BLVDier 2022 Gift Guide

 

It’s becoming harder and harder to find great gifts.

Why? Because there are so many options. That’s why we picked our favorites for you. These gifts are not only from our offerings but includes little luxuries we’ve come across both locally and on our travels. Most are from small businesses. Some are also local businesses to Chicago. All of them are fantastic gifts.

Click each picture to visit the linked page.

Including our gift card right here.

 

CLOTHING & accessories


 

BLVDier Custom Knitwear

Our custom knitwear is 3D knit on Japanese looms but in Tuscany, Italy. Aren’t impressed yet? There are over 15 models of sweaters and over 50 colors across 4 yarn qualities. We put the merino wool options up online here, but you can purchase a gift card and let the recipient choose their options in store.

Astor & Banks x BLVDier Fortitude

WE ONLY HAVE 5 LEFT. The Fortitude made news on Worn & Wound, Gear Patrol and Hodinkee for Andrew’s design and the affordable price of an American made automatic watch. We produced just 50 of our design with A&B and, as aforementioned, there’s a handful left.

Ashland Leather Zip Wallet

These guys work at Horween and use the premium, locally tanned hides to make some rugged leather goods. We gifted this zip wallet to a friend who needed something to travel with that wasn’t bulky. The zipper is safe (and even has an Airtag compartment) and it’ll only get better with age.

BLVDier Military Button Necklace

We sourced vintage military buttons from England and France and threaded them on antiqued brass ball chains from New York. Each one is limited in run, rare and unique to our store.

Connolly House Slippers

They’re cashmere lined and come in 3 colors. Some sizes are sold out already because they’re in high demand. Worst case scenario get a gift card because Connolly has a ton of beautiful things including an unexpectedly large homewares section.

Krewe Sunglasses

Kirsten swears by hers. We popped into their store in New Orleans a few years back and then they had a pop up in Chicago this summer. They make men’s and women’s glasses and are a nice departure from the mass produced ones you see everywhere.


HOME


 

WM Brown Magazine

Our first and only periodicals we sell in store. The best part is that this is a passion project for Matt, as BLVDier is for us. The photography and stories take you to a different place and they make for wonderful inspiration.

Half Baked Harvest Cookbook

Tieghan makes pretty easy recipes but levels them up. The fun part for us is using a few ingredients that are slightly unfamiliar with our regular routine. The short ribs are easy but it’s the whipped provolone cauliflower the ribs go on that’s the unfamiliar yet wonderful part of the dish.

Hibi Incense

Five Elements Home is a phenomenal little store in Andersonville. They have quite a few gifts on hand (including some sexy but sold out mugs) but we use the Hibi incense at home frequently. You can get individual packs or the larger gift packs and we like the cinnamon scent the most.

Stampitude Ice Stamp

If you’ve said yes to a cocktail in our store, it likely arrived with a custom BLVDier logo on the ice cube. The company that makes the stamp is based in Hong Kong and primarily makes wax stamps. But if you engrave the brass a little deeper, the stamps are perfect for ice. Send the design in the right file and they’ll do the rest of the work.

Gethsemane Gift Card

Geth - sema - ne. Say it slower. They’re the premier garden center in Chicago. Their holidays wreaths are stellar and their selection of flowers and plants in the spring/summer is unmatched. Gift certificates are shoppable online and will be mailed to the recipient.

The Local Project Magazine

Tribute Chicago is a killer, local home goods store on west Chicago Ave. There’s a ton of decor and you could get most of your gift shopping done here, but if you’re unfamiliar with the Australian interior design/architecture blog The Local Project, buy the magazine and subscribe to their YouTube channel a.s.a.p.


TECH


 

HardGraft Alcantara Phone Case

If you ever want elbow patches on a sport coat from us, we use alcantara (an Italian microsuede) that’s both luxurious and durable. HardGraft uses it for a number of things but this phone case is by far the most practical. You touch your phone all the time. You rarely touch your elbows.

Courant MAG:2 Charger

A game changer if there ever was one. The MAG:2 comes in different colors and fabrics but the natural color in Belgian linen is our favorite. It’s a space saver and the rotation option makes reading recipes while cooking an easy task.

