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It’s that time of year again. The season of gift giving, gift receiving and sometimes just giving yourself a little something special. It seems that there are never-ending options when holiday shopping, so it’s always nice to have a little “perfect presents” cheat sheet. Here is a list of Cheeky’s favorite things: the best of the best for the holidays with something for everyone in every price range.
1. Restoration Hardware Throws
These amazingly soft and cozy blankets are perfect for those cold winter nights by the fire. They come in different colors, with different textures on either side of the throw: one plush and soft, one smooth and warm. Perfect as a gift for someone you love or for yourself.
2. Cupcake Trucks
It’s no secret that the nation’s newest trend is food trucks, and Chicago is no exception. Most specifically, cupcake trucks have been sweeping the city. The best? More Cupcakes and Flirty Cupcakes, both touring the city daily with at least half a dozen flavors stocked in their trucks, perfect for gifts-on-the-go. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to find out their exact locations.
Truly a hidden gem, Jill Alberts, a Chicagoan, creates some of the most stunning pieces of jewelry in the whole city. With her main store in the northern suburbs (she wants to stay close to her children’s school), she also distributes to department stores nationwide, with celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Julia Roberts donning her gorgeous designs. And what’s even more perfect than gorgeous jewelry? Gorgeous jewelry that is reasonably priced.
4. Wicked returns to Broadway in Chicago
Just in time for the holidays, the magnificent Broadway show Wicked has come back to Chicago for another season. We never tire of the classic story with the beautiful soundtrack. Wicked is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from December 1 to January 23.
5. Essie Nail Polish Winter Collection
Every Cheeky girl loves nail polish (glitter, French, neon, etc.), and Essie has come out with a winter collection that is perfect for the season and those last minute stocking stuffers. These gorgeous jewel and deep color tones are perfect for any holiday occasion, and are available at Chicagoland Ulta stores.
Extra, extra! A new location just opened on the corner of Chicago and Rush – right in the heart of Chicago’s shopping district – making it that much more tempting to snatch up these gorgeous headbands. Each piece is beautifully beaded for a distinct and special look. They are also available on Anthropologie’s website for easy gift purchasing.
7. Garrett Popcorn
A true Chicago classic. Everyone loves popcorn, and no one can resist Garrett’s classic mix: the company’s crowd-pleasing cheese popcorn and caramel corn mixed together in a gorgeous tin. And just for the holidays, Garrett has created multiple holiday tin designs, making it the perfect gift for any corn- or junk food-lover.
8. The Nook
We all know about the Kindle, the electronic book trend that put bookstores everywhere out of business. But Barnes and Noble has come up with their own, more compact version of the tech gadget, now sold at all of the bookstore’s locations. The Nook has an extra long battery life and a clear, crisp screen that resembles an actual book.
9. Banana Republic Beaded Clutches
A beautiful sparkler for all of those holiday parties. These breaded purses come in a variety of holiday colors, adding that extra glitter to any outfit, and they’re perfect for during the day and at night. The clutches are available both in store and on the company’s Web site.
Everyone is always looking for those last minute getaways during the cold, brutal months, and Jetsetter has created the perfect way make that vacation happen. The site offers hotel deals around the globe year-round in every location from Miami to Kenya (from the founders of Gilt Groupe, it’s the GG of traveling!). You can even select nights that work for you before purchasing.
Last but not least, every holiday season requires the perfect holiday thank you notes (for all of those amazing presents), and these are some of the cheekiest we’ve ever seen. It’s U Stationary, an amazing site that allows you to customize not only your thank you notes, but gift tags, cards and labels. They’re definitely a gift-giving season necessity.
