A cake server shaped like a high-heeled shoe; a Kama Sutra bedside box; a wine trivia game; and a vase that resembles a paper bag are among the items you'll find at the justifiably-named Uncommon Goods ( www.uncommongoods.com ) . Prepare to be flabbergasted—wait until you see the flight girl-adorned tampon case.
Vosges Haut Chocolate ( www.vosgeschocolate.com ) is deemed by some to offer the best chocolate in the world. ( Think Hershey's times 100. ) Sure, you could get individual truffles for someone, but there are also offerings like 'Travel the World Through Chocolate' ( with travel books and two of its signature bars ) and The Groove Truffle Collection, which includes a booklet tracing 12 musical eras; 12 chocolate truffles that each use popular ingredients of the era; and a CD with 12 songs from influential African-American artists.
American Science & Surplus ( www.sciplus.com ) is for the scientist who has everything, although you'd have to know that person well to gather that he or she would appreciate a gift from this site. Among the items sold are military mitts, fossils and Optometrist in a Box. See what we mean?
Wildbleu bedding and PJs ( www.wildbleu.com ) are made of a patented fabric with the feel of 100 percent cotton, which wicks moisture away from skin faster than cotton, providing a fresh comforting sensation that is particularly good for those suffering hot flashes or night sweats.
With all of these weekly get-togethers to watch the show, it was just a matter of time before Desperate Housewives-The Game ( www.amazon.com ) came out. The computer game allows you to do everything from solve mysteries to decorate your house—and, of course, you get to interact with Bree, Gabrielle, Lynette, Susan and Edie.
FredFlare.com ( www.fredflare.com ) also has a certain '70s camp to it; look no further than the Paul Frank calculator watches and the mini-Space Invaders arcade game. However, the kitsch isn't limited to that particular time: There are also Mr. T and Sixteen Candles talking keychains; a Napoleon Dynamite sleep mask; and Nicole sunglasses, presumably named after the wafer-thin Ms. Richie.
Trying to find that Polish jazz record, The Jackson 5 in Japan item, a Marvin Gaye DVD or The Best of the Android Sisters CD? Then, Chicago's Dusty Groove America ( www.dustygroove.com ) is where you need to go. The site ( and the store, located at 1120 N. Ashland ) has seemingly every hard-to-find record, CD, book and DVD out there. A search engine makes finding items a lot more convenient.
Timeless Treasures ( www.timelesssilver.com ) offers jewelry for men and women ( including anklets and key chains ) that look expensive, even though they won't put a serious dent in your wallet or purse. However, if you want the real deal, hit Tiffany ( www.tiffany.com ) ; a bangle from the ETOILE collection will only set you back $14,000.
If you know your ashtanga from your bikram, Everything Yoga ( www.everythingyoga.com/yoga-gifts.htm ) might appeal to you. The name of the site is justifiable, as you'll find om incense burners; mats and mat bags; attire; multimedia items; jewelry; and Earth shoes—to name just a few things.
For the connoisseur of spirits, you really can't go wrong with something like a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé 1985 Vintage champagne ( www.veuve-clicquot.com ) . The Web site actually contains information about several vintages of the elite vineyard so you can also impress your recipient with knowledge about champagne—without sounding like a wino.
Pastoral, Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine has wonderful gift basket creations with special themes, including French, Midwest, English, Italian, and more, at 2945 N. Broadway in Chicago. They were great Gay Games supporters. See www.pastoralartisan.com or call 800-721-4781.
Who doesn't like cookies? Treat someone to Solomon's Gourmet Cookies ( www.solomonscookies.com ) with one box or several—the latter courtesy of a cookie-of-the-month club. There's no sweeter way to melt someone's heart—except with the Wisconsin Made's Ice Cream of the Month Club ( www.wisconsinmade.com ) . Recipients will get four pints or eight pints of ice cream each month from the company's stock of favorite flavors from Babcock Hall, Michael's Custard, Chocolate Shoppe and Hansen's Dairy. Of course, there's also Elegant Cheesecakes ( www.elegantcheesecakes.com ) , with items that sport hand-crafted details and contain delectable ingredients such as imported chocolate and European butter.
If you want to take blasting Alicia Keys, Erasure or—Lord help you—Cher to another level, you might want to take a gander at Banshee iPod Speakers ( www.bansheeaudio.com ) . The bass and surround-sound capabilities will make you the envy of your neighbors ( or the object of derision ) .
Hit Sports Unlimited ( www.sportsunlimitedinc.com ) for people who are jocks and sports fans. This site is quite comprehensive—few sports-related spots on the Web cover baseball jerseys, sleds, cheerleader costumes and lacrosse sticks. In addition, the items are pretty affordable; for example, a tennis racket for adults can retail for $27.99.
The services and items offered by Chalet Nursery ( www.chaletnursery.com; 847-688-0561 ) may not be the first things that come to mind—but they're impressive, nonetheless. From trees to landscape services to Eric Cortina ornaments to even canine couture, there is something for the person who's into greenery ( and beauty, for that matter ) .
