Happy holidays! Welcome to our second annual gift guide. We’ve assembled some unique and creative gift ideas that we hope you will find useful and fun.
Thank you for being a part of the Village community. We have had another exceptional year because of all of your engagement, support, and good will. We are thrilled that you share our commitment to older adults and work with us to build an age-inclusive Chicago where we can all live our best lives possible.
Warm regards,
Darcy L. Evon, CEO
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Experiences
Gifts that last forever.
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Starting at $25 at StubHub
With a StubHub gift card, they can put money towards buying a ticket to practically any show they want. Your recipient can see their fave band on tour or watch their home sports team play live. Either way, it'll be an experience they'll never forget.
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$12 on Amazon
Not only is this book filled with genuinely good recipes, but they are dishes that even younger and inexperienced chefs can genuinely handle— with a bit of an assist from mom, dad, grandpa, or whoever else is in the kitchen. The book is a great way to open the world of cooking to junior chefs and to create opportunities for shared family experiences.
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$36 at Target
The Renaissance-themed Splendor is easy to learn, fast-paced, and designed to require just enough strategy to keep you entertained. By accruing more ways to produce gems, players work to accumulate victory points in a race for prestige and power.
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$40 per year
If you want a gift for someone who devours crosswords or is always the first to share their Wordle score in the family group text, give them a subscription to NYT Games. A yearly subscription gets you unlimited access to over 10,000 archival crosswords (including the thrillingly quick Mini puzzles), plus several unique games updated daily by NYT’s in-house game gurus.
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Starting at $89 at Tinggly
Bungee jumping, spa treatments, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, and other life-enhancing experiences. Tinggly sends your loved one a box of experiences to choose from – many options, locations, and prices.
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Prices from $85.00 at Lincoln Park location
iFLY’s state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed for flyers ages 3 to 103 to indoor skydive. From beginners to seasoned pros, people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities can take flight and have the time of their lives.
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Cozy
Gifts to fill the heart with hygge.
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$150 at Bespoke Post
Safe for indoor and outdoor use, it casts that soft warmth and flickering glow with a clean flame and no carbon monoxide. Fuel it with just nine ounces of isopropyl alcohol and it’ll burn for almost an hour—with room to spare for even the most sizable packs of ravenous s'more builders.
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$30 at Moshi
Stay warm and connected with touchscreen gloves made with special conductive fibers that enable responsive and accurate gesturing on your smartphone or tablet.
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$40 at Harney & Sons
A selection of teas from family-owned Harney & Sons. Its Best Sellers collection features four high-quality teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey Supreme, Paris, and Hot Cinnamon Spice.
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Starts at $49 for pack of 8
Now in Chicago, these over-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside cookies have acquired a cult following in New York City and among sweets aficionados nationwide. Check out the other yummy items at their new Chicago location.
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For Book Lovers
Keep your favorite readers organized and up to date with the timeless accessories and the latest best-sellers.
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$53 at Etsy
Embossers are a classic way to put your mark on all your cherished books, and take seconds to use. These small presses create an elegant raised seal. Something every booklover will enjoy.
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$79 at Tumi
This handsome nylon carryall packs into a small zipper pouch. It's roomy when open, and easy to stash when traveling, whether that's across town or around the world.
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Hardcover Fiction
THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham
GOING ROGUE by Janet Evanovich
NO PLAN B by Lee Child and Andrew Child
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Hardcover Nonfiction
THE LIGHT WE CARRY by Michelle Obama
FRIENDS, LOVERS, AND THE BIG TERRIBLE THING by Matthew Perry
THE PHILOSOPHY OF MODERN SONG by Bob Dylan
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Advice, How-To
GO-TO DINNERS by Ina Garten
ATOMIC HABITS An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
THE WOKS OF LIFE by Bill, Judy, Sarah and Kaitlin Leung
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Children's Picture Books
THE SOUR GRAPE by Jory John and Pete Oswald
HOW TO CATCH A TURKEY by Adam Wallace. Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
I'M SO GLAD YOU WERE BORN by Ainsley Earhardt. Illustrated by Kim Barnes
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For Music Lovers
Gifts that rock (and roll).
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From $100 (3-8 records) at Etsy
With just a simple survey, Nail City Records in West Virginia will send you a mix of records from new and vintage releases. Interested in just one genre? You can tailor the experience to be a little surprising by selecting just rock, rap, jazz, punk or country.
