Black is beautiful
Riedel Crystal has revealed its first-ever collection of black glassware, the Riedel Sommeliers Black Series Collector's Edition ( www.riedel.com or in Bloomingdale's stores; $159 a glass ). The set comes with a Bordeaux Grand cru, Burgundy Grand Cru, a champagne glass, zinfandel, montrachet and vintage port—but you oenophiles probably already knew that.
Brew something
Looking for something different for your mixed drinks? Try Owl's Brew ( theowlsbrew.com ), advertised as a "tea crafted for cocktails." Owl's Brew has created a box set for the holiday season that includes threeflavors: The Classic, Coco-Lada, and Pink and Black. Moreover, it pairs well with a variety of spirits, including vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila and champagne.
Gay sensibility
The game That's So Gay! ( www.facebook.com/ThatsSoGayGame; $24.99 ) aims to use the phrase as a positive opportunity to educate LGBTQs and allies, as the game features more than 2,400 questions in six categories. Produced by Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, there are a limited number of copies of the game available now at Chicago's Women & Children First Bookstore and Gaymart.
Brothers in arms
Brooks Brothers ( www.brooksbrothers.com and local stores ) has been known for its outstanding quality—I can personally testify based on a shirt I have owned for a couple years. Fortunately, after checking out some other items, that high standard has been maintained. ( By the way, the company is currently offering complimentary shipping on its items. )
To market we go
Abe's Market ( www.abesmarket.com ) may advertise itself as selling items that promote "mindful living"—but some are just plain cool. From a kiwi coconut exfoliating mask to the Hala Wine Rack to cocktail cupcakes to those very popular infinity scarves, this site definitely has something for everyone.
Mucho gusto
When it comes to making premium coffee ( and Chicago loves its caffeine ), it's hard to beat the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Beverage System by DeLonghi ( www.delonghi.com; $129.95 ). Users can customize beverage strength and preparation with the seven-level LED display controls, and it even comes with six capsules. Incidentally, the Dolce Gusto makes a lot more than gourmet coffees, such as lattes, iced drinks and cappuccinos.
Pride parade
Those looking for gifts for the LGBT community could do far worse than visiting LoveandPride ( loveandpride.com ). Whether one is looking for jewelry ( including the True Blood collection ), underwear, beauty/grooming products or ev
San Francisco treats
With most of us having incredibly hectic schedules, who has time to shop? One solution is Gift A Feast ( www.giftafeast.com; various prices ). Gift A Feast packages items from California's Bay Area into gift sets that include "A Feast of Spicy Chocolate," "A Feast of Ice Cream Toppings" and "A Personal Tea Ceremony." Eat too many of these tasty items, though, and you might need "A Feast of Antacid."en home accessories, this site has something for practically everyone.
Hunks o' burning love
The 2014 Barihunks calendar ( www.barihunks.blogspot.com; $21.99 ) has been officially released, and it features 16 of the sexiest men singing in opera today, including David Adam Moore, Zachary Gordin and Gianluca Margheri. And if you need another reason to feel good about purchasing this item, all proceeds from the calendar will be donated to young artist programs and projects involving young artists.
Lap of luxury
Luxury retailer Dalys1895 ( www.DALYS1895.com ) says it "concentrates on sophisticated accessories for today's man"—and with some of its refined and innovative products, it's really hard to disagree. Check out the polished silver oval wi-fi and 2GB USB combination cufflinks ( $250 ), the extremely colorful array of bowties ( $55 ) and pocket squares ( $75.60-$90 ), or the M_CLIP anodized money clip ( $69.95 ).
Seeing the light
Mostly for kids ( but I can see more than a few adults playing with the pieces ), Tetris Light ( on such sights as Amazon.com and BustedTees.com; $39.99-$45 ) lets the user put together seven Tetris piece-shaped lamps in innumerable stackable positions. What's more: The lights only come on when all the pieces are put together.
Fairy tales do come true
The dolls of Fairy Tale High ( www.fairytalehigh.com ) put a modern spin on those classic storybook figures such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Interesting backstory: Ken Price and Scott Coff ( who married each other in June 2012 and have known each other since elementary school ) started the toy company S-K Victory, and the dolls are the business' first product. In addition, The National Parenting Center gave the dolls ( available at Walmart and Toys R Us, among other stores ) its seal of approval.
Miles of style
Liba Style ( www.libastyle.com ) is filled with items that manage to be both unique and stylish. For example, the Gaga necklace ( $239 ) is a definite statement piece that will separate the wearer from the rest of the crowd. Among a few of the other "different" products are the ostrich feather pen ( $75 ), a pet gift bucket ( $27.20 ), sunshine Swarovski crystal earrings ( $275 ) and the I-Coffee set ( $32 ).
