We picked out all this cool shit made by cool people so you didn't have to.
You're welcome.
1. Once I Was Cool by Megan Stielstra
When I bought this book of personal essays by local writer and Second Story performer Megan Stielstra, I literally read it out loud to my girlfriend while walking out of the store and crossing the street because I couldn’t stop. We found ourselves on the couch laughing and crying, canceled plans and finished it that night. Both hilarious, emotional, and poignant, her stories range from defeating postpartum depression by stalking her neighbor, to a run-in with an old flame while on ecstasy, to buying a condo in Uptown because of her nostalgic attachment to Jane’s Addiction. Filled with nostalgic anecdotes about the city, this book is also a fantastic gift for Chicagoans. - KK
What happens when one of your favorite curated Chicago boutiques joins forces with one of your favorite Chicago artists? The magical Tusk x Chad Kouri necklace comes to life! Combining Tusk shop owner Mary Eleanor Wallace's minimal ceramic pieces with wooden beads picked out by Chad this necklace celebrates the subtle beauty of form and color. Support your local makers and give a gift that's art, jewelry, and fun all in one. - AA
3. Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun
Add a little depth to your holiday cocktails with Letherbee's 126 proof Charred Oak Absinthe Brun. Distilled by the nicest guys in Chicago, Brenton Engel and Nathan Ozug, this Absinthe is full of sumptuous floral and spice layers with toasty hints of vanilla. YUM! An essential gift for your hosts or cocktail loving friends and family. Plus, it’s stunning design will look snappy on your friend’s bar - bonus points. - AA
4. Subscription to The Pitchfork Review
The Pitchfork Review has been a staple in my library since it's launch earlier this year and is essentially my vogue of vinyl. Packed with long-form feature stories, photography, cartoons, fun ephemera like hidden 45s and the kind of design details that reveal something new every time you go back, it simply does not disappoint. It smells great, looks great, feels great, and is truly delectable and collectable. Consider it the perfect gift for the people in your life who appreciate spot on design and music culture past and present. - AA
5. Vintage clothing & accessories from Market Supply (Karyn of Dethrose Vintage and “Mustache Mike” of Midnorth Mercantile)
Market Supply Co. is bringing life back into the term general store. Dethrose Vintage and Midnorth Mercantile have brought re-purposed, re-crafted and restored vintage goods to the Chicago area. It’s a one-stop-shop for curated men’s and women’s vintage clothing and accessories,along with old school barber services. They just opened a stunning new space space in Pilsen and I have no doubt that you will find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift here. - AA
6. HiddenFolk Herbal Bath Soaks via Asrai Garden
Baths are my way to beating the winter blues, and chances are good that you have someone else on your shopping list who enjoys this simple method of self care, too. Enter Hidden Folk from partners Seth Dodson and Viktor Van Bramer, who make small batched, ethically sourced, cruelty free and beautifully packaged body care and home products. With Himalayan pink salt, hibiscus flower and holy basil, a soak with Hidden Folk will take you to the high heavens.-KK
7. Sun Glasses from Labrabbit Optics
I get all my eyewear from Labrabbit, simply because I (surprise!) like having a look of my own, and I also trust shop owner Coyote DeGroot implicitly to help me find the perfect look. A fun pair of sunglasses for that “unique” person on your list is just the gift. From round spectacles to frames with serious flair, Coyote DeGroot is sure to find you something from his vintage and small batch eyewear collection. And if you can’t quite commit to picking one out, this is an exception to my “no gift certificates!” rule. - KK
8. Santa Maria Novella Cologne via QBrothers (Sold in stores only)
I love a gift with a good story. One of the world's oldest fragrances, this classic cologne with a citrus base, was created for Catherine de Medici, who, when she went to France to marry Henry II, brought her personal perfume-maker with her creating the "Acqua della Regina" (Water of the Queen). Still hand-formulated in Florence, this remarkably light and fresh scent combines the provocative citrus and bergamot with subtle white flowers and deeply exotic spices. Uniquely timeless and perfectly modern. Grab a bottle from Q Brothers, the new shop adjacent to Merz Apothecary that boasts one of the largest selections of fine fragrance in Chicago. - AA
9. Artistic iPhone Cases by Sam Kirk
Artist Sam Kirk has recently moved to New York from Chicago, but continues to leave an imprint on our city. 25 percent of ALL her sales are donated to organizations that help people who inspire her to be creative like Project Fierce Chicago, a non-profit that aims to provide housing for homeless LGBTQ youth. I was immediately taken with these gorgeous phone cases she designed, including the one I selected inspired by West Indian women in Brooklyn. We're using our phones all the damn time; we may as well support a good cause and look fly while doing it. - KK
10. Sade x Miguel shirt by DEERDANA
I was hesitant to include this for selfish reasons (I have a growing collection of Sade apparel) but it seems unfair to hold anyone back from broadcasting their love for the Smooth Operator on their chest. Miguel collaborated on this design series paying tribute to pop icon, with an additional shirt in the growing collection featuring Grace Jones. Aside from the Miguel collab, you’ll also find tribute tees with the likes of Judy Garland, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jordan, and even Larry David made by Deer Dana. - KK
WE ALSO RECOMMEND SHOPPING AT:
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PLUS - A Special Gift from Slo 'Mo to you!
ESTELLE AT THALIA HALL w/ Slo 'Mo Party DJs
Win tickets to the upcoming Estelle performance at Thalia Hall where Slo 'Mo will be opening the night with all your favorite jams. Just follow @SloMoParty on Instagram and tag your friends in the Estelle post to be entered to win. We're also offering a $5 off promo code for GA Floor tix through ticketweb with code SloMo.
Good luck!
More show details at ThaliaHallChicago.com