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$90 at Amazon
The epitome of nostalgia—the portable record player. Throw some vinyl in a bag and carry this suitcase turntable built by Crosley with its built-in speaker anywhere. It comes with three speeds and pitch control, as well as a USB-enabled connection to PC and Mac. There’s a headphone jack, too, for more private listening.
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Yum!
Sweet and savory treats for all tastes.
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$75 at La Maison du Chocolat
Intense chocolate featuring ganaches and pralines in dark and milk chocolate.
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$135.00 from Katz's
A good deli is hard to find – so let it come to you from the iconic New York deli, Katz’s. This box includes one pound each of pastrami, corned beef, and Swiss cheese, plus rye bread, sauerkraut, Russian dressing (should you want to make a Reuben), 1 quart each of full-sour and half-sour pickles, mini black-and-white cookies, and of course, mustard.
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$42 at Spice House
This 4-jar collection of Spice House’s most popular items includes Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper Butcher's Rub; Vulcan's Fire Salt; Lake Shore Drive Shallot & Herb Seasoning and Gateway to the North Maple Garlic Seasoning. Browse the site for other great gift ideas like The Cinnamon Collection.
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Prices start at around $50.00
This is a spectacular on-line resource is for food-lovers seeking both experience and convenience, curated from America’s best foods, shops, and chefs (e.g., Commander’s Palace Turtle Soup, legendary Strip House 24-layer Chocolate Cake).
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$25.00 on Amazon
If your recipient enjoys popcorn but has been popping up feeble bags of the microwave variety, give them an upgrade with a dedicated popcorn bowl. A favorite among popping methods, this microwavable silicone bowl is dishwasher-safe and collapses to about 2 inches for easy storage.
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For Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
Gifts for those experiencing memory loss together.
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$42 at Amazon
Improves concentration and focus. Simple math and the luck of the dice can be very addictive! For 1-4 players – kids and adults.
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From $26 at Amazon
For anxiety- and stress-related insomnia, try a weighted blanket - a natural means of calming the body for a good night's sleep.
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$89 from L.L.Bean
These classic sheepskin slippers are comfortable, warm, and well made.
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$50 at Nordstrom
This sleep mask feels luxe against tired eyes thanks to high-quality mulberry silk.
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$79 at Amazon
A stimulating shiatsu massage experience that kneads deep to relax and loosen the tightest muscles. The massager offers different speed options and soothing heat. For neck, back, and shoulders.
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Most books $10.00
Sunny Street offers picture and story books, with carefully curated high-resolution photos and simple and uncomplicated stories (without being childish). A calming experience that encourages interaction. See their site for a wide variety of topics: nature, nostalgia, dogs, places, adult coloring, and more.
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$33 at Amazon
Filled with French lavender, these soft slippers can go in the microwave for 60 seconds to keep your feet nice and toasty.
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$63 at Etsy
A lavender-themed box of goodies, including a lavender scented candle, natural soap bar, body scrub, lip balm, and a clay mask.
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Healthy Stuff
Gifts that prove wholesome can be awesome.
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$120 at Sears
Small, sleek, and discrete, this air purifier is ideal for a home with pets. It helps eliminate allergens and pollutants, plus has a separate charcoal filter to trap odor.
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From $44.00
Fresh from the orchard - one each - pear, winter pomegranate, apple, orange. Larger quantities available.
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$25 for 8 at Amazon
Disposable, one-time use, wine purifier. Filters the preservatives that trigger all of the most common side effects from wine: headaches, stuffy nose, skin flush, hangovers, and upset stomach.
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Prices start at $34.00
Excellent web site for plant gifting. Great variety of plants (including pet-friendly), prices, containers, and accessories.
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$50 at Amazon
Lung recovery exerciser and trainer for drug-free respiratory therapy. Hand held, fits in your pocket; written and online video instructions
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Stocking Stuffers
Big doses of joy in small packages.
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$10 at Amazon
For your curious loved one, an ideal tool for inspecting all manner of flora and fauna, stamps, and jewelry.
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$24 at uncommon goods
Treat those those overworked feet with this CBD-infused soak.
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$20 at Amazon
This sleek device instantly adds some much-needed warmth to any small space thanks to ceramic technology.
