The 2012 Chicagoist Holiday Gift Guide

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 14, 2012 8:00PM

It's crunch time for holiday shoppers and, if you're one of those who find it hard to shop for that special someone and the not-so-special ones, we have something for you.

Here is this year's Chicagoist 2012 Holiday Gift Guide—a cornucopia of treasures and gems for shoppers from all walks of life and expertise.

- Get festive and meaty with this ugly Christmas sweater from "Hot Doug's Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium." Or browse their t-shirt selection for a variety of music- and sport-inspired tees. (Samantha Abernethy)

- This "Chi-Winter" print by Ryan Knapp captures the fleeting beauty of a Chicago snowfall. You get all the white stuff without all that gray slush. Buy it at OMG Posters. (Samantha Abernethy)

- I know it's not totally local, but it's a dream of mine to own a Frag-i-le Major Award such as the Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story. (Lorna Juett)

- Katherine Anne Confections truffles seriously make the best hostess gift. (Make sure the hostess doesn't share them.) (Lorna Juett)

- Since picking up the vinyl edition of The Numero Group's fantastic compilation, WTNG 89.9: Solid Bronze at Record Store Day, I've had this album on heavy rotation. There's something deep and mesmerizing in the awkward sincerity of these lite FM wannabes. Donna Kime's awful-yet-funky "Golden Pony" is like Kate Bush on 'shrooms. (Rob Christopher)

- Set in the summer of 1919, City of Scoundrels: The 12 Days of Disaster That Gave Birth to Modern Chicago covers a blimp crash, race riots, a child's murder, and a transit strike that took place over 12 days in Chicago. (Amy Cavanaugh)

- What better way to share the taste of Chicago than with the Vienna Beef Chicago hot dog kit? With enough for 16 people, it could even replace your holiday dinner. (Amy Cavanaugh)

- Gay Press, Gay Power: The Growth of LGBT Community Newspapers in America is a new book that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the gay press (specifically weekly and biweekly publications) in America, edited and co-written by Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, who has worked in LGBT media since 1984. (Tony Peregrin)

- Maybe we hang on to that 1985 Bears team's memory a bit more than is probably healthy and one of our favorite players from that team was the Punky QB, Jim McMahon. Homage added a tribute to Jimmy Mac that's sure to become a favorite wardrobe addition for any Bears fan, whether they're old enough to remember McMahon's off the field antics or just like the shirts retro 80's vibe. (Benjy Lipsman)

- Tired of digging through dusty antique shops to find great old kitchenware? Martyn George has done all the work for you with this amazing vintage kitchenware set. Hang onto your wallet if you're a foodie, because you won't be able to get out of this store without spending your rent money on yourself, let alone your gift recipients. (Anthony Todd)

- WXRT released its 14th issue of ONXRT: Live from the Archives. This year's edition features performances by Arcade Fire, Wilco, Wallflowers and more. You can pick it up online or at Chicago-area Target stores. A portion of the benefits go to Rock for Kids and Sarah’s Circle. (Samantha Abernethy)

- These gorgeous, whimsical ornaments from Hazel are our faves, especially the Jellyfish Ornament. ($13.50)

- Starshaped Press doesn't just make wedding invitations and band posters -
they make these wonderful food-themed broadsides perfect for framing in your kitchen. Look for their Farmers Market, Urban Gardening and Canning prints as well.

- Made in Wisconsin, Bittercube bitters will add the right dash of flavor to your favorite cocktail-lover's next drink. (Amy Cavanaugh)

- The Siskel Film Center is now the only and only theater downtown still projecting film. That's only one reason why a membership would be appreciated by any film lover; another is, of course, the freaking awesome programming they run 7 days a week. Buy it as a gift now and your loved one will be all set for the EU Film Festival in March. And through December 30, when you purchase a membership in person at the box office you get a free tote bag with artwork by Roger Ebert! (Rob Christopher)

- We wrote about MoviePass quite a while ago, but it's finally in "wide release." If you've got a film buff in the family you can pick MoviePass up for them and for $49.99 month (less if you buy multi-month subscriptions) they can have access to one 2D movie a day. Basically if you see more than five movies a month you're ending up ahead of the game. (Tankboy)

- Local musician John Kamys, formerly of Super8Cum Shot, has a new band name and a new recording titled Mister Casanova. Kamys, who has a big following in both the LGBT and straight community, describes the new album’s sound as a hybrid of Rockabilly, 60's pop, Burlesque, Doo-Wop, Lounge, Latin, Cabaret, Ska, R&B, Surf, Gospel. (Tony Peregrin)

- Assembled from select highlights of over a decade of Chicago’s finest live storytelling series, 2nd Story's Briefly Knocked Unconscious By A Low-Flying Duck features stories by Matt Miller, Julie Ganey, Ric Walker, and others. (Tony Peregrin)

- We always recommend the a la card Chicago decks because it's always such a great deal—$10 off at 52 Chicago restaurants. New for this year? Acadia, Embeya, Nellcote, Carriage House, West Town Tavern, Yusho and more. If you use 3 cards, the gift pays for itself. (Anthony Todd)

- Letherbee Distillers has made a major impact already on the local cocktail scene. They've only been around for a few months, but their gin has bcome a standard. Their Autumnal spirit blew us away. Now, you can get a gorgeous set of three of their spirits - the gin, the autumnal and their new barrel-aged absinthe - all housed in a pretty leather and wood carrying case. Start looking now - they only made 40. (Anthony Todd)

- Madison-based Quince & Apple sends out boxes of cocktail ingredients. December's box nets you everything you need (except the spirit) for mulled wine.

- Amelia Kieras is a Chicago-based digital retoucher and illustrator who crafts some of the most charming, quirky pop-up cards and picture books we’ve ever come across. Our favorite: The Monster Party pop-op card.

- Homaro Cantu's The Miracle Berry Diet Cookbook doesn't officially come out until January 1, but a pre-order (perhaps with a pack of the Miracle Berries themselves) would be a great stocking stuffer. Chef Cantu's mad scientist cooking is finally accessible to the home cook, and if you're looking to cut down on sugar, this is the book for you. (Anthony Todd)

- Chris Ware's Building Stories is a lonely florist with a prosthetic leg who lives on the third story of a 98-year-old building in Chicago. According to the publisher, “Within this colorful keepsake box the purchaser will find a fully-apportioned variety of reading material ready to address virtually any imaginable artistic or poetic taste, from the corrosive sarcasm of youth to the sickening earnestness of maturity.” (Tony Peregrin)

- These dark red, wine-colored chunks of unpolished garnet are a must for any rock-hound. Great stocking stuff, and prettier than a lump o' coal. (Tony Peregrin)

- Dude Products, Inc. was originally founded by a long time group of “Dudes in Chicago” with a singular mission to change the way guys go to the bathroom. Thus Dude Wipes was born—“A blunt, entertaining and practical complement to toilet paper.” (Tony Peregrin)