Ultimate Chicago Gift Guide: Very juicy tidbits about the Cubs

Eating local is all the rage. Why not shop local, too?

Check back every day for a classically Chicagoan take on the holiday gift guide. Here, you’ll find either a sophisticated or fun holiday gift item made by a Chicagoan, produced by Chicagoans, inspired by Chicagoans or sold exclusively in Chicago.

FOR THE PERSON WHO LOVES DRAMA WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR SPORTS TEAMS

Lots of sports books give staid history, but this one also provides a bit of fun and enough drama to qualify for an episode of “Real Housewives.” Plus, The Cubs Quotient: How the Chicago Cubs Changed the World, is a “geoverse” book, which means that while reading it you can access special digital-only extras that will enhance your reading experience.

In this book, readers can find a bit of a Wikipedia of Cubs history compiled from all sorts of named sources. Stories retold include allegations of a marital affair that may have led Harry Carey to the Cubs, and the “so-called” truth about the people who want their ashes scattered at Wrigley Field. Chicago newbies will be especially interested in learning about how the Cubs played a role in how the Chicago Bears got their name.

Chicago writer Scott Rowan doesn’t exactly cover new ground, but for the casual sports lover, the book is a fun read. It’s broken down into short chapters that make it easy to read up on Cubs facts that have little to do with batting averages. Trivia hunters will love this one.

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Elevated Art

Smell goods for guys and gals

Frank Lloyd Wright Art Glass Tumblers

Turbans? Yes, turbans for the Chicago fashionista

The Essential Statement Shirt

Toys for Smart Kids

Cool Cell Phone Gear

For the audio aficionado

For the South Side Irish

If you love homemade hot cocoa…

The cutest baby bib EVER – yes, it’s leather!