The Reader’s
Each week through Christmas we’ll be featuring a roundup of gift ideas on a different theme. In the coming weeks look for our suggestions on green gifts, food gifts, and personal care and services. Every roundup will feature at least one idea under $30. —Heather Kenny
Stove-top style for the smallest household: this two-cup pot from Mario Batali’s Italian Kitchen is part of the chef’s new line of personal-size cookware. It’s made of cast iron with an enamel finish in Batali’s signature persimmon hue. a$30 at the Chopping Block in Lincoln Square, 4747 N. Lincoln, 773-472-6700, thechoppingblock.net.
Art Thang’s refurbished vintage phones from Argentina—dating from the 20s through the 60s—are the real deal: hefty, loud, and incompatible with modern voice mail. a$310 at Zella Brown, 1444 N. Milwaukee, 773-276-1746, zellabrown.com.
For the new condo owner or the renter looking to make maximum impact with a minimum of space, The New Apartment: Smart Living in Small Spaces by Montse Borras (Universe) provides plenty of inspiration with an international, green perspective. a$35, area bookstores.
Toplike cognac glasses by Danish designer Rikke Hagen are designed to maximize the visual, olfactory, and tasting pleasure of the liqueur—and as a bonus, a tipsy drinker is unlikely to knock them over. a$55 for a set of two at Luminaire, 301 W. Superior, 312-664-9582, luminaire.com.
No deer were harmed in the making of this metal candlestick in the shape of antlers. a$32 at Arhaus, 1980 N. Clybourn, 773-248-3071, arhaus.com.
UNDER $30 A brocade necklace stand keeps jewelry tangle free and makes your bedroom feel like an upscale boutique. a$20 at Urban Outfitters, various locations or urbanoutfitters.com.
The French company Ibride uses reclaimed wood and nontoxic materials to create these printed, laminated trays with a Victorian feel. Hang them up, use them as serving pieces, or both. a$39.50-$84 at the White Attic, 5225 N. Clark, 773-907-9800, thewhiteattic.com.
Pretty stoppered amethyst-colored glass bottles from India, for boudoir or bath. a$27.95-$31.95 at Cassona, 5241 N. Clark, 773-506-7882; 1509 Chicago, Evanston, 847-328-0995; or 2121 W. Division, 773-486-5525; cassona.com.
For the Marimekko enthusiast, or anyone who favors bold, poppy graphics, this Paaryna fabric wall hanging hits the spot. a$39.95 ($64.90 with hardware) at CB2, 3757 N. Lincoln, 773-755-3900, or 800 W. North, 312-787-8329, cb2.com.
UNDER $30 Vinylux turns old records into swell bowls for fruit or chips. You can’t do that with MP3s. a$28 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Store, 220 E. Chicago 312-280-2660, mcachicagostore.org.