Tulip boutique, Lakeview

With the romantically old-fashioned name of Tulip (3448 N. Halsted St., 773-975-1515), this thoroughly modern, women-owned boutique on Halsted Street (there's also a branch in Andersonville at 1480 West Berwyn Avenue, 773-275-6110) sells all kinds of gifts and toys that make lovin' fun - vibrators, dildos, lingerie, lube, books on tantric sex, harnesses, videos, and more. The helpful staff is happy to make suggestions and chat frankly and cheerfully about which cock ring might suit which occasion, or what to look for in pair of latex hot pants. Tulip also does a brisk online and over-the-phone (877-70-TULIP) business. Other good sources of sex stuff in the neighborhood include GayMart and Leather Sport.