2015 Gift Guide: Tech

There are always new tech products making waves, and this year is no exception. Find picks here that every techie (and parent, teen, friend) on your list will love. 1. Chelsea Carry-All: This vegan leather carry-all from Vintage Nest is a great gift for the techie on the go. It fits most tablets and can be […]

2015 Gift Guide

The holidays are magical … and stressful. Between family dinners and school recitals, we could all use a little help whenever possible. That’s where our 2015 Gift Guide comes in. We’ve already done the research so you’ll know exactly what to get everyone on your list — kids, teens, guys, even pets. Plus, you’ll find […]

2015 Gift Guide: Foodies

Satisfy your foodie’s wish-list cravings with these sweet treats. 1. Cooking Class at The Social Table: Sign up for public or private three-hour cooking classes. Dinner themes include country supper, Italian table and French Bistro. The sessions are kept small and are held nightly. Starts at $75 per person, The Social Table 2. Monogrammed Copper Mugs: These mugs are handcrafted […]

Perfect Hanukkah Latkes Two Ways

Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” a wonderful holiday of the winter season. Although in Jewish tradition it remains a somewhat minor holiday, it continues to be a time of family, friends, fun dreidel games, presents for eight days and, of course, delicious food. Perhaps the best of the traditional fare are potato pancakes, aka latkes. […]

Enchanting Kids’ Books for Holiday Gifts

When choosing holiday gifts for kids, don’t forget the fine print. Great books can provide hours of entertainment during cold weather and weeks off school. Updating your pre-schoolers storytime library? Consider new titles like “Skippyjon Jones Snow What” (Dial Books for Young Readers), “Happy Holidays Ladybug Girl!” (Penguin Books) and “The Book with No Pictures” […]

Reinventing Judaica: Not Your Grandmother’s Menorah

This year for Hanukkah, light a menorah that brings new meaning to the Festival of Lights. At Chicago’s Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, you can marvel at (and shop!) a new exhibit titled “Reinventing Judaica,” featuring traditional Jewish ceremonial objects designed to inspire a deeper understanding of their symbolic significance created by Evanston-based […]

2014 Gift Guide: Hostess Gifts

Sure, you could grab a bottle of wine (once again) on your way to the party. Or you could delight your host with one of these more memorable tokens of your affection. You’ll definitely be invited back next year! With broad appeal and affordable prices, these gifts are also ideal for friends (think book club […]

2014 Gift Guide: Foodie Gifts

The holidays are all about entertaining and spending time with family and friends. And all quality time includes eating, right? Here are some can’t-miss gifts for the food- and drink-obsessed. 1. American Spoon “Buy the Store”: I’ve long been a fan of this revered Michigan store and find it hard to decide what to buy. […]

2014 Gift Guide: Teen Gifts

Finding that perfect gift for your teen can be tough, but gift cards aren’t your only option. We guarantee one of these fresh ideas will connect with even the hardest-to-please teenager. 1. SamsSimpleDecor Prints: Your teen will love the prints available at this Chicago Etsy shop. They can show their local pride with a Chicago […]

2014 Gift Guide: Kid Gifts

Shopping for children can be fun and overwhelming. (How many new “it” toys can there be?) Here are our suggestions for cool gifts your little ones will love. 1. Gravity Maze™: The goal is to get a marble from one end of the board to another, but you’ll have to build a maze using colorful, translucent towers […]