Best Gifts For Guys
Koval Spirits
If the cold weather is tampering your spirit for spirits, spruce up the home bar and hone your cocktail skills with some of local distiller Koval's whiskeys and liquors. A bottle of Ginger liquor could mark the start of some great mixed drinks, or a bottle of Lion's Pride Dark Oat Whiskey can be enjoyed as a base or on its own.
The Gentleman's Boombox from Artpentry
While guessing someone's music tastes can be an even more impossible task than normal gift giving, everyone needs something to play their music with. Give your guy's stereo set a touch of class with a handcrafted Gentleman's Boombox from Pilsen artist Floyd A. Davis. These speakers are encased in antique luggage and can lend an element of wild style for the band or for the living room.
Crossfit
Giving someone a gym membership can be taken the wrong way – this is probably one you'll want to do with him (unless you're trying to imply something). But if you know your man guilt-trips about getting in shape but never does, Crossfit might be the answer. One-hour or less sessions, scalable workouts, and trainer-led group sessions that welcome brand new couch potatoes and gym rats equally.
Defy Bags
If your man is an eco-friendly type, he can probably appreciate Defy's practice of making messenger bags from reclaimed vinyl billboard and truck tarp material. The result is surprisingly chic, and you can customize the front with an image of your choice – or theirs, if you're not feeling creative.
Optimo Hats
There are plenty of guys who will balk at the thought of a proper hat - but plenty more might just have the style to pull it off. There are few better choices in Chicago or elsewhere than Optimo. If you think your man could use a touch of class, head to one of Chicago's oldest haberdashers and get a custom-made hat for days when baseball won't do.
Dan Morgridge is a writer in Chicago's Ukrainian Village. He enjoys eating and drinking above his means, finding new music, and socially conscious hedonism.
