The Best One-of-a-Kind Shops
ArchiCenter Shop (224 S. Michigan Ave.; tel. 312/922-3432): Looking for unique, well-designed souvenirs? This store, run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, should be your first stop. You'll find Frank Lloyd Wright bookmarks, puzzles of the Chicago skyline, picture frames with patterns designed by famed local architect Louis Sullivan, and a great selection of Chicago history books.
Uncle Fun (1338 W. Belmont Ave.; tel. 773/477-8223): No other place lives up to its name like Uncle Fun, one of the quirkiest shops in town. This old-fashioned storefront is crammed with a random assortment of classic dime-store gadgets (hand buzzers, Pez dispensers, rubber chickens), along with an equally eclectic selection of retro bargain-bin items (where else can you pick up a Mr. T keychain?).
The T-Shirt Deli (1739 N. Damen Ave.; tel. 773/276-6266): Got a soft spot for those cheesy 1970s "Foxy Lady" T-shirts? Head to the T-Shirt Deli, where the staff will customize shirts while you wait. Come up with your own message, or browse the hundreds of in-stock iron-on decals (everything from Gary Coleman to Hello Kitty). And just like at a real deli, your purchase is wrapped in white paper and served with a bag of potato chips.
Architectural Artifacts, Inc. (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.; tel. 773/348-0622): This vast warehouse of material salvaged from historic buildings is a home renovator's dream. Although it's far off the usual tourist route, design buffs will find it well worth the trip -- the enormous inventory includes fireplace mantels, stained-glass windows, and garden sculptures. There's even an attached museum where the owners display pieces of particular historic value.
