As a special thanks to that friend who wisely invested in the big-screen plasma high-def TV, you’ll want to show up at Sunday’s Super Bowl party with more than just a six-pack of beer. These gifts for your host will add to the Bears spirit.
Paint the town (or the house)
Older kids will love this one. Home Depot mixes up official team color Glidden paints in about 10 minutes. Party guests can add their own blue and orange flair to a blank basement wall (better ask the host first), a cheap piece of unfinished furniture or a blank canvas. Don’t forget a dropcloth.
Glidden paints in official Bears orange and blue, $9.99 per 28-ounce can. 1 1/2-inch brushes, $2.22 each. Home Depot (various locations; homedepot.com).
Popped goodness
Popcorn may be the unofficial food of Indiana, but Chicago has Garrett Popcorn. The cheese and caramel combo is irresistible, and the bright orange tin gives it an extra Bears boost.
2-gallon tin, $49. Garrett Popcorn (670 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-944-2630, and other locations, garrettpopcorn.com)
Get dressed up
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Party hosts will appreciate these fun bottle insulators, designed to keep their beer cold while they run around keeping the rest of us stocked with guac and chips. Bears Huggie with Zipper, $9.95;
Bears Jersey Coozie, $8.95. Chicago Sports & Novelty (520 N. Michigan Ave., 312-923-9868; also 948 W. Addison St., 773-281-3633; and 328 N. Michigan Ave., 312-641-6106).
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