Holiday Gift Guide

The weather outside has been frightful, but your holiday shopping experience shouldn’t be. Don’t fret weary shoppers, the ChicagoPride.com editors and contributors have pulled together a holiday shopping guide with something for everyone on your list.

Pssst. Put down that awful Hershey Bar and listen carefully.
There is one of the most talented chocolatiers right here in Chicago. Nestled into hot, trendy South Loop is Canady Le Chocolatier, Ltd. , 824 S. Wabash Ave. An exceptional variety of luscious truffles and beautifully decorated, mouth-watering chocolates can be found--all handmade on the premises by Michael, the owner, and his charming staff. A striking collection of nine pieces sell for $20 in an exquisite gift box. Instead of the perfunctory bottle of wine, this makes a memorable and impressive gift alternative when arriving at any holiday party. Trust me, you'll be thanked under the mistletoe for this one. – PJ Gray, Author and ChicagoPride.com Contributor

Long Lines, screaming toddlers, and ridiculous parking. I may be a scrooge for saying this but holiday shopping just isn’t the winter wonderland it promises to be. Take it easy this year. Skip the bad mall food and head over to His Stuff , 5314 N. Clark. Tucked away in lovely Andersonville, the appropriately modest sized store is chocked full with edgy yet sophisticated pieces from the creme de la creme of hard to find labels. My pick: The retro argyle sweaters by Modern Amusement holiday friendly and suitable for post New Year wear. Don’t want to fiddle with size guessing? Opt for pair of cuff links snuggled on a soft, sexy, cashmere scarf. The best thing? With it’s cheeky “Give or Get” deal His Stuff gives you a 50% coupon for every $100 you spend which means there’s no guilt in playing the one for him, one for me, games. – Justin Boltz, Out of the Closet fashion columnist

Specializing in the music that speaks to “its community,” the northside’s borderline MUSIC , 3333 N Broadway, is a true-grit survivor in the rough and tumble world that is the music retailing industry. Despite the onslaught of iPods and MP3 music files, borderline’s brick and mortar presence fills a sizable niche: servicing the “rainbow-colored” music needs for those looking for any and all things Madonna, Cher, Bette, Britney, Whitney, and Kylie. The store carries a large selection of DJ mixed compilations and is often the only place in the city to get import remixes of the songs that get everyone movin’ and groovin’ on the dance floor. While borderline carries mostly CDs, there’s a growing selection of DVDs, calendars, posters, and other novelty items. Additionally, there is a small section of 12-inch vinyl records that includes rare picture discs – the perfect gift for those who still own turntables. – Michael (DJ Plez) Pleasants, ChicagoPride.com Music Editor

“All I want for Christmas”..is a cooking class. For the foodie, wine enthusiast or connoisseur in your life, The Chopping Block ; now sporting new digs in the Merchandise Mart, offers a wide array of cooking classes.. From cooking demonstrations to wine classes and even knife skills, the Chopping Block offers everything us wannabe chefs could ever ask for. Classes range in price from $35.00 per each demonstration class to $75.00 for all hands on classes. The chef in your life will thank you most bountifully with any gift from The Chopping Block. Visit their site for more information on all pricing. www.thechoppingblock.net - Andy Farriester, ChicagoPride.com Dining Editor

Two things come to mind when thinking of gifts for the theatre lover: books and CDs. The widest selection of theater-oriented books and showtune CDs in greater Boystown is undoubtedly at Borders on Clark , 2817 N. Clark, but if you want to avoid long lines, the Borders in Uptown at Broadway & Lawrence isn’t shabby, either. Once there you might look for the big new theater gift book of the holiday season: A Fine Romance – The Love-Hate-Love Relationship Between Broadway and Hollywood. It gives a backstage and behind-the cameras dish on a selection of musicals like The Sound of Music, West Side Story and Gypsy that have had lives both on stage and onscreen. It’s packed with sensational photos from the stage and screen productions as well as backstage and historical shots that help the reader learn everything they really need to know about these shows. And if you’re going to give a coffee table book like this, why not stop in ay one of the many Starbucks or Caribou Coffee shops in Boystown and get some coffee to go with it? - John Olson, ChicagoPride.com Theatre Editor

In the heart of Boystown, Unabridged Books , 3251 N. Broadway, has a small, but carefully chosen selection of theater books – mostly plays. Important playwrights like David Mamet and Tennessee Williams each have a selection of their important works neatly stacked horizontally on the shelves to set them apart from the less-prolific playwrights. It’s a perfect place for the theater lover to find the plays that he wants to introduce to the jock he just met at Crew. For example, you might get him a copy of "A Streetcar Named Desire" so he gets the joke when you say "I have always depended upon the kindness of strangers." - John Olson, ChicagoPride.com Theatre Editor

