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SPLURGE Neighborhood car-sharing programs are great for Chicagoans without wheels, and a gift certificate for a Zip Car membership will give friends or family access to a car for quick errands or a day trip. Gift certificates start at $50, which covers the membership fee, but you should chip in at least an extra $25 to cover the cost of the application. And since this is a gift, put in a few more bucks (like another $50) to cover about five hours (rates for the occasional driving plan are around $9.25 per hour on weekdays) in one of the company’s cars, which range from Hondas to BMWs. $150 at zipcar.com/gift.

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