Best Places To Buy Father's Day Gifts In Chicago

In some families, it's easy to find a Mother's Day present because Mom is often happy with brunch, flowers, a family photo or jewelry. Dad is another story. Finding the right present can be more of a challenge because Dad is less likely to say what he wants. However, at least one of the five great places and ideas listed here should help make him feel appreciated on Father's Day.

Baseball Tickets
Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-2827
www.chicagocubs.mlb.com

Chicago White Sox
U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 674-1000
www.chicagowhitesox.mlb.com

Hey! Hey! Your team is going to win today. But if not, at least going to a baseball game is a chance for the family to tell Dad: we enjoy spending time with you where you can cheer on your team. Let him sit and watch this time while you treat him to his favorite ballpark food. You might want to get a program and take it over to the aisle behind the dugout where a player could autograph it for Dad.

Ties (No Kidding)
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu

Ties, the traditional Father's Day gift, are no joke in the Art Institute of Chicago's gift shop. Instead, they are wonderful works of art. Stop in to see them in person and have one gift wrapped or order online. As of early May, the shop had a gorgeous gold and olive abstract patterned tie for $88, a stunning blue, red and green Matrix tie for $94 and a Blue Magnetism tie for $90. Click here to see ties with Frank Lloyd Wright designs for $50.

Martin's Big And Tall
15 E. North Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181
(630) 279-0024
www.martinsbigtall.com

Sometimes, the best clothing present to get Dad is an item that is generally hard for him to find because he is tall and/or large. Martin's, a family-owned men's clothing store in the western suburb of Villa Park, understands big and tall challenges. At 8,000 square feet, it carries a huge selection of everything from socks, sportswear and suits to T-shirts and long ties. By the way: colorful socks are trending now!

Related: Gift Guides: The Best Subscription-Based Gift Ideas

The Backyard BBQ Store
1147 Greenleaf Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-2272
www.backyardbbqstore.com

BBQ season has only just started sending tantalizing aromas across back fences when Father's Day rolls around on June 21. But the big July Fourth grilling-out weekend is almost here. For a dad who enjoys throwing steaks or brats on the grill but wonders if he should be looking for new tools, a pizza stone, a good thermometer or even the popular "Green Egg" grill, owner Dan Marguerite and his staff at the Backyard BBQ store in north suburban Wilmette will likely have the item and some good advice. They also grill out on Saturdays and Sundays, so stop by for samples.

Unabridged Book Store
3251 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 883-9119
www.unabridgedbookstore.com

For the dad who loves a good mystery, history or biography, check out Centuries and Sleuths, just west of Chicago in suburban Forest Park. Owner Augie Alesky and his staff can offer a range of suggestions. If interested in a signed edition, just ask - they may have one! Also look at the website's events calendar to see what author is coming and when. Not sure of the right book for Dad? Ed Devereux of Unabridged Books and his staff are great at matching interests with books.

Related: Best Books Based In Chicago

Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.