (11612 West St. Ave)
Fly Paper: This is the place to find a gift that is just as novelty as the first lady wearing jewelry and a funky and risqué wrapping paper “. Other items featuring “tongue-in-cheek” humor abound here. The perfect place to find something for your honey or neighbor. (3402 N Southport Avenue)
Red Head Boutique: For young, beautiful, and verging on rich, women. Designer handbags and even matching frocks, by indie designers such as B with G, Copia, Petrozilla and PJ Salvage, await . jump off the shelves and finish off the man. (3450 N Avenue Southport)
Bad Boys: Is the guy born into the clubbing scene? Some in style for your sex meter and more clothing and accessories wise. (3352 N. Halsted Street).
Chicago Live Chicken: Well, what about the fresh cook who has everything, or who has cooked everything? Travel a little north and to the grocery store where the chickens are laying. That is, until you choose one of the rooms for your dinner. Always popular around the holidays, it’s probably as good as a really great tasting bird. Employees will kill and clean live chicken, fish and rabbits in the shop for customers. With the proper inspections and support of the Health Department of Agriculture, make sure that nothing goes wrong. (N 6421 Western Avenue).
Plenty of great hotels and restaurants everywhere in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Make a day of it, but why not make a long weekend of it?
Hit the GAS. Follow the 10-step Shopping Plan and you should cover all of your family and friends, no matter what.
