It’s that time of year again. The holidays are creeping up on us, and let’s be real — most of us haven’t finished our shopping yet. Check out this collection of great local gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Don’t know where to snag the best gifts for everyone on your list this year? Here are our 5 kickass ways to get through your holiday shopping in Chicago — sans malls! Hint: they’re our favorite shopping streets in the city…

Tucked into a residential street in Ravenswood just a few blocks from the center of Lincoln Square, this is the type of place at which I could see myself becoming a regular. It’s Italian. It’s BYOB. And it’s inexpensive. A triple threat in my book.

With a focus on local farming, sustainability, and small-batch craft beers and wines, this Humboldt Park locale is a welcome retreat for the west side.

With a craft beer revolution sweeping the nation, the Chicagoland area is fast becoming home to some of the best brews in the country. Here are our picks for five kickass local breweries.

In this introduction to “FREE! Chicago” we’ll tell you all about how to enjoy locally brewed beers and coffee on the cheap. Spend less, drink more!

Whether you’re interested in Chicago’s ethnic history or you just want to grab a good sausage, a visit to Little Italy and its surrounding attractions are a must.

You might say Goose Island has made Chicago fit for these other small time bottlers; sowing the seeds of good taste for fellow breweries to graze. I, for one, salute that big fat bird. It’s recognized products like theirs that compose the fabric of Chicago’s image and formulate the lingering consistency of my Chicago pride.

We don’t drink soda in Chicago. And we definitely don’t wear sneakers. Confused? Let us fill you in on the local lingo of this Midwestern town.

Chicago’s a great shopping city. Check out these tours of Bucktown, Lincoln Park, or even get out and visit the Aurora designer outlet mall!