8 Great Chicago Gift Ideas

Looking for affordable and unique gift ideas for your favorite Chicagoans or Chicago fans? Then, here's a list of suggestions with surefire appeal (and there's not a coffee mug among them.)

1. A Subscription to Chicago Wilderness Magazine
   I'm a big fan (and subscriber) of this publication. It explores Chicago's natural beauty and wildlife while promoting preservation and conservation.
   You can subscribe online here.
   
   
2. Adopt-an-Artifact at the Chicago History Museum
   Every year the Chicago History Museum offers a series of objects that the public can "adopt" and give as gifts.
   
   You choose one of the objects, make a contribution (of $35 and up), and your gift recipient receives a "personalized adoption packet," complete with a photo of the artifact, a document outlining its historical significance, and an "adoption certificate." Additional benefits are also offered at each incremental donation level.
   
   Current Artifacts up for Adoption:
   • Michael Jordan's Number 23 jersey and shoes, 1989
   • Norman Rockwell's painting,"Mrs. Catherine O'Leary Milking Daisy," c. 1935
   • The platinum album of Chicago's Greatest Hits, 1982-1989
   • An urn designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright
   • An honorary scepter presented to city planner Daniel Burnham in 1895
   • Madame Ophelia Ooglepuss, an opera diva puppet and a cohort of Kukla, Fran, & Ollie's
   
   Go here to learn more or sign up for Adopt-an-Artifact.
   
   
3. Build Your Own Chicago Postcard Models
   Give the gift of Chicago icons delivered via postcard and available for true-to-life scale (1:160) model building. Options include the el trains pictured at right, the Sears Tower, the Marina City Towers, the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, and other area architectural icons. Brought to you by Chicagoan Matt Bergstrom and Wurlington Brothers Press.
   Order Build Your Own Chicago postcard models or find retailers here.
   
   
4. ETSY - Chicago Artists
   Visit area crafts people and artists at this online megastore for hand-made jewelry, knit goods, and more.
   Browse Chicago ETSY artists here. (Turn off the About.com Top Frame for Flash to work.)
   
   
5. City of Chicago Flag
   Give the emblem of the city, all decked out in what appears to be 100% nylon. 2'W x 3'L.
   Buy online at the City of Chicago's official store here.
   
   
6. Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale
   Our local brewer's area code ale also won a Gold Medal at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival. For the non-drinker or 7 year old in your life, try their Orange Cream Soda.
   
   • Buy 312 Urban Wheat Ale online from Chicago's Sam's Warehouse here.
     
   • Buy 312 Urban Wheat Ale online from Chicago's Binny's here. The Orange Cream Soda is available in their stores but not online.
   
   
7. Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History in the City and Cook County
   Someone you know needs a book like this because it's hard enough to track down family members who are alive yet alone those who have been dead for generations. Authored by Grace DuMelle and published by the local Lake Claremont Press, the text has won numerous Midwestern book awards.
   
   
   
8. EBay Chicago Sports Memorabilia, Cards, and Fan Shop
   You have a sports fan somewhere on your list, and EBay remains the place to track down Chicago team memorabilia of every stripe.
   See EBay Chicago Sports Memorabilia and More Here