Cheeky B Boutique ( www.cheekyboutique.com; 503-274-0229 ) : With 'urban life accessories with a flair for modern design,' Cheeky B definitely offers something for the person who likes something different. Organized under one-word categories such as 'Nest' or 'Groom,' items include rubber wine lines ( $6.50 ) , a camera that provides a series of four images on one print ( $30 ) , stainless steel key holders ( $25 ) and cowgirl rider slippers ( $38 ) .
Women & Children First ( see the Web site www.womenandchildrenfirst.com ) offers a wide variety of items for the women and men, plus children, on your lists. Shop local this holiday season and support those stores that give back to the LGBT communities. Extended holiday hours, plus special events. At 5322 N. Clark, 773-769-9299.
Staples ( www.staples.com; various Chicagoland locations ) : True, the office-supplies behemoth may seem like it doesn't need any more attention, but did you know that if you order items through iGive ( www.iGive.com ) , the pro-gay Servicemembers Legal Defense Network ( which is fighting 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ) gets a small percentage back as a donation? So, go to iGive and get those staplers, desk chairs and planners.
Essential Journeys ( see Web site www.EssentialJourneys.com ) : Stock a stuffing full of squeaky clean fun. Essential Journey's Soap By the Slice is handcrafted soap made from fine ingredients ( and no animal products ) . The site offers custom orders and spa gift baskets, as well.
For the man or woman on the go, there are the Damron Men's Travel Guide 2007 ( www.tlavideo.com ) and Damron Women's Traveller 2007 ( www.buy.com ) . The Damron Men's Travel Guide 2007 is. The men's guide has info on over 12,000 gay and gay-friendly accommodations, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, gyms, and even cruisy areas across North America, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The women's guide pretty much covers the same ground—although there may be a tad less info about pick-up spots.
ShugaNano ( www.riptopia.com ) : You've seen ( and heard ) iPods—but none quite like this one. Yes, it's a four-gigabyte Nano that you can get in blue, pink or green. However, this one comes pre-loaded with 50 of your gift recipient's favorite CDs, along with a free pair of matching Swarovski crystal-encrusted headphones—all for only $259.
IDEAL Industries, Inc. ( www.idealindustries.com ) : Need a stocking stuffer for the do-it-yourself gal or handyman in your life? This Web site offers compact, professional-grade tools at an affordable price. IDEAL products can also be found at your local home improvement shop. Get your loved one a different kind of toy to play with, or stuff that stocking with a little hint to finally get that door fixed.
Lugtagz ( www.lugtagz.com ) : With everyone's luggage looking the same, it pays to have items that stand out as they go around the carousel—and what better way than to have these super-sized and even campy tags on your bags? Featuring items such as 'gal tags' and 'retro tags,' these ( $9 each; minimum of three ) are sure to be a hit with your favorite travelers.
Yes vodka ( www.yesimportedvodka.com ) : What better way is there to put some spirit into the holiday season than spirits? For a little spice, try the Y-Spot Pomegranate Martini, which incorporates the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, champagne, lemon and ice. ( See recipe. ) Sounds good, doesn't it? Other recipes on the site are for concoctions such as the Chocolate Angel and, yes, the Love Martini.
New You New Energy ( www.wear-nyne.com ) : Love to give advice? New You New Energy ( NYNE ) apparel offers a new line of gifts that truely say something. NYNE offers shirts with helpful lessons such as 'Seek Out the Good,' 'Open Up' and 'Celebrate the Differences.' Accompany a shirt with the brand's uplifting and thought-provoking leather-bound journals and sticky pads that are sure to give the man in your life an emotional boost.
airforce Nutrisoda and edun LIVE ( www.nutrisoda.com ) : This holiday season, let the socially conscious person in your life lend a helping hand with style. As part of its 'Style Conscience' campaign, airforce Nutrisoda uses edun LIVE T-shirts to raise funds for Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that strives toward advancing low-income women's social and economic development. Sales of the shirts provide women factory jobs and promote trade opportunities in Lesotho, a small African country.
His Stuff ( www.HisStuffChicago.com ) : Keep your fashionable man cozy and cute in The Windy City's winter wonderland with His Stuff's trendy offerings. Give what's hot this season—from fur-lined coats and boots and accessories to skinny jeans and classic suit vests—to keep him warm and sexy. During December, Andersonville's His Stuff ( 5314 N. Clark St. ) will donate a portion of its sales to local organizations including Chicago House and Howard Brown, so you won't feel like a Scrooge while you splurge.
Glove Box Guides ( www.hungrycity.com ) : They say that for some, the way to the heart is through the stomach. Don't let a loved one go hungry. Glove Box Guides provide the inside scoop to local dining. Written by colorful locals, these guides provide honest reviews and all the information needed to follow your tastebuds.
BlackBerry ( www.blackberrypearl.com and www.blackberry.com ) : The new BlackBerry Pearl is a perfect gift for that go-getter in and out of the office. It's stylish, and comes complete with camera, IM, email and organizer and MP3 player. It's everything they need for work and play.
The BlackBerry 8703e is BlackBerry's new all-in-one device that's great for a traveler. In addition to all the bells and whistles, the 8703e has GPS capabilities such as turn-by-turn driving directions.
Go Softwear ( www.gosoftwear.com ) : Gear up your man and stuff his stocking this holiday with some fun, stylish basics from Go Softwear. Their undergarments accentuate and complement a man's body, and come in fresh, sexy patterns ranging from Wild West to Samurai themes. Let him unleash his inner cowboy. Go Softwear also offers a line of swimwear, lounge wear and workout wear.
True Nature Tree Greetings ( www.yourtruenature.com/TreeGreetings/ ) : For the person who has everything ( or for a lover of nature ) , how about giving that person a tree? ( Yes, that's correct. ) Essentially, the site allows you to combine the convenience of electronic greeting cards with the gift of planting a tree for someone special, and for only $8.95. Recipients can even take a virtual tour of the site where the tree will be planted.