Margie's Candies has been helping those with a bad sweet tooth since 1921. During the summer their ice cream treats are not to be missed. But since the weather outside is frightful... we'd like to suggest something delightful... if not a box of Margie's delicious chocolate covered strawberries... then a box of their assorted truffles. These candies are definitely something to think about giving that special someone. Margies is located at 1960 N. Western Ave... not too terribly far. And these delectable treats can range anywhere from $15 for the strawberries (15 total) to $22.50 for the truffles (24 total). They also have an online store... www.margiescandies.com. No matter what your choice... you just can't go wrong with Margie's. – Michelle and Steven, End Scene Columnists

Do you know someone who is a closet DJ or just starting to make a name for themself as a bar or party jock? Or maybe you have a favorite club DJ who just brings you endless hours of smiles and joys when you hear them spin. The perfect holiday gift for any Chicago or Midwest-based DJ – from the big names to the no names – is a gift certificate from Gramaphone Records , 2843 N. Clark. The city’s #1 source for dance music on vinyl and one of the legendary incubators of the global house music scene, Gramaphone has been servicing DJs for more than 30 years. While the growing trend toward various digital formats would seem to render Gramaphone and its large vinyl inventory irrelevant, the truth is that most DJs still acquire a decent amount of their new music in the form of vinyl records. While the purists spin the old-fashioned way on turntables, the new-schoolers transfer their 12-inchers into a digital format. Also note that despite Gramaphone being known as a place geared toward DJs, it’s new bigger location across the street from the Century Mall has allowed it to offer a wide array of dance music and mixed compilation CDs that will appeal to those who generally populate the dance floor and not the DJ booth. – Michael (DJ Plez) Pleasants, ChicagoPride.com Music Editor

Residing on North Clark Street, New Attitude is an unassuming Andersonville treasure. Hailing itself as a unique skate, dance and gymnastics costume and accessories boutique, their trendy eye catching creations are versatile enough to turn heads at any hip cocktail soiree. The proprietor’s designs have been featured in past winter Olympics and a full catalog is available in print and online at dbvinc.com. Though they feature a small men’s line, the more glamorous of items are intended solely for ladies of all ages. However boys with a fancy for something fun and flashy can pick up a glittery pink feather boa for only $25. With its peach to pink walls, regal chocolate velvet curtains and trio of eclectic chandeliers, if only for the ambience, a jaunt to New Attitude, 5243 N. Clark, is well worth the trip. – Jason Paul, B Scene Columnist

"Cheap. Easy. Fun." You can't go wrong with Kafka Wine co. , 3325 N. Halsted. This trendy Boystown wine shop offers amazing wine at affordable prices and is the perfect place to find a holiday gift. Wine, wine bottles or wine gift-baskets always make great holiday or party gifts. They're easy to bring and festive. Much of Kafka’s wine selection is under $10, which is an affordable gift. Also check out the fantastic pre-made boxed assortment of three reds and three whites (double that for the 12 pack) that are perfect to give as a gift or to keep for you for those times when company drops by. (6 for $60 or 12 for $100!) – Kevin Wayne, Contributor

There are more than the stars in the sky in the night over Chicago. My first favorite gem is Alaskan Fur on the second floor of Water Tower Place. They are new to Chicago, but they have been around in the Midwest since 1926. It has a fun, friendly atmosphere. Knowledgeable associates, beautiful high quality designer collections of fashionable furs, leathers, and accessories. When I was shopping, I didn't know where to look first! I never knew there was such a range of styles, colors, and types of fur and leather. Beautiful mink, shearling, and leather trimmed coats.. Check out the exclusive designer collections of Alaskan Couture, Zuki, Bisang, and Oscar de la Renta. Don't forget the fur ponchos, sweet handbags, scarves, and fabulous headbands. For the man who wants to look sleek and sophisticated this holiday season, make sure you look at the shearlings, and especially the black nappa leather coat by Alaskan Everywear. Now, if you really want to see a sparkle in his or her eyes, don't miss the crystal cowboy and cowgirl leather belts! - Princess Darby, ChicagoPride.com Advice Diva

If you like a little whimsy, and need a fanciful card or unique gift, your wishes will be granted at Papyrus at Water Tower Place. As soon as you enter the store, you'll have a fun and happy experience. Colorful packaging, alot of style, and interesting gifts that seem to meet any occasion. I like the wide range of invitations, cards, and paper goods. There is something different every time I visit this playground of delightful collectables. If on the other hand, you need custom or personalized stationary or invitations, there's someone there to give you advice on design and etiuette. Before you leave, you'll have a smile in your heart, and a treasure in your hand. - Princess Darby, ChicagoPride.com Advice Diva

If nothing in our holiday gift guide tickles your fancy, jump on over to shop.chicagopride.com to find a gift.