Last-Minute Gift Ideas

While many holiday gift deals can be found at big-name stores like Target, Chicago also has some wonderful boutique stores that sell unique and fun presents that make for great last-minute gift ideas.

Armitage Avenue (map) in Chicago has several specialty boutique shops. Starting from Halsted Street and heading west on Armitage Avenue, you will find some of my favorite shopping haunts including:

Lori’s Shoes, 824 W. Armitage Avenue (map)

All She Wrote (stationary store), 825 W. Armitage Avenue (map)

1154 LILL STUDIO where you can create your own handbag, 904 W. Armitage Avenue (map)

Vosges Haut Chocolates for exotic and organic chocolate bars, 951 W. Armitage Avenue (map)

The area also has some great restaurants including Charlie Trotters.; Twisted Lizard; and Nookies, which serves delicious omletes and specialty pancakes like pumpkin.

If you want a true “taste” of Chicago, go to one of my favorite specialty stores in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago called The Spice House, 1512 North Wells Street (map), known for its many Chicago-inspired seasonings. Try the Chicago Seasonings gift set that includes flavors such as Chicago Deep Dish Seasoning, Bronzeville Rib Rub, Pilsen Latino Seasoning, Old Taylor Street Cheese Sprinkle, and more.

Timeless Toys in Lincoln Square, 4749 N Lincoln Ave.nue (map), caught the attention of Angelina Jolie when she was in Chicago, and I can understand why – it is Toy Heaven with games, puzzles, puppets, dolls, and even scooters and tricycles. And, if I mention Timeless Toys, I should also mention the American Girl Place in Water Tower, 835 N. Michigan Avenue (map), where the little girl in your life can find her favorite doll and also enjoy an afternoon of lunch and tea – playing grown-up for the day.

For really unique gifts check out MoJo Spa in Bucktown, 1468 N. Milwaukee Avenue (map), where owner and former personal chef Amanda Kezios whips up her own beauty products including Dr. Feel Good Body Relief with energized water and a special essential oil blend – the water is energized with crystals and sound therapy for major stress relief. One of my favorite products to buy as gifts at MoJo Spa is their soy candles that only heat two degrees above your body temperature so you can stick your finger in the candle without getting burned and spread the warm , moisturizing wax on your hands and feet . You can order all of MoJo Spa’s products online.

Photo credit: SXC.hu