REP CHI

The gift shop is tiny and it's easy to drive by since it's on busy Milwaukee Avenue on Chicago's northwest side but do yourself a favor and pull into that empty parking lot (free parking!). Inside, the place is loaded with handmade Chicago gifts and personal accessories and, gasp, super affordable. Since owner Lyndsey Hooley also does eco-friendly custom screen printing, the shop offers a great range of t-shirts and baby onesies with custom designs. The rest of the retail boutique features local art, handmade gifts, things made from recycled things, fair trade products and non-touristy Chicago items. Hard to find gifts for men or women? Your boss? Your boyfriend's sister who you hardly know? REP CHI has it covered and offers gifts in a range of price points. A CTA token keychain is just $5. A set of four handmade coasters featuring Chicago's el system is just $24. Bike enthusiasts will appreciate the gifts that honor their preferred mode of transportation. The shop offers everything from a bike chain bottle can opener to recycled inner tube earrings, bracelets and handbags for men and women.