Monroe doctrine
The book An Evening with Marilyn ( Amazon.com and other sites ) is the perfect gift book for any Marilyn Monroe enthusiast, fan, or collector. The series of photos that Douglas Kirkland took in 1961 consists of Marilyn posing in bed wearing only a silk sheet—and shows why she still beguiles many more than 50 years after her death.
So fresh
Freshpair ( www.freshpair.com; various prices ) has thousands of underwear-related items for men and women. I personally love the variety of brands, which include Go Softwear, Under Armour, Elomi, Le Mystere, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, the classic Fruit of the Loom and, yes, Spanx as well as Spanx for Men—which some people may be looking into after the holiday season.
The diner things
A local vegetarian restaurant fixture is at the center of The New Chicago Diner Cookbook : Meat-Free Recipes from America's Veggie Diner ( $19.95 ). This new cookbook from Chicago's famed vegetarian eatery celebrates the restaurant's 30th anniversary with more than 100 delicious recipes, along with full-color photography. From Bacun Avocado Wrap to Cocoa Mousse Cake, the book deliciously covers appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Shine bright like a diamond
The books 20th Century Jewelry & the Icons of Style ( $65 ) and Art/Fashion in the 21st Century ( $60 ) will thrill any fashionista. The former examines 11 glamorous women who assembled astonishing jewelry collections in the mid-20th century, and influenced fashion and jewels in the aftermath of World War I. The latter explores the evolution of "art as fashion" and "fashion as art," with more than 350 illustrations.
Fair trade
Equal Exchange ( www.equalexchange.coop ) is dedicated to fair trade with small-scale farmers in the developing world. Fortunately, there's a nice variety of items to choose from in order to show support; there are organic teas, chocolate-related products, and even non-edible units such as kettles, napkins and jewelry.
Look, Ma—no hands
Making itself a must-have tech item, the Looxcie ( www.looxcie.com; $99.99 ) proves that good things come in small packages ( weighing all of 1.3 ounces ). It's a wearable video camera that allows the user to stream live video to Facebook and cellphones, record in high-definition and snap still photos. Moreover, it comes in a variety of hues, so you can color-coordinate, although there's no leopard print—yet.
Sweetie, darling
Can't get enough of Patsy and Edina? Thankfully, BBC Home Entertainment has released the Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely All Of It box set ( $158.72 ). This must-have accessory for the holiday season contains every episode and special from the award-winning series, covering more than 20 years' worth of misadventures involving the fashionista duo—all tucked away in a super-luxe limited edition faux iguana skin clutch bag.
Pop life
WallPops ( www.wallpops.com ) can transform moods and perspectives as well as rooms. A line of peel-and-stick wall art, people can shop by room or window decor—and there are even dry-erase items as well as some featuring the touch of Jonathan Adler ( such as elephant paisley and Nixon—which has no connection to Watergate ).
Heads or 'Tales'
The star-studded, Peabody Award-winning PBS miniseries Tales of the City: 20th Anniversary Edition ( $49.99 ) is out on DVD. Based on the groundbreaking novel by Armistead Maupin, Tales of the City follows a colorful cast of characters living at 28 Barbary Lane in anything-goes 1970s San Francisco. Among the cast members are Olympia Dukakis, Laura Linney, Billy Campbell and Parker Posey, and special features include audio commentaries from Maupin, director Alastair Reid, Dukakis, Linney and co-star Barbara Garrick.
'Tis the 'Season'
Chicago's Season of Concern—which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for people in the entertainment industry who are experiencing health-related emergencies and medical issues—has released this year's version of the CD Season of Carols ( www.seasonofconcern.org or www.seasonofcarols.com; $20 ). By the by, to celebrate the holiday season and to kick-off sales of the CD, there will be a special concert on Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at Mercury Theater.
Achieving balance
Canada-based company Fitterfirst has a variety of products that will challenge you—and we know how people jump on that fitness bandwagon when the new year starts. One such product is the Bongo Board: Advanced Balance Trainer ( www.fitter1.com; $129 ), which helps improve body awareness and reaction time, and enhances core stability. Trust me—you'll be a different person after trying this.
Dollars and scents
Is there nothing Adam Levine can't do? The Maroon 5 frontman has acted ( in projects such as American Horror Story: Asylum ), is a judge on NBC's The Voice and, of course, has been deemed People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. Well, now he can add scent peddler with his Adam Levine Fragrances for Men and Women ( www.Macys.com; $35-$65 ).