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Just $9 at Airbnb
Gift your friend a chance to learn origami from a Tokyo local named Manami who will teach traditional folding techniques to make various shapes while sharing the significance and history behind the figures in Japanese culture.
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Gifts of Purpose
For those who like to be a part of something bigger.
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Free
Invite someone to join you in becoming part of the world-wide army of citizen scientists supporting thousands of formal and informal research projects via this comprehensive search tool, SciStarter.
Example: Plastic Detectives - Observe the people around you in your every-day life and record instances of single-use plastic vs. alternatives and report via computer, smartphone, or tablet.
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$540-$780 per year. Reduced Fee available.
For a parent, a loved one, or yourself. An entire year of companionship, community, fun, learning, helping hands and family support for people over 50. Share your friendship, knowledge, and experience with others – as they share with you. We are a community of diverse, fun, smart people who believe we are better together.
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Life 3.0 Committee Happy Hour!
Tuesday, December 13, 5-6:30
Location: Casati’s Modern Italian, 444 W. Fullerton. (NW corner of
Fullerton and Clark.)
Life 3.0 is a lively, welcoming group who are exploring together how we want to live and work as we move into retirement and beyond. But mostly, we like getting together for some really good times! Please join us at our monthly happy hour for drinks and good conversation.
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Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
The Village Chicago is now a SAGECare Platinum Certified organization. As part of our on-going education initiatives, on Thursday, Dec. 8, Denise Barreto, Director of Equity and Inclusion for Cook County will conduct a two-hour session for Village staff and leadership with concrete actions and responsibilities to help us fulfill our goals as a diverse, inclusive and equitable |
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Longtime Village sponsor Belmont Village invites you to joint them for a special caroling event with your local Girl Scouts!
Join them at 11 AM on THIS Saturday, December 10th for "Cocoa, Carols & Caring."
This event is free; registration is not required. Refreshments will be provided.
See the details below, and click the invite image to see the list of suggested donations.
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RSVP today for our upcoming in-person and virtual events! For full descriptions and registration, visit thevillagechicago.org.
- (12/7) "The Group" Discussion
- (12/7) NEW! Hello Wizard: Become a Mentor
- (12/7) NEW! A Night for the Ages: Turn the Page on Age Awards
- (12/7) Great Books, Great Conversations
- (12/8) NEW! Drink in the Benefits: How Hydration Improves Your Health
- (12/10) Saturday Afternoon at the Movies: The Hunger Games (2012)
- (12/13) Exercise at Home with Jill Stein
- (12/13) Brain Connection Café
- (12/13) NEW! Happy Hour with the Life 3.0 Committee
- (12/14) NEW! Annual Holiday Yacht Club Luncheon: Presented by the Men's Group
- (12/15) Coffee Chat BYOC
- (12/15) Short Story Intergenerational Discussions
- (1/11) NEW! An Evening of Storytelling & Discussion with Jitesh Jaggi
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Village Member Pastime Groups |
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Are you...
Looking for a new career, about to retire, wondering what's next? Seeking companions that share your interests? Searching for a way to utilize your abilities? In need of occasional help? New to Chicago? Worried about changing needs? An adult child with aging parents?
Village members are part of an inclusive, multigenerational community, connected to others and to the resources that support growth and well-being as we navigate life after 50 together.
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With a special welcome to our newest sponsor, Midwest ENT! Click their logo at right to be taken to their website to learn more.
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Leadership of The Village Chicago |
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Board of Directors
David Baker,
President
Thomas C. Eley III,
Vice President
Joan Goldstein,
Vice President
Therese Meike,
Vice President
Judith Gethner,
Secretary
Richard W. Sullivan,
Treasurer
Karen Terry,
Immediate Past President
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Donald M. Bell
Stefanie Clark
Charles G. Cooper
Caryn Curry
Carol Hitchie
Ira Kohlman
Kathie Kolodgy
Angie Levenstein
Molly Matthias
Liz Metzger
Gail C. Moss
Carol Stein
Lois Stuckey
Vamse Kumar Subbiah
Janet Walters
Joyce Winnecke
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Advisory Council
Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD
Robyn L. Golden, LCSW
Joanne G. Schwartzberg, MD
Mary Ann Smith
CEO
Darcy L. Evon
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The Village Chicago is a social network of friendship, engagement and services for people over 50. We support all aspects of well-being through social engagement, an extensive services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational relationships, work and purpose.
2502 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 773.248.8700
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