Still shopping for Father’s Day? No guilt trips here. There are a few days left to stock up on thoughtful gifts from local shops—or to take advantage of a groovy outing aimed at old-school music lovers.
For Music Fans
If you and Dad are both fans of retro music, here’s a suggested bonding activity for Sunday: After brunch, head over to the Vintage Garage Chicago on Sunday (5051 N. Broadway). This special, Father’s Day–themed iteration of the summer market will feature a “Record Ramp” with vintage vinyl in categories such as classical, punk, and Chicago jazz. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $5. More details are here.
For Bike Fiends
If your father taught you to ride a bike or helped you break free of training wheels (metaphorically works here, too), consider getting him a sentimental gift from Heritage Bicycles (2959 N. Lincoln Ave.) The EH Works Essential Tool Roll ($44), available for purchase online, is a toolkit made of leather-trimmed wax canvas, and it fits into a bike’s bottle cage or under the seat. Tools aren’t included, so you could toss in a multi-tool ($70) if you’re feeling extra generous.
For Spa Lovers
Who said spa days are the stuff of Mother’s Day? Spa at the Wit (201 N. State St.) is promoting Father’s Day-friendly treatments this month, including The Gentleman’s Facial ($110 for 50 minutes; $160 for 80.) The service exfoliates, unclogs pores, and evens out skin tone using organic products from the Hungarian skincare line Eminence. Bonus: Dad can hang out all day in the spa’s “Whisper Lounge,” filled with candlelight and lounger chairs.
For Fragrance Fans
Nicolet Candle Company is a local business that offers candles ($18 to $36) in a variety of masculine scents. Popular fragrances for male customers include campfire, red cedar, sandalwood, teakwood & cardamom, and balsam & cedar. Shop online today to have an order arrive in time for Father’s Day, or stop by one of the line’s local retail locations. Tip: Allyu Spa (600 W. Chicago Ave.) has teakwood & cardamom and balsam & cedar in stock now.
For Beer Nuts
Perry Clark, a locally based e-retailer, has a gift tailor-made for the family beer connoisseur. The Beer Tasting Flight ($59) comes with four sample-size Pilsner glasses and a wood carrier. You could add on some local beers to help christen the set: Breakroom Brewery (2925 W. Montrose Ave.), the gastropub in Albany Park, is offering 32-ounce craft beer “crowlers” with a special deal: through Sunday, buy three ($9 apiece) and get a fourth for free.
For Sweet Tooths
Sweets from Vosges Haut Chocolat (951 W. Armitage Ave.) will remind Dad of bygone family camping trips. The chocolatier has a limited edition Luxe S’Mores Kit ($45) stocked with all the essentials for the campfire snack, but slightly upgraded. (Think vanilla pizzelle cookies instead of graham crackers, vegan marshmallows, and bacon-and-dark-chocolate candy bars.) There’s still time to order the kit online and have it arrive by Sunday; it’s also available at the Armitage Avenue boutique.