Nest Battery Camera

A necessity for our store, Nest’s new cameras are battery powered and VERY smart. They magnetize to the base and can be put just about anywhere. Safety first, fun second.


GROOMING


 

Heath Eye Serum

Vegan and cruelty free. You had us at “Persian Silk Tree extract.”

BLVDier Horn Comb

Made of ox horn and fits in any dopp kit, our combs are molded and cut in England by a centuries old company and then lazer engraved with our logo. A simple add to any stocking that every man should own.

 

Aesop Mouthwash

Sure, it's pricey mouth wash, but if you're spending more time closer to your partner this year, they'll thank you for it. Or selfishly, if you gift this to them, you'll thank yourself.

Sana Jardin Tiger By Her Side

This Parisian parfumerie offers a wide array of scents for the ladies (with the ever accessible travel rollerball options) along with candles that will remind you of France. Not the stinky cheese France but the orange blossom floral France.

Corpus Deodorant

An expensive treat: the best smelling deodorant in the world. It’s been Zach’s go-to for the last few years and there’s no turning back. Get it at Cowboys & Astronauts in Andersonville and shop their huge gift section in the mean time.


FOOD & DRINK


 

Cookies and Carnitas’ Cookies

Brad and team are evolving their casual spot this winter but they made their name slinging pizza, cookies and tacos at the Green City Market. Drop by their space in Edgewater and pick up some cookies before attending any holiday get together and you’ll be the talk of the party.

Champagne from Perman Wines

However often you’re drinking champagne, it’s not frequently enough. Craig and his team have a great selection at their wine shop on Division. Specifically, this Georges Laval is a stunner and worth the price tag for a special event or small gathering to share with friends.

Truff Pasta Sauce

We went to Pitti Uomo in 2019 and had a lunch where Kirsten ordered a truffle Lasagna. I still think about it. Truff makes this Pomodoro sauce which is likely the closest we’ll get to recreating that lovely, lovely dish.

Edinburgh Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur

We were gifted a bottle of this liqueur from a client who went to school in Edinburgh. It’s probably best on the rocks, since it’s so fascinating to sip on alone. But if you feel inclined to mix it, a little gin and lemon along with some simple syrup and you have a pretty advanced level cocktail from just four incredients.

Chicago Spice House Gift Sets

The gift for any Chicagoan. These sets are specially branded, replete with names of neighborhoods and streets in town. Most people underutilize herbs and spices so give the gift of flavor and the at home chef can rest easy knowing their pantry is stocked.


for her


 

BLVDier Women’s Cashmere Lined Gloves

We didn't mean to sell gloves. But when we were at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy three years ago, we happened upon a family owned glove maker northeast of Milan. It gets cold in Chicago and the quality of these gloves coupled with our client's need for warm hands made this decision a no-brainer. Lined in cashmere and made of goat skin, these are the luxury gloves you want without the sticker shock.

Cartier Tank Must

It’s new, sexy and not limited edition. It’s one of the least expensive watches at Cartier. It comes in two sizes. It is both black tie and jean appropriate and it is incredibly sexy. Did we already say that?

Fly With Wine Suitcase

This is a suitcase company that makes a pretty sizable collection of luggage that fits wine. You could do a half and half situation like this picture or get the big case that fits 12 full bottles and go crazy.

Lunya Washable Silk Robe

Kirsten is a robe girl. She’s had a few over the years, but the newest one is this washable silk (she has it in the tan color). The best part besides being washable is the elasticated cuffs making tasks less messy.

Ladies Custom Jacket

Our ladies program has had more inquiries in the last 6 months than ever before. We made an opening priced jacket available for purchase on our site. After giving the “gift” of the jacket, schedule a fitting for the lady and we’ll take care of the rest.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Every woman wants this hair dryer. It’s like buying goodyear welted shoes'; they’ll last longer than glued together shoes and you can replace the sole over time. This hair dryer is expensive but comes with a warranty and the tools/cases to protect the instrument with repeated use. If you’re really looking to impress, get one of the Dyson hair products for your lady this